Voters to Choose Between Contrasting Supervisor Candidates Tuesday

By Rich Jacques

More of the same, or a change to the status quo in North Hempstead.

That's the choice Town of North Hempstead residents will make Tuesday in a supervisor race which features a pair of candidates offering contrasting ideas and direction for constituents.

Democratic candidate Judi Bosworth says she intends to build on the foundation set by former Supervisor Jon Kaiman who led the Democratic majority on the North Hempstead town board for a decade before resigning earlier this year.

A staunch supporter of environmental issues such waterway preservation and the fight against salt water intrusion, the three-term Nassau legislator and former school board member from Great Neck said she would continue her green push as supervisor by working to maintain and acquire open space. 
 
"I look forward to continuing to be a leader in that sphere," said Bosworth last month at a candidate forum.

After 22 years as an elected official, Bosworth says she has a passion for serving the community and a strong track record of commitment to residents. 

"Whatever someone’s definition of a “career politician” might be, it would not apply to me," said Bosworth to Patch last month.

As far as term limits, Bosworth said the idea isn't as much of a concern as having a supervisor free of any conflicts of interest, or perceived conflicts, in connection with family members, business and professional activities. 

Bosworth said North Hempstead needs to continue to invest in infrastructure.

"We need to revitalize our downtowns in order to boost our economic vitality," said Bosworth.

Republican candidate Dina DeGiorgio, an attorney by trade, said she doesn't consider herself a politician.

The first-term councilwoman from Port Washington says she hopes to bring new energy, imagination and enthusiasm to North Hempstead.

"I look forward to creating a government that has only one purpose, to serve the people that is represents," said DeGiorgio, a supporter of term limits for the supervisor position.

While serving for nearly two years on the town board, DeGiorgio said she hopes to change the "party machine" she has witnessed first hand.

"A machine designed to satisfy a few political insiders at the tax payers expense," says DeGiorgio.

DeGiorgio said she is fine with doing "the people's business."

"I will combine all of my professional and personal experience to continue my journey of service," said DeGiorgio last month.

Both candidates vowed to maintain fiscal responsibility while continuing to maintain town services residents have come to expect.

See where the candidates stand on other issues:

• Building Department Solutions
• Bosworth: After 22 Years as Elected Official, I'm No Career Politician; DeGiorgio: I'm For Term Limits
• DeGiorgio: Why I'm a Republican
• Bosworth: Why I'm a Democrat