Nassau Legislature Candidates: Meet Ellen Birnbaum

GREAT NECK, NY — Nassau County voters will hit the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for legislature.

In District 10, Democrat Ellen Birnbaum seeks a fourth term against Helene Sherman, who is running on the Republican line. The district includes communities in the Great Neck peninsula, as well as Manhasset Hills, the Village of North Hills, and parts of Albertson, Garden City Park, Herricks, Manhasset, North New Hyde Park and Searingtown.

Patch reached out to both candidates via email and/or Facebook 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.

Ellen Birnbaum

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 64
• Town of residence: Great Neck
• Position sought: Nassau County Legislator
• Party affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Husband, Mark Birnbaum; Deborah, Jonathan and Laura.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Mark Birnbaum - village justice; Deborah Birnbaum - U.S. Department of Labor
• Education: Cornell University, bachelor of science; NYU - master of business administration.
• Occupation: Legislator for the past six years.
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: Prior to the legislature, I served as director of the Office of Intermunicipal Coordination for the Town of North Hempstead.
• Campaign Website: FB.com/EllenBirnbaumLD10

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

Public safety. I have advocated for years for the reopening of the sixth precinct. Renovations of the building are nearly complete and the precinct is once again a reality for the community. I am also working to improve county roads to make them safer for pedestrians and vehicles.

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

I have a long record of public service, community involvement and experience in government.

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

No response.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As the ranking member of the Nassau County finance committee, I have been scrutinizing the county budget, asking tough questions and looking for cost savings opportunities. Also, I am very interested in seeing the Saddle Rock Grist Mill, a county historic site, renovated so that it can once again be open to the public. I have been working with the county to secure grants for this work which began his past summer.

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

For the past three terms, I have worked diligently to serve my constituents. I am proud to have successfully led the fight to reopen the sixth precinct. I have held numerous public meetings, provided local services, and have been responsive to the concerns of residents. It is my honor to represent the 10th District of the legislature.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My Dad told me that when you choose to join a group then do it with your whole heart and make a difference.

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

As a lifelong resident of Nassau County, I care deeply about the future of our county. I strongly believe that we should be creating a community where young people choose to live, raise their families and be able to remain here.