Democrat Jon Kaiman received significant support from a major trade union as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1049, which represents some 4,000 electrical and gas workers across Long Island and parts of Queens dedicated to providing safe and reliable electric and gas service today (Monday, October 23, 2023) voted to officially endorse Democrat Jon Kaiman.
IBEW 1049 Business Manager Pat Guidice called Democrat Jon Kaiman “a strong advocate for labor rights, fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and the interests of working families.” The IBEW1049 support of Democrat Jon Kaiman follows Newsday’s major endorsement: “There is little doubt that Kaiman can jump-start the town to address its challenges, especially with his skills to engage state and federal partners.” Great Neck News columnist Karen Rubin also touted Democrat Kaiman’s “track record of bold accomplishments, and that when he says he sees his purpose in government in terms of making our lives, our communities, our neighborhoods better, these are not empty words,” in a column also shared with the Island 360 subscribers.
Official Press Release
Newsday Endorses Jon Kaiman, Democrat for Town Supervisor
“There is little doubt that Kaiman can jump-start the town to address its challenges, especially with his skills to engage state and federal partners. Newsday endorses Kaiman.”
Newsday
10/19/23
North Hempstead residents have the choice between giving freshman incumbent Jennifer S. DeSena another term to grasp the reins of town government or returning to office Jon Kaiman, who ran the town for ten years.
October 19, 2023
Kaiman 61 did not seek reelection as supervisor in 2013 and since then has served as chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority and as an administrator of the state’s relief program after Superstorm Sandy. He is currently a deputy to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. He says that those 10 years of administrative experience have given him new insights on how to run the town as well as some “humility.”
October 19, 2023
In his earlier tenure, Kaiman established the town’s 311 program and created a better transportation service for older residents to help them age in place. Kaiman said he would review town code and projects for their environmental impact such as making sure building codes protect homeowners from the dangers of flooding.
October 19, 2023
Viewpoint: No contest—Jon Kaiman is better North Hempstead supervisor
October 16, 2023
by Karen Rubin
Unlike most elections where the challenger can simply argue against all the bad things that have occurred and take on the role of an outsider upending the establishment or the status quo, the upcoming election for North Hempstead town supervisor pits two people who have records in the job. The contest is between Republican Jennifer DeSena, who currently holds the office of North Hempstead supervisor, and Jon Kaiman, who served for 10 years as supervisor.
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… the only thing that DeSena has to show for her first term in office – as she constantly reminds us with a barrage of mailers and TV ads (where is that money coming from?) is tax cuts that had to be shaved back from her original proposal as being irresponsible. She is literally trying to buy the election.
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Her lack of leadership skills is on view at every Town Board meeting and the fact that she has never actually initiated anything.
In contrast, as North Hempstead’s supervisor for five terms from 2004 to 2013, Kaiman proved himself to be a bold visionary and leader. Some ideas (like accessory housing, which really should be revisited) had to be withdrawn (again, as a responsible elected official), but at least he tried. And what he did accomplish was transformative for our town – Project Independence, which helped seniors stay in their homes and put North Hempstead on the top of “best places to live, retire” lists; 311 which changed how town government responds to residents; and protected greenspaces.
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DeSena….actually can’t point to any real accomplishment.
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Her stunning lack of leadership is demonstrated at most town meetings. which have been widely mocked. I vacillate as to whether it is because she is incompetent or just lazy.
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Her support of admitted conman and fraudster George Santos to be elected to Congress points to her lack of judgment and seriousness, and sheer opportunism as a convert to the Republican Party.
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With Kaiman, we know he has made strides in all of these areas: When he was last North Hempstead’s supervisor, he demonstrated his interest in climate action to protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint, creating the town’s first-ever “Green Fleet” of 20 hybrid and electric vehicles; has demonstrated support for Israel; support for women’s rights (DeSena evaded a vote to promote more access to women’s health clinics); housing (he also opposes Gov. Kathy Hochul’s state mandates, but I have no doubt he will come up with a better solution in keeping with our “suburban” character); support for veterans; fiscal responsibility (he served on NIFA and in every way has shown in-depth understanding of fiscal realities); expanding access to mental health.
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Kaiman already has a track record of bold accomplishments, and that when he says he sees his purpose in government in terms of making our lives, our communities, our neighborhoods better, these are not empty words.
Read the full article at the island 360
https://theisland360.com/opinions-100/viewpoint-no-contest-jon-kaiman-is-better-north-hempstead-supervisor/
Schumer calls Democrat Kaiman “an exemplary public servant whose name is synonymous with excellence in public service
Democrat Jon Kaiman received the significant endorsement of United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in his campaign to return as North Hempstead Town Supervisor.
Official Press Release
Democrat Jon Kaiman received significant support from a statewide law enforcement union as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead
The New York State Court Officers Association (“NYSCOA”), which proudly represents dedicated men and women Court Officers charged with providing security services and maintaining order within court facilities statewide, today (Tuesday, October 10, 2023) endorsed Democrat Jon Kaiman.
