It's not often that Rick and I get involved with politics or local political elections. Like you, our time is filled with our family and our careers. This year, however, is different.

My good friend and colleague, David O'Brien, is running for the Oyster Bay Town Council. David was born and raised here in Syosset and he and his wife, Vanessa, have chosen to raise their son, Bailey, here as well.

I know David personally and professionally. personally, he is a family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He has put the issues of his community before promoting himself, a rare quality for someone running for public office. David has raised money for underprivileged children, ensuring that the cycle of poverty is broken. Additionally, David has committed himself to preserve our precious open space so that our community does not become overdeveloped.

Professionally, David is the chief of operations for the Timber Lake Group. A conglomerate of children's summer camps dedicated to delivering a safe and fun summer to children throughout the tri-state area. I have seen David work with both children and staff. They respond to him well because he is firm, yet fair, a trait we should all want in our elected officials. At a young age, David has been charged with the task of directly overseeing teams of people to ensure that departments run efficiently and on budget.

David's professional life is not very different from the role of a town councilman. Our new councilman must have a vision of what the town of Oyster Bay should look like. David does! He has a real plan to maintain and improve our quality of life in the Town of Oyster Bay. And, like you, he believes that our government should be responsive and responsible.

I hope that you will join Rick and me in electing a young man who has fresh ideas, a passion for issues and who is beholden to no one.

Hilary Bressler