Editor’s note: The following are bios submitted to Anton Community Newspapers from the candidates participating in the Hempstead Town election to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at local polling locations.
Town Supervisor
Kate Murray (R), incumbent
“Helping people and reducing the tax burden for those who call America’s largest township home have been key priorities for Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. Tough and accountable, the first woman supervisor in the town’s 369-year history has earned the highest Wall Street credit ratings available, testament to her superlative financial stewardship.
“At the same time as she is preparing a 2014 budget that reduces total town taxes, her third consecutive tax cut budget, Kate Murray has maintained all town programs in full-force and implemented a host of thoughtful initiatives which have helped the environment, stimulated the economy and enhanced the local quality-of-life experience.
“Perhaps Murray’s defining career-moment, however, has been her proactive response to Hurricane Sandy, helping neighbors to rebuild homes, businesses and their lives.
“While other governments are confronting crippling layoffs, budgetary strife and programmatic cuts, Supervisor Kate Murray has produced budgets that are sound and sensible, earning the respect of fiscal watchdogs and the trust of neighbors. In fact, Kate’s administration has just recently been awarded its ninth consecutive “Excellence in Financial Reporting Award” from the non-partisan Government Finance Officers Association. Forthright and transparent budgeting are Murray hallmarks that have distinguished her management policies and earned the town’s government a Wall Street credit rating that is better than that of the full faith and credit of the government of the United States of America. What’s more, homeowners are grateful that Murray has recognized the need for taxpayer relief, reducing the total town taxes collected by her government. Murray will continue the tax cut agenda this coming year.
“Kate Murray often intones, ‘What good is the finest fiscal standing, if you aren’t serving the people whom you represent?’ That’s why Kate continues to demonstrate that excellent fiscal management and top-notch facilities, programs and services can go hand-in-hand.”
Felix Procacci (D), challenger
Republican Felix Procacci, 51, of Franklin Square, is running on the Democratic ticket this election season, challenging Republican incumbent, Kate Murray, for the position of supervisor for the Town of Hempstead. Procacci, a computer programmer, is basing his campaign on increasing town government transparency.
Procacci has lived in Franklin Square for 15 years. He is a graduate of the City College School of Engineering, and has worked as an electrical engineer and computer programmer for the past 29 years.
He has been married for 16 years and has two children.
Procacci has attended every Hempstead Town Board meeting since August 2010 (over 60 consecutive meetings). His personal investigation into the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter uncovered the same fiscal mismanagement discovered by the State Comptroller, a year later. He has made numerous FOIL requests learning how town government is spending taxpayer money.
Member of the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) Franklin Square School District for three years. Member Sewanhaka Ad Hoc Committee on Facilities for the purpose of evaluating the necessity of performing school renovations 2012-13. Member Elmont East End and Nostrand Gardens (Uniondale) Civic associations.
Have attended and spoke at many civic organizations, town and school board meetings for the purpose of learning about local government and informing residents about the need to participate in government and for transparency.
Hempstead Town Clerk
Nasrin G. Ahmad (R), unelected incumbent
Nasrin G. Ahmad is the unelected incumbent for the Hempstead Town Clerk’s position. She was appointed as the town clerk in September 2013.
Involvement in Community: East Meadow School District PTA: Former Vice President, Clarke Middle School PTA, 1997-99; Co-Founder Human Dignity Committee, East Meadow School District; Former Chair, East Meadow School District Council on Human Dignity.
Ahmad began working in the town clerk’s office in May 1998. Her primary duties are as Marriage Officer, Passport Officer, Administrative Supervisor, and Processor for Various Town Board Applications.
Ahmad has helped to run cost-effective and efficient operations at the Town Clerk’s office. As Town Clerk, she will promote programs like the lifesaving Child Safety I.D. Program. Ahmad has been committed to helping Sandy victims, supporting the town’s initiative that is replacing storm damaged records (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.) at no cost.
Ahmad is married to Naeem Ahmad and has three children.
“I am running for Town Clerk because I am a dedicated public servant who is committed to providing the best municipal services to the public at the lowest possible cost. As a member of Supervisor Kate Murray’s team, I am proud to be part of one of the most efficient and effective government operations anywhere. What’s more, I want to work with Kate Murray as she presents her 2014 budget, which will reduce town taxes for the third consecutive year.”
Jasmine Garcia-Vieux (D), challenger
Jasmine Garcia-Vieux is the Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate for Hempstead Town Clerk. She is a managing attorney for the New York offices of Smith & Brink, P.C. and a member of the firm’s Complex Business Litigation Group where her primary focus is the investigation of Insurance Fraud in New York. Garcia-Vieux is a Levittown resident and a mother of three young boys.
“I am running to be Town Clerk because I am concerned about the direction that The Town of Hempstead is heading. I am angered by the fact that the current administration thinks it is okay to dilute the voting rights of thousands of Hispanic voters. I am angered by the lack of transparency and accountability when it comes to our government and elected officials. Also, young families, like my own, are fleeing Nassau County because they can no longer afford to live here. I live and work here in the Town of Hempstead and it is here in the Town of Hempstead that I want to continue to raise a family. However, that cannot continue to happen if we allow the current administration to remain in office.
“I am a graduate of St. John’s University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. I later obtained a law degree from New York Law School and I am currently admitted to the New York State Bar, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. I am currently the managing attorney for the New York offices of Smith & Brink, P.C., a national law firm, and a member of the firm’s Complex Business Litigation Group where my primary focus is the investigation of Insurance Fraud in the State of New York.
