Vote for Christopher Carini in the 5th Council District

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Until just a few weeks ago, the contest in the Town of Hempstead’s 5th Council District felt pretty much like no contest. Erin King Sweeney, the energetic, charismatic, popular Republican incumbent, seemed almost assured of a second full term against the challenger, Paralympic gold medalist Lora Webster.

Then came the bombshell: King Sweeney would be moving to North Carolina, and therefore would not be a candidate.

To take her place on the ballot, Nassau County Republicans chose Seaford activist Christopher Carini, at the time a Port Authority police officer. Carini has been active in local civic organizations, such as the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowners Association and the PTA, and has lobbied to improve roadways, railway stations and parks.

Webster was diagnosed at age 11 with cancer in her left leg, which was subsequently amputated. She has spent much of the past 20 years competing on the U.S. National Sitting Volleyball Team. Her team has medaled in every Paralympic Games since then, capturing the gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Both candidates are energetic, with impressive resumes that appear to prepare them for public life. Both stress their intention to work with members of the other party to break the logjam of local politics. With first-time candidates, of course, it’s difficult to judge how much freedom either would have to do that.

Nevertheless, we feel that Carini is the better choice to step into King Sweeney’s vacancy. He has shown a more thorough grasp of the issues, and the arguments on both sides of those issues. Through his civic engagement, he has come to know the town’s major players, and we believe he is better prepared to serve the people of the 5th District right now. The Herald recommends that voters support him.