After over 20 years of public service, first as a trustee and then as mayor of Russell Gardens and president of the Great Neck VOA, I have decided, in the interest of party unity, to not continue my campaign for the Democratic party nomination for the North Hempstead Town Council District #5 seat. With the encouragement of my many good friends and neighbors as well as the full support of my loving family, I hope to continue to contribute to the community without taking on the rigors of an election campaign. I intend to support the Democratic ticket, from Tom Suozzi, Jon Kaiman to Lee Seeman.

In the course of gathering signatures to be placed on the ballot, I have had a wonderful opportunity to speak directly with hundreds of my neighbors. In particular the people of the unincorporated areas of Great Neck and New Hyde Park were most gracious in opening their doors, hearing me out and, for many, signing my petition. To those who did support me, providing me with more than enough signatures to qualify for a place on the ballot, I hope you will accept this difficult decision I have made.

As I went door-to-door, I met many community-minded individuals. They encompassed every walk of life and dozens of ethnic and national backgrounds. I was struck, not by our differences, but by what we all shared: a commitment to good schools, clean, safe streets, vibrant libraries and modern, well-maintained recreational facilities. We have all chosen to live in these communities because we know our neighbors also support these public benefits and want to raise their families here.

I want to thank all of the people in each of the villages who gave me their support and encouragement. In retrospect, it was not an effort without reward. Walking two or three hours, night after night, I managed to lose eight pounds and two notches on my belt!

Dan Nachmanoff