Meet The Candidates: Thomas McKevitt For County Legilsature

EAST MEADOW, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. With voting just around the corner, Patch is reaching out to candidates across Nassau County to find out why they're running for office, and what they hope to achieve for residents.

Republican incumbent Thomas McKevitt is being challenged by Democrat Eileen Napolitano for his seat representing Nassau County's 13th Legislative District. The 13th LD includes East Meadow and parts of Salisbury, North Bellmore, North Merrick and North Wantagh.

McKevitt, 50, is a lawyer by trade, and has worked in the legal field for 25 years. He lives in East Meadow with his wife and two children.

He has been on the County Legislature for four years. Before that, he was a New York State Assemblyman from 2006-2017.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Public service is a calling that I have been privileged to be a part of. Helping to improve our community as well as assisting residents with individual problems has been extremely rewarding, and it is something I would like to continue.

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

The most pressing issue facing our district is affording to live here. In my terms with the New York State Assembly, I supported the lowest rate of middle class state income tax in decades, as well as delivered record school aid at the time. With the County I have never voted for a property tax increase and have supported amendments to the current budget that will cut fees and property taxes by $120 million.

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

I have a long record of serving the residents of my district, both in Albany and Mineola. I have consistently fought for lower taxes, as well as provided for infrastructure projects such as repaving Hempstead Turnpike, Carman Avenue and Merrick Avenue.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think many public officials worked hard in providing services to our residents as well as providing relief for small businesses. The County Executive should have devoted more resources from the federal CARES act to assisting local businesses, hospitals and COVID testing rather than on county salaries.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Providing resources for public safety to reduce crime and ensure that our residents are property protected, as well as provide for economic development with aid to small businesses and development of the Nassau Hub.

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

I have a history of providing for residents in time of need, whether it be during Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, or Isaias, or during COVID. I have also been able to provide maintenance and relief for long standing flooding issues.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Spend as much time with your family as possible.

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

I have always been accessible to my constituents at all hours as well as listening to their concerns to deliver for them in the best way possible.