New Nassau County Legislature Majority Leader Peter Schmitt, Nassau Republican Party Chairman Joseph Mondello, Legis. John Ciotti, County Executive hopeful Ed Mangano and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray on a very happy night for Republicans.
At about 10 minutes before 11 p.m. on Election Night, Nassau Republican Party Chairman Joseph Mondello made an announcement:
“I thought you might be interested to know that we just won the county Legislature.”
The crowd at Mirelle’s Restaurant in Westbury erupted in applause as Mondello raised the arms of Republican Howard Kopel, the challenger to Democratic Legis. Jeffrey Toback, and Joe Belesi, the Republican challenger to Democratic Legis. David Mejias, in victory.
The news was reinforced about a half hour later as Mondello again announced that his party had wrestled control of what had been a one-vote Democratic majority into Republican hands.
“This is a night to remember,” Mondello told the charged audience. ”We’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”
Pandemonium ensued as the packed restaurant, next door to Republican Committee headquarters, exploded in cheers and applause and a parade of Republicans marched onto the stage to thank supporters—and especially Mondello.
“It’s great to be a Republican in Nassau County tonight,” boomed the new Nassau Legislature Majority Leader Peter Schmitt, with a smile.
“This year they said it was an impossible task,” said the victorious Legis. John Ciotti.
“What a night!” shouted Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, also a winner.
As of this post, Mondello said the heated race for county executive was too close to call.
“Keep the faith,” Mangano told the crowd. “We’re gonna win this.”
Make no mistake, the County Legislature was delivered by the East Rockaway Greenbayparkers. They kept the heat on Jeff Toback and worked very hard getting the vote out. Let’s hope the County dosen’t forget them and stops dumping on Bay Park.
Nassau 1, you are so right. He has the temerity to stand up there and gloat as if all this was orchestrated by him The fact is, is that he sold Joy Watson, Ed Mangano, and other candidates down the river. When I complained about an irregularity about the Democrat controlled BOE and thier inexplicable refusal to mail me an absentee ballot–he did not even repsond or show any sign of concern. His minions in Hempstead did NOTHING to secure its absentee Republican voter’s votes although they were asked several times. Mondello was in collusion with the other side and he probably was genuinely shocked when whatever deal he made with Satan, fell through. I DESPISE HIM.
this is too close to call for mejias. the last time he was this close to the same opponent he WON!
Time for the Nassau Republican party to replace Mondello.
He failed to provide any proper support for the Mangano campaign and may have cost his party the County Executive position by mismanaging the Nassau campaign.
Mondello still has the stench from the old corrupt Republican machine on him and the emerging new Republican party and it’s voters need to have fresh blood and honest intelligent leadership in order to attract new voters and support.
Guess Mejais will soon be closing is law offices in downtown Glen Cove!