Official Press Release
Democrat Jon Kaiman earned the endorsement of the Italian American Political Action Committee of New York (“I AM PAC”) as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead.
I AM PAC is a non-partisan political action committee, registered and operating in the State of New York, whose founders, officers and members, representing a broad spectrum of political philosophies, identifies and supports “candidates for political office, or incumbents, whose actions will be sensitive to, and respective of, the interests and well-being of the Italian American community throughout the State of New York.”
Official Press Release
US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Endorses Democrat Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead Town Supervisor
Democrat Jon Kaiman received the significant endorsement of United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in his campaign to return as North Hempstead Town Supervisor.
Official Press Release
300,000+ Health Care Workers of 1199 SEIU Endorse Democrat Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead Town Supervisor
Democrat Jon Kaiman received significant support from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead. 1199SEIU unites over 300,000 healthcare workers throughout New York.
Official Press Release
While working as a legislative aide to the Town Board during Jon Kaiman’s tenure as North Hempstead supervisor, I was witness to his ardent determination to continue in the tradition of his predecessor, May Newburger, to lead a town government that would always be responsive to residents’ needs. Two of his major initiatives and accomplishments were the creation of Project Independence for Seniors, now a national model, plus the updating of public housing.
After meeting with seniors throughout the Town, it was clear that many wanted a program that would allow them to “age in place,” so they could live in familiar surroundings at home. He immediately got to work to create Project Independence for them. This program quickly expanded to include discount taxi rides to medical and dental appointments plus grocery shopping for seniors. Also added were other various programs, including exercise, nutrition, health and more. The success of Project Independence is huge, its impact tremendous.
Shortly after taking office, Supervisor Kaiman also met with Manhasset’s Spinney Hill residents who described their nearly unhabitable apartments. Clearly, the living situation could not continue since residents were now reduced to living in dilapidated, squalid, and dangerous conditions.
Supervisor Kaiman wasted no time and immediately inspected the Spinney Hill complex. He was shocked by the poorly maintained apartments’ conditions. They were filled with mold, leaking pipes, peeling paint, dangerous exposed electrical wires, cracked windows and broken bathroom tiles. Desperate to keep apartments warm in the cold months, tenants were forced to heat their apartments with open oven doors due to the heating system constantly breaking down.
Wasting no time, Supervisor Kaiman immediately consulted with the North Hempstead Housing Authority and other construction and rehab professionals. Within three years, this rehabilitation project was completed. At Spinney Hill’s grand re-opening, a senior resident was crying. She told me that she never thought she would ever live in such a beautiful place. She always thought she would be condemned to living in a broken-down hovel.
It should also be noted that former Supervisor Kaiman didn’t stop there, he expanded this rehabilitation program to include other North Hempstead public housing units located in Westbury, Port Washington, Roslyn and on East Shore Road in Great Neck. He wasted no time bringing these apartments up to code, as well.
In these dark times, clearly Jon Kaiman is the leader we desperately need. I urge you to vote wisely and to vote Row A on Tuesday, Nov. 7 for Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead Town Supervisor along with his team. I know that I will do so and will do so having great confidence in Jon Kaiman’s ability to lead us.
Eleanor Lange
Manhasset
The original post can be found here.
When you have no new programs, no new ideas or policies the best course of action is to viciously attack your opponent and that is exactly the campaign Jennifer DeSena our current North Hempstead supervisor is running.
If you like playing ping pong at the Senior Center, if you like taking courses at the Senior Center, if you like having an inexpensive lunch each day at the Senior Center, if you like getting inexpensive cab rides for doctor visits, thank Jon Kaiman.
These programs have been instituted through Project Independence which services our senior community and Project Independence was created by Jon Kaiman.
If you need information concerning town events, programs and general town information call 311. Jon Kaiman instituted this service for our community.
When tragedy hit our area his record was stellar. Jon was appointed by the governor for the clean-up and recovery effort in super storm Sandy. He did an outstanding job. He is known as “The Superstorm Recovery Czar”
Jon is an extremely creative and energetic man who has served his community well over the past forty years.
He obtained millions of dollars in federal grants for environmental infrastructure, housing and community improvement.
He built the Yes We Can Community Center in New Cassel, created and implemented the school recycling partnership, helped improve the quality of water through a variety of initiatives, created a no-kill shelter for dogs and the list goes on and on.
Just think of a future with a man who is interested in the environment, clean water, a protected coastline and creative ways of servicing our community. Jon has a proven record of initiating programs, services and government that works for the people.
Don’t let the negativity of DeSena guide you let the positive accomplishments of Jon Kaiman and the future possibilities of Jon Kaiman’s innovative programs that service North Hempstead guide your vote.
Charlotte Sear
Great Neck
The original article can be found here.
Preserving Open Space:
Our administration remains committed to preserving open spaces whenever possible, ensuring that our community continues to enjoy green areas and recreational opportunities. Beyond the aesthetic value, open spaces are essential for wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and residents’ mental and physical well-being.
