Viviana Russell D

BACKGROUND

• Russell, 53, of Westbury, is running on the Democratic Party line in the general election. She has more than 20 years of grassroots advocacy and government service experience. Russell was on the North Hempstead Town Board for 12 years.
• She is a consultant/associate real estate broker. She said she helmed redevelopment and revitalization projects, including creating more than 200 units of senior, affordable and workforce housing.
• One of her proudest accomplishments, she said, was overseeing the $26 million "Yes We Can" Community Center in New Cassel, a hub for youth programs, senior service and community activities.

ISSUES

•  Russell said one of her top priorities is making life more affordable for families.She said she will advocate for smart fiscal policies that ease this burden by redeveloping blighted properties to return them to the tax roll, pursue state and federal grants, foster public-private partnerships, and expand the tax base through responsible economic development.
•  She said she will champion the development of affordable, workforce and middle-income housing and plans to work with local towns to address restrictive zoning practices and streamline permitting processes.
• Russell said she supports expanding community policing and fostering trust between law enforcement and residents.