In May 2014, county Democrats, Town of North Hempstead officials and community members called for Ellen Birnbaum, a fellow Democrat, to step down from her seat on the Nassau County Legislature for racially insensitive comments about the African-American community.
Birnbaum resisted those calls, which we supported, and soldiered on despite being stripped of her committee assignments, banned from the minority and Democratic caucus and having one staff member removed.
She said would continue to diligently represent her district.
Birnbaum has been true to her word since then, working full time in what is generally a part-time position and attending every legislative meeting.
She has also taken advantage of her 18 years in Town of North Hempstead government and a degree in finance to advocate for her constituents as a Democrat in a Legislature in which Republicans hold a 12-7 advantage.
Like other Democrats, Birnbaum supports two reforms we consider crucial to righting the Nassau County Legislature — a redistricting commission and an independent inspector general to oversee county contracts.
Birnbaum is opposed by David Adhami, a lawyer who is running on the Republican and Conservative lines.
Adhami has pledged an independent, common-sense approach to county government, but has joined other Republicans in opposing a redistricting commission and an independent inspector general to oversee county contracts.
We agree with him on legislation that bars officials found guilty of corruption from receiving pension benefits, but do not agree with a call for term limits shared by both Republicans and some Democrats.
Terms limits eliminate well-qualified officials along with the unqualified and give the county executive and party leaders more say over county legislators.
Besides, they would have had no impact on any of the county officials indicted for political corruption or under criminal investigation.
Adhami also has spent little time getting acquainted with local government.
We strongly endorse Birnbaum for re-election.
The 10th Legislative District includes Great Neck, Herricks, North Hills, North New Hyde Park, Searingtown and Albertson.
