On June 6th, The Rockville Centre Democratic Club hosted Laura Gillen and Judy Griffin for a wonderfully candid discussion about their experiences now that they’re elected officials:
Here is a summary of the discussions:
Laura Gillen
- Background
- Getting involved, meeting people, making friends
- Learning about being a politician
- Grass roots efforts
- Experiences working across the isle
- Explanation of the power of the supervisor
- Efforts to refinance debt saving taxpayers millions
- Website – LauraGillen.com sign up to volunteer
- June 11 town meeting
- July 2nd town meeting
Of special focus was Laura’s efforts to root out corruption in the Republican political patronage system that is trying to hold on. She discussed her experiences with many in the current group that seems to honor power not their responsibility to the community.
Louise Skolnik, Co-President of The Rockville Centre Democratic Club:
- Presents certificates of appreciation
Judy Griffin
- Background: Who am I, why did I run?
- Encouragement to write editorial/letter to editor of Herald and Newsday
- Explanation of district funding, legislation, etc.
- Long Island railroad: Campaign experiences
- Economic development
- Higher Ed
- Unions, creation of a living wage
- Vaccination – thoughts on religious exemption (this was a vigourous discussion)
- Public emergency procedures
- Health department involvement
Laura and Judy pose with new candidates for office:
Laura Burns (running for LD6, Nassau County Legislature): http://www.nassaucountydems.com/elected-officials/laura-burns
Lora Webster (running for town council – District 5, Town of Hempstead): http://www.nassaucountydems.com/elected-officials/lora-webster