Coastal Resilience:
By implementing best practices in our coastal neighborhoods, we will enhance resilience against extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and flooding, safeguarding our coastal communities for future generations. This entails comprehensive planning, shoreline restoration, and stormwater management strategies to protect both our environment and the homes and businesses along our coastlines.
Improving Municipal Energy Efficiency:
Leading by example, we will enhance the energy efficiency of municipal buildings, fleets, and operations. This includes upgrading infrastructure, implementing smart building technologies, and optimizing energy consumption to reduce costs and minimize our carbon footprint. This initiative goes beyond cost savings; it underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations.
Renewable Energy Sources:
Efforts to promote the use of renewable energy sources in all land use decisions will be a priority. The town will also look to renewables as a source of economic development and public investment.
Promoting Low-Carbon Transportation:
Expanding accessibility for electric, plug-in hybrid, and low-carbon alternative fuel vehicles will be a priority. We aim to establish widespread charging capacity, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly transportation options across North Hempstead. By doing so, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also improve air quality and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, promoting a healthier and more sustainable community.
Septic System Replacement Incentives:
Incentivizing the replacement of failing septic systems will reduce groundwater contamination and contribute to cleaner water resources. This program not only addresses a significant environmental concern but also ensures the health and safety of our residents.
Green Infrastructure for Flood Control:
Implementing green infrastructure in public and private spaces will control flooding and surface water pollution caused by stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure initiatives like rain gardens and permeable pavements not only mitigate flooding but also enhance the aesthetic value of our communities and support local biodiversity.
School Recycling and Environmental Education:
We will reinstate and expand the award-winning “Town of North Hempstead School Recycling Partnership Program,” involving all 12 local school districts. This program not only reduces waste but also instills environmental stewardship in our children, encouraging them to practice recycling at home. The program’s expansion means that we can educate more students about recycling, fostering a lifelong commitment to sustainability.
Residential Composting Cooperative:
Introducing a curbside composting pilot program in a designated area with the aim of town-wide adoption will reduce organic waste, enrich soil quality, and promote a culture of sustainability. Composting is not only an effective waste reduction strategy but also a soil enhancement practice, supporting local agriculture and community gardens.
Transition to Sustainable Waste Fleets:
Encouraging our solid waste fleets to transition to energy-efficient vehicles will lower emissions, reduce operational costs, and set a positive example for the community. This initiative aligns with our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of municipal operations and supports the growth of the green vehicle industry.
The Town of North Hempstead’s tree policy developed by Councilwoman Lurvey and the tree committee over which she presides will be a priority policy for my administration. Rain gardens and tree plantings with a focus on native species will be incorporated into all land use decision-making and ecosystem restoration.
Public Engagement for Plan Implementation
We will facilitate public engagement to ensure effective plan implementation, collaborating with local governments, businesses, organizations, and residents to achieve our sustainability objectives. Transparency and community involvement are essential to the success of our initiatives, as we believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient North Hempstead.
By diligently executing these actionable sustainability initiatives, our administration is committed to building a greener, more prosperous, and socially responsible future for the Town of North Hempstead. Together, we can set a high standard for sustainable practices and create lasting positive impacts for our community. Our vision of a sustainable North Hempstead extends beyond immediate goals – it’s a legacy we aim to leave for future generations.
The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. To ensure that our air quality meets the highest standards, we will develop an air quality monitoring program.
This program will provide real-time data on air quality in various locations across North Hempstead, allowing us to respond proactively to any emerging air quality issues and safeguard the health of our community. Recent wildfire smoke from Canada reminds us that, despite our environmentally minded community, we are not immune from the global effects of climate change.
Corporate Challenge for Carbon Emissions Reduction
Addressing climate change requires a collective effort that includes both public and private sectors. We will launch a corporate challenge aimed at engaging businesses to reduce their carbon emissions from food by 25 percent by 2030. By partnering with local companies and providing resources and incentives, we can support the private sector in adopting sustainable practices, contributing to our community-wide emissions reduction goals.
This initiative not only benefits the environment but also enhances the reputation of our local businesses as responsible corporate citizens.
To comprehensively address our carbon footprint and identify opportunities for emission reductions, we are committed to releasing a new, integrated emissions inventory.
This inventory will consider emissions from the production of goods and services that North Hempstead residents use, regardless of where that production occurs. By adopting a holistic approach, we can better understand and mitigate our indirect emissions, contributing to our sustainability goals.
Former Nassau Exec Curran Endorses Democrat Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead Town Supervisor
Of Democrat Kaiman, Curran continued, “He also has a strong record of fiscal discipline and a cast-iron commitment to reining in wasteful spending. There’s a reason Jon’s opponents are running scared and lying about his record. They know that Jon has earned the trust and respect of the Town’s residents and that he will always put people – not politics – first.”
Official Press Release
When Reproductive Rights Matters, Choose Democrat Kaiman
Democrat Jon Kaiman earned endorsement of the Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Political Action Committee (PPGNYPAC) in his campaign to return as North Hempstead Town Supervisor. PPGNYPAC Political Coordinator Leanna Zilles called Democrat Kaiman “a strong supporter of reproductive health, rights, and justice.”
