Meet The Candidate: Cynthia Nuñez For District 14 Nassau County Legislator

DISTRICT 14 NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.

Election Day this year will be Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Patch asked those running for office to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles in the days leading up to the election.

Cynthia Nuñez is the Democratic candidate and running against Republican candidate Sheharyar Ali in the race for County Legislator of District 14. C. William Gaylor is the current County Legislator of District 14 and is not running again.

Name

Cynthia Nuñez

How old will you be as of Election Day?

47

Does your campaign have a website?

nunez4nassau.com

What city or town do you live in?

Valley Stream

What office are you seeking?

Nassau County Legislature

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

Nassau County Legislature District 14

Party affiliation.

Democrat

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and Public Administration from St. John's University

What is your occupation?

Director of Operations

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

I am a proud wife to my husband, an IBEW electrician, and together, we are the parents of our two children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, currently I sit on the Valley Stream District 24 School Board.

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?

I’m running to bring transparency, accountability, and a focus on results back to county government. As a mother, wife, and school board trustee, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made at the county level directly affect families, small businesses, and the quality of life in our communities. I want to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that working families have a real voice in local government.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing constituents is:

Affordability. From rising property taxes to higher costs for food, housing, and utilities, families and seniors are being priced out of the very communities they’ve helped build. We must make Nassau County more affordable for residents and businesses alike.

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

We need to continue investing in infrastructure that protects and upgrades our water systems. That means securing state and federal grants for filtration improvements, expanding access to clean drinking water technologies, and holding polluters accountable. On the school board, I helped secure a $500,000 grant, a portion of which was allocated towards water filtration systems and other crucial services — proof that with the right partnerships, we can make meaningful progress.

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

We must modernize our infrastructure through better coordination between county, state, and federal agencies. This includes repaving deteriorating roads, upgrading drainage systems to reduce flooding, and investing in smart traffic management. Every infrastructure project should be planned with both safety and sustainability in mind.

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

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I support expanding access to low-interest microloans, creating local tax incentives for small business growth, and cutting red tape that slows down permitting. We also need workforce training partnerships with our community colleges and high schools to help fill local jobs with local talent.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

Federal decisions on housing, transportation, and education directly affect local budgets and priorities. When Washington fails to act — whether it’s on infrastructure funding or FEMA reimbursements — local taxpayers bear the burden. I will advocate for stronger coordination and ensure Nassau County receives its fair share of federal resources.

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

I’m not a career politician. I’m a community advocate with a proven record of delivering results — from restoring student services to securing grants that directly benefit residents. My opponent represents politics as usual; I represent a new generation of leadership focused on solutions, not partisan fights.

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

Beyond affordability and transparency, I’m focused on improving public safety, expanding youth programs, addressing the housing shortage, and protecting our environment. These issues all connect to quality of life and require responsible, community-driven leadership.

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

As a Valley Stream School Board Trustee, I helped secure the largest grant in district history, implemented water filtration systems, and restored vital student services. I’ve built consensus across party lines to get results — that’s the kind of leadership we need at the county level.

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

I’m running to give residents a real voice in government — someone who listens, cares, and delivers. I’m proud to have earned the support of law enforcement and labor unions across Nassau County because they know I’ll always put the community first. I will fight for working families, protect our neighborhoods, and ensure every resident feels represented.