John M. Clark is running for election to the Nassau County Legislature's 15th District. He is running on the Democratic party line.

Upon first announcing his candidacy, Clark, a Nassau County social worker, said that what is needed in his district is "a representative with the background, credentials, energy and commitment to serve the people and the communities of the 15th District."

Clark said that one of the reasons he decided to run is because he realized that many people are not aware of basic services available to them.

"I've taught courses in community advocacy and I'm finding out that ... people didn't know basic stuff and they were embarrassed to ask," he said. "On my job with dialysis patients, just because they have a Medicare card they assume that they're supposed to know everything about the coverage and they're afraid to open their mouth and ask."

The candidate added that people should never be embarrassed or nervous to ask questions, especially of their elected representatives, and ultimately made a decision to run for election.

Clark, who has never before run for political office, said he knows the areas within the 15th Legislative District well. He also noted that if elected, one of his goals would be to help the county get out of debt.

"We have a huge fiscal crisis in front of us," he said. "To get us out of debt, each one of us would have to [pay] $1,800 on the spot, and that would only clear the previous debt, not what's been borrowed and what's being spent. I think we really have to address that."

Clark added that while working to help with the county's finances, he would do everything to help make sure that taxes were not raised. "That's not what I want to do," he explained, "after all, I was first a taxpayer."

The candidate said that he has received a great response from residents throughout the community. He said that in addition to taxes, some other concerns have been brought to his attention. He noted that while meeting with residents at the Seaford train station, many inquired about a closed newsstand.

"Every third person would say 'we heard all about this great revitalization and we put a brand new newsstand in, and it's been closed.' So I started asking some questions and it turns out the MTA has leased it out to what is essentially a middle man, who is now charging so much that nobody can afford to open this newsstand to make a profit," he said. "We know the MTA is in financial trouble, but I don't understand why they have to hire a middle man. Maybe some sunshine needs to be shed on that on a legislative level."

Clark noted that quality-of-life issues, such as a closed newsstand, are what he plans on focusing on if elected.

"People need to see that you can address local issues," he said. Clark added that he has a lot of ideas for reform, but wants to hear from residents first.

"I have a lot of good ideas, but as far as imposing them on people, I want to wait and see if their ideas strike a chord with mine," he said. "I'd never want to go roughshod over people - that's where government gets a bad name ... If you don't let the public speak, you don't get good ideas. I'd rather be the conduit of what the people want."

Clark said that if elected, he would look into the possibility of having a district office and monthly meetings.

"That's where people get energized and involved," he said. "[As a social worker] you are constantly involved in the individuals but we also need to constantly evaluate and see what's working."

The candidate added that he would also look into the vacant retail space in the community, such as the former location of Borders on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. He would also work to make sure that residents are aware of any developments or redevelopments that may take place.

Overall, Clark said that he feels he makes the best candidate because he wants to work with residents and really understand their needs.

"I want to bring a change of leadership style involving everybody. Even if they tell me [to go away], at least I'll know what they think. I want to make sure that the people are involved," he said.

Clark is a lifelong resident of Long Island. He and his wife Terry, who have a daughter, lived in Levittown for 15 years and moved to Wantagh about two years ago.

Dennis Dunne, Sr., the Republican incumbent to the 15th Legislative District, is seeking to be elected to his fifth term in office. Dunne, who is also running on the Independent and Conservative party lines, said he hopes to be re-elected so he can continue to help his friends and neighbors, as he says he's done for the past eight years.

"The reason I took on the position eight years ago and the same reason I'm staying in the position is I want to keep taxes down, I want to put a cap on spending and keep those people who are the backbone of our community in our community," he said. "We're taxing them out of existence. I voted against almost every tax increase and I want to continue to fight for my friends and neighbors."

Dunne noted that one way to help ensure that young residents can afford to stay on Long Island is by having high-tech, high-paying jobs available to those exiting colleges and universities.

"Kids are learning high-tech and biotech jobs now, they need to get good jobs here so that they can afford to stay on Long Island," he said. "We have to try to keep that industry here."

Dunne noted that in addition to helping residents stay in the area, he has worked to help the youth of the community. During his tenure, the legislator assisted in making sure that various sports programs throughout the district have field space and recently secured a large county sump which was transformed into soccer fields.

"This community is like my extended family," he said, "and I work hard to make sure that things get done. I know the right people to talk to, I know where to go to ask for help from other bodies of government. I know how to talk to people."

Dunne noted that a major accomplishment he achieved during his tenure was the cancer research study he and members of the community performed about four years ago, when there was a cancer scare in the area. He explained that surveys were distributed to residents and were then sent out for examination by the county and state department of health. Good news followed, Dunne said, because the survey indicated there was no more cancer in Levittown than anywhere else in New York State. However, Dunne added, there was a higher mortality rate in Levittown than in the county.

"The reason this survey was so successful was because so many members of the community came together to help," he said, noting that all the schools in the area, the PTAs, veterans organizations and other community members got involved. Upon hearing about the higher mortality rate, Dunne said he felt that early detection was key.

"Every legislator gets a mammography van in their [district] four times a year," he explained. "We get it 24 times a year. We also encourage men to take advantage of the prostate cancer screening [which is available] free of charge at the Nassau University Medical Center."

Dunne noted that his diligence paid off, as he's had, on more than one occasion, a resident come up to him and thank him for making the machine/screenings available because it "saved their lives." He added that just the fact that residents would take their time to seek him out and thank him truly represents the wonderful sense of community found throughout the 15th District.

"The people are great - I think they are some of nicest folks in the world. That's why I chose to live here," he said. "I love Levittown, I'll never leave."

Dunne added that he is an independent voice for residents.

"No political party tells me what to do. The people of the community tell me what to do," he said. "I'm a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Ancient Order of Hibernians [among others] - those are the people that tell me what to do. It's the people in my community."

Dunne serves as president of the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council and is president of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council. He is also a member of the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Kiwanis Club, the Disabled American Veterans and the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. Dunne is the former chair of the Nassau County Executive's Veterans Advisory Committee. He served as co-chair for the 40th and 50th Anniversaries of Levittown.

Dunne is a lifelong resident of Levittown. He has two children, Dennis Jr. and Joleene and two grandchildren, Tyler and Sydney Nicole.