Democrat Kaiman, who traveled to the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. last year to protest its Dobbs decision stated, “I will ensure that the Town of North Hempstead remains a place where reproductive healthcare choices are respected, supported, and protected.” Democrat Kaiman also spoke at and attended numerous protests and rallies throughout Long Island in defense of reproductive rights.”
In his effort to return as North Hempstead Town Supervisor, Democrat Jon Kaiman leads North Hempstead Town Democrat ticket that includes: current Town Council Member Veronica Lurvey for Receiver of Taxes, Town Council Members Mariann Dalimonte and Peter Zuckerman and Town Council candidate Christine Liu.
A trusted, tested and experienced public servant who is an innovative and common-sense problem-solver, Democrat Jon Kaiman offers a new vision on how to approach town government. He brings real experience and produced real results. After working in state and county government, Kaiman brings a whole new breadth of experience that allows him to build on his vast knowledge on how the Town of North Hempstead should work for its residents.
Kaiman previously served as a District Court Judge, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor for five terms (2004-2013) including devising and implementing its 311 Call Center and Project Independence for its senior population, chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), led the state’s response to Superstorm Sandy and currently is Deputy County Executive in Suffolk where he helped developed projects that address climate change, including electric vehicle charging stations and projects collecting power from wind and solar.
For more information, visit https://www.jonkaiman.com or contact info@jonkaiman.com.
Read The Full White Paper
Comptroller DiNapoli & State Dem Chair Jacobs join Democrat Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Candidate, & Town Dems Ticket to open Port Washington HQ
100+ attend Grand Opening at 413 Main Street
Democrat Jon Kaiman, seeking election to return as North Hempstead Town Supervisor, and the entire town Democratic ticket – Veronica Lurvey for Receiver of Taxes, Town Council Members Mariann Dalimonte and Peter Zuckerman and Town Council candidate Christine Liu — and County Legislator D’Elia Deriggi-Whitton held the Grand Opening of their Port Washington Campaign Office, Sunday, September 10, 2023. More than one hundred Democrats rallied enthusiastically at 413 Main Street in support of the Democratic ticket to deliver financial stability and cost-efficient services for all residents of North Hempstead.
“Our ticket is comprised of experienced, talented, and trusted individuals, all with significant government experience,” Kaiman told the assembled enthusiastic Democrats. “We are Democrats, we are going to run as Democrats, we are going to win as Democrats and we going to win in November!”
Town Council Member Mariann Dalimonte stated, “I constantly work to be a representative that advocates for our community, making sure that I am accessible and nobody feels like that they don’t have a voice in the Town of North Hempstead.”
Other speakers included New York State and Nassau County Democratic chair Jay Jacobs, Town Democratic Chair Wayne Wink, County legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton, Town Council Member and candidate for Receiver of Taxes Veronica Lurvey, former Congressman Tom Suozzi, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Port Washington Democratic Club President Kim Keiserman who also served as Master of Ceremonies.
Special guests included Assembly Member Gina Sillitti, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Town Council Member Peter Zuckerman, Town Council candidate Christine Liu, Former State Senator Anna Kaplan, Port Washington Police Commissioner Brian Staley, Baxter Estates Mayor Nora Haagenson, Port Washington North Mayor Bob Weitzner and Manhasset Democratic Club President Vasu Krishnamurthy.
About Jon Kaiman, Suozzi stated, “He has a tremendous record of real accomplishments that have made people’s lives better. He is a student of government and how government works and he knows how to get government and politics to work together to get things done to help people.
DiNapoli stated, “Jon Kaiman was born to serve. He’s spent a lot of time helping others and making a big difference.”
Kaiman previously served as a District Court Judge, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor for five terms (2004-2013) including devising and implementing its 311 Call Center and Project Independence for its senior population, chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), led the state’s response to Superstorm Sandy and currently is Deputy County Executive in Suffolk where as co-chair of the Police Reform and Reimagine Task Force, Kaiman worked with police, community advocates, legislators, union leadership and the public to reach an overall consensus on how the Suffolk Police Department, the 12th largest police department in the country, could better serve the entire Suffolk County community, producing one of the most comprehensive police reform plans in the State of New York with buy-ins from the community and the PBA and Chaired the county’s Opioid Task Force and co-Chaired the Police Commissioner Search Committee.
Volunteers can call the campaign at (516) 216-9640 or email info@jonkaiman.com. In addition to Great Neck and Port Washington, additional campaign offices are opening in New Hyde Park and New Cassel.
For more information, visit https://www.jonkaiman.com or contact info@jonkaiman.com.
Read The PDF Version
So Say New York League of Conservation Voters & Sierra Club
Democrat Jon Kaiman earned Environmental Seals of Approval as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead. Both The New York League of Conservation Voters and The Sierra Club endorsed Democrat Jon Kaiman for Town of North Hempstead Supervisor in the election to be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The New York League of Conservation Voters is the only non-partisan, statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space through political action.
