Hempstead Town, County Candidates Sell Plans to Small Biz

The West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce held a forum Tuesday for business owners to meet the candidates running in the Hempstead Town and Nassau County elections this November.

"Whether you own or rent, it's difficult to be a business owner today," said Chamber of Commerce President and owner of Riesterer's Bakery, Karl Reisterer.  “We know you can freeze the taxes, but those numbers [on our bills] never go back down!”

Many candidates cited their business backgrounds and their involvement with specific improvements to the neighborhood, like the demolition of the Courtesy Hotel, and all said they aspire to improve the town’s quality of life. However, the attendees asked for real plans to bring about long-term changes for West Hempstead, rather than lip service.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, absent from the forum, is challenged by Gary Port, a West Hempstead resident who said witnessing his own community deteriorate has inspired him to take on “the guerilla warfare of the retail business.”

“Ms. Murray sees us as a mere appendage to New York City…she sees us as Levittown,” said Port about businesses leaving Long Island.

Receiver of Taxes

Current Receiver of Taxes Don X. Clavin Jr. will be running for reelection against newcomer Wilton Robinson Jr., of Roosevelt.

"The same party has been in power for over 100 years, and it's time to change that…by advocating for the town," urged Robinson.

Clavin, who has been the Receiver of Taxes since 2001, argued that the department has made great strides in cutting red tape, including the creation of a drive-thru for paying taxes, and soon, the department will be able to cut costs for printing tax forms by allowing residents to pay bills online.

Hempstead Town Clerk

Mark Bonilla, the Hempstead Town Clerk since 2003, will be running against Steve Anchin, a first time candidate.

Anchin, a former small businessman in the wine and spirits industry, focused on energy costs as a way of alleviating tax burdens. By revitalizing the information distribution methods currently used, he wishes to “move the clerk’s office into the 21st century.”

Bonilla, who was the first Hispanic to run and win the position, emphasized the progress he has made in his years in office, including the revitalization of passport services and creating a mobile town hall. "He really goes out of his way," attested Edward Ambrosino of the 2nd District.

District Legislators

Vincent Muscarella, up for reelection in the 8th district, wishes to "continue overseeing the saga of Halls Pond," and the environmental damage the construction has prevented. After successfully passing laws regarding smoking,teenage piercing and tattoos, he hopes to continue his progress in office.

John Ciotti, a legislator in the third district for 16 years, is up against Carrié Solages.

“The county government is in quicksand,” said Solages, adding that with growing neighborhood violence and the loss of jobs, “We cannot play politics with our communities.”

“I’ve been elected for 16 years…because I know how to work across the aisle,” said Ciotti of being in the minority party. One of the driving forces behind Ciotti’s wish to lower taxes is his son, who moved to Florida for the state’s better cost of living.

Town Councilmen

Owen Rumelt and James Darcy will both run for town councilman in the third district. Rumelt, a 23-year resident of West Hempstead, has seen the development of the “sandwich generation,” where adults must care for both their children and their parents, creating a need for a livable and affordable Long Island.

Darcy, a current councilman, also strives to bring the “best quality of life we possibly can.”  With taxes being a main concern, he said that as a team, the legislators “pride ourselves on watching money to bring the biggest bang for your buck.”

For the second district, Edward Ambrosino’s main objectives will be to freeze taxes, create jobs, and bring the private sector and the government together.

“The government can work when it works with the community,” he said, encouraging business owners to call him at any time.