Nassau County Legislature Candidates: Meet Rose Marie Walker

HICKSVILLE, NY — Nassau County voters will cast their ballots Nov. 5 for legislature, and that includes the 17th District, where the incumbent Republican seeks a sixth term against a Democratic challenger.

Rose Marie Walker has held the legislator position for the district since first being elected in November 2009. The district is comprised of Hicksville, Massapequa, Bethpage, Farmingdale, Seaford, Wantagh and parts of Old Bethpage.

Walker, a Republican, will face Democrat Allen Foley in the general election.

Patch reached out to the candidates via email and/or Facebook where we could find them to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated.

Rose Marie Walker

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 68
• Town of residence: Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay.
• Position sought: Nassau County Legislator 17th LD
• Party affiliation: Republican, conservative, independence.
• Family: Mother of four children; three in-laws (two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law); four grandchildren
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Yes, son who works in Town of Oyster Bay and son-in-law works for Nassau County.
• Education: Bachelor of science in education.
• Occupation: Full-time county legislator.
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: County legislator for the 17th LD.
• Campaign Website: Rose Walker on Facebook

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes and cost of living — As a mother and grandmother I want to assure my grandchildren have the opportunity to live here in Nassau County and Long Island. Since becoming county legislator we have held the line with nine no tax increase budgets. We have reduced waste, decreased the size of government have reduced crime to the lowest levels in Nassau County history. But we must do more. We must continue to reduce the cost of government and expand economic development here in Nassau. Providing better paying jobs, increased opportunities for people of all ages and continue to improve quality of life.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I can only speak of myself and not my opponent as I for one believe people will say anything to get elected. I have the experience, I am involved in several community organizations and have delivered for the residents of my district. From several road improvement projects, grants for our local fire districts to improve our volunteer firefighters safety, a new 8th precinct and a much improved Cantiague Park.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

No response.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am proud to have been endorsed by the NY League of Conservation Voters for my efforts on the environment including working with our water districts with regard to the Grumman plume, improvements to our sewer system and the construction of an ocean outfall pipe.

I will continue to push for improving our roadways and infrastructure.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As I said earlier, holding the line on taxes with nine no-tax-increase budgets, reducing crime to record levels, improving our environment through grants and improvements to our sewer system.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be yourself — I am honored to say I have always acted in the best way of my constituents by being myself.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been honored to serve as county legislator, a job I have always spent 100 percent of my time working on behalf of all my constituents. My office is always open. I spend countless hours attending civic and community meetings to learn about issues important to everyone else and I am always just a phone call away. I thank you for your past support and look forward to continuing as your county legislator.