The Sierra Club, America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization, and its constituent Chapters and Groups including its volunteer-led Atlantic Chapter representing 50,000 members across New York State, work to elect political leaders who will take action to protect the planet – who will work to ensure that the present and future generations have clean air, clean water, safe and healthy neighborhoods and access to wild lands and open spaces.
“My focus in every government leadership position I have held, including my role as Deputy County Executive, in my role in the New York Rising Sandy Relief program, and during my previous service as Town of North Hempstead Supervisor, is to pursue environmental policies to reduce greenhouse gases; protect our drinking water; clean and restore our bays and wetlands; reduce, reuse and recycle our waste; develop renewable energy sources; and educate the public on why and how we will work towards a cleaner, more sustainable planet,” stated Kaiman.
“As the former Town Supervisor of North Hempstead, Jon Kaiman enacted numerous strong environmental policies, including the establishment of a town-wide school recycling initiative, his “Stop Throwing Out Pollutants” program, and his efforts to clean up Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor,” stated Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters. “We also commend his work protecting the shorelines across Long Island and Queens in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which was critical to preventing future flooding damage. Jon Kaiman is a proven environmental leader on Long Island and that is why NYLCV is proud to endorse his candidacy for North Hempstead Town Supervisor.”
Our endorsement is based on your demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and our expectation that, going forward, you will continue to work diligently to preserve and enhance Long Island’s precious environmental resources,” wrote Sierra Club Long Island Group Political Chair Albert Fredericks in the group’s letter informing Democrat Jon Kaiman of its endorsement.
As North Hempstead Town Supervisor (2004-2013) Democrat Kaiman initiated an aggressive environmental agenda while ensuring the town’s fiscal stability, including:
- The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Award-winning North Hempstead School Recycling Partnership Program taught 40,000 future leaders how to properly dispose of recyclable waste.
- The first municipality in New York to institute a Pharmaceutical Take Back Program, an EPA award-winning initiative, which led to diverting hundreds of tons of unused and unwanted pharmaceuticals entering our waterways or getting into the wrong hands.
- The first municipality on Long Island to institute a residential Composting Cooperative and a Recycle the Rain rain barrel program.
- Developed a “Virtual Recycle Store” where, from A-Z, you could search for almost any item that you would like to dispose of and The Town of North Hempstead supplied the proper means of disposal, recycling information or a donation suggestion.
- North Hempstead received the Diamond Award for Energy from The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for serving as the lead agency for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Sustainability Plan for Long Island.
- Merged two local sewer districts to create one tertiary plant that cost less to the taxpayers while significantly reducing nitrogen flow into Manhasset Bay.
- Reseeded Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor with oysters in order to create natural filters to help clean it up and improve the water quality.
- Restored Long Island Sound wetlands along town bays.
- Created and implemented Clean Sweep and Green Team programs cleaning streets, and picking up litter and debris from throughout the town on an ongoing basis.
- Envisioning, funding, designing and building the Platinum LEED Certified Yes We Can Community Center in New Cassel, Westbury which including geo thermal wells, a solar wall and solar parking panels, an electric vehicle charging station, gray water, natural light in every room on every floor of the building, recycling construction materials, and the addition of a bus stop to enhanced public transportation.
As Deputy Suffolk County Executive, Kaiman initiated and helped implement environmental policy programs such as:
- The County Electric Vehicles program including being a featured speaker on municipal transformation to electric vehicle fleets at the annual New York Association Counties Conference in 2019.
- A county school recycling program based on Kaiman’s North Hempstead program.
- A state-of-the-art wind energy training facility in Brentwood in partnership with the National Offshore Wind Training Center board that will train offshore wind industry.
For more information, visit https://www.jonkaiman.com or contact info@jonkaiman.com.
Read The White Paper
If Environment Matters, Vote Democrat Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead Town Supervisor
Democrat Jon Kaiman earned Environmental Seals of Approval as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead. Both The New York League of Conservation Voters and The Sierra Club endorsed Democrat Jon Kaiman for Town of North Hempstead Supervisor in the election to be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Official Press Release
I do not support Governor Hochul’s housing plan imposing state quotas on local municipalities regarding how much housing is to be built.
I also reject her proposal to remove zoning control from local municipal decision-makers. Decisions relating to housing construction are and must be locally based with community input and under local zoning authority. Decisions on housing applications must take into account traffic, noise, environmental, and public safety impacts. Effects on local communities, school districts, and municipal resources must be considered. Local officials with community input are best suited to make such decisions.
We are fortunate in New York that the New York State legislature rejected the Governor’s proposal out of hand. Thank you to Assemblywoman Gina Silitti and other state legislators who took the lead on this issue, and thank you for hearing the concerns raised by so many of us at the local level.
I am committed to upholding the Town’s responsibility in safeguarding a woman’s right to choose.
While abortion is already legal in New York, we must remain vigilant against any attempts to erode these hard-won rights. Within our limited jurisdiction, I will defend and promote access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including safe and legal abortion. I will advocate for policies that support accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare, as well as sex education. If elected, I will ensure that the Town of North Hempstead remains a place where reproductive healthcare choices are respected, supported, and protected.
We are forever indebted to those who have served our country.
