Political newcomers vie for open 8th legislative seat

Represented by Vincent Muscarella since the Nassau County Legislature’s inaugural session in 1995, the 8th district in the legislature is set to be represented by a political newcomer by November.

Vacated by Muscarella, the seat in the legislature is now being competed for by Nadia Holubnyczyj and John Giuffré.

Herald: Residents are concerned about low levels of vaccination amid rising coronavirus cases. How would you help raise awareness about the need to vaccinate against COVID to help keep people safe?

Holubnyczyj: I would seek to attend as many community events as possible (in-person or virtually) with education being the goal of my visit.  I would seek the assistance of a professional to speak to the benefits of being vaccinated and to quell any misconceptions and fears about it.  Following, I would also then arrange for mobile vaccination sites. The key is providing information to residents in as many formats as possible.

Giuffré: While Nassau County has the highest vaccination rate of any county in New York State, the latest rise in the number of COVID cases underscores the need to be vigilant in combatting the deadly disease.  To that end, I will push for the use of federal relief funds to increase vaccination rates and to promote “booster shots” for those who are already vaccinated.  I would also push to use Nassau’s federal relief funds for other efforts to address COVID.  Touchless technology, more PPE kits for local businesses and air filters and meal delivery to seniors who are vulnerable to the disease are priorities that we should promote via mail, television and radio, as well as social media and digital advertising.

Herald: Long Island property taxes are considered high compared to other regions. What would you do to ease the tax burden on your constituents?

Holubnyczyj: I believe that we need to follow through on all of the plans put in place by Laura Curran at the County Assessment Department.  We can also do our best to make the county business friendly and invigorate the region with young working people. That means more investment in transportation and affordable housing. Increase the tax base so we can lower the burden for more people.

Giuffré: Controlling property taxes and spending are areas in need of serious attention.  Indeed, I am committed to cutting County property taxes.  I am also dedicated to eliminating wasteful government spending.  I support the Republican plan that reduces the tax burden by $120 million. Additionally, I am in favor of an audit of the County’s reassessment project to restore fairness to the process.  Reports that detail extensive mistakes, including tax bills of “zero” for some owners of multi-million-dollar mansions, warrant a thorough review and remedial action.

Herald: The pandemic has increased unemployment. What would you do to help create, and guide, your constituents to employment opportunities?

Holubnyczyj: I would love to see a local source of employment opportunities.  This source would list all available positions at local businesses (retail, dining, office, big-box, etc.) and be a one-stop shop for job opportunities in District 8, or Nassau County.  My office will seek to host job fairs on a regular basis as well partnering with larger entities such as hospital corporations and the like. 

Giuffré: The pandemic has had a devastating effect on our economy.  As employers and employees look to cope with the impact of the pandemic, government must partner with the community to help job seekers and employers connect.  I plan to promote events that would partner the County with HempsteadWorks, the Town of Hempstead’s one-stop job resource center.  The facility provides employment resources, including training, education, tutorials and more for workers who are entering and re-entering the career market.  They also offer interview facilities for employers and computer resources.  I will do everything possible to help our workers and the economy recover from the pandemic.