Over the past year local media coverage, both in these pages and in Newsday, has regularly featured the challenges millennial Long Islanders face due to the high cost of living in our communities.
The issue is a vital one, not just for local millennials, but also for all of the Island’s residents who need us to sustain economic growth and our tax base.
Accordingly, this issue should be front and center in our local elections. In terms of who to support, voters should look to who is taking steps to address the issue.
Leading the charge has been Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman (D), whose office released a report in August titled “The Deal For The Next Generation.”
The report offered concrete solutions to address the issue including investing in public transportation, working to relieve debt burdens stemming from the cost of higher education, and adjusting zoning regulations to increase housing stock.
Similarly, behind Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Democrats in the Town of North Hempstead have made great strides in keeping costs down for residents. They have maintained the highest possible municipal bond rating of Aaa for the Town. This has allowed taxpayers to save significantly by keeping debt servicing payments to a minimum.
In response, with a number of hotly contested Town Council races this November, voters focusing on this issue should invest in Bosworth’s success and support fellow Democrats Veronica Lurvey in Great Neck, Mariann Dalimonte in Port Washington, and Peter Zuckerman in Roslyn.
Making Long Island affordable for my generation is a critical issue for our communities. Residents, our local press, and some of our elected official have identified the issue, now it is up to the voters to make their voices heard so that the issue can be addressed.
Peter Fishkind
Great Neck