North Hempstead is home to over 5,000 veterans, including those who have seen combat in World War II and Vietnam; as Supervisor, I created a Veterans Advisory Board and will do so again doing everything in my power to continue to recognize their sacrifice and their service while easing the challenges they may face as a result of their service to our country.
Not In Our Town! I support and will continue to promote and engage in the Not In Our Town effort initiated by former town supervisor Judi Bosworth in 2017.
Stop Asian Hate, Oppose Antisemitism, Reject Racism, Respect Love.
Discrimination and acts of hate against the Asian community are on the rise, fueled by prejudice and misinformation. We must stand united in the face of this injustice. As Town Supervisor, I am committed to combating Asian hate and fostering a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion by sharing our stories, educating our youth (and each other), and celebrating the Asian cultures that abound in the Town of North Hempstead.
Antisemitism is also on the rise and remains as pernicious and dangerous as ever. I will continue to work with Jewish organizations, spiritual leaders, and the residents of our town to fight, find and report antisemitism wherever it appears. As deputy county executive I have headed up a number of our county programs developed to fight antisemitism, including our county effort to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. I will continue this work as North Hempstead Town Supervisor.
Racism has not gone away and we must be ever vigilant to prevent the negative impacts that result from latent bias, hateful speech, outright racial violence. We continue to have an affirmative obligation to create opportunity where decades of oppression have led to unfair and discriminatory outcomes.
With the US Supreme Court poised to eviscerate our right to privacy, we cannot take for granted the right to love whoever it is that we love. I support anyone and everyone’s right to marry who they want and will fight to preserve that right here in New York and throughout our country. Discrimination and hateful acts against the LGBTQ community are unacceptable. We must stand together to oppose all hate wherever we find it.
Israel is an issue deeply personal to me. As Town Supervisor, I authored a resolution to reassert Israel’s right to determine its own borders.
If elected, I will continue to be a steadfast ally of Israel on the local stage. My plan to strengthen Israeli ties in North Hempstead involves educational programming, anti-BDS legislation, and expanded cultural celebrations. For more information, please read my full white paper on Israel.
Enough is enough. Mr. Santos has to go!
It is unfortunate that my opponent was cheerleader-in-chief for Mr. Santos. She campaigned for him, called him her friend, and vouched for him as our next congressman. Not good.
During my tenure as town supervisor, the town did not exceed the tax cap, and the one time that the town board authorized piercing the cap, I voted against it.
As it turned out, we did not pierce the cap that year. As far as local town taxes go, North Hempstead’s town taxes were and remain the lowest of the Nassau County towns.
One of the reasons that we were able to maintain a low tax rate, even in difficult financial times, was that my administration was extremely aggressive at obtaining federal, state, and even private grants in order to grow vital and impactful town programs such as Project Independence ($1 million+ in grants) and 311 ($1 million+ in grants). The Yes We Can Community Center was funded with a $10 million private grant and several million more dollars from NY State. Environmental projects such as wetland restoration and bay and waterfront remediation were funded each year with hundreds of thousands of dollars of annual federal and state grants awarded to the town each year.
We also maintained sound fiscal practices, conservative financing, and operational efficiencies through programs such as the shared municipal services program I created. One such program was the Office of Intermunicipal Coordination where I crafted a new office in town government through which town, village, and district governments worked together to save money and improve services.
During my tenure as supervisor, the North Hempstead bond rating was upgraded to the highest level in the Town’s history at the time of the rating. The Moody’s analysis stated that “the Aa2 rating reflects the Town’s strong financial position resulting from enhanced long-term planning and internal controls . . . and a declining debt burden driven by the Town’s debt management plan.” During my years as Supervisor, the Town was consistently recognized by bond rating agencies for its strong and effective fiscal management.
In September 2013, I was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo as Chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) overseeing Nassau County’s budgets and expenditures in order to ensure fiscal responsibility. During this period, I renegotiated police and public employee contracts saving hundreds of millions of dollars while lifting a multi-year wage freeze that was crushing the workforce morale and productivity.
When subsequently serving as Deputy County Executive in Suffolk County, I implemented our county’s Shared Services Initiative that saved millions of dollars in public monies while ensuring uniform, high-quality services for all residents.
As Town Supervisor, I will always be mindful of opportunities to streamline our municipal spending, create operational efficiencies, and aggressively pursue federal, state, and private grants in order to make our local tax dollars stretch further.
It is clear that in today’s world, every level of government should have a strategy for dealing with mental health issues that exist within each community.
The town government itself may not have sufficient programs or expertise in dealing with a resident who is experiencing a mental health crisis or situation.
I intend to create a Mental Health Forum in the Town of North Hempstead for the purpose of generating an ongoing discussion amongst town and community leaders along with advocates and experts on how our town can provide comfort and guidance to those who are experiencing or dealing with mental health issues.
Climate Action
It is imperative for all of us to commit to protecting our environment, reducing our carbon footprint, and taking on the challenges we are facing as a community, a country and a planet as our climate changes. We are all responsible for meeting the challenge, we are all responsible for taking climate action.
