What happens when a lifelong educator, advocate, and proud Williston Park resident gets tired of the division—and decides to do something about it?

In this episode, Dave sits down with Lisa McArdle, candidate for North Hempstead Town Council in District 3. Lisa’s not your typical politician. A registered Republican running on the Democratic line, she’s challenging the idea that party labels should define how we serve our neighbors.

Lisa opens up about what it’s really like to run for office for the first time, how her family roots, her father’s mental health struggles, and her years in the classroom shaped her views on leadership. She shares why transparency in local government matters more than ever—and what needs to change so young people can afford to come home again.

This episode is a heartfelt, hopeful look at what public service can be when it starts with people—not politics.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The decision to run—and what it's really been like

• Why party affiliation shouldn’t stop us from working together

• How teaching helped her understand the power of the “why”

• The mental health crisis most towns aren’t ready for

• A five-year vision for a thriving, unified North Hempstead
  

Connect with Lisa McArdle: https://www.friendsoflisamcardle.com/

What happens when someone with zero political ambition gets asked to run—and actually says yes?

In this episode, Dave sits down with Mariann Dalimonte, North Hempstead councilwoman and fourth-generation Port Washington resident, for a conversation that’s equal parts heart, hustle, and hard truth about local leadership.

They get into everything: what really drove her to run, how she became the rare leader loved across party lines, and why her inbox is both her superpower and her biggest battle. You’ll hear stories about door-knocking that turned into lifelong friendships, a now-legendary newsletter, and the kind of public service that doesn’t make headlines—but absolutely makes a difference.

If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes in local politics—or what it takes to be a truly likable leader—this one’s for you.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The surprising moment that pushed Mariann into public service

• How she built trust in a deeply divided political climate

• The invisible workload no one sees (and no one thanks you for)

• Why listening beats party loyalty—every time

What to know before you decide to run

In this episode, Dave sits down with Tom Garry—election law expert, longtime strategist, and First Vice Chair of the Nassau County Democratic Committee—for a fast-paced, deeply insightful look at what really goes on behind the scenes of a campaign.

The conversation starts with a personal twist: Dave’s name on the ballot wasn’t legally his name. Enter Tom, the calm-in-a-crisis counsel who assured him everything would be okay—and then stuck around to share decades of political wisdom.

Together, they explore Tom’s path from Bay Ridge to the heart of New York politics, the impact of national discourse on local races, and the one thing every smart candidate must get right (spoiler: it’s credibility, not charisma). Tom also shares what separates great public servants from political opportunists—and how to earn trust that actually lasts.

The episode wraps with practical advice for anyone thinking about stepping into public life and a candid conversation about the state of our political discourse.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The legal ballot-name drama that almost derailed Dave’s campaign

• Tom Garry’s early political roots (and a chance meeting with Michael Dukakis)

• Why local elections feel more national than ever

• How to build credibility that opens doors and wins respect

• The most common—and costly—mistake first-time candidates make
  

Connect with Tom Garry and the NY Democratic Committee:

• Nassau County Democratic Committee
• NY State Democratic Committee