Editorial

Yes, this is an election year

Posted

Labor Day isn’t far behind us, but we all know how time flies. Soon enough it will be November, and Election Day.

All the political talk thus far has been about the presidential race that will culminate next year, but even though names that won’t be seen on a ballot until 2016 are dominating the national conversation, we can’t forget about this year’s election cycle, which is all local.

On Nov. 3, voters will head to the polls to cast their ballots in a slew of county and town races. This election is about as “off-year” as it can get, but the races are just as important as those in any state or national election. In fact, one can argue that this year is even more important, because we will be electing the officials that make decisions that affect our day-to-day lives.

The Town of Hempstead and Nassau County are responsible for about one-third of your property tax bill. (The rest is schools and special districts.) These levels of government are responsible for many services that impact you daily, such as garbage pickup, road repairs, park maintenance, street lighting and policing. The town sets zoning regulations and decides whether that new housing or business development would be right or wrong for your neighborhood. The county determines how services such as buses and sewers are operated.

There are many seats up for grabs this year, including all 19 on the Nassau County Legislature. Republicans have picked up several seats in recent years and hold a commanding 12-7 lead, but with every spot in play, this election will determine the balance of power.

The marquee race this year is for Nassau County district attorney. This is an unusual year to be voting for district attorney, because it used to be on the ballot beside all the other county positions — county executive, comptroller and clerk. But the departure of the popular Kathleen Rice, who was elected to Congress, has moved that contest up two years.

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