North Hempstead is a town with many wetlands, bays, harbors, and coves while sitting on top of the great Magothy Aquifer from which we get all of our drinking water along with the rest of Long Island. Water is precious in our town and just one of the subjects on which I have focused when I previously served as town supervisor.
When we speak of the environment, we are speaking of more than the natural beauty that encompasses our town. Environment is also the air we breathe, the resources we consume, the climate we endure and the world we inhabit. Everything we do, therefore, is done in the context of how it impacts our environment. We may not be able to create a perfectly sustainable world, but we can try…and we can make a difference with every effort we make.
I believe in a three-pronged approach to protecting our environment. First, we must fully understand the impact on our environment caused by virtually everything we do. Every policy, project, town code, local law, everything that we do has an environmental impact. It is our job to understand what that impact is with the goal of reducing, negating or mitigating negative impacts.
Second, we must look to find solutions, alternatives, or mitigation techniques to make sure that we are either creating a sustainable foundation for what we are doing or we are, at least, moving reasonably in that direction.
Third, we must find partners, allies and friends. This means partnering with individuals; organizations, local institutions, agencies, and businesses; and also other governments, be they local villages, neighboring towns, our county, our state or our federal government.
In my various roles in government, I have created dozens of programs, projects and policies that move us towards greater sustainability or, at least, mitigate damage that is caused by reasons beyond my control. In no particular order, I created or adopted the following:
- School Recycling Project
- Wetlands restoration – Newburger Cove
- Wetlands restoration – Mill Pond
- Wetlands restoration – Gerry Park Pond
- Wetland restoration
- Rain Barrel Program
- Composting
- Trassion Show
- Sheets Creek Clean up
- Renewable Energy purchase
- Conversion to Hybrid Fleet
- Conversion to Electric Fleet
- Platinum Leed Certified Community Center (Yes We Can – Westbury)
- Open Space Referendum
The breadth and depth of the programs I created or pursued show, I believe, my commitment to the environment in every sense of what that word means.
The stakes today are higher than they have ever been. We are now not only trying to make a difference in our own local community, but showing the way for municipalities throughout our region, state and country to take seriously the dangers that looms over our planet if we fail to change course now, in real time, today.
In 2012, I hosted the Town’s first-ever “trashion” show, which featured recycled apparel designed and created by students from the nine school districts participating in the school recycling program. The event was an enormous success and continued past my tenure as Town Supervisor.
I plan to regularly coordinate with the many devoted environmental organizations in our town to ease the permitting process for clean-up events and eco-aware celebrations.
Upon becoming town supervisor many years ago, one of the first policy decisions I made was to bring the 311 call system and performance management program to North Hempstead. At the time, a number of cities across the country had launched such a program beginning in Baltimore under then-mayor Martin O’Malley. No suburban governments had initiated a 311 system, however.
I was convinced that the challenges residents’ faced when trying to communicate with their local government whether to gather information, report a problem or make a suggestion was overwhelming and needlessly complicated. The 311 system changed that problem forever.
Over the course of several years, I transitioned each department, and ultimately all calls, to the town to go to our 311 system so that every call would be logged, documented, preserved for future follow-up by the caller, and resolved by town personnel.
The town would receive upwards of 200,000 calls per year on issues such as code violations, reporting litter, lost animals, tax questions, potholes, street lights, trees, Project Independence, concert locations/start times, storm information, utility outages, garbage pick up, recycling, etc.
The town would also utilize the data created from these calls to discern how long it takes to respond to various inquiries resulting in improved management practices and results.
The 311 system is still up and running today and North Hempstead remains the only town in Nassau County to use this system.
While serving as Deputy County Executive in Suffolk County, I introduced the 311 system to County Executive Steve Bellone and we launched a countywide 311 system as well.
When last serving as North Hempstead town supervisor, I built the Town’s first-ever ‘Green Fleet,’ consisting of over twenty hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) as well as CNG buses acquired through grants from NYSERDA. EVs have dramatically improved in availability, cost efficiency, and range in the last ten years. As Town Supervisor, I will build upon Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey’s plan to build a townwide EV charging station infrastructure and to also fully transition the Town fleet to EVs consistent with state and national standards.. I will also continue to pursue a full regional EV charging network for the public at large and work with our local utility and other providers to enable charging stations to be powered with renewable energy sources.
In addition, when designing and building the Yes We Can Community Center, one of my major accomplishments, I included one of the first EV charging stations in the State of New York.
In my role as Deputy County Executive in Suffolk County, I played a leading role in putting forward Suffolk County’s EV plan to build 1500 charging stations throughout the county and to transition the entire Suffolk County fleet to EVs by 2035. In addition, as part of the “Shared Services” program that I oversee in Suffolk, we worked together to build our first EV charging stations at the Lindenhurst Library as part of our library shared services partnership.
