Editorial: Ellen Birnbaum in Nassau legislature's 10th District
Ellen Birnbaum, candidate for Nassau County legislator, 10th District. (May 28, 2013) Credit: Mike Stobe
This legislative seat opened up when incumbent Judi Bosworth stepped aside to run for supervisor of North Hempstead. Democrat Ellen Birnbaum, 58, of Great Neck, is making her first serious run for office after working for the Town of North Hempstead for 17 years.
As director of intermunicipal coordination, Birnbaum crafts agreements that offer town services to its 31 villages and more than 50 special districts to save them money. Road repaving, beautification projects and irrigation are examples of cooperative work that cross borders and can cut costs. Her extensive knowledge of the responsibilities of various levels of government would serve her well as a county legislator.
The GOP has nominated Jane Centrella, 51, an accountant from New Hyde Park, for the seat. She ran unsuccessfully for Town of North Hempstead receiver of taxes in 2011, and did not respond to interview requests. Her virtual absence from the campaign trail this fall has left Birnbaum with a one-sided contest in the heavily Democratic district.
As a legislator, Birnbaum wants to serve as a watchdog and immerse herself in the county's finances; she holds an MBA in finance from New York University. She's an advocate for public schools and public transportation and also would seek to involve herself in those issues.
During superstorm Sandy, Birnbaum helped keep North Hempstead's 311 service line open and responsive to residents. No similar service exists at the county, and that may be an initiative Birnbaum can undertake when she arrives in Mineola.
Newsday endorses Birnbaum.
