Political Diary: Stonehill navigates aftermath of election

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Merokean David Stonehill served as a Hillary Clinton campaign volunteer during the primary season, and continues work as a Democratic political activist.

March 2:  Democratic primary for Nassau County Executive forum - South Side Middle School, Rockville Centre,

This event is sponsored by both the Rockville Centre and Lakeview Democratic Clubs. It provides the three Democratic candidates for county executive an opportunity to present their policies to the public at an early stage in campaigning. It is billed as a “conversation,” so we know that a formal debate is not involved.

The three candidates are Legislator Laura Curran, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine and Comptroller George Maragos. The candidates begin with brief opening statements before they respond to questions posed to them by the two moderators. Fighting corruption in county government is a major issue for all three, but there are others, such as the assessment system, the environment, encouraging young people to stay on Long Island, funding youth service agencies and police/community relations.

They agree on much but there are differences. Maragos (who only recently became a Democrat) defends current county budgeting practices, which he apparently feels he must do as a current county official, although that would be a tough sell to primary voters in September. Maragos is also against appointing an independent inspector of government contracts, believing that it is the duty of the county executive to ensure a fair bidding process. Lavine and Curran are largely similar and progressive, so the voter will have to judge more on the basis of which candidate has more experience in the workings of county government and who would be a better symbol of a reformed Nassau government.

I speak to a number of people in the room as to their reactions.

Merokean Bob Young tells me that, “Curran demonstrated great insight on all the issues. She showed tremendous leadership in stating that she would oppose using Nassau county police as agents of terror and deportation. Her handling of the questions showed the perspective that could only come from a county executive being a woman.”

Dolores Sedacca from East Williston observes, “It was clear to me that George Maragos has not grasped the very basic principles of assessment and does not have a plan to ‘fix’ the rigged system. Curran, on the other hand, suggested the first step toward correcting the assessment system by advocating the appointment of a qualified county assessor, which is not the case currently.”

March 3:  Coalition of Nassau County Youth Service Agencies legislative breakfast - Nassau County Bar Association, Garden City

The Coalition consists of over 30 non-profit agencies that work with the county to provide needed social services. Every year, the coalition hosts a legislative breakfast to keep the legislature in the loop regarding what members are up to. This is necessary because of the incessant financial pressures the county has been under. The Coalition has fought virtually every year to preserve our funding from the County, however we seem to be OK for Fiscal Year 2017.

I am here as one of the representatives from the Hispanic Counseling Center, an outpatient facility in Hempstead that works with clients in mental health, chemical dependency, family wellness, etc. Although I have been on its board of directors for a number of years, this is my first visit to the legislative breakfast. There are a number of speeches from county government officials, the president of the coalition, and testimonials from our clients. The keynote speaker is the executive director of the Hagedorn Foundation, which has been very active with community service programs. Ten of the 19 legislators attend, and those that address us speak highly of what we do. The event is a success and I had a hearty breakfast as well!

March 4:  Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Town Hall - Mineola Middle School

The concept of a town hall invokes democracy at its finest and brings thoughts of the original town hall meetings of citizens in New England in years gone by. Nowadays, you don’t know what to expect. How large will the turnout be? Will there be demonstrations by opponents? Will the audience be friendly and respectful? Am I going to a sporting event or a political Q&A? Maybe both!

The town hall, sponsored by Democratic Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-4), will be my first such event. I go to Mineola Middle School with a great deal of anticipation. The auditorium is crowded with several hundred people. Fortunately this is a calm night. The attendees are only interested in listening to what the Congresswoman has to report about Washington and to add their own opinions through submitting written questions.

This form of event is Rice’s first, and she handles it in an informal style which I think is conducive to these sorts of meetings. I think the buzzword is “authentic.” I stay for nearly two hours, and it is all Q&A.

The Congresswoman praises a “fair and free press.” She notes that the press is often the only way for citizens to get information about their government. She also notes that since she has learned about how Congress operates from the inside, she expects to be a more visible representative and to be an outspoken advocate for her district.

Rice pledges to do more town halls, as she feels that the format is conducive to communicating with her constituents. Ironically, Rice receives a compliment from a person who actually lives in Congressman Peter King’s district. King refuses to schedule live, in-person meetings. Rice, on the other hand, is not afraid!

The Congresswoman good-naturedly fields questions on a variety of issues: education, the leadership change within the Democratic party in Washington, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s conduct (Rice calls for his resignation), the connection between the Trump campaign and the Russians (she wants a special prosecutor appointed), redistricting, campaign finance, Planned Parenthood, Obamacare funding and combatting anti-Semitism.

The town hall seems successful and I take my leave of the event.

March 4: Hofstra University Museum Exhibition, Hempstead

More politics, this time in the form of photography and art. My wife and I visit two relevant exhibitions at Hofstra University. One exhibit, in the Emily Lowe Gallery, consists of striking black and white photos taken around the country from 1962 through 1964 chronicling events relating to civil rights. The photographer, Danny Lyon, worked for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and was able to take photos of most of the civil rights icons of the period. Looking at the photos of segregated water fountains reminds the viewer of how much has been gained over the past 50 years and what is at stake with the Trump presidency.

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The second exhibition is at the David Filderman Gallery. Entitled “Political Slant II:  Editorial Cartoons,” we see political cartoons analyzing and skewing the 2016 Presidential campaign. Cartoonists such as Walt Handelsman and Matt Davies are featured. In contrast, some Thomas Nast cartoons from the 19th Century are offered to show just how different and similar American politics is over time. The collection of artwork is an amusing yet sobering display.