On Nov. 3, locals will head to the polls to vote for several offices, including District Attorney, town supervisor and county legislator. We asked the candidates running for the District 14 county legislator seat—which covers Carle Place, Garden City, Hicksville and portions of Westbury, Jericho, Bethpage, Plainview, West Hempstead, Hempstead and Franklin Square—what made them right for the job. Here’s what they said.
Incumbant: Charles Berman (D, WFP, I)
Charles Berman was elected receiver of taxes for the Town of North Hempstead in a special election in 2010 and to a four year term in 2011. His career in public service began when he was appointed deputy town clerk of the Town of Oyster Bay.
In 2003, he was appointed acting North Hempstead receiver of taxes. During his brief administration, Berman implemented the first “lockbox” system for a receiver of taxes in Nassau County.
In 2004, Berman was appointed to serve as assistant to the chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors. There he managed casework, and assisted constituents.
Before entering public office, Berman was vice president of Berman Agency, Inc., a family owned insurance brokerage firm.
Prior to that, he was director of operations of Pandick Technologies, Inc. NY, a division of Pandick Press.
Berman is dedicated to making the tax-payment process as convenient as possible. Toward this goal, the tax office accepts online credit card and check (ACH) payments at reduced fees, as well as payments at community collection sites. Additionally, Berman’s community outreach programs regarding property tax exemptions and assessment grievances have helped thousands of residents lower their tax payments.
Scott D. Diamond (R, C)
My plan of action when I am elected to the receiver of taxes is to first reduce my salary 20 percent to its original. Next, I will create hybrid positions thereby reducing the number of employees in the office as this will lower the office budget.
I will hold monthly forums to discuss how residents can lower their taxes. I will also create a pilot program for those homeowners who are struggling to pay their taxes, so they do not lose their homes.
Last, I will work with my IT staff in making sure that both the mobile app, and online payment system is functioning. This is a win win for the Town of North Hempstead.
