Chamber plans forum for congressional candidates



The Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors announced this week that a Congressional District 3 Democratic Primary Candidate Forum – noted as CD3 Forum 2022 – has been organized for Tuesday evening, August 2, at the 700-seat Syosset High School auditorium. 

The Candidate Forum at Syosset High School will be hosted by Emmy-nominated NY1 News and business anchor Karina Mitchell. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will last for approximately 90 minutes. Doors will open to the public at 6 p.m. but advance registration for tickets is requested of all Syosset and Woodbury residents who wish to attend. 

Chamber of Commerce President Russell P. Green, a 22-year resident of the community whose two daughters graduated from Syosset High School, described the event.

“The forum offers a unique opportunity for the Democrat candidates running in the August 23rd primary for the Third Congressional District to have their voices heard by the voters. Any other candidates who qualify for the August 23 primary ballot are also welcome to participate. Audience attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions asked by submitting in advance as part of their RSVP. Individuals can obtain tickets for free for the evening by going to tinyurl.com/yc6zmedr , visiting the link on our website, syossetchamber.com or Eventbrite.com and searching for CD3Forum2022.”

Green said the format for the August 2nd Candidate Forum would consist of questions that are submitted in writing, in advance, by Chamber members and members of the public.

“A live stream will also be available for voters to watch the forum live. Alex Wolff of Concierge Photography is providing the live stream so that all residents of the Third District will be able to make an informed choice ahead of the August 23 Democratic primary. Details on that will be posted on SyossetChamber.com,” Green added. Residents can also contact the chamber via email, at info@syossetchamber.com, for more information.

The Forum is being promoted on social media and online as #CD3Forum2022. 

Participation has been confirmed by local Nassau County Legislator and former Syosset Central School District board of education trustee Josh Lafazan has committed to attending the upcoming Candidate Forum, as have the Deputy Suffolk County Executive Jon Kaiman, Reema Rasool and Robert Zimmerman.

Rasool is a mom of two sons who has lived in both New York City and Long Island. She said she believes in a need to invest in clean energy infrastructure and support renewable jobs.  Zimmerman, a Great Neck native, is a former advisor to Representative Gary Ackerman and he worked as a senior aide to Congressmen Lester Wolf and James Scheuer.

Chamber president Green explained that a fifth Democratic candidate, Melanie D’Arrigo, is working on her schedule to participate in #CD3FORUM2022.

Woodbury resident Maureen Nickel, owner of Bright Star Home Health Care of North Shore Nassau County and the immediate past president of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce commented, “For over 20 years the Syosset Woodbury Chamber Of Commerce has had a well-proven track record of serving the business community. In addition, this longstanding commitment to local businesses is complemented by a strong engagement with residents. The upcoming CD3 Forum 2022 has a twofold purpose: our residents will have an opportunity to express their concern on crucial issues and hear firsthand which  Congressional candidate offers the best solutions for addressing these issues. This will give the community an opportunity to make informed decisions before going to the polls.” 

Green noted that following the results of the primary, the chamber anticipates holding a separate Congressional Race Forum in late October between the Republican candidate George Santos and the Democratic nominee.

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