On Nov. 4, local elections will take place for Town Supervisor, a position responsible for shaping the future of Port Washington. Both parties running for Town Supervisor have distinct and strategic plans, and each has strong visions for our town.
The Democrat candidate, Dave Kerpen, is a New York Times bestselling author and a Port Washington resident, raising three children here. He aims to represent the people of North Hempstead, and to emphasize a sense of community.
In doing so, he plans to cut taxes, stimulate growth, repair the Buildings Department, and beautify the parks in order to revive North Hempstead. He is using strategic campaigning tactics such as mailing to residents, activity on social media platforms, holding speeches and participating in interviews to promote his campaign and influence voters.
Kerpen also hosts a podcast called The Candidate with Dave Kerpen through Spotify. This podcast displays the purpose of advancing his campaign, as it allows him to remain in touch and build trust with listeners and potential voters, while discussing the reality of being a candidate.
“I have actually listened to a few of Dave Kerpen’s podcast episodes and enjoyed them. It’s not just an interview, but he hosts his own podcast. It is a really modern way to promote a campaign,” said senior Jules Johnson.
The Republican candidate Jennifer DeSena, on the other hand, promises to reduce the town’s tax, increase transparency in the town’s Building Department, and improve infrastructure. DeSena has been the North Hempstead Town Supervisor since Jan. 1, 2022, and has since grown close to the community and built trust within it.
In her years in office, she has reduced taxes, improved the Building Department by defeating misconduct and introducing reforms, enhanced the environment, among other accomplishments. In promoting her campaign, she engages with the community, and holds speeches.
DeSena plans to focus on continuing her course of action in supervising, while Dave Kerpen plans to modernize the North Hempstead government, using technology in order to improve speed of response and service for residents of North Hempstead.
To participate early, residents can vote from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2 at any local early voting sites. Registering to vote early is encouraged by the town as it comes with benefits such as shorter wait times, less crowding at voting locations, and avoiding errors or complications that may occur on Election Day. General election day takes place on Nov. 4 at an assigned location. The Nassau County Board of Elections offers flexible hours, which makes voting easily accessible and convenient as possible.
“My parents are constantly working. During Election Day, they appreciate the long hours that are available to vote. It honestly just excites me to vote for our town in the future,” said junior Zoe Afik.
On a larger scale, New Yorkers are focused on the important election forthe mayor of New York City. Zohran Mamdani, running as a Democratic socialist, advocates for affordable housing, climate action, and free public transportation. His campaign reaches a target audience of progressives who wish for bold change.
Andrew Cuomo is running in the Independent party, planning to rebuild fiscal stability, public safety, and the economy. Curtis Sliwa is running as the Republican candidate, prioritizing public safety and animal welfare.
“I am eager to see the outcome of this election. No matter who is elected, I think the next few years will bring major change to New York City. I think it is really important who will be representing our city during that change,” said senior Abby Greenblatt.
With these two prominent elections, both New York City and Nassau County voters will play a significant part in the future of New York’s leaders. Elected officials will provide a new beginning and a focus on improving the state of New York.