North Hempstead Supervisor Candidates Have Debate Showdown

North Hempstead , D-Great Neck, and challenger Lee Tu, R-Albertson, faced off in a Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock. The event was moderated by the League of Women voters in a town-hall-style format. 

The candidates covered a range of topics. Here’s how they addressed some of the issues.

On the quality of the Building Department: “We knew something was broken, and we took the challenge, and we will try to fix it,” Kaiman said. “We need to be a responsible town that abides by the law.” Tu said, “The building department is broken, and the people that live there know what the town needs. I want to put a building professional in charge instead of a police officer.” 

On a Roslyn Country Club takeover: Tu said that if “Roslyn town residents want the country club, they should pay for it themselves. It is not the right time or economy to fund this type of project.” Kaiman stressed the need to maintain open space. “That area is ten acres of beautiful land,” he said. “Let’s preserve it.” 

On the potential closing of police precincts: Kaiman said, “Unfortunately, government is failing right now, so at the end of the day, we will end up losing two precincts....” Kaiman said he would continue to challenge the county to keep these precincts open under his watch. Tu said, “I do not agree with the closing of any precincts.  That shouldn’t be an option. I would fight to keep all precincts open for the safety of the town.”

On restoring the parcel known as Alvan Petrus Park: Many people in the crowd supported restoring this property as a park, wearing t-shirts that bore its name. Tu said he would make the park a top priority. "Make the park happen," he said. Kaiman said, “Under current state law the town couldn't simply turn the property into park without following certain procedures....It will take time, but it will get done." 

The discussion ended with both candidates smiling as they shook hands after their closing remarks. Kaiman said, “We’ve done a lot. Maybe we need to work together to get things done. We are working with local leaders who make the decisions. Experience counts.” Tu said, “People count. It is about your pockets. You know it. You pay for it.”