3 Indians in fray in Nassau County polls

In a first, three Indian-Americans and one with a strong Indian connection are running for elected offices as the running mates of a Democratic Party leader contesting for the Nassau County Executive post.
County Executive job is similar to Mayor in metro cities in the US.
Tom Suozzi who has been the friend of Indian-Americans of Nassau County and who ran unsuccessfully against Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic gubernatorial primary said he and his running mates need to make Nassau County, immediately east of New York City, an attractive and affordable place to live once again.
"For over three years the present County Executive a Republican Edward Mangano has presided over the decline of our County. I've seen the county taken over by a state agency and mismanaged from one man-made crisis after another. We have to do better," he told PTI.

Tom Suozzi is trying to wrest County Executive position which he narrowly lost in the last election.
Mili Makhijani is running as a Democrat for the position of Town Clerk for the Town of Oyster Bay. She is an attorney, currently working as a Law Clerk to a Justice of the Supreme Court in Nassau County.

"I believe that my background in the legal justice system, my degree in finance, and my interpersonal skills will be beneficial to the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay. I will bring a fresh and modern perspective to the Clerk's Office," Makhijani said.

Andhra Pradesh-born Shaker Nelanuthala is contesting for the post of Council Member of the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County.
Nelanuthala, a successful businessman is stepping on to the political stage for the first time to reverse spending and irresponsible tax increases on the Town of Oyster Bay residents.
Shanker believes his strong background in business management makes him an ideal candidate for this job.
The third Indian-American in the fray is Sid Nathen, who is running for North Hempstead Town Council Member, District 3. He is currently working for the Town of North Hempstead and is on leave of absence to run for the elections.

Laura Gillen, a person with a strong India connection and a practicing attorney, is a candidate for Nassau County Clerk.
Gillen embarked on transformational journeys in 1995-96 to destinations in India, China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The focal point of her travel was an extended volunteer mission in Kolkata with the Missionaries of Charity, where she worked in Mother Teresa's home for the dying.
"Indian-Americans owe a lot to Tom Suozzi for his confidence of choosing three Indian candidates as his running mate and another with India connection," Kalathil Varghese, a Democratic Party leader of Nassau County and co-founder of Indian-American Friends of Tom Suozzi, said.