In her first term, when she made her debut as an elected public official, Jennifer S. DeSena had difficulty getting her agenda implemented. But in her second term, as she learned the ropes, DeSena, who is a registered Democrat but runs on the Republican line, has had a smoother path, especially with a Republican majority at her side.

DeSena, who lives in Manhasset, has used that time to make some progress on some of the more significant issues facing the town, particularly the long-maligned building department. She is working to digitize town building department records, quicken the permitting and appeals processes and improve communication, and has brought in some new leadership. Those are solid initial steps — but more needs to be done.

DeSena also has begun to upgrade town parks an

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