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Health & Fitness

Getting to know Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto

  I’m guilty of being one of those people who hasn’t been as involved in politics on a local level as I should be. There are issues that draw my attention and I’ve written and called my elected officials from time to time, usually to complain about something, but then I go back to my life and forget until something else draws my attention. In this case it was all of the Re-elect John Venditto for Supervisor signs that reeled me in.
  I know the name. Who doesn’t? I’ve seen him from time to time at local events. I’ve even interviewed his son, Nassau County Legislator Michael Venditto. And by the way, no disrespect intended but Legislator Venditto is like the gateway Venditto. Sit down and talk to him and you want more things Venditto. At least I did. 
  Judging by the Venditto signs that seem to be the newest accessory around town, there are a lot of people who feel that way.
  When I met with Supervisor Venditto he had no ground rules. Nothing was off limits and despite being up for re-election there was no push of agendas or platforms.  Ok, so there were a few jokes but overall the man I sat down with was a resident of Massapequa, of the Town of Oyster Bay, not just the Republican incumbent.    
   He spoke of growing up in Massapequa and graduating from our high school. While raising his family here being part of the community whether it was coaching Little League, soccer, membership in local Knights of Pythias, Sons of Italy or serving as Town Attorney, Town Councilman and then Supervisor was his way of giving back.
   What struck me about Supervisor Venditto was how down to earth he was. We discussed the divisive nature of politics and about the increased negativity that candidates face. It is no longer a world in which we talk about issues. It has become a world in which candidates get trashed. It has become an unfortunate part of the territory.
   Supervisor Venditto spoke about issues and keeping it to issues when campaigning. He acknowledged that not everyone is going to like or agree with his views but spoke about being honest with the resident of the Town of Oyster Bay. He would rather give an honest no than make a promise he cannot deliver. Not everyone wants to hear no. My words, not his.  
  He had a great analogy for the divisiveness often seen with political differences and compared it with attorneys arguing a case in court. The attorneys battle it out and then go have lunch or a drink and keep the differences in the courtroom. Political differences were once like that. Supervisor Venditto didn’t engage in any political bashing of opponents or political ideologies. He spoke about the importance of character and saying what he means in an honest fashion, even if his words are not what someone wants to hear. 
  We spoke about the quality of life on Long Island and the difficulties faced by our seniors and young families. Helping our seniors stay here is something he sees as a quality of life issue. It is a strengthening of our community when grandparents aren’t leaving their families because life here is no longer sustainable. He is especially proud of the programs he has introduced in the form of senior housing that has eased some of the financial burdens on our seniors. 
  He has also worked on programs to help first-time homebuyers though he acknowledged that it has not seen the same success as the senior housing. Still, it is something that he recognizes as being important in building and sustaining strong communities and something he will continue to work on.
  What we kept coming back to in our talk was the sense of community that is so important. Supervisor Venditto has a tremendous pride in his hometown and in the Town of Oyster Bay. His commitment is deep. His words are not just the words of a man who wants to get re-elected. His words are reflected in his actions. Whether it is people affected by Sandy and still struggling or local moms with concerns over massage parlors popping up around town, he has taken the time to hear the concerns and act on them. 
  When you see him at events watch the way he is able to move through a crowd and effortlessly have conversations with several different people about different issues and seem energized. In fact, don’t watch him. Go introduce yourself. Tell him your concerns. Share your story or just say hello.
  He wants to hear it. He invites his constituents to get to know him. He gets that it is his community, his neighbors. What affects us also affects him.  
  What better message could there be than that?

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