New Firefighter Turned Politician: A Fresh Face in Nassau County

Olena Nicks, a seasoned volunteer firefighter and financial analyst, has just been sworn in as a Nassau County legislator. She won her seat in a landslide victory. She is ready to tackle the issues that matter most to her constituents. She is not interested in playing politics. She is focused on making a real difference in her community. Nicks' district covers a diverse range of communities, including Hicksville, Hempstead, New Cassel, Carle Place, Westbury, Uniondale, and Jericho. She understands the unique needs of each area and is committed to representing them all fairly. She is ready to work with both Republicans and Democrats to get things done. During her swearing-in ceremony, Nicks placed her right hand on a family bible brought by her aunt, Tamika. She was sworn in by Democratic minority leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. This moment marked the beginning of her journey as a legislator. She is excited to work with her colleagues to ensure that Nassau County residents are well-represented. Nicks' election comes at a time when the Nassau County legislature remains a 12-7 Republican majority. Despite this, she is optimistic about her ability to make a difference. She believes that party lines should not dictate how she approaches her work. She is focused on addressing the issues that matter most to her constituents. In her first legislative session, Nicks advocated for fair funding for first responders across all districts. She also expressed concerns about what she sees as wasteful spending by the county. She believes that Nassau needs to rein in some of its frivolous expenses, such as costly outside lawyers. Her long-term goals include supporting small businesses, tackling the affordable housing crisis, and pushing for investments in public safety and youth programs. Republicans in the legislature welcomed Nicks and acknowledged the importance of working together. They hope that she will join them in building on the county executive's record of protecting taxpayers and combating crime. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, also expressed his willingness to work with Nicks to keep Nassau County safe, healthy, and affordable. Nicks' journey to the legislature has not been an easy one. She previously ran for Hempstead town clerk in 2021 and town supervisor in 2023, but was unsuccessful in both attempts. However, her persistence paid off in this year's special election, where she defeated Republican candidate Karin Campbell with nearly 75% of the vote.