The same questions were asked of both candidates running for the Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes, which is a four-year term.

Incumbent Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich is being challenged by Marie McCormack. Election Day is November 6.

Q: Where do you reside and how long have you lived there? A: I live in Jericho, and I have lived here nearly my entire life. Q: What is your profession and family information? A: I am an attorney in private practice in Garden City and have managed my own firm for 17 years. I live with my husband, James, and our children, Jimmy (17) and Michael (13). Q: What party lines are you currently running on? A: I am running on the Democratic, Independence, and Working Families party lines. Q: Are you involved in any specific community organizations? A: Over the years, I have been involved in PTA, religious education and professional organizations such as the Nassau County Women's Bar Association, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Nassau County Bar Association and Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Q: What are your reasons for running? A: I am running for office because I believe the ever-increasing tax burden upon residents of our community is forcing young families to move out of our area. I want to ensure that our children can raise their families in the Town of Oyster Bay and enjoy all our community has to offer. Q: If elected, what are your goals for the Town of Oyster Bay? A: My goal would be to fight for efficiency in government and to work with other elected officials to develop and implement a realistic plan to reduce taxes in our area. Q: Do you anticipate any challenges if elected? If so, what challenges? A: I anticipate a number of challenges. The problem of high taxes is a complex problem, and a solution will require working with both state and local government officials as well as gathering input from the community. It will take time and effort, but I believe the reduction of taxes is vital to the future of our community. Q: What are some of the major issues you are focusing your campaign on? A: I am focusing my campaign on bringing an independent voice to town hall. I believe the current one party control of the town government is not providing the checks and balances necessary to protect the taxpayer. Q: What is your favorite aspect of the Town of Oyster Bay? A: I enjoy the excellent schools, the proximity to recreational activities, the cultural opportunities and the natural beauty that our community has to offer. Q: Have you ever run for political office before? A: I have never run for office before. Compiled by Denise Nash

Q: Where do you reside and how long have you lived there?

A: I have lived in the Syosset community for 37 years.

Q: What is your profession and family information?

A: I obtained a B.S. degree in Applied Physics from NYIT, earned graduate credits in Accounting and Management Science. I have worked in science, engineering, computer technology, systems analysis, education and management for more than 40 years. My experience involved participation and leadership roles in the Apollo Moon program, energy, conservation, finance and banking, social welfare, and emergency services management projects. I have implemented computer applications and systems for the broadcast industry, and higher education. I have taught college courses in information technology and management.

My wife Kathleen and I recently celebrated our 37th anniversary with our three sons and our four grandchildren.

Q: What party lines are you currently running on?

A: Republican and Conservative

Q: Are you involved in any specific community organizations?

A: Nassau County Boy Scouts of America. I volunteer my time and efforts as their vice president of Membership, where my objective is to increase awareness and participation in the Scouting program.

Q: What are your reasons for running?

A: Public service to my neighbors and community. I want to continue to do the best job possible as their Receiver of Taxes.

Q: If elected, what are your goals for the Town of Oyster Bay?

A: Since first being elected, and re-elected, I have delivered on my promise to modernize and automate tax collection operations. I developed and initiated a comprehensive Internet-based system for tax viewing and payment. There are still many areas where technology can be used to increase quality services for our residents. One example is the exchange of information between the County Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer and the Receiver of Taxes. That flow of information is dependent upon 40-year-old procedures and technology. I know I can help to improve those areas thereby reducing costs and improving service.

Q: Do you anticipate any challenges if elected? If so, what challenges?

A: My past eight years have taught me that the greatest challenge in government leadership is to promote clear communication with our residents. You can never become complacent with thinking our community knows what we do to help them in their daily lives. Helpful brochures, press releases, along with outreach programs must be continuously reviewed and updated to get the message out to our neighbors, so that they know what programs are provided for their benefit.

Q: What are some of the major issues you are focusing your campaign on?

A: The focus of my campaign is to tell the voters about my accomplishments as their Receiver and what plans I have in place to continue to improve existing operations and services.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the Town of Oyster Bay?

A: Our suburban life style with green open space.

Q: Have you ever run for political office before? Were you successful?

A: I was elected to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes in 1999 and 2003.

Compiled by Denise Nash