North Hempstead Town Council Candidates: Meet David Y. Chiang

GREAT NECK, NY — Voters in the Town of North Hempstead's 4th District will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for council member.

Veronica Lurvey, a Democrat who was appointed to the vacant council seat in January, seeks election against Republican David Yaudoon Chiang of Manhasset.

The 4th District includes the unincorporated areas of Manhasset and Great Neck, as well as the villages of Great Neck, Kensington, Kings Point, North Hills, Roslyn, Roslyn Estates and Thomaston.

Patch reached out to both candidates via email and/or Facebook to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are their responses.

David Y. Chiang

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 50
• Town of residence: Town of North Hempstead
• Position sought: North Hempstead councilman, 4th District.
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: Wife, Cathy Chiang, children Sophia, 11, Ethan, 9, Cecilia, 5.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.
• Education: NYU Stern School of Business
• Occupation: Currently a stay at home dad; former Wall Street executive for 18 years.
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: None.
• Campaign Website: ElectDavidChiang.com

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

The major issues facing Great Neck, Manhasset and Roslyn is the same as the foremost issues confronting all of our residents. In specific, soaring taxes are not sustainable. Governments have to live within a budget, just like the families that we serve. I will work with all departments to find innovative solutions to increase level of service to our residents without putting extra burdens on them. Albert Einstein once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We cannot keep electing the same type of town officials and expecting better services and expect them to be keep taxes in check. We must elect official that have different backgrounds and offer unique approaches to problems. I offer a fresh voice and bold vision.

See also: North Hempstead Town Council Candidates: Meet Veronica Lurvey

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

My background and experience in the field of finance will provide a valuable business perspective to sound management of North Hempstead's budget. In fact, I believe taxpayers desire a seasoned professional to go through the town’s expenditures, as well as tax and fee collections, with a fine-tooth comb. Further, reviewing the town's long- and short-term debt is an area where more oversight can help ensure residents that their future tax outlook is stable. As a professional in the financial industry for over 18 years, I am focused on financial accountability. Do we really need another lawyer turned politician in the 4th district?

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

The town board has had one party majority for years and this leads to complacency and inefficiency.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have a history of fighting large companies who try to erode our suburban way of life and standard of living we've come to expect and deserve. I was successful in fighting MedMen who tried to open a marijuana store near our schools and places of worship. I will fight for the best interest of our community by working with local, state and national agencies to make sure our town gets all the funding and resources we deserve. We cannot be the pocket book for the state and continue to have deteriorating infrastructure and congested streets.

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

I am proud that I was instrumental in promoting legislation regarding the recreational sale of marijuana in North Hempstead. Working with community groups, organizing rallies, utilizing social media and speaking to a host of groups, I was successful in educating people of the dangers of having such sales near our schools, parks, community centers and other areas that would expose young, vulnerable people to recreational marijuana sales and use.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My dad used to say: "Don't take off your pants to fart." I believe governments are increasingly doing unnecessary things and creating bureaucracies and finding new ways to tax us to support this infrastructure of their own creation. We must work for the people and be good stewards of their funds and trust. We must make the building department more user-friendly and increase turnaround of permits for residential and commercial projects. It's crazy that residents have to wait up to a year for simple renovations which beautify our community and increase values. We have a tremendous number of commercial vacancies in town because businesses perceive the building department as obstruction to their success. I have common sense and a practical approach to finding unique, innovative solutions to issues facing our town.

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

I'm living the American dream and I want to work to preserve the suburban way of life we expect and deserve for us and our kids. I worked at a sweat shop in lower Manhattan at age 9 and worked three jobs to put myself through NYU. I will work hard and smart for the Town of North Hempstead.