Richard A. DeMartino

DeMartino said the three main issues are providing affordable housing close to public transportation for young residents, making sure the upcoming Third Track project of the Long Island Rail Road doesn’t have a negative impact on villages, and making sure the pool at Clinton G. Martin Park is renovated on time. DeMartino noted that MTA officials made certain promises to village leaders in Floral Park and New Hyde Park about not letting construction affect businesses along the track. If elected, DeMartino said, he wants “to make sure MTA keeps their word on those concessions.” He also noted that the cost for renovating the Martin pool will raise taxes slightly for some homeowners and businesses in New Hyde Park. However, residents want more assurance that construction will be completed on time. “Hopefully it’s going to be a nice pool when it’s done and it’ll attract young people and more who want to join the pool,” he said.

DeMartino, 67, of New Hyde Park is running on the Republican, Conservative and Reform party lines. DeMartino is a business development officer for Signature Bank who earned a bachelor’s degree in management and communication from Adelphi University. After graduating from Bayside High School, DeMartino went to work for Citibank. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1969 and was discharged in 1973. The Brooklyn native is the past president and now board member of the New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce. He is a board member of Floral Park Chamber of Commerce and the second vice president of the Herricks Community Fund. DeMartino is also the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Garden City Park and a member of the Town of North Hempstead’s Veterans Committee. DeMartino is married, with two daughters.