Change Does Not Come Overnight

Or Over The Decades, It Would Seem

Voters -- or at least the few who bothered to show up at the polls on Tuesday -- had their say, and decided, rather resoundingly, that "same old, same old" is okay by them, and that the status quo is good enough.

We, of course, don't believe that. Not for a moment.

The status quo is never good enough, and "same old, same old" has absolutely no place in representative government.

We'd like to think that, at least on some level, Michael Uhl's message of change, advocacy, and accountability got out there -- at least we know its floating around in cyberspace -- and that, given the indifference of an "off" year election, most voters, already feeling disenchanted, if not disenfranchised by years of benign neglect from their government (we're being polite, if not generous), decided, unfortunately, to register their dismay by staying away from the polls.

The key, going forward, will be to not only deliver the message, but to engrain the message on the minds of the electorate. We must, as well, instill that sense of both excitement and urgency -- the kind where folks are saying, "We just can't wait to get out and vote!"

This campaign, now behind us, has been invigorating as it has been enlightening. Michael has enjoyed his stoop-side chats with residents, and has shared in your concerns over the issues that impact upon both wallet and quality of life.

But that, friends, was the easy part.

The real work remains before us. The task of taking the property tax bull by the horns (without the "bull" that emanates from the legislative chambers) so that we can effectively lower the tax bill without gimmick or faux rebate. The task of protecting the water we drink, the green space that defines suburbia, and that house behind the white picket fence. The task of rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing downtown, and reinventing community.

In the debate that marked the official start of this campaign, Vincent Muscarella referred to himself as a "low-key legislator."

It is our hope that, if Mr. Muscarella has heard our message at all, he will take away from this campaign a renewed outlook on representative government; one that requires a strong voice, a firm commitment to community, and a willingness not only to listen to his constituents, but to zealously advocate on their collective behalf.

It was, after all, Mr. Muscarella who, so many times over the years, has said, "There is no greater service to the community than public service." We agree!

From the Friends of Michael Uhl, we thank you, and encourage you to keep up the fight. The best is yet to come!

TODAY IS THE DAY. . .

. . .FOR ALL GOOD CITIZENS TO

COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COMMUNITIES

Today, the Uhl tide turns!

GET OUT AND VOTE ~ GET OUT THE VOTE

Today is Election Day. It is also Independence Day for those of us who have staked our claim in Nassau County's 8th Legislative District.

Today is the day we, the people, decide whether we want change, advocacy, and accountability, or another two years of a self-proclaimed "low-key legislator" who resists change, advocates only for the party faithful and special interests, and is accountable to no one but the political Machine he serves.

Today is the day we fight back to lower property taxes, not by a foolhearty freeze, but by a well-planned consolidation of local government, eliminating the waste, carving out the corruption, and curbing unnecessary spending.

Today we send a message to our elected officials -- a message that will reverberate from Albany to Town Hall -- that it is time to return government to the people, and for our legislators to get back to work for the people.

Today will mark the end of legislative dysfunction, and the beginning of an era where you will have a voice in government, and a say in your future.

Today is the day we will send Michael Uhl to the Nassau County Legislature, because we understand that WITH A UHL WIN, WE ALL WIN!

ELECT MICHAEL UHL AS YOUR COUNTY LEGISLATOR

The Only Poll That Counts!

On Tuesday, You Decide. "Status Quo" Or "Get Up And Go?"

Here we are, folks. One day to go before Election Day, November 6th.

There's quite a bit of excitement at the Uhl team. Our polls show that, what once was an insurmountable lead by our sitting legislator (and we do mean "sitting"), has dwindled down to a virtual neck-and-neck. [Shhh! Don't tell Vinny. He might wake up at the last minute and send out a mailing.]

We've climbed the mountain, and can see the summit. [All right. Its the Hempstead Plain. You need a little imagination.]

As far as we have gone, and as close as we may be to pulling off a November miracle, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels -- or on the chance that the friends of Michael Uhl will come out to vote, while the supporters of the status quo stay home.

Now is the time for all of those who believe that change in the Nassau County Legislature is long overdue, to come to the aid, not of a party or an agenda, but of the notion that we can cut property taxes, eliminate waste, consolidate so as to trim costs, and actually have local government that is by the people, of the people, and for the people.

It has been a great run; a real rush of adrenalin as we march from despair toward hope. The finish line in sight, and victory within our grasp, we call upon each of you to take that final lap with us, as we raise high the banner of community and the mantle of democracy.

Whether you hail from Garden City, or call Franklin Square your home, pass along this message to friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Help is on the way.

From Floral Park to West Hempstead, sound the call by telephone, at the local watering hole, and on street corners, to make sure folks know that our community's finest days are yet to come.

Let our friends in Elmont hear it from your lips that renewal and revitalization take more than just talk, and action is but a vote away.

With your help, your commitment to a better day for all of us, we shall gain the inevitable triumph on Tuesday, November 6th.

We all win with a Uhl win!
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REALITY CHECK: We're really not "neck-and-neck" in the polls (although we are still waiting for the latest numbers from Quinnipiac and Zogby). Wouldn't it be nice, though, if Michael Uhl pulled off one of the greatest political upsets in Nassau County history? It could happen. YOU can make it happen. UHL can make it happen!

What Has Your County Legislator Done For You Lately?

If He's Vincent Muscarella, Not Much!

• Vincent Muscarella, who, until the start of this campaign (and only because Michael Uhl raised the issue), never said a word about closing the infamous Courtesy Hotel in West Hempstead. Well, that’s not exactly true – he did tell the community, time and time again, that the County wasn’t housing sex offenders, ex-cons, and the indigent at the Courtesy. Did he not know, or was he simply being disingenuous?
  
• The million dollar filtration system, installed in Hall’s Pond ( a Nassau County "passive" park) back when Tom Gulotta was County Exec – and Mr. Muscarella first took office as our County Legislator – hasn’t worked in more than 8 years. Nor, apparently, has anyone maintaining the County park that surrounds the pond, other than Michael Uhl and his Community Green crew of volunteers!
  
• The reconstruction of Hempstead Avenue. Promises, promises. NOW its coming? Where – and from whom during which election year – have we heard that before?
  
• The homeless in our backyards -- and front yards. Doesn’t Mr. Muscarella know the telephone number of the County’s Department of Social Services? Oh, he did hold a 15 minute “conference” on the homeless problem once. Guess the homeless don’t vote, so Vincent Muscarella doesn’t care.
  
• Remember the $150 million in Environmental Bond monies, some of which was “allocated” for projects in the 8th Legislative District? Have you taken a walk through your local County park lately? Whatever happened to the money earmarked for our communities? [Pssst. Don’t ask Vincent Muscarella. He doesn’t know!]
  
• Read about the special taxing districts ripping off the public? Franklin Square Water District. Sanitary District No. 1. You name the district, they’re picking taxpayers’ pockets. In just three short years as a West Hempstead Water Commissioner, Michael Uhl took one special district out of the shadows, opening the tap on rampant nepotism, outlandish waste (as in Commissioners drawing pay for meetings never attended), and “water quality by chance.” Imagine what he could do as our County Legislator!

Tip of the iceberg, but hey, you have to start somewhere. Vincent Muscarella has had 12 long years as a County Legislator, and he hasn’t left the gate yet. Isn’t it time for a change?

On Tuesday, November 6th, elect Michael Uhl as YOUR Nassau County Legislator. Its time to get started, for a change!