Pugliese, who has an 11-year-old son, will base her operation in a storefront on Grand Avenue, just north of the Baldwin LIRR station. She says that quality of life is one of the most pressing issues in the 5th L.D. “We need to keep taxes low so residents can afford to live here and our children can afford to start their families here on Long Island,” she said, adding that she has already met with members of the Nassau County Police Department, Assemblyman Brian Curran, Sanitary District 2 and village officials from Freeport and Rockville Centre, among others.

Pugliese, who has memories of political involvement dating back to her early teens, is a member of numerous organizations. She serves on the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is involved with the Civic Association, the Historical Society and the St. Christopher’s school board, among other groups. One of her highest-profile supporters thus far has been Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino, who said, “Debbie’s dedication and

commitment to her community is extraordinary. She’s done so much as a community volunteer; she’ll do so much more as our county legislator.”

The web address for Pugliese’s campaign is www.debbiepugliese.com.

John P. McCloy Jr., known as Jack, was inspired to run against Curran in the Democratic primary largely by what he calls the “outrageous” tax situation in Nassau County and “the reluctance of the school board to provide transparency.”

“My opponent proposed the highest tax increase of all school districts in Nassau County, and I believe she will continue her sky-high tax perspective if elected to the Legislature,” McCloy said last week. But the 23-year Baldwin resident and father of two has also made it clear that he is not a single-issue candidate. A business consultant and insurance agent, McCloy has detailed 10 reasons he wants to be a legislator on his website, www.ilikemccloy.com, including saving the 1st Precinct, revising the county’s red light camera system, improving schools and growing the economy in the district.