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Health & Fitness

Why Is There So Much Voter Apathy And Such Light Turnout?

Why is there so much voter apathy and confusion, even during this time when so many people are protesting? Let's get out the information, and the vote!

With only about two weeks remaining before Election Day, we have witnessed many more political signs than issues discussed in depth. Some of the contested elections this year include Town of North Hempstead town supervisor, TONH receiver of taxes, Nassau County legislator, several judges, town council member. While we have all seen signs for the various candidates, in my numerous discussions around Port Washington, I have noticed that there is both little interest ("It doesn't make any difference; "They're all the same," etc.), as well as few potential voters that even know what the candidates differences are or are sure even what the elected position does.

The TONH supervisor's race is between the incumbent Jon Kaiman, and the challenger, Lee Tu. While there have been a couple of debates and some press coverage, it seems that most people still either don't know or don't care how these men may differ. Mr. Kaiman speaks of his experience, his environmental record, his overall record and his opponent's inexperience in terms of holding public office. Tu emphasizes the TONH Building Department scandal/ fiasco (Kaiman blames his predecessor and claims he has taken the steps to remedy the situation, while Mr. Tu talks of the amount of time it takes to get permits, the scandals themselves and what that says about management). Kaiman discusses  Tu's never having held public office, while Tu emphasizes his management/business experience. Tu discusses that Town taxes have risen over 40 percent during Kaiman's terms in office, while Kaiman says the TONH has kept expenses down while providing the services the citizens want. (Kaiman also reminds us that most of the real estate taxes paid are not town taxes). They have both discussed issues such as the possible implications of a takeover of the Roslyn Country Club, with Kaiman stating there has not been any decision made, and Tu stating that the whole town should not be responsible and recommends a special district if anything is done. There are many other issues, but these are the ones that have been highlighted.

Receiver of taxes has incumbent Charles Berman opposed by Jane Centrella. The first thing that strikes me is that while Centrella is running for Receiver of taxes, one of the parties she is running on is the Tax Revolt Party (Isn't that some sort of oxymoron for someone running for that position?). The next thing that strikes me is that this position is even an elected position in the first place. Berman points to his experience and performance, while Centrella criticizes both of these. Is there any wonder that people yawn about this?

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Many people are running for judges, and, it appears that unless one knows someone personally, most of us have little idea what the differences are. This one generally becomes either a popularity or party line situation.

Town council member is a contest between incumbent Fred Pollack (in office over a decade) and the Repubican opponent, Dina DeGiorgio. Pollack is the type of individual that few have no opinion about (most either like or dislike him). He describes himself as a fighter for the community, a hard worker, and an effective member of the town council, and runs on his record (as well as anything else positive that occured during his term, like most incumbents). DeGiorgio speaks of her strong ties to the community and describes herself in her ads as a lifelong Democrat who is running as a Republican to oppose Pollack and the way things are currently being run. She discusses everything from parking and roads, to the way the TONH operates presently, etc. It appears that this election will be more of a referendum on the TONH and Pollack, than specific issues.

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Nassau County Legislator is a contest between the incumbent Wayne Wink, Jr. versus his Republican challenger Eric Zausner. Wink points to his record and how he has always serves his constituency, and Zausner appears to be running against how things are, and who is responsible. Of course, since the Nassau County Legislature is so closely divided along party lines, this race could also have implications regarding voters feelings about County Executive Mangano.

Unfortunately, I am predicting that there will be a relatively light turnout on Election Day, as is generally the case in off-year elections. I urge people to read up on the various candidates, know what they've done, and what they will do, weigh the implications and your personal political beliefs, and cast a vote. As we often say, you don't have the right to complain if you don't at least vote!

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