Laura Curran, Democratic candidate for county executive, received major endorsements last week in her bid to fill Nassau’s top spot this fall.
In separate press conferences, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice and Congressman Tom Suozzi both endorsed the two-term county legislator, with Rice saying that Curran is the independent leader needed as the next county executive.
“She has a real vision for our future, she has the courage to take on the rampant corruption in Nassau County and she knows how to make tough decisions, work with both parties and bring people together to solve big problems,” said Rice at the Garden City train station on June 5. “At a time when so many people have lost faith in their local government, Laura is the public servant we can count on to restore the public’s trust and do what’s right for the people she serves. That’s why I’m proud to endorse her and I’m excited to join her on the campaign trail.”
Suozzi echoed those sentiments at his press conference at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington on May 31.
“Every day there is another announcement of another scandal or indictment of elected officials at all levels of local government,” said Suozzi. “We need a county executive who will fix the fiscal mess Nassau is in right now. Laura Curran is the person for that job. She will take a no-nonsense and responsible approach to the county’s finances and operations and Laura has shown that she will take on anyone to do the right thing for the people of Nassau.”
In response, Curran said she was honored to receive both endorsements.
“Kathleen is a role model for me, a model public servant unafraid to make the tough decisions or reach across the aisle to get things done. We’ve got a culture of corruption in Nassau County, and we’re in desperate need of a fresh start. I’m grateful Kathleen is putting her faith in me to provide that,” said Curran on June 5, while stating at the May 31 press conference that, “Our Party is united, energized and eager to turn Nassau County around. It’s time we forged a new path forward, where the government works for all taxpayers, not just the elected and the connected.”
Suozzi was joined by legislators Arnold Drucker and Delia DeRiggi-Whitton in his endorsement for Curran, and all three endorsed Jack Schnirman for comptroller and Dean Bennett for county clerk. Suozzi explained that Schirman has the experience of rooting out corruption, implementing transparencies and fixing the finances in Nassau County. He then stated that Bennett is one of the most hardworking and honest people he knows, making him a great county clerk.
“I am proud to endorse the ticket of Laura Curran, Jack Schnirman and Dean Bennett,” said Suozzi. “Nassau needs a refresh and we need leaders like Laura, Jack and Dean who can fix all that is wrong right now in our county government.”
These endorsements come after Curran was also endorsed by EMILY’s List, an American political action committee that aims to help elect Democratic female candidates to office, and a week after she was endorsed by Assemblyman Charles Lavine, her former primary opponent. In addition, Curran has been endorsed by the Working Families Party and Eleanor’s Legacy. She remains the only candidate to date to receive support from organized labor groups, earning the backing of five local unions. She is also endorsed by State Senators Todd Kaminsky and John Brooks as well as the Nassau County Democratic Committee’s Executive Committee and its Chairman, Jay Jacobs.
“We need someone like Laura who has the independence and courage to make the tough decisions our County needs,” said Drucker. “Laura is the right candidate with the right vision at the right time, and I look forward to joining her on the campaign trail.”
DeRiggi-Whitton had similar sentiments to both Suozzi and Drucker, saying that Curran will fight for those she represents.
“She has put forward an agenda that will end the culture of corruption and make life better for all Nassau County residents,” said DeRiggi-Whitton. “I am excited to join Laura on the campaign trail in Glen Cove and the surrounding communities and to help her fix the mess in Nassau County.”
