FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2014
MEDIA CONTACTS: Ryan Mulholland, Sam Marksheid and Rebecca Cheng | (516) 869-7794
Supervisor Bosworth Delivers First State of the Town Address
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth today delivered her first State of the Town address before a crowd of hundreds of local government officials, dignitaries and residents. The speech, which took place at the Town of North Hempstead’s Clubhouse at Harbor Links, was part of a luncheon program hosted by the League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset, who have been hosting the event for nearly three decades.
Supervisor Bosworth, who was elected the 37th Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead on November 5th, spoke about some of the groundwork already laid for a successful first term, as well as her specific goals and priorities.
The Supervisor described being sworn in by Jon Kaiman at May Newburger Cove in Port Washington on New Year’s Day. “I’m sure those of you who are familiar with the recent history of our Town can appreciate how fitting and poignant that moment was for me,” Supervisor Bosworth said.
Acknowledging her predecessors’ accomplishments, Bosworth made it clear that there is still work to be done, and it started prior to stepping foot in Town Hall. Together with her transition team, headed by Art Gianelli, an organizing structure at Town Hall was established. That structure, in addition to hiring a highly professional senior staff, “helped us move forward to identify our priorities and goals,” said Bosworth.
Supervisor Bosworth touched upon what will be the main tenets of her administration. She announced new initiatives already implemented during her first month in office, including the live streaming of Town Board meetings on the Town’s website, and moving the public comment portion of each meeting to the first 30 minutes of the meeting.
“Making government more accessible to the public is important and so is making government more open and transparent to the public,” Supervisor Bosworth said in her address. “Anyone with whom I have worked over my past two-plus decades of public service will tell you that I always emphasize process, procedure and transparency.”
There is going to be a renewed focus on customer service in general, with some initial steps already being taken in the Building Department. The Building Department Applicant Advocate, who was hired at the start of the year, has been meeting one-on-one with residents to address questions regarding their building application. The next step is the creation of mobile office hours at local libraries, which will begin later this month.
“These evening forums will make it easier for residents to meet with her and for her to explain the permit process and respond to individual problems and concerns,” said Supervisor Bosworth.
Additional highlights of the speech included:
- A commitment to continue the Town’s trademark environmental programs with a new emphasis on water conservation.
- A report that finances are “solid,” as the Town’s bond rating with Moody’s Investor Services is Aa1, the highest in North Hempstead’s history. She detailed her multi-year capital plan and multi-year debt management plan, which will help insure the stability and strength of Town finances going forward.
- A pledge to continue and enhance Project Independence. In addition, some Project Independence services can now be accessed online including visits to medical appointments and the supermarket.
- An announcement that 311 will be enhanced by adding convenience. 311 service requests can now be placed online and by using the new “My North Hempstead” mobile app on your smart phone.
Supervisor Bosworth underscored the team effort needed in order to get the job done and referenced the recent flurry of snowstorms and how a collaborative approach between Town departments and elected officials helped ensure the safety of residents.
Supervisor Bosworth finished by saying, “As we work together to make our Town an even more special, more extraordinary place to live, work and raise a family, please always know that you have a seat at our table.”
Please call 311 or (516) 869-6311 from outside North Hempstead to request a copy of the State of the Town Speech. You can also log on to www.northhempsteadny.gov/stateofthetown to view the speech.
North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth at her first State of the Town address at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links.
North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth speaks to a packed crowd during her State of the Town address on January 31st.
Councilman Peter Zuckerman was sworn in at the State of the Town address as the Councilman representing District 2.