Laura Schaefer is running for Nassau County Legislature for the 14th District. Schaefer is a first time candidate, running on the Republican, Conservative, and Independence lines in the general election this November. The 14th Legislative District is composed of the communities of Garden City, Carle Place, Westbury, Old Westbury, Hicksville, and Bethpage.
Schaefer is a lifelong resident of Westbury. She grew up in Wheatley Hills riding bikes, playing kickball and going to the movies.
“It was a nice neighborhood and there were a lot of kids. I have fond memories of it,” Schaefer said.
Now, she feels that growing up and currently living in Westbury has given her a better sense of the community’s needs.
“I know the community really well. I know the people there and have a sense of the communitiy,” Schaefer said. “It’s getting tougher to raise a family there, but it’s still a nice place to raise a family.”
She graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Academy High School in Syosset and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Adelphi University. She later went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University School of Law in 2009. Prior to entering the legal field, Schaefer worked for the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. She continued her career by working at Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo, P.C., a law firm in Garden City, while attending Hofstra School of Law at night. After she was admitted she worked as an associate at Sullivan Papain prior to working at Pena & Kahn, PLLC, in the Bronx where she currently practices personal injury law. Entering the political arena is something she’s been wanting to do for a while.
“I’ve always been interested in politics. It’s something I’ve had in the back of my head that I wanted to do at one point. Once I got established as an attorney, and (got) to know the people, I wanted to help the community more,” she said.
In November she will face off against Democratic candidate Jeffrey Griffin, who is from Carle Place. If elected, her focus will be lowering taxes and bringing new businesses to the area.
“I’m excited about the election,” Schaefer said. “I’m excited to be doing this and to work for the people and keep things moving forward.”
