Edward Mangano to Challenge Suozzi for County Exec Seat
On May 14, County Legislator Ed Mangano (17th L.D. – Bethpage) was officially nominated as the Nassau Republican Party’s candidate of choice to challenge Tom Suozzi for county executive on Nov. 3.
Additional nominations, originally scheduled to take place at the party’s May 21 convention at Levittown’s Wisdom Lane Middle School May 21, were postponed, as was an executive committee meeting, due to swine flu precautions. A new date for the convention was not set as of press time.
However, the county has announced a preliminary list of candidates expected to challenge Democrats in the county and Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay on Election Day 2009.
The anticipated candidates, as of press time, are as follows:
Nassau County
Since both Mangano’s and Suozzi’s terms are both up for re-election the same year, the legislator cannot hold on to his seat and challenge the county executive. As of press time, current Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker, a Republican from Hicksville, will run for the 17th L.D.
With the exception of Mangano, all of the Republican Party’s incumbent legislators are expected to seek re-election with the challengers for all Democratic-run districts being brought forth.
The Republicans’ candidates, as of press time May 22, are:
Elton McCabe of Uniondale against Kevan Abrahams (1st L.D.); Derek Partee of Hempstead against Roger Corbin (2nd L.D.); Dr. Garry Stark of Great Neck against Judith Bosworth (10th L.D.); Jeff Losquadro of Albertson against Wayne Wink, Jr. (11th L.D.); Rebecca Alesia of Plainview against Judith Jacobs (16th L.D.); Michael Montesano of Glen Head against current Deputy Presiding Officer Diane Yatauro (18th L.D.); and Dr. Fred Jones of Merrick against Dave Denenberg (19th L.D.).
Additionally, three Republicans who have run against incumbent Democrats in the legislature before are expected to do so again. Joseph Belesi is challenging David Mejias (14th L.D.); Chris Browne challenging Joseph Scannell (5th L.D.); and Howard Kopel is challenging Jeffrey Toback (7th L.D.).
Countywide seats are also up for re-election this year. County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, the only Republican currently holding an elected countywide position, is expected to seek re-election; George Maragos of Great Neck is expected to run against Howard Weitzman, the Democratic incumbent, for comptroller; and Joy Watson, a former assistant district attorney and current principal law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Karen Murphy, is expected to run against Democratic District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
Please note: Nassau County Assessor is now an appointed position.
Town of Hempstead
At a kickoff event at Levittown Veterans Memorial Park on May 22, Republican Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, along with Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and Councilmembers Anthony Santino and Gary Hudes announced they will seek re-election. Republican Tracy Worthy of Hempstead is expected to run against Dorothy Goosby, the town’s sole Democratic board member.
“Many governments are in fiscal chaos and are confronting severe cuts in services because of poor planning and the impact of a national economic crisis,” stated Murray. “I’m proud to say that Hempstead Town is a model of fiscal integrity and operational efficiency. In fact, my administration will propose a budget later this year that freezes the tax rate on all town taxes while maintaining all programs and services. This will be my second tax-freeze budget in three years.”
Murray and her running mates outlined the importance of superior credit ratings, controlling costs and honesty in budgeting. Under her leadership, Hempstead Town has earned the highest Wall Street credit rating available (AAA [Standard & Poors Rating Agency]).
The Murray administration has been utilizing alternative energy, including wind, solar and hydrogen power. Building and enhancing nature preserves, saving the shoreline from erosion and offering valuable “how to” solar seminars to homeowners are all part of the Murray team’s answer to climate change and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
“We want to make sure that we give this planet to our children in better condition than it was during our lifetime,” added Hudes.
From developing Long Island’s first energy park to educating our children about conservation to maintaining the best beaches anywhere for families to enjoy, Murray said Hempstead Town is ensuring that our town is a great place to live. Two of the most widely used town services are the child I.D. safety kit and passport processing services.
“I’m proud that my office is on the front line of providing services like child safety I.D. kits,” said Bonilla. “We’re always striving to serve the public better and address new areas of need.”
Murray and her colleagues in town government have built over 200 affordable single-family homes and managing approximately 1,300 affordable rental homes for seniors and the broad market. The town has partnered with the private sector to build over 2,000 senior condos with affordable and market rates.
The recent significant revitalization work in Roosevelt complements major downtown revitalization plans for Elmont, Baldwin and Inwood. Beautiful storefront facades and attractive streetscape work have been completed in nine communities across the town (Merrick, Bellmore, Levittown, Baldwin, Oceanside, Seaford, Franklin Square, Elmont and Roosevelt).
Murray noted that the town is open to considering new and innovative development proposals while remaining committed to preserving the suburban character of our region. The supervisor also pointed to the board’s approval of commuter-oriented home development in West Hempstead that offered higher development density in a location adjacent to a local commuter railroad station.
Murray said she is dedicated to producing a gimmick-free budget that freezes tax rates.
“What’s more, the Murray team is maintaining the finest government services, improving a great parks system, revitalizing downtowns, protecting the environment and carefully studying major development proposals and other initiatives that have the potential to shape the future of the suburban experience,” she added.
Jaime L. Tomeo contributed to this article.
