Thursday, March 27, 2025
In the grand spectacle of American politics, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest national headlines. Presidential debates, Supreme Court decisions and international conflicts dominate the news cycle, shaping many of our conversations and perspectives. But in focusing so intently on D.C. and the world stage, we often neglect the political decisions being made right in our own backyards — decisions that have an immediate and profound impact on our daily lives.
The phrase “All politics is local” is often attributed to former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, who understood that while federal policies set broad agendas, the most immediate and personal political decisions happen at the local level. From library boards to school boards, from city councils to county executives, local officials make decisions that directly affect the quality of our roads, the safety of our neighborhoods, and, perhaps most significantly, our taxes.
Yet many people cannot name their council members, county legislators, town supervisors, or the members of their local Board of Education. Many are unaware of the meetings at which crucial funding allocations are made, zoning laws are changed, and policies affecting their children’s education are debated. This lack of awareness isn’t due to a lack of importance; rather, it’s the result of a political culture that prioritizes sensationalism over substance.
Nowhere is the impact of local government more evident than in our property tax bills. In Nassau County, school taxes account for over 60 percent of a homeowner’s tax burden, while county taxes make up roughly 17 percent. The average household pays a median of $150 a month in county property taxes, an investment in maintaining the county’s reputation as one of the safest in the country. These tax dollars help fund essential services such as law enforcement, infrastructure and sanitation, while our school taxes provide critical funding for education, ensuring that students have access to quality teachers, programs and facilities.
It is important to recognize that school taxes are determined not by federal lawmakers but by state officials and local school boards. School board members make decisions that shape the educational experience of our children, from setting budgets to maintaining school resources. Likewise, county executives and legislators allocate funds for public safety, road maintenance and environmental initiatives, each of which directly impacts property values and the overall quality of life.
Despite the enormous power that local governments wield, voter turnout for local elections is often abysmally low. Presidential elections may drive millions of people to the polls, but school board elections, town supervisor races and local legislative contests often see a fraction of that participation.
This apathy creates a dangerous cycle: When fewer people vote, fewer voices are heard, and the decisions made by a small group of engaged voters can disproportionately shape policies that affect everyone.
For example, a handful of votes can determine whether a school district raises property taxes or whether a local zoning change allows for new housing developments. A single council member’s decision on public safety funding can influence response times for emergency services. These are not abstract issues; they are immediate, tangible and deeply personal.
I believe that one of the most concerning trends in modern political discourse is the tendency to make local political decisions based on national ideological beliefs. Many voters apply their partisan views on federal issues, such as foreign policy or immigration, to candidates running for town board, city council or school board. While national policies do matter, the responsibilities of local officials are fundamentally different from their colleagues on the federal level.
A county executive does not set foreign policy, nor does a school board member write national health care laws. Instead, they are responsible for ensuring that schools are well-funded, that roads are maintained and that local businesses thrive. Voting in local elections should be based on a candidate’s qualifications, track record and stance on local issues, not simply on their political affiliation.
As election season approaches, it’s imperative that we keep our focus. Instead of getting lost in the frenzy of national debates, we must pay closer attention to the decisions being made at town halls, school board meetings and county legislatures. We should take the time to research the candidates — the people who will determine how our tax dollars are spent and how our communities are shaped.
This election season, let’s make informed choices. Let’s attend local meetings, engage with our representatives, and ensure that our votes are cast based on the issues that matter most in our daily lives. After all, all politics is local.
Patrick Mullaney represents Nassau County’s 4th Legislative District.
