Herald Roundtable

Chris Schneider is looking to keep his seat on the Town of Hempstead board

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For over two decades, Chris Schneider has given back to his community. Now, as a newly appointed Town of Hempstead Councilman, he wants to continue serving people in the 5th Councilmanic District.

Schneider, 44, of Seaford, is a graduate of Wantagh High School, and began his journey in government in 2002, when he became a legislative assistant in the Nassau County Legislature. Two years later, he began working in the State Senate, and served under former Senators Charles Fuschillo and Elaine Philips, and current Sen. Jack Martins, until 2017. After those years in government, Schneider worked in a senior leadership role for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

At an Aug. 6 Town Board meeting, Schneider was unanimously appointed councilman for the 5th District, filling the seat of his late friend Chris Carini.

For Schneider, his new responsibilities are another way for him to get involved in public service, and he is looking to win the special election in November and start a full term next year.

“The thing that really appealed to me the most about this is it just gives me another way to take that service and giving back to another level,” Schneider said of his appointment, “and it’s been really exciting so far.”

Taking on the job, however, he said, was bittersweet, because Carini, a Seaford resident, was a close friend for years. Schneider served on the Wantagh/Seaford Homeowners Association board for 20 years, which Carini was also involved with. Prior to his appointment to the Town Board, Schneider was Seaford vice president of the association.

“One of the things that makes this extra special for me is being able to carry on the work that (Carini) was so passionate about,” Schneider said, “because we shared a lot of the same passions in terms of different issues.”

One of Carini’s legacies that Schneider supports is the town’s Quality of Life Task Force, which removes illegal ads and graffiti and cleans up litter throughout the town. Schneider looks to expand and enhance the task force if he elected.

“When you start seeing things like graffiti and vandalism and signs and zombie homes, it has a negative impact on the community,” he said, “and I think taking care of that stuff, to preserve our quality of life and being aggressive with it, is important.”

Schneider has also represented Seaford on the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Council since 2022, and has served on the 5th District Graffiti Watch Task Force. Working hand in hand with police, he said, is important, because it includes making sure law enforcement is aware of community concerns, such as school safety and illegal smoke shops.

When it comes to affordability, Schneider said the town has done a good job of being fiscally responsible while balancing the needs of taxpayers. The town is continually trying to do more with less, he added, despite the rising cost of living, materials and gas.

“I fully support any kind of efforts to do more with less and be fiscally responsible,” he said.

Schneider said he would prioritize communication as councilman. To serve his district, he noted that he has spoken with civic leaders in his community, as well as local fire departments, clergy members and American Legion groups.

“We’re happy to work with you however we can,” he said. “I think it’s important that people know where to turn, and I’m accessible if they have a problem.”