Meet The Candidates: Nadia Holubnyczyj For Nassau Legislature

FLORAL PARK, 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.

Democrat Nadia Holubnyczyj is running against Republican John Giuffre for the open seat representing the county's 8th Legislative District. The district is currently represented by Republican Vincent Muscarella, who has been the representative since the County Legislature was created in 1995. Muscarella is stepping down to run for District Court Judge.

The 8th Legislative District includes West Hempstead, Franklin Square, and parts of Garden City South, Stewart Manor, Floral Park, Bellerose and Bellerose Terrace.

Holubnyczyj, 53, is a speech-language pathologist by trade, and currently works as a reading tutor. She has served as a PTA President and leader of the civic association in her town of Floral Park.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have successfully served as an advocate for our community for over 20 years. However, I believe I can effect greater changes for my neighbors with resources in Nassau County, as an elected official to serve the people. Our community has been under-represented for at least 10 years. Residents do not believe that their concerns have been heard over the years and are wanting someone who is responsive, who truly cares and will get things accomplished.

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

Every single voter that I have spoken to believe their concerns, issues and questions are falling on deaf ears. Issues brought to the District office go unheard. My first order of business will be to modernize the office for District 8. This office will implement an improved process of constituent services by implementing an online tracking system. This system will log issues/complaints/questions brought to the office and provide continual feedback to the residents until a resolution is made. This tracking system will inherently create a system of accountability to my position as a public servant. The office will also have an online presence in social media to disseminate information and have virtual office hours to increase accessibility to all.

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

I do not know my opponent so I cannot speak about the differences between us. What I do know is that I am a dedicated individual. I am honest and straightforward. I persevere in issues I know to be right. I care deeply about the wellbeing of my neighbors and my community. I will bring this all to the office of the Nassau County Legislator.

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

Laura Curran's administration was supportive of the community from day one. She provided information on a daily basis and ensured all resources were available as soon as possible. Her leadership provided stability in a time of uncertainty. The current legislator for District 8 was nowhere to be seen. His office did not reach out to the community, did not ensure resources were being channeled to the district and provided no virtual services when other district leaders were doing so. That is unacceptable. During our most vulnerable time, the legislative office of District 8 should have been providing virtual services to disseminate information regarding safety, resources for help (eg. financial, medical, food insecurity), and information about vaccination sites. The District 8 office should have been there to support its constituents. My plan for District 8 would have provided the much needed services our district lacked during the pandemic.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Community Development
1. Support strategic development of mixed use properties
2. Support downtown revitalization that protects but also enhances the hometown feel
3. Advocate for affordable housing that helps our senior citizens, veterans and disabled residents remain in the town they love while also attracting the younger generation to live, eat, drink and play right here in Nassau County.

Small Business Support/Employment
1. Create strong relationships with local Chambers of Commerce to facilitate substantial support for small businesses from District 8 and Nassau County.
2. Provide resources to small businesses that assist with grants and loans from all levels of government.
3. Host job-fairs that include small businesses and large corporations here in Nassau County to ensure all employment opportunities are provided to local area residents.

Infrastructure
1. Promote and improve alternate means of transportation that is beneficial and safe for everyone, including public, bicycling and pedestrian transit.
2. Advocate for budgetary allotment to District 8 to improve roadways, thus improving traffic safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

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

Through my 20 years of advocacy, I have called out inequities in our community and have always worked towards a resolution. From being a leader in the grassroots movement to fight the proposed casino at Belmont Park, to pushing for the installation of 3 elevators at the Floral Park train station when it was being completely ignored, to raising over $50,000 total to aid neighbors and local businesses during the pandemic, I take action. Through these years, I have formed relationships with all levels of government representatives, up to and including our new Governor. These are important connections that only strengthen my ability to serve District 8 residents well. I have also formed relationships with people from all over the district, and these relationships are built on trust. I have a solid foundation to serve the people of District 8 with honesty, integrity, transparency and reliability.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Everyone matters.

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

I believe we all have a right to live our best life possible. I promise to work for my neighbors and Nassau County to achieve that goal. If elected, I will be their voice.