Manhasset resident David Yaudoon Chiang was selected as the Republican candidate to represent the Town of North Hempstead Fourth District at the GOP convention on Feb. 20 at Levittown Hall in Hicksville. He will run against Great Neck resident and Democratic candidate Veronica Lurvey, an attorney and cofounder of North Shore Action, who was recently appointed to fill Anna Kaplan’s council seat after the councilwoman became a New York State senator.
Chiang has lived in Manhasset with his wife and three children for the past six years. He graduated with honors in 1992 from NYU, where he double majored in Finance and International Business.
“My background and experience in the field of finance will provide a valuable business perspective to sound management of North Hempstead’s budget,” said Chiang. “In fact, I believe taxpayers desire a seasoned professional to go through the town’s expenditures, as well as tax and fee collections, with a fine-tooth comb. Further, reviewing the town’s long- and short-term debt is an area where more oversight can help ensure residents that their future tax outlook is stable.”
The GOP candidate was an organizer and leader of protest against the relocation of MedMen, a medical marijuana dispensary considering a location on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset.
“I am proud that I was instrumental in promoting legislation regarding the recreational sale of marijuana in North Hempstead,” said Chiang. “Working with community groups, organizing rallies, utilizing social media and speaking to a host of groups, I was successful in educating people on the dangers of having such sales near our schools, parks, community centers and other areas that would expose young, vulnerable people to recreational marijuana sales and use.”
Chiang discussed the major issues facing the Fourth District, which includes Great Neck, Manhasset and Roslyn.
“Soaring taxes are not sustainable,” he said. “Governments have to live within a budget, just like the families that we serve. Revitalizing all the main streets, like Plandome Road, by installing new sidewalks, planting, traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures are a very high priority for me. I believe that new potential small business owners perceive that the town is not business friendly because obtaining building permits takes so long and is so difficult. I would focus on initiatives that make the Building Department consumer friendly and streamline the process so that businesses and homeowners receive permits faster. The protection of our bay waters and drinking water, and the need for a comprehensive roadway and infrastructure improvement program, are also important issues for me.”
Lurvey said that as a lawyer, she looked out for the best interests of her clients and brings the same diligence to the town board.
“I am proud to now be a part of a team here at North Hempstead that has seen its bond rating upgraded to Aaa, three years running,” said Lurvey. “I support the conservative budgeting practices that are the hallmark of Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the town board, which, year after year, has kept the town’s budget under the state mandated tax cap,
without cutting services to our residents.”
She also said that although she lives in Great Neck and loves it here, her focus is on the entire Fourth Council District.
“Growing up on the North Shore, and working with our local communities through North Shore Action, has given me an appreciation for the diversity of the Fourth Council District,” said Lurvey. “I look forward to working with and advocating for everyone.”
—Additional reporting by Sheri ArbitalJacoby
Find out which Democratic candidates will be running here.
Learn more about Lurvey here.
