“Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, not defeat.”
So, with that said, I hope you understand, in part, why I decided to take on my newest project. So here it goes.
I am running for Mayor of East Hills, a community of roughly 7,000 residents in Nassau County. For those of you who know me, you know that I’m a business man. I love running my small business, studying business practices and even lecturing on topics like marketing, branding and sales. So what possessed me to step outside my comfort zone and subject myself to public scrutiny?
There are a lot of reasons but none as compelling as those relating to my Village’s fiscal health. I’m scared. Village taxes have gone up 12 years in a row and have more than doubled since I moved into my home. We’re running a $21 million debt which is almost double our annual budget. And 15% of our revenues goes toward debt service.
After learning of the Village’s dire financial situation, I felt that someone had to step up. I also know that my strong business training and experience will allow me to hold the line on tax increases, eliminate waste (without affecting fundamental services) and restore fiscal responsibility. Being more of a doer than a talker (and not seeing anyone else stepping up), I decided to throw my hat in the ring.
Of course, nothing comes easy. I am running against a 16-year incumbent who has many impressive accomplishments including acquisition of 54-acres from the Federal government for a mere $3 million and build a beautiful park on this site.
So here I go daring a mighty thing and seeking to win a glorious triumph.
Wish me luck.
Matthew Weiss