SP EC ED IAL IT ON IO L N IN E
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY Madeline Singