When the Republican Party first asked me to run for town council, I could not have anticipated the way Manhasset would embrace me, my family and the issues we raised during the campaign. It was a truly humbling and moving experience to be stopped on the street, or in church, or in the grocery store by complete strangers hugging me and thanking me for putting myself out there and speaking about issues that were not just my issues, but their issues.
I want to thank so many people for the hard work and energy they put into my campaign. We performed extremely well in Manhasset, winning here by a large margin, yet we could not overcome the huge registration advantage the Democrats have in the larger areas of District 4.
While we were not surprised by the results, we are of course disappointed. The campaign was a great experience for my family, as we really worked together and my children saw that it’s OK to put yourself out there and fight for what you believe, even if you don’t win your first try. I am truly fortunate to have such a supportive husband and children who were there for me at every turn with encouragement and enthusiasm.
We are proud of the race we ran, raising the issues that mattered to us and to our town. Some of these issues the incumbent has already taken on, supporting our call for the reopening of the 6th Precinct, for example. I congratulate Ms. Kaplan on her victory and wish her well. I trust that now that she is elected she will continue to press this important issue.
Unlike the other parts of District 4, Manhasset does not have a mayor or trustees to speak for us. If we want to have a voice, we need to speak up for ourselves. I urge you to contact town hall or the county or the state when you see something that needs to be done, and keep following up. If you think I can help, feel free to call me. I will continue working with Leg. Rich Nicolello’s office and the Department of Public Works to put more clearly marked crosswalks on Plandome Road, and turning signals at busy intersections. I have written to Acting Police Commissioner Krumpter and the head of the 3rd Precinct, Inspector John Berry, and asked for an open meeting with Manhasset residents to discuss our issues, mainly pedestrian safety on Plandome Road. Manhasset is our home, and I promise to continue to fight for these and the other issues any way that I can.
As someone said to me recently, when you run for office, you find out who your friends are, and I never knew I had so many. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship. Today I only feel blessed and grateful.
Mary Kay Barket
