Candidate Profile: Claudia Lovas For Nassau Legislator

LONG BEACH, NY — Election Day is fast approaching and Patch is giving you a look at the candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Nassau County's 4th Legislative District features Democrat Claudia Lovas looking to upend incumbent Denise Ford.

The 4th L.D. includes Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach, Long Beach and Point Lookout.

Patch asked Lovas where she stands on important issues affecting the community. Here are her responses.

Claudia Lovas

Age (as of Election Day)

46

Position Sought

Nassau County Legislator District 4

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Robert Armbruster, husband; Adrian Armbruster, son 14 y/o ; Ava Armbruster, daughter 12 y/o

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

BA SUNY Stony Brook, Juris Doctor at Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

Occupation

Managing Attorney 21 years of practice

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign website

FB Page: Claudia Lovas for LD4

Why are you seeking elective office?

District 4 is long overdue for a change. Having the same elected official in the same office for almost two full decades is a disservice for the constituents of District 4. District 4 continues to be plagued with the issues and problems that remain unresolved year after year. We deserve a new vision, a fresh pair of eyes to address and solve our issues and the willingness to listen to the concerns of the residents of this district.

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

COVID remains a significant concern for constituents of Nassau County given that the virus continues to spread throughout our Country. Initially, Nassau County had one of the highest numbers of COVID cases outside of New York City. County Executive Laura Curran efficiently took control of an unprecedented situation. Now, 17 months later, over 90% of adult residents in Nassau County over the age of 18 have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Laura Curran has done a remarkable job handling the worst health crisis in over 100 years. However, the threat is not over and the task cannot be performed alone. This undertaking requires a government that is committed to working with Laura Curran, not against her. As legislator, I will be dedicated to helping the County Executive in her continued efforts to make vaccines readily accessible to all residents so we can keep our communities and first responders safe. In the continued control of the pandemic, I will partner with the County Executive in her steady approach of supporting families and small businesses to continue restoring the fiscal health of the County.

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

I am the only true Democrat running for this position. I will work closely with the County Executive to invest in the public safety of our community, recover from the pandemic and protect our environment from the negative effects of climate change. Conversely, my opponent, who claims she is a Democrat, blocks the County Executive's agenda at every turn standing in the way of progress for the residents of Nassau County.

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

Despite all of the progress made by the County Executive such as eliminating corruption, being fiscally responsible, creating a budgetary surplus and holding the line on taxes, my opponent takes every opportunity to block the Curran administration's initiatives to the detriment of Nassau County residents.

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

I believe that County Executive, Laura Curran has done a remarkable job responding to the pandemic. As Legislator, I commit to working with her, instead of against her as my opponent has time and time again. Moving forward we need to eliminate the continued obstacles created by the Republican Legislative Majority that derail initiatives proposed by the County Executive to the detriment of Nassau County residents. I am prepared to work collaboratively with the County Executive and my priority is to find more solutions aimed at keeping people in the County safe such as continued easy access to vaccines. Additionally, I will work to gain trust in the constituents of the 4th District in an attempt to eliminate fears and concerns associated with receiving the vaccine.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As legislator, I am committed to doing better for the constituents of LD 4 which my opponent has failed to do. The 4th District requires more initiatives for improvements of our environment including protecting our shores and maximizing on our designation of a Climate Smart Community. I look forward to working with the County Executive in her continued efforts to be fiscally responsible by holding the line on property taxes, fueling our local economies and keeping our communities safe.

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

I have been a litigator for over 20 years defending religious institutions, nursing homes and many other not-for-profit institutions. In that time, I have spent my time negotiating and mediating issues in order to obtain the best resolution for my clients. I have done so with tenacity knowing that settlements do not come easy yet I have been successful in my approach. I am also a successful businesswoman developing two separate law practices for two out-of-state insurance companies from the ground up. My ability to manage, set goals and achieve results makes me qualified and ready for any challenges I would face as County Legislator.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One's life is all about choices and if you want a fulfilling life, chose to serve.

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

I believe this district deserves better. I am eager to listen to the resident of the 4th District so that I can find the best ways to advocate for the residents' concerns and rights. I come to this position with a new vision for a brighter future and a means to bring new ideas for the betterment of the residents. I am not a politician but rather a public servant keeping people over politics. I am the only true Democrat running for this office will partner with Laura Curran to continue all the great progress she and her administration have made so far.