As part of my policy goal to incentivize and complete our transition to EVs, I am committed to ensuring that the natural resources used to make batteries are mined under proper human rights and environmentally sound conditions and that battery recycling is fully pursued and utilized. We will work with our fire departments to develop and deploy safe and effective ways to address battery fires which are less frequent than gas powered vehicles, but a concern nevertheless. And, as indicated above, we will work to make sure that our charging station infrastructure will be powered by renewable energy sources in order to mitigate the effects on our grid and carbon footprint.
As we age, we increasingly face physical, emotional and social challenges. After years of investing in one’s community through work, family and taxes it is incumbent upon local government to invest in our senior citizens as the aging process creates new challenges in navigating the world we live in.
In 2006, I created Project Independence which quickly became a go-to program for our senior citizens and their families looking for support services that made it easier to “age in place.” We partnered with taxi companies, medical professionals, social workers and home handyman programs to provide the support services that help those who could benefit from assistance in various ways.
Prior to creating Project Independence I deployed a 311 call center and data analytics ¬-technology system to North Hempstead. Any resident could simply dial 311 and get a fully informed, professional town agent who could address any issue, concern, problem or idea that the caller raised.
When I created the Project Independence program, I combined it with our 311 call system so that any senior citizen could dial 311 and be immediately connected to Project Independence staff which included social workers, visiting nurses and government support staff. When I added the transportation programs that offered free taxi rides to local supermarkets and also discounted taxi rides to doctors offices, we utilized the 311 system as a dispatch center to arrange for the requested taxi rides in partnership with our local taxi companies throughout the town.
By 2010, we were handling more than 15,000 Project Independence calls a year. By that time we had added a visiting nurse program and a social worker program where we would connect seniors to medical personnel and to mental health professionals by phone or in person to address emotional and other mental health issues. We also provided services from a handyman program where representatives from a not-for-profit handyman agency trained people with disabilities who had handyman type skills and could fix various home needs under the supervision of agency personnel.
We also created a neighbor to neighbor program where families of senior citizens could call a designated neighbor to check in on their aging parent or relative if they were having difficulty contacting them. Of note was the grandparenting program we established in conjunction with a social service agency to assist grandparents who for one reason or another became the primary caregiver of a young child.
North Hempstead’s Project Independence program was recognized as a nationally leading seniors program that would receive support and recognition from the United States Congress, New York State, AARP, and CNN/Money Magazine when it designated North Hempstead as one of the best places to live in America for senior citizens.
Since its inception, the program has attracted tens of thousands of active participants and hundreds of thousands of service requests. The program utilizes local steering committees in communities throughout the town organized by local senior citizens and town employees. Together, they prepare and distribute a newsletter and work towards continuous improvement of the program.
As Town Supervisor, I will continue to invest in and develop Project Independence.
Labor Federation Representing 250,000+ Union Membership Laborers International (LiUNA) Representing 40,000+ Union Carpenters Representing 29,000+ Local 338 Representing 13,000+ Endorse Democrat Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead Town Supervisor
Democrat Jon Kaiman received significant support from union members on Long Island as he seeks election to return as Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead. Kaiman earned endorsements from The Long Island Federation of Labor (“LI Fed”), AFL-CIO, the Laborers International Union of North America (“LiUNA”), The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (“NASRCC”), and Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW.
Official Press Release
100+ attend Grand Opening at 169 Middleneck Road
Democrat Jon Kaiman, seeking election to return as North Hempstead Town Supervisor, and the entire Democratic ticket – Veronica Lurvey for Receiver of Taxes, Town Council Members Mariann Dalimonte and Peter Zuckerman, Town Council candidate Christine Liu and County Legislature candidate Weihua Yan – held the Grand Opening of their Great Neck Campaign Office, Sunday, August 20, 2023. Well over one hundred Democrats rallied enthusiastically at 169 Middleneck Road in support of the Democratic ticket to deliver financial stability and cost-efficient services for all residents of North Hempstead.
“The enthusiasm and energy at our headquarters opening was palpable,” stated Kaiman. “We truly have a ticket comprised of trusted officials who have made a difference and will continue to get results for our residents.” Christine Liu added, “We offer North Hempstead Town residents an experienced and dedicated team of public servants who are fully accessible, accountable and committed to serving our residents.”
Other speakers included Town Democratic Chair Wayne Wink and Great Neck Democratic Club President Peter Fishkind who also served as Master of Ceremonies.
Kaiman previously served as a District Court Judge, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor for five terms (2004-2013) including devising and implementing its 311 Call Center and Project Independence for its senior population, chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), led the state’s response to Superstorm Sandy and currently is Deputy County Executive in Suffolk where as co-chair of the Police Reform and Reimagine Task Force, Kaiman worked with police, community advocates, legislators, union leadership and the public to reach an overall consensus on how the Suffolk Police Department, the 12th largest police department in the country, could better serve the entire Suffolk County community, producing one of the most comprehensive police reform plans in the State of New York with buy-ins from the community and the PBA and Chaired the county’s Opioid Task Force and co-Chaired the Police Commissioner Search Committee.
Volunteers will find plentiful parking in the lot behind the Great Neck HQ. Call the office at (516) 216-9640 or email info@jonkaiman.com. Additional campaign offices are opening in Port Washington and New Cassel.
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