I have always emphasized quality over quantity.

However, in this case, it is gratifying to note that the Town of North Hempstead has the good fortune to have both.  I am referring to the current team of candidates on the Democratic line for the Town of North Hempstead’s election on Nov. 7.

And that is how they should be categorized, a connected, cohesive team of people who are strongly committed to making the Town the most viable place in which to live. The candidates are a blend of intelligence, compassion, vision and creative thinkers.

Qualitatively and quantitatively, collectively and singly, each of them has impressive credentials; some have already served as elected officials within the Town of North Hempstead, and others have not. However, of the latter, they also possess those identical laudatory qualities.

I am proud to support the following candidates:

Jon Kaiman as the candidate for Town Supervisor needs no introduction. In order to become a public servant, he had the foresight to seek higher education and earned a law degree at Hofstra Law School and was awarded a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

There is no doubt that those degrees provided him with a foundation of how to be the most productive and knowledgeable in order to govern.

Jon has a long history of public service. Among his numerous accomplishments include his past service as Town Supervisor which he held for 10 years.

It would be a welcome return to this position which will provide the opportunity to enhance the programs and projects that he initiated.

Other credentials that emphasize Jon’s accomplishments include former Nassau County District judge, chairperson for the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority and Suffolk County deputy executive.

Jon’s focus is demonstrated by his creative efforts regarding our taxes, the environment and the human factor for the elderly and students alike. These are some examples: during his tenure as Supervisor, he maintained a stable tax rate, and he created Project Independence which provides medical, social and transportation services for senior citizens.

He created the Clean Sweep project which focuses on having all our town streets regularly swept and particularly in the Spring to remove accumulated debris. He initiated the town’s school recycling program, partnering with students to participate in recycling efforts.

Most of all, it has been verbalized over and over again, Jon is immensely concerned with seniors, especially their living conditions and has worked hard to make their lives and living conditions as clean and comfortable as possible.

During Jon’s tenure as supervisor, federal and state grants that were awarded to the town must be attributed to Jon’s aggressive pursuit.

Consequently, tens of millions of dollars provided funds for various programs to benefit his constituents such as the Yes We Can Community Center.

It is gratifying to note Veronica Lurvey’s candidacy for Receiver of Taxes and following in the footsteps of Charles Berman who so ably held the seat for many years.

As a former corporate attorney, Veronica is cognizant of honest and ethical transactions.

Prior to this candidacy, as a town councilwoman, Veronica’s dedication to serve her constituents was demonstrated in numerous ways regarding finances such as continually verbalizing her concerns for responsible budgeting, tax cuts without diminishing services, in addition to the need to maintain the town’s Aaa Bond Rating.

My personal connection to Veronica has resulted in concluding that her brilliance, caring and hardworking nature, combined with her legal expertise would be an asset to our Town as its receiver of taxes.

This is Christine Liu’s first candidacy to become an elected official, however, she is no stranger to the political arena.

As Community Liaison for state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, I have seen her in action resolving problems for constituents intelligently, creatively and graciously.

She has demonstrated her concern to the community at large in addition to her own Chinese community. Christine has many attributes that has demonstrated her total focus on important community and individual values.

Just to name a few of her accomplishments; she was an attorney for the Department of Homeland Security, a member of the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Council, vice-chair for the Nassau County Asian American Advisory Council and co-founder of the Chinese American Association.

Although Weihua Yan’s candidacy is a new venture, nevertheless, he has demonstrated a compelling voice to our community’s safety, and cultural and economic well-being. He is deeply committed to deterring the hate and violence that has prevailed within the country and in Israel.

If elected as the Nassau County legislator, District 10, he has vowed to dedicate himself to initiating and maintaining programs and projects that benefit the community such as tax reassessment, public safety, school funding and addressing climate change.

Weihua brings to his candidacy a rich and varied resume. He served as president of the Great Neck Library Board.  His strong business background includes founding numerous companies which included diapers.com. That company was sold to Amazon.

The key is Weihua’s success is being focused and resolute to achieve beneficial results for himself and for those whom he will serve.

Considering the credentials of each of the candidates, and collectively, their devotion to the Town and the programs and projects they wish to achieve. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that outcome by voting for all of them on November 7th and we will all be beneficiaries.

Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company, a society work, a civilization work.”

Lois Schaffer

Great Neck