Linda Davis Valdez, a Democrat, is running for town clerk, aiming to succeed incumbent Andrew Raia.
“This path to the Town Clerk’s office, represents a new beginning for me,” she said. “I am super excited, and extremely honored to have been selected to run for this position. The vote of confidence by the Huntington Town Democratic Committee has been overwhelming, and I am grateful for it all.”
She has about 20 years experience in the financial sales and operations management world. She held Series 7, 63, and Life Accident and Health professional licenses.
She also worked for 18 years in court systems in Suffolk, Nassau, Kings and Queens counties, advocating ffor youth and families affected by the justice system. She supervises pretrial professionals responsible for interviewing nearly every criminal defendant arrested in the boroughs of New York City.
She said that the 38 years of work “detailed not only determination and tenacity, but also leadership skills, and my ability to traverse working with diverse populations, seamlessly.”
Her record of community engagement includes having graduated from the Suffolk County Child Care Council Parent Leadership Program, being a Cub Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, church deacon, and community volunteer who led clothing and food drives. She also served on PTA Executive Boards multiple times, and was president of the High School PTSA.
“I am guided by the basic human values of faith, family and community. I believe that we all have a responsibility to serve the greater good of humanity with dignity, respect and grace,” she said.
She said that while campaigning, knockingon doors all over the town of Huntington, she found a “sense of disconnect a and lack of civility when having to navigate the town clerks’ office. As the role of the Town Clerk is a non-policy making position, permits will be issued, vital records will be maintained, the state mandates that, however, it is up to the office leadership to set the tone for what is expected as we service the public, as well as when we interact with each other. Having serviced populations of all walks of life, I have been described as a bridge person, who easily navigates transitions, treats everyone with respect, and that is exactly what I expect to bring to the town clerk’s office.”
“As a Huntington resident, my concerns are similar to others, making sure that Huntington remains a place where working families, regardless of race, ethnicity or income, will be able to afford quality housing, enjoy safe drinking water, maintain high-performing schools for their children, and be proud to call home. The Town Clerk cannot effectuate changes to these issues, but I am only a phone call away from an elected leader that can vote on the issues.”
If elected, she wants to lead increasing awareness of Huntington’s rich and varied history, preserving and showcasing the historical archives, and helping to establish a safe and accessible town hub.
“Experience matters, and I have the leadership experience, customer service experience, and community service experience to help propel Huntington forward,” she said.
The election is Nov. 7, with early voting beginning Saturday.
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