The Nassau County election is heating up as candidates position themselves to address the pressing concerns of their constituents. Among those vying for public office are Adam Bergstrom and Renta Irwin, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the race.
Adam Bergstrom, 32, of Floral Park, is running on the Republican and Conservative party lines. He currently serves as a deputy county attorney with the Office of the Nassau County Attorney. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he also dedicates time to coaching youth boys basketball. Bergstrom has academic credentials from the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business at Adelphi University and the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.
When itcomes to the issues he plans to tackle if elected, Bergstrom has made it clear he prioritizes addressing traffic congestion and parking difficulties near the UBS Arena, Belmont Park, and the Belmont Park Retail Village located in Elmont. "Traffic and parking have become unbearable, and it's time we take action to alleviate these burdens for our residents," he stated.
Looking at state financial matters, Bergstrom has indicated his intent to advocate for cuts to the $239 billion state budget, calling it overly burdensome for district residents amid rising living costs and inflation concerns. He critiques current fiscal policies, emphasizing the need to relieve what he describes as “staggering” financial pressures on families. On the issue of crime, he also supports amending the cashless bail legislation, expressing concerns about potential dangers to the community. "Making sure serious offenders do not get back on the streets is key to maintaining public safety," he remarked.
On the other side of the political spectrum is Renta Irwin, 50, of Levittown, who is running on Democratic, Republican, and Conservative party lines. Irwin was appointed as a Nassau County District Court judge for the Second District just this past January. Prior to this role, she served as the principal law clerk for Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Sharon M.J. Gianelli, where she collected valuable insights from working within the judicial system.
Irwin's legal career spans several years; she was previously a partner at Irwin & Streiner from 2007 to 2020, specializing in personal injury, guardianship, and constitutional violations. Her educational background includes earning her undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany and her law degree from Hofstra University Law School. Since being admitted to the Bar in 2000, she has added credentials from several courts, including being admitted to the Supreme Court in 2023.
Although Irwin has just taken on her judicial responsibilities, she is committed to enhancing the overall functionality of the judicial system. She believes justice must be accessible and fair, stating, "I want to make sure our courts serve as not just places of rulings, but as beacons of hope for those seeking resolution to their legal conflicts. Everyone deserves to be heard and treated with respect."
While Bergstrom and Irwin have different backgrounds and priorities, both candidates are working to position themselves as the individuals who can best serve the needs of Nassau County's residents. The election are shaping up to be highly competitive, as these profiles outline key figures who will likely influence important local decisions. The outcome will not just affect the future of these candidates but may also mark significant changes in the county governance.
