When Politics Gets Personal: Lisa McArdle on Running for the Town She Loves

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/