Dear Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Israel and Representative Rice:
We write to you today as local elected leaders representing all or parts of the Town of North Hempstead, including the communities of Great Neck, Roslyn and Port Washington.
We are all committed Democrats and we strongly and consistently support the principles and policies of our Party, our leaders and President Obama.
From time to time, unique circumstances arise that require us to voice our concern about an issue that is beyond the domain of local government but is of great importance to our residents and, indeed, to every American.
One such issue has arisen now and that is the proposed multinational deal with lran regarding its nuclear development program.
Even without the benefit of formal polls, we me confident many of the residents we represent are opposed to this deal, and with good reason.
In the Town of North Hempstead, we have a highly educated and informed community, including a large number of residents who are originally from Iran, who know and understand the situation in that country and the mentality of its leaders.
In addition, ours is a diverse and inclusive community that has always been strongly supportive of and concerned about the security of Israel, the country most threatened by Iran.
We have reviewed expert analyses and information, and observed the hearings that have begun in Washington.
We have listened closely to the people we represent. We have come to the conclusion that the disadvantages and dangers that will result if this deal is consummated far outweigh any positive benefits.
As local elected officials and concerned constituents, we look to you for your leadership on this critical issue, with respect to which we have no official role.
However, we do have a responsibility to our residents to tell you how strongly the community feels about this matter.
It is not easy for any loyal Democrat to oppose an important initiative of a President whose values we share and whose accomplishments we admire.
However, following much careful thought and deliberation, we have come to the conclusion that approval of this deal will not be good for the United States or for Israel and we urge you to vote against it.
We appeal to you to do so in the interests of our own national security, the survival of Israel, the security and stability of the Middle East region, and to ensure a world that is free of the threat of a nuclear-capable Iran.
Sincerely yours,
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth
Peter J. Zuckerman,
Councilman
Town of North Hempstead
Anna M. Kaplan,
Councilwoman
Town of North Hempstead
Charles E. Berman,
Receiver of Taxes
Town of North Hempstead
Ellen W. Birnbaum,
Nassau County Legislator
Lee R. Seeman,
Councilwoman
Town of North Hempstead
Judith A. Jacobs,
Nassau County Legislator
