Candidate Profile: Linda Davis Valdez For Huntington Town Clerk

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Town of Huntington voters will decide their next town clerk on Nov. 7.

Republican incumbent Andrew Raia will look to defend his seat against Democratic challenger Linda Davis Valdez.

Patch reached out to both candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Linda J. Davis Valdez

How old will you be as of Election Day?

61

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

lindadavisvaldez.com

What city or town do you live in?

Huntington

What office are you seeking?

Huntington Town Clerk

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Party affiliation.

Democrat/Working Family

Education.

Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, Social Sciences, Adelphi University

What is your occupation?

Court Services/Youth and Family. 18 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married for 33 years to my husband Richard. We have three children, and three grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Because I love my town, and feel that I can make a difference in increasing unity and inclusiveness, and I want to be a part of the team that moves Huntington forward.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

This question is being answered from the perspective of the role for which I am running, and that is, Town Clerk. In speaking to many voters, a lack of civility is a significant issue within Town Hall.
Though the Town Clerk position is a non- policy making position, leadership, and the expectation of standards, starts at the top. I bring with me an expectation of unity and inclusivity, not only towards the public that we serve, but also within the office that we work. If necessary, I would look at the feasibility of establishing a DEI Council to ensure we are greeting, and treating, everyone with the decency that we all deserve.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

As a candidate for a non-policy making position, without a vote on the board, my response to the water quality issue is a matter of opinion, and not something that I would have any power to effectuate; with that being said, it is my hope that the Clean Water Referendum is placed on the ballot, and passed quickly. We need to improve the infrastructure. Clean water is health, and life sustaining, and should not be a political issue.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc?

Pave, not patch! I just had this conversation with an East Northport voter who pointed out that patch jobs on the street in his cul de sac.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

If it were in my power to do so, I would expedite the Building permits, so owners weren't spending tons of money and waiting long periods of time paying rent for spaces that they haven't received approval to use.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

From a simple human perspective, the situation is heartbreaking, and the numbers keep increasing! There doesn't appear to be any easy answer, but we must partner with the many human service agencies for assistance.

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

I stand on my merit only. I have value, transferrable work experience. I have years of dedicated community service. I have worked easily, and respectfully with all demographics. I love this town, I love its history, and I want to make Town Hall, and the Clerks office, a true town hub. I have a trailblazing spirit, and I want to help move Huntington forward!

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I've heard from many voters that they felt ignored and dismissed when they were in the clerks office. As Dave from Huntington told me, decency matters!

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Technology issues

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

My entire 20-year financial career, my 18 years working with youth and families in the court system, and my years of community service and leadership.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

A vote for me, is a vote for you.