On Nov. 3, locals will head to the polls to vote for several offices, including District Attorney, town supervisor and county legislator. We asked the candidates running for the District 2 county legislator seat—which covers Westbury, New Cassel, Hempstead, Lakeview, Hicksville, Uniondale, Rockville Centre and East Garden City—what made them right for the job. Here’s what they said.
Incumbent: Siela Bynoe (D)
My educational and professional experience in public administration have provided me with the skills needed to serve on the legislature.
These skills equipped me to successfully advocate for programs to protect, improve and invest in our community during my first term.
In response to the killing of civilians by police as well as attacks on police officers that have been reported around the country, I worked with consultants to review the Nassau County Police Department’s policing procedures to help prevent those kinds of occurrences from happening in our community. Further, I introduced legislation requiring officers to be equipped with dashboard and body-worn cameras. I also partnered with law enforcement unions to host community events to build relationships with community members.
I also proposed legislation to establish a land bank. The land bank will rehabilitate and sell abandoned houses, which will stabilize our community and our tax base. I also secured funding to host a series of Mental Health First Aid trainings with the goal of transforming community responses to mental health challenges.
I obtained over $2.2 million for capital improvements in our district. The funds will be used to address the persistent flooding issues in areas of our community, expand library services and purchase fire equipment.
My work illustrates that protecting, improving and investing in our community are my paramount concerns.
Challenger: Cornelius Todd Smith (R)
I’m the right person for the job for several reasons. First, my business banking experience has led me to a level of success in many areas. Second, my desire to work hard and have my community grow and move from middle class to a better class. My experience will allow me to work with both parties to streamline a process that will allow for effective management of the budget and restoring additional savings to our community. Third, I am willing to work and expose anything that does not work for the people as a whole.
We are not here to care about or carry on a legacy of previous elected officials, but we are here to care for those we serve in the community. After all, it is their money. I’m a strong advocate of encouraging people within the community as a whole—seniors, families, students and business owners.
I will seek more state and federal grants through various agencies. In addition to securing more grants, I will work hard with all party members to ensure that each community is financially secure and will work hard to streamline costs.
Another priority is to continue to support economic development throughout our community. I support and will promote safety and crisis management. I will work hard to make sure all our Superstorm Sandy victims are fully restored back to life as they know it and helping them grow from middle class to a better class.
