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For this column I have profiled North Hempstead Town
Councilman, Thomas (Tom) Dwyer, Jr.
BACKGROUND Age 38; married with three children. Lifelong resident of
North Hempstead living in East Williston. Masters Degree in Finance from
Baruch College and an Investment Banker. Appointed North Hempstead
Councilman in January 2002.
COUNCILMANICS I would be in a worse district if Councilmanics were in
place, but that doesn't mean I'm against the process. We need the most
democratic form of government. Chairman of the Councilman District
Commission, Joseph Galante, has put together a geographically diverse
schedule of public hearings that will soon return a position paper to
the Town Board.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING We live in an affluent Town. However, we need to
provide some form of housing to our young families and senior citizens
who do not want to live in Florida or elsewhere. The Town has taken a
position by establishing a committee that has identified multiple
locations to place affordable housing.
RE GEORGE W. BUSH Our world has become more vulnerable since
September 11. I think the President has done the job to provide
precautionary measures throughout the country. However, I think the
President's initiative to shift funds away from local police and fire
departments, impedes the perception and reality of Homeland Security.
AFFILIATIONS First Vice President, Big Brothers/Big Sisters in
addition to being Regional Vice President, Region II to the National
Board; Board Member, Working Organization for Retarded Children (WORC),
Member of St. Aidan's Parish (Williston Park), Coach, East Williston
Little League Softball and Founding Member, Long Island Executives (LIX).
TO COUNTY EXECUTIVE SUOZZI Stay the course! Concentrate on the
County's finances. Albany is critical. Make sure that we are
communicating with the Assembly and Senate members. I'm sure that you
will do a great job in the end.
THE ENVIRONMENT The Environmental Legacy Fund was set up 3-4 years
ago and a referendum was placed on the ballot to bond $15 million to
provide open space in North Hempstead. We are continuing to work on this
and our second phase will be in FY 2003. With the cooperation of
Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington group, the Town has
worked on Nature Trails. Our golf course was highlighted in Audubon
periodicals for its environmental sensitivity.
TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD DEBT 83% of the Town's debt is due to the
Moorewood Property purchased during the Kiernan Administration and/or
SWMA (Solid Waste Management Authority). Over the last five years,
Moody's upgraded our rating twice up to A1. Even after the Summitomo
judgment, Moody's has held firm on our rating. We have a debt management
plan in North Hempstead that has been duplicated by other municipalities
at the request of Moody's.
POLITICAL/FAMILY GOALS To create a website that is more informative
to our constituents. I'd like to be able to put all Town applications
online so that people can complete them, sign them and mail them into
the Town. My family has lived in North Hempstead for five generations. I
now look forward to raising my young children in our Town and I will
contribute my financial, governmental and economic development
experience to better our community and preserve our quality of life.
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