On Wednesday, May 26, Levittown resident Gary Hudes was nominated to run for the Town of Hempstead Board in the upcoming November election.

Hudes is slated to run for the board seat being vacated by Patrick Zagarino, who has chosen not to run for re-election.

The Nassau Republican Party convention was held at Division Avenue High School, in Levittown, which Hudes said was very appropriate considering the work he has done in the last few years to improve that particular school. Hudes was informed about his nomination by Republican Party Chairman Joseph Mondello, who is also a Levittown resident.

Hudes, who has lived in Levittown for the last 18 years, said that he has worked with Zagarino often over those 18 years. Hudes has been involved in many community activities. He is currently serving as the president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, member of LIPA's Clean Energy Advisory Panel, revitalization coordinator for the Levittown-Island Trees Turnpike Revitalization Project, chairman of the Nassau County Assessment Improvement Commission, chairman of the Nassau County Graffiti Task Force, chairman of the Bellmore Lions Club Comedy for Charity, revitalization director and project manager of the Downtown Revitalization Project in Bellmore Village, legislative chairman and executive board member of Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, publicity director for Nassau County Strawberry Festival for Charity, board of directors of the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, member of PTA Nutrition Committee for Children in Levittown, executive director of Motivational Business Consulting and president of Gennaro Jewelers. Hudes' citations and awards and career accomplishments are numerous.

Hudes cites his nomination for town board as being an opportunity for him to continue to serve the public. "I feel that at this point, after doing volunteer work and projects for the last 18 years, that it's going to bring it to a new level by being a part of public service. I feel that I can continue to do the work and community type work and I think that it's enhanced by being a part of government so I'm looking forward to it," said Hudes.

When asked how he feels about the nomination Hudes stated, "I'm so excited about being given the opportunity by the Republican Party and I'm also excited about the fact that I'm going to spend, if it's possible, a lot more time working on community projects because I enjoy working with people. I enjoy working on local projects that benefit people."

Hudes believes that if he is elected to the board it will be a tremendous benefit to Levittown, saying, "Who better to know the problems, the solutions, and the work that needs to be done in the community than someone who has lived their whole married life in Levittown?" He added that this nomination is a natural progression from all the community projects that he has been involved in.

Hudes stated, "I've worked very closely with Rich Guardino, all our local officials- Kate Murray, Linda Reed, Marc Herbst, Donna Ferrara over the years and have a good working relationship with them. We don't have to learn about each other, we've worked well together in the past."

Everywhere he has gone in the Town of Hempstead, Hudes noted, people have asked him how they can help him with his campaign. He stated, "The response really has been heartwarming."