Rematch in the 13th L.D.

The race in the 13th Legislative District pits longtime incumbent Norma Gonsalves (R-East Meadow) against Democratic challenger Pat Maher.

Both candidates hope to address high property taxes, vacancies in the business district and rising unemployment, but differ on how they would go about it. Gonsalves seeks to continue what she calls a “grass-roots” style of governing that she began when she first won the seat in 1997. At the time, the former teacher was a longtime civic activist, known for her participation on numerous community boards — and for uniting many of those groups as founder of the Council of East Meadow Organizations.

“Constituent service is big for me,” Gonsalves said. “There is always more that needs to be done.”

Maher, an East Meadow resident who ran unsuccessfully against Gonsalves in 2005, has walked the neighborhoods more than a few times, both as a candidate and as a Democratic committeewoman. She envisions a new future for Nassau County, one that includes the Lighthouse project. “My idea is for growth and stimulus in the 13th L.D.,” Maher said. “It’s important to expand the tax base so we can lower property taxes.”

Maher said she believes that new developments like the Lighthouse could lead to improved property values.

On the Lighthouse

While Gonsalves says she is not opposed to the $3.7 billion, privately funded Lighthouse project, she said that her constituents have expressed valid concerns about the mega-development, which would renovate the Nassau Coliseum and transform the surrounding 150 acres.