Q & A: Gary Hudes, Town of Hempstead Councilman

Gary Hudes has served as Hempstead Town Councilman for the Sixth Councilmanic District since 2000. The District includes East Meadow, Levittown, Plainedge, Salisbury and portions of Bethpage, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.

Hudes, 58, is a Levittown resident. He serves as President of Gennaro Jewelers in Bellmore Village, and graduated Cum Laude from Montclair University.

Hudes, a Republican, is being challenged by Democratic candidate Diane Madden, from East Meadow. 

The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Residents can find their polling locations at the board of elections website and absentee ballots can also be found online here.

Q: Why are you running for this position?

I continue to work tirelessly for my constituents to make a positive difference in their lives. I want to continue to improve the quality of life in our community by continuing to make my office and the services in America's largest township available to our residents at all times, because they deserve nothing less!

Q: What qualifies you to serve in the position? 

My vast business experience and service as a community leader for 20 years, plus the past 13 plus years as this community's Town Councilman, has given me the insight and experience to assist our residents in every way possible.

Q: What TOH services are most important to the district? 

All Town services are extremely important to our residents as our vast Town services account for almost 90% of resident services, but only account for approx. 10% of property taxes.

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing the Town?

We must continue to do everything we can to control the cost of government as well as town taxes.  We have reduced town taxes for the past three years while continuing to provide excellent constituent services.

Q: If you are elected, what is the one thing you’d like to see accomplished during your term?

I want to continue to write legislation that will positively impact "quality-of-life" issues for those who call America's largest township home.    

Q: Would you like to add anything else? 

I am proud of my reputation as a "hands on" representative who spends endless hours in our community to serve my neighbors. I will continue to be directly involved and fight for issues that are important to community residents, as I have proven for the past 13 plus years. I will continue to exceed the expectations of the residents that I serve each and every day.