Keep Gonsalves in the Legislature

From the day she took office in 1997, Norma Gonsalves has been in the political game for all the right reasons. Time and again, she has put her community before politics.

Twelve years later, we are confident in Gonsalves’s ability to continue fighting for her neighbors in Nassau County’s 13th Legislative District, which includes East Meadow, Salisbury, North Bellmore and North Merrick.

The never-give-up attitude Gonsalves exhibited led to a host of initiatives during her tenure, many of them in her current term. While it took several years, her relentless efforts led to the construction of a new veterans health clinic at the Nassau University Medical Center, set to open this winter.

While open space is at a minimum in the 13th L.D., Gonsalves has sought to preserve the nature that does exist. She helped lead the Meadowbrook BioBlitz program, a study of the Hempstead Plains and the woodlands along the parkway with the aim of crafting a future plan for the unprotected and often unappreciated area.

Gonsalves also led an effort to secure funding to purchase the Friendly Farm property and ensure its preservation as the lone farm in East Meadow, once known for its agriculture.

During the county’s recent budget crisis, Gonsalves stood up for the people who protect our neighborhoods and enhance our quality of life. She spoke out against crossing-guard cuts and adamantly opposed service reductions and staff reassignments at the Nassau County Correctional Center. Her close relationship with the district’s police precincts and corrections officers is integral to residents’ safety.

Gonsalves’s opponent, Pat Maher, knows the neighborhoods and is well aware of the issues residents face. But as the saying goes, there’s no need fix what ain’t broken.

Gonsalves entered government as a community leader and retired teacher, not a politician. She still attends civic group meetings and community board meetings at the jail and hospital. She also hosts and sponsors important informational forums for residents. Most recently, nearly 250 parents showed up for an educational program on the worsening drug problem in Nassau County, sponsored by Gonsalves and presented by the district attorney’s office.

While the legislator position is considered part-time, it is rare to see Gonsalves not working. Whether or not you live within her jurisdiction, she is willing to listen and help in any way she can.

We urge voters to re-elect Gonsalves, the model of a grass-roots legislator.