The race for Hempstead Town supervisor features a popular incumbent against a challenger who says she wants to be a voice in town hall for residents who feel they don’t have one.

Don Clavin is running for town supervisor and says residents in the Town of Hempstead have clear priorities.

“It’s taxes, taxes and quality of life,” said Clavin..

The Republican from Garden City is seeking a third term as supervisor.

“That's what we've been able to deliver in the Town of Hempstead, stable taxes, tax freezes, and a AAA bond rating,” said Clavin.

Democrat Olena Nicks is challenging Clavin.

The NYU Langone financial analyst and Uniondale Library board member says she was drawn into the race after the town's new council maps left some residents feeling under represented at town hall.

“Lakeview and Uniondale. I'm from the Uniondale community, are two perfect examples. We need to be able to deliver the same quality of services that are getting delivered in some neighborhoods, and maybe not others,” said Nicks.

However, there's another issue at play. What will happen at the Nassau Coliseum site? Will it become a casino, and what role will town government play in making it happen, or not?

“We know something's going to be built there, the county reached an agreement on plan a which is a casino, or plan B commercial/residential will go there, it really lies in the governor's hands,” said Clavin.

“I think we just have to listen to the community and the residents,” said Nicks.