Tanvir Ahmad says to pay attention to each candidate, not party

Tanvir Ahmad sought a better life from India three decades ago, finding his way to Hewlett. Now, after 25 years of public service in New York City, Ahmad is throwing his hat in the political ring, running as the Democratic candidate for Nassau County legislator, in a seat held by Howard Kopel since 2010.

For Ahmad, running for office is his way to “give back” to the community.

And while he’s looking to flip a seat that has long been held by Republicans, Ahmad doesn’t believe a voter for one party should automatically support a candidate who affiliates with their party. Instead, he prefers to listen to what the opposing side’s issues are, and then find common ground.

“Don’t think the party,” Ahmad told reporters as part of a recent Herald Roundtable session. “Yes, we normally are involved in the party line. You’re a Republican? That’s fine. I’m a Democrat. But I want you to look at the candidates.”

Ahmad's first stint in public service came in 1995 when he joined New York City’s housing preservation and development department. He also working in the city’s design and construction department, as well as with sanitation and finally the city’s housing authority before finally retiring in April.

Politics is a different level of public service, however. Many of Ahmad's issues affect not only him and the potential constituents he has spoken with while campaigning, but people in other parts of Nassau County, too.

One is the high cost of living, which has forced his eight children from the Five Towns, or really any other parts of the county.

“It hurts me,” Ahmad said. “But, why? Tax is one of the issues. Housing price is one of the other issues. All these things are not allowing the next generation to stay because they can’t afford it, even though they may be making $100,000. It’s very critical that we provide affordable housing to the next generation.”

Ahmad supports the creation of housing for senior citizens, veterans and those with disabilities. Something he can get behind, for example, is the five-story, 48-unit residential building was approved in Inwood for military veterans and first responders on a vacant spot where a church once stood.

What Ahmad doesn’t support are developments that affect the suburban life many look for when moving to Nassau County.

“Overdevelopment is affecting the quality of life,” he said. “Development is very important, but not at the cost of your living.” 

Other overdevelopment issues that concern him include traffic jams and security, using the example of the former parking lot on Rockaway Boulevard by John F. Kennedy Airport that became an Amazon warehouse.

“So how would we address those issues?” Ahmad asked. “I try to study all these things and look at the benefits. But if it affects the quality of life, I’m not for it.”

If elected, Ahmad plans to speak with neighbors before approving or moving forward any permits to ensure that no change in their quality of life would occur if a project were to get the green light.

Speaking with locals is exactly what Ahmad the candidate has been doing, too. Whether they are a Democrat or Republican, he hopes they listen to what he is offering, and task him to achieve it by casting their votes for him.

“I tell them to look at my profile, look at my website,” Ahmad said. “If you feel that I am a good person who will deliver, who will do the right thing, then you vote for me. If you think my opposing competitor is better, vote for him.

“But make sure you don’t judge on the other party.”