On Tuesday, Feb. 12, polls will be open so voters can select a candidate to represent them in the New York State Assembly. This Úquot;special electionÚquot; is very important to me; the assembly seat to be filled is the one which I was privileged to hold until a few weeks ago.

Fortunately, an outstanding candidate has been selected for this important post. He's Dave McDonough, a long-time local businessman and community activist.

I have known and worked with Dave for years. He's a Úquot;people personÚquot; who understands what residents want from their state government.

Dave has pledged to fight efforts to postpone the implementation of tax breaks which have been approved by the legislature but which haven't yet taken effect. And, to protect Nassau residents who work in New York City, Dave will fight against plans to reinstate the commuter tax!

Dave has pledged to work for area seniors to do everything possible to enhance both the quality and accessibility of health care. Protecting the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program and the STAR program, which provides local property tax relief, are high on Dave's priority list.

He also believes that young people deserve a large part of the state's attention. That's why he's pledged to work with his Assembly colleagues to find a more equitable way to finance education and assure that local school districts receive their fair share of state education funding.

Dave will work with all of his assembly colleagues, regardless of party label, when we send him to Albany on our behalf.

I hope residents will join me in making Dave McDonough our next assemblyman. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.

I write today because an important election, on an unusual date, will determine who will represent us in the New York State Assembly. Voting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in a race to succeed Assemblywoman Kate Murray, who was recently elected to serve as Hempstead Town Clerk. I'll be supporting Dave McDonough for assemblyman.

A local homeowner for 35 years and a community activist for much of that time, Dave McDonough has accomplished more as a private citizen than many legislators do in a lifetime. Dave and I have worked together as president and vice president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. As a member of Kiwanis along with Dave, I am aware of the many projects on which he's worked and his commitment to community service.

Unlike candidates who say what they'll do when and if they're elected, Dave McDonough already has a long record of accomplishment. Whether it's the area of downtown revitalization or the enhancement of the quality of people's lives, Dave has been there, time and again, to serve his neighbors. Imagine what he can do as our assemblyman.

As your town councilman, I know that Dave McDonough will work with me to assure that the residents of Hempstead Town get their fair share of state programs, services and resources. That's critical.

Please join me in supporting Dave McDonough, the Republican candidate for state assembly when you vote in the special election on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.

I am writing to express support for Dave McDonough who is running for the 19th Assembly District.

I have worked side by side with Dave on numerous issues especially in regard to downtown improvements and small business. As president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, representing over 6,000 small business owners, Dave has helped make our downtowns a place for residents and families to visit and shop locally. As a Downtown Revitalization Project Liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, Dave surveyed residents, merchants, and commuters, and through his strong relationships with local government leaders, he has been instrumental in the downtown improvements currently under way in Merrick.

Dave McDonough is a straight-forward and focused business owner who has donated countless hours to community service. He is past president of Kiwanis, member of the Bellmore-Merrick Community Wellness Council and the Town of Hempstead Facade Improvement Planning Committee.

As our assemblyman, Dave will have even a stronger voice when ensuring our communities and schools receive the support they deserve. Please join me on Tuesday, Feb. 12 and vote for Dave McDonough for the 19th Assembly District.