Biography:
DENISE FORD, was first elected to represent the 4th Legislative District after an upset victory in 2003 and was re-elected in 2005 and again in 2007. The 4th District includes the City of Long Beach, Lido Beach, Atlantic Beach, Point Lookout and parts of Oceanside and Island Park.
Legislator Ford currently serves on the Finance Committee, Health Committee, the Environment Committee, the Towns, Villages and Cities Committee, the Planning and Development Committee and is a ranking member of the Public Safety Committee.
Within her term of office Ms. Ford has been honored for numerous achievements within her community for serving her constituents. In May 2004 she received the Big Sister award from Project Challenge for her untiring efforts to better her community. In October of 2004 Legislator Ford was honored as Woman of the Year by the Michael Valente Lodge, as well in October 2004 she was named Woman of the Year by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the exceptional leadership she has given for her constituents. She was honored as a “Woman of Valor” by the Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-el in January 2005. Most recently she was honored on June 2006 in Albany by Senator Skelos as “Woman of Distinction” for her outstanding achievements and contributions which have greatly enriched the quality of life in her community and beyond as well as a role model for all of us.
Legislatively, Mrs. Ford has been very active in trying to curb underage drinking as well as bring awareness to this growing problem. She has been working hard to eliminate gangs and the violence that accompanies it by finding alternative ways for adolescence to occupy their time. In 2005 the teen center opened up in Long Beach as well as the East and West “Beach Club” for middle schoolers. Mrs. Ford participated in the PARP (Parents a Reading Partners) at Florence A. Smith Elementary School in Oceanside to promote the importance of parents getting involved in their children’s reading development.
It is important that our children are protected and safe, which is why Mrs. Ford has been working with various levels of government to help secure a commitment to have a safety net installed at the Lido Golf Club. She has also be instrumental in helping to pass legislation which strengthens Megans’ Law and appropriating a budget for 100 new police officers. By passing Tobacco 19 she hopes to keep younger children from starting to smoke as well.
Due to the rising gasoline prices Legislature Ford has been working towards a bill to drop state and county tax on gasoline over $2.00 a gallon to give much needed relief to the already burdened Long Islanders. Tobacco 19 was adopted unanimously after the amendment proposed by Legislator Ford that removed the burden of the local retailers having to pay a $125 fee. This fee would have been used to implement the necessary training to enforce this legislation. Mrs. Ford felt that our store owners pay enough in taxes and fees already. Since the county has made use of the Tobacco settlement money, she feels that county can use a portion for this program.
Legislator Ford most recently secured $75,000 for the N69 bus which provides frequent and convenient transportation for residents who live between Point Lookout, Lido, and the City of Long Beach. The bus will continue to serve our residents such as senior citizens who are unable to drive who need public transportation to pick up medication and go to various services.
Mrs. Ford has also been working tirelessly to make sure residents are prepared in case of a hurricane or emergency and has been offering forums to inform people of how to safeguard themselves against harm. Being so close to the beach and water it is important to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw our way.
While working together with the Nassau County Department of Assessment Mrs. Ford conducts numerous meetings throughout the year to help senior citizens save money on their Nassau County property tax bill and school tax bill. The meetings are designed to assist in understanding the various tax reduction programs such as the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption Program and the Enhanced Star Program.
Legislator Ford has been a resident of the Long Beach community for 25 years and has long been active in her West End neighborhood. Ms. Ford recently stepped down as the President of the West End Neighbors Civic Association to assume her role in the Legislature. She is also a member of the Kiwanis, League of Women Voters, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Long Beach Historical Society. In addition, Ms. Ford retired from the telephone company in 1999 after 25 years of loyal service as both a technician and a shop steward in Locals 1101 & 1106.
 Legislator Ford was raised in a family dedicated to public service. Her father was a retired member of the New York City Police Department and her mother worked for many years with the United States Customs Department. She is the proud mother of three wonderful children, Janna O’Brien who is a graduate Hofstra University and is teaching special ed. in Long Beach Middle School, Harry, a senior at Kellenberg Memorial High School, and Gerard, now a junior who is also attending Kellenberg. Legislator Ford and her family have had to cope with enormous tragedy, Ms. Ford’s husband, Harry, a decorated; 27 year veteran of the New York City Fire Department was killed along with two of his fellow firefighters at a fire in Queens on Father’s Day 2001. Legislator Ford’s story has turned from one of tragedy to one of strength and inspiration.
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