Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes recently celebrated his campaign kickoff to promote his intention of continuing to represent nearby communities and their residents for a second term. The kickoff, a Friends of Gary Hudes fund raiser held at Imperial Manor in Bethpage on June 27, saw colleagues, friends and families gather with Hudes to show their support.

"He's really interested in helping people out," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Rich Guardino at the celebration. "He is someone that really keeps the people's trust; he always follows up. He really believes in trying to help people out and as a member of the town board, as a public official, really gets things done for the people. It's been wonderful to have him back on this town board."

Guardino added that the town has a "terrific slate" this year, noting that local officials such as Don Clavin, receiver of taxes, and Kathleen Murray, assemblywoman, who is running this year for town clerk, were present to show their support for Hudes.

"I am truly touched by the amount of friends and family that come out to [these events]," Hudes said. "As I've said to people, I am not a lifetime politician, I just try to do the right thing by the community, I've been trying to for the last three years and I can promise you that for the next four years I will do everything that I can to make as many people happy and the quality of life in our community better. The advantage that I have is the ability to work with people like Rich Guardino. He has an open door policy."

Hudes continued by thanking his staff as well as all staff members of the town, including those in the supervisor's office. "They do a great job keeping everybody happy so I can run back and forth and [meet with] people and visit with them and try to help them with their problems.

"They say that people are as successful as the amount of friends that they have and I feel like a very, very successful person. I really want to thank each and every one of you," he added.

Hudes said that he has been fulfilling his campaign promise to fight for residents and businesses by providing the quality of life services they expect in their communities. Having a long history of support for local businesses, Hudes himself has owned a small business for two decades and continues to operate that business, Gennaro Jewelers, on a daily basis.

In addition, Hudes served as a five-term president of the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce and served two terms as president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, the county's largest small business organization. He was also recognized by Governor George Pataki as the New York State Small Business Advocate of the Year.

Hudes, who must run for office again in November since the six appointed members of the town council have to serve staggered terms, is looking to be elected for his first four-year term.

If re-elected, Hudes promised to remain accessible to those he represents and to keep an open line of communication and a commitment of unparalleled dedication to his job. In addition, he said his role as a small business owner has helped him understand the needs and concerns of other small business operators and that his experience will help him fight for what the community really needs.

Hudes credits his enthusiasm and strong will to his fellow colleagues and most of all, his family. In addition to recognizing Guardino's "open door policy," Hudes commended several town employees and thanked them for their continuous hard work.

"The people that probably work the hardest is my family," Hudes said. "My wife, I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I could not have a better friend, a more supportive partner and a better family than I have here. And that includes all of you because I think of all of you as my family."