<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/elections/hempstead-elections-hub-casino-redistricting-mq398fdo" target="_blank">Watch our video</a> on Town of Hempstead election issues 
 LAURA A. RYDER 
 Republican&nbsp; 
 BACKGROUND: 
<ul> 
 <li> Ryder, 55, of Lynbrook, is a paralegal with her family’s law firm, Ledwith &amp; Atkinson. She was appointed to the town council in March for the seat vacated by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. She is making her first run for the board&nbsp;to complete D’Esposito’s term. </li> 
 <li> She was previously a trustee on the Lynbrook Village Board, serving two years of a four-year term before her appointment to the town council. </li> 
 <li> She graduated from Briarcliffe College. </li> 
</ul> 
 ISSUES: 
<ul> 
 <li> Ryder said she supports efforts to&nbsp;reduce taxes for town residents, saying the Republican majority on the town council&nbsp;was projecting to freeze taxes without cutting services to residents. </li> 
 <li> She said she is concerned with “quality-of-life issues,”&nbsp;pointing&nbsp;to the creation of the town’s&nbsp;Quality of Life Task Force, and working with Nassau County police to address crime and safety concerns.&nbsp; </li> 
 <li> She said she opposes Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to increase housing by imposing&nbsp;development goals on localities. </li> 
</ul>

Watch our video on Town of Hempstead election issues LAURA A. RYDER Republican BACKGROUND: Ryder, 55, of Lynbrook, is a paralegal with her family’s law firm, Ledwith & Atkinson. She was appointed to the town council in March for the seat vacated by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. She is making her first run for the board to complete D’Esposito’s term. She was previously a trustee on the Lynbrook Village Board, serving two years of a four-year term before her appointment to the town council. She graduated from Briarcliffe College. ISSUES: Ryder said she supports efforts to reduce taxes for town residents, saying the Republican majority on the town council was projecting to freeze taxes without cutting services to residents. She said she is concerned with “quality-of-life issues,” pointing to the creation of the town’s Quality of Life Task Force, and working with Nassau County police to address crime and safety concerns. She said she opposes Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to increase housing by imposing development goals on localities.

Long Island

Politics

Elections

VGRYDER231105

Council member, Town of Hempstead, 4th District: Laura A. Ryder

onecms:d9de4a44-16b0-443d-b242-bbb0c3e18a1a

Newsday

Council member, Town of Hempstead, 4th District: Laura A. Ryder

slVOTE

Most Popular

Latest videos

Politics video slot

New York Attorney General Letitia James visited Newsday's headquarters, where she spoke about the Cornell University rape investigation that she is leading. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

'The politics stop at the door'

On Tuesday night, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican rival Bruce Blakeman squared off in the only campaign debate of the gubernatorial election. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Hochul, Blakeman clash in only debate

A Newsday analysis finds U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino has taken the third-most trips paid for by special interest organizations of all U.S. House members this year. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Congressional reporter Billy House have the story.

'More than $37,000 spent'

According a new report from the Rockefeller Institute there are nearly 13,000 service lines identified in the county so far. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I wouldn't want it in my home'

Sign up for the Politics newsletter

Politics newsletter widget

Long Island Article Bottom Module

The candidates aim to provide voters with options in the clerk race, challenging incumbent Puleo's uncontested run.

Write-in candidates challenge Suffolk County clerk for the sake of choice

Five of the races are attracting big money totals. Multiple open seats will be filled by a new representative.

Big money, open seats: The LI elections for NYS Legislature to watch

The visit to Syracuse could boost Republican energy, though there are risks.

How Trump's NY rally could help, or hurt, Blakeman

Blakeman says he hasn't seen the Democrat-backed bill.

Blakeman criticizes sex industry in Queens, but mum on efforts to address it in Nassau

The poll was conducted Sept. 11-17 among likely Long Island voters.

Newsday/Siena poll: See full results

Rich Schaffer has held the position of chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Party since 2000.

Schaffer wins re-election for Suffolk Dems' chair, fending off challenge

Politics Video Playlist

A Siena research poll found that Long Islanders overwhelmingly want officials to crackdown on illicit spas. Newsday politics reporter Bahar Ostadan has the story.

'Looking for a more comprehensive solution'

Bruce Blakeman leads Kathy Hochul by 8 points on Long Island, but trails by 9 points statewide in the race for governor, according to recent Newsday/Siena University polls. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'Affordability is likely the number one issue'

Hampton Shipyard was bought by a new ownership group two years ago and it is seeking to expand. But nearby residents say the expansion would not fit their neighborhood. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'We want smart development. We want it environmentally sensitive'

A renovated Belmont Park unveils new amenities on Friday, as it reopens after more than three years and $550 million in renovations, NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Something for everyone': New grandstand, new grounds

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced utility discounts for up to half of all households in the state. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman called the energy rebate a scam. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'Half of all households are eligible'

New York State is mailing out energy rebate checks between $100 and $200 to taxpayers who qualitify. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'A check is always nice. A little more would be nicer.'

Newsday NYS correspondent Keshia Clukey gives insight on what local governments are asking from New York State.

Local governments say they will override 2% tax cap

The law would require businesses to have proper state licensing, prove that their employees are paid and ban staff from living at the spas or sleeping there overnight. Repeat offenders could face penalties up to $25,000. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'It's personal to me'

Homepage Trending

Halloween events on LI

2026 LI Voters Guide

Wallet Watch

Working moms

Politics videos

Poltics vertical videos

Lawyers for Oscar Belgal say he is in desperate need of surgical attention for the bullet lodged in his neck. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Disregard for care'

Gov. Hochul gave Newsday an exclusive interview at the Melville newsroom about the ICE shooting in NYC. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

'We have to return our streets back to normalcy'

Santos Banegas Reyes, a 42-year-old ICE detainee, died in Nassau County Jail last year after staff provided "inadequate medical care," a federal report found. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'My reaction to the report is outrage'

Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, could impact quarter of a million Long Islanders who rely on it. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I would struggle'

In an interview with Newsday, Suozzi said he was talking about creating a permanent legal work authorization for non-citizens who've been living in the country for 10 years. Newsday Washington D.C. reporter Billy House has more.

'Just foolishness'

They cook, build, care for seniors and run businesses. What happens when these workers disappear? NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'We can expect negative repercussions'

President Trump has pledged $5,000 to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans maintain control of Congress this November. Newsday White House correspondent Laura Figueroa Hernandez discusses the potential ramifications.

'It would be an uphill climb'

A Newsday data analysis shows that ICE agents detained just 72 immigrants in Nassau and Suffolk counties in July, down from 322 in January. Newsday data reporter Anastasia Valeeva explains.

'They have been steadily going down'

The county executive had not shown his hand as a state law banning cooperation agreements went into effect. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'This law is completely misguided'

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... University says hazing victim responsible for own injuries ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Let's Go: Catskill Mountain Railroad

Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Let's Go: Catskill Mountain Railroad

Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... Families left with uncertainty after Nepal ends flood rescue ... This surprise for a little boy doesn't stink! ... Let's Go: Catskill Mountain Railroad

Newsday Investigates: Girl was absent, late in half the school days in months before death ... Families left with uncertainty after Nepal ends flood rescue ... This surprise for a little boy doesn't stink!

Most Popular

Latest videos

Stay logged in.