Viviana L. Russell, Town Clerk, Town of North Hempstead

VIVIANA L. RUSSELL

Democratic

BACKGROUND:

• Russell, 49, in 2009 was the first African American woman elected to the North Hempstead Town Board. She is currently in her third term. Russell is also running on the Working Families and Common Sense party lines.
• Russell was raised in East Elmhurst, Queens. In 1999 she moved with her family to New Cassel. Russell has a bachelor of arts degree in social science from the College of New Rochelle. She is a certified para-chaplain and a New York State-licensed real estate salesperson.
• Russell previously worked at the Town of North Hempstead’s 311 Call Center and as a constituent liaison for Long Island’s 13th New York State Assembly District.

ISSUES:

• Russell said she has "expanded senior and youth programs, delivered senior and workforce housing and secured millions of dollars to enhance the town's roadways and parks."
• She said if elected she will ensure that the office operates in an "environmentally sound" manner while providing "more convenient access to government services."
• Russell said she will move more services online and have a mobile office visit senior centers and places of worship for those who do not use technology. And she said the clerk's office will offer access to programs such as E-ZPass New York and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler programs.