Meet The Candidates: Christine Pusateri​ Runs For TONH Seat

NEW HYDE PARK, 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.

Speech pathologist Christine Pusateri, 54, is running as a Democrat for North Hempstead's District 3 town council seat. This is her first time running for office and she hopes to succeed Angelo P. Ferrara, who is currently serving his third term as a Town council member.

The district covers a handful of communities, including Garden City Park, Mineola, Williston Park, Garden City, and parts of New Hyde Park.

You can learn more about Pusateri below.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to support the needs of all within the community, and to advocate for them while being monetarily conservative.

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

I feel that at this time the most pressing issue that is facing the Board is the impact of COVID, on all areas of our community. The economic recovery of small businesses continues. Community members are struggling with returning to the new normal of social and educational life post-COVID.

To support small business recovery, we, on the board, need to positively affect changes within the building department to support the development of the downtown properties, that are now vacant. To make sure that new businesses can now build within storefronts in a time-responsive way, changing the Building Department to be more transparent and streamlined. Once the applicants of the new businesses have met with the building department, greater transparency for the business owners about where their application is in the process would be the next step. This could be done by having all documents uploaded virtually and submitted online, with updates about how far along the application is for each step, this sets a clear standard and expectation.

We need to continue to support our seniors through Project Independence to keep them active within the community, and focus on the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities by building programs to support those needs. All with keeping with a balanced budget.

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

As opposed to just a portion of the area, I know every corner of this council district because I've lived in every area for over 30 years. I know the people because I've worked with families within the community through my work as well as volunteering for multiple PTA and Special Education PTA positions. But most of all, what sets me apart is that I care tremendously for the people and I am a natural-born advocate for others. I am passionate about helping others.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Communication from the Town to my district about things that matter to the community members has only been through attending Town Board Meetings, or through the use of the Town webpage, to gain access to prerecorded meetings. I feel that an electronic District newsletter highlighting the areas discussed at board meetings, as well as things that have been voted on and passed is crucial for greater transparency from the town to my District. Discussion of infrastructure projects, such as ongoing road projects should also be shared within those communities. This will lead to greater communication and awareness for residents within these areas.

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

The Town of North Hempstead acted proactively, increasing communication through Zoom meetings, and focusing on providing an updated business model through digital access. They also supported members of the community, with outdoor community events to encourage social distancing, while still being engaged with the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I will help maintain our tripe a bond rating, to maintain a balanced budget under the tax cap. I will advocate for all within the community.

Our district is composed of individuals who come from different backgrounds, but seek the goal of a community. My goal would be to support all within the community, based on the needs expressed by the town members.

During door knocking, I noted that many in my district were unaware of programs that we have available to them, such as Project Independence. We need to continue to reach out and support our residents.

We need to also continue with the Town's strong foundation of environmental conservation so that North Hempstead could be sustainable for future generations. New builds must meet the criteria for energy conservation, and equipment used by the Town should be replaced with more efficient items, such as LED lights, insulated windows, and HVAC within buildings. Other conservation programs for use of native plants, composting, and using rain barrels as collections for water support conservation, as well.

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

As a Speech Language Pathologist, I have had the opportunity to advocate for all within the community, based on their needs. It takes listening to the community, with hopes of devising a plan and highlighting positive outcomes. Focusing on goals, and identifying benchmarks to achieve those goals. As a Town council person, I would meet that challenge.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Laura Curran said, "When someone asks you to run, you run."

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

I have the drive, focus, and enthusiasm for the position. I am running for Town Council with the endorsement of community members, unions, County Executive Laura Curran, and Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. I feel we need to meet with those in the community, to make sure we have plans to support all within the town.

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