Nassau County Legislature Candidates: Meet Jennifer Garber

PLAINVIEW, NY — Nassau County voters will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for legislature. In the District 16 race, incumbent Democratic Legislator Arnie Drucker seeks a third term and will face Jennifer Garber, a registered Democrat running on the Republican line.

The district includes the communities of Plainview, Old Bethpage, Jericho, Syosset, Woodbury, Hicksville, Old Westbury and Roslyn Heights.

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

Below are their responses, which have been lightly edited for clarity.

Jennifer Garber

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 32
• Town of residence: Plainview
• Position sought: Nassau County Legislator, 16th District
• Party affiliation: Registered Democrat, endorsed by Republican and Conservative parties.
• Family: Husband, Casey Bass; Son, Nathan.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My Husband Casey works for the NYC Department of Homeless Services.
• Education: Bachelor of arts; juris doctorate.
• Occupation: Attorney (7 years).
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: N/A.
• Campaign Website: Facebook.com/GarberforNassauCountyLegislatorDistrict16/

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

Taxes. We must hold the line on taxes and reduce the impact on residents. The errors in the recent tax reassessment must be addressed by the Legislature.

See also: Nassau County Legislature Candidates: Meet Arnie Drucker

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

I am willing to do whatever it takes to protect Nassau County taxpayers. As a lifelong resident of Nassau County, and the mother of a young child, I know how residents like myself struggle under the crushing impact of the tax reassessment to stay in their homes. Like other tax paying residents, I want to see our community grow and thrive. I support the police and staffing of detectives in the 6th and 8th precinct. I will tirelessly pursue infrastructure maintenance and repair of county roads. My opponent refuses to take any action that conflicts with the county executive, but I am not so afraid or restrained. I will do whatever it takes to represent our district's interests in the Legislature.

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

The incumbent has failed and refused to take any action to represent the interests of our taxpayers in the face of the county executive's reassessment, which has crushed many property owners and taxpayers in the 16th District. The incumbent has failed to do anything other than rubber stamp his political party (the party of the county executive), and has voted against bills aimed at protecting taxpayers. Instead of being an advocate, he has turned his back on his constituents in their time of need. Rather than addressing the most pressing issues facing our community, the incumbent paints himself as a champion of bills that already have bi-partisan support.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Other pressing issues that I will address when elected to the Legislature include maintenance of county infrastructure (including, but not limited to, our county roads), ensuring our law enforcement agencies are fully staffed and trained, and supporting programs that promote the economic development of Nassau County. I also strive to promote transparency, equality and fairness throughout our county.

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

My biggest accomplishment, second to none, is my role as a wife and a mother. Being a mother has given me infinite patience, and the ability to lead by example. I pride myself on being a working mom, and have developed the skills in my role as an attorney to multi-task while remaining a compassionate and zealous advocate for those in need of help. I will bring these skills and more to my tenure as a Nassau County legislator.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

If you don't like something, become the force to change it for the better.

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

I believe in fiscal responsibility and transparency at all levels of government. I am running for office because the personal is political — the issues affecting our district are ones my family is directly impacted by. I want the members of our community to thrive, and not to have to worry if they will be safe or whether they will be able to afford to remain in their homes. I believe that we should enjoy the benefits of the high taxes we pay, and elected officials must do everything in their power to improve our suburban quality of life. If elected, I will work tirelessly for the residents of our county.