Meet The Candidates: Marsha Silverman Runs For Glen Cove Council

GLEN COVE, NY — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. And 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.

Twelve candidates are seeking six seats on the Glen Cove City Council — including Democrat Marsha Silverman, who is vying for re-election.

Silverman, 51, was first elected to the city council in 2018, and has pushed a platform demanding more transparency in government spending and greater representation of diverse communities in policy discussions.

In addition to her time in politics, Silverman has more than 25 years of experience in finance and data analytics at Fortune 100 companies including Citi Group and American Express.

You can learn more about Silverman below, or by clicking here.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election to the Glen Cove City Council because I am deeply committed to representing the public interest and strongly believe that all members of the public should have an equal voice.

I initially ran on a platform of bringing transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability, objectivity, and independence to city decision-making as well as driving policies that protect and enhance the City and all of its residents. I have stayed committed to these principles and will continue to do so.

In addition, I am seeking re-election because I fundamentally enjoy resolving issues and concerns of residents. In short, I am running to represent every resident of Glen Cove and to do my best on their behalf. To make the best decisions possible to benefit the most people and to educate myself properly in order to do so utilizing facts, data, and common sense.

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 Glen Cove is improving the city's finances in conjunction with creating smart development. I have been advocating for longer-term budgeting and capital planning to allow for investment in the city's aging infrastructure.

Glen Cove is in a growth period with a number of large development projects in progress. Planning needs to incorporate this growth so that infrastructure can support it. I am concerned that our IDA grants tax breaks to residential developments to the detriment of other taxpayers and the schools. I am also concerned that all members of the community have an effective voice in matters that impact them.

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

With 30 years of background in finance, I continue to advocate for fiscal discipline and prudent budgeting and planning. I remain committed to increasing transparency and integrity in government. Understanding and appreciating the perspective of all parties — the commitment to understanding the issues and the facts, the willingness to look at all sides and ability to grasp complex matters, the ability to see all sides and act with reason, and — above all — being able to listen to all positions.

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

The pandemic was a challenge because it required new ways of governing and supporting residents. It is difficult to assess success in the face of a tremendous death toll and it is not clear how to define the success of local officials. Personally, I believe it is always better to over-communicate and provide increased transparency. Lack of knowledge can lead to fear and misconception.

People can disagree about how to solve an issue but having the opportunity to discuss it openly and for everyone to have a voice is important. Glen Cove followed the state policies and there was not a substantive opportunity for an official at the City Council level to deviate from that policy.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fiscal responsibility, ensuring fairness in taxation, transparency, objectivity, balanced development that preserves open space, natural habitat, and accounts for needed city services such as police, fire, roads and transportation, water and sewer capabilities, and equal treatment for all.

I also advocate strongly for the addition of more public facilities, particularly for children, athletics, and the arts. I would like to see public amenities be a condition of all developments approved by the city boards and at the very least that they pay their fair share of what is required to support them. My position on IDA tax breaks is well known. They should not be granted for residential development.

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

In my professional life, I am an accomplished Financial Analytic Consultant who must take technical and complex data and transform it into tactical and useful information. I have extensive experience in budgeting and planning for large financial institutions and thus understand budgeting practices that primarily drive a municipality.

In my role as a councilperson, I have conceived and implemented policies and legislation that increase transparency and improve city practices and processes. I drove a policy whereby the IDA must share its agenda with the Council so we can better understand when tax breaks might be granted and impact the city's budget.

I devised a procurement policy to protect taxpayers by having an objective procurement process. I conceived and drove the implementation of a finance committee, comprised of finance experts to assist the city with the development of objective fiscal policies at a time when the city's finances were in deep trouble.

I drafted a vehicle use policy that is awaiting passage which would protect taxpayers and users of city vehicles by establishing objective guidelines for city vehicle usage.

I created the position of Liason to the School Board to facilitate coordination between the city and the schools regarding fiscal and other matters.

Together the mayor's office in 2018 instituted the first Official City of Glen Cove Gay Pride event with speakers and a celebration so that questioning youth would feel safe in our city.

I believe I can handle my position because, despite extreme partisan challenges, I have been able to successfully bring change to the city for the better.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Three pieces of advice: Find the common ground. One voice can make a difference. It is more important to do something than be something.

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

I will not sell out. I will remain true to the public. I will always fight for you.

Editor's note: The candidate's responses have been lightly edited for clarity.