Bellmore-Merrick Civic Associations Host Meet The Candidates Night

Residents had an opportunity to learn more about the candidates who are running in the general election on Nov. 5 at "Meet the Candidates Night." 

The South Bellmore, North Bellmore, South Merrick and North and Central Merrick civic associations joined together to host the event that took place at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse this week. 

Residents raised concerns about a number of issues such as: the increase of taxes, the high cost of living, animal rights, the closing of businesses and the overall future of Nassau County. 

County Executive Edward Mangano spoke of the improvements that have been made in the county. 

"Nassau has the lowest unemployment rate in the region," he said. 
 
Tom Suozzi, who will be running against Mangano for county executive, said that Nassau County needs to improve.

"We're the place that is in decline," he said. "We need to get back to the big picture and make Nassau a place that is suitable for the future." 

Edward Kraus, legislative candidate for the 13th District, agreed. 

"We need to keep this place sustainable for our young people, seniors and families," he said. 

Diane Madden, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead Town Council, won a case against the Town in January 2013 after two ongoing years of litigation after she was banned from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. 

She told residents that they have the power to make changes by voting. 

"The most important thing that I can tell you is that you have choices," she said. 

Berta Weinstein, vice president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association said she was pleased with the event.

"The turnout was good and the candidates were very informative and the community profited from that," she said. 

Ali Beller, president of the South Bellmore Civic Association agreed. 

"It went really well and the whole night was great," she said. 

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

View all of the Democratic candidates online here and the Republican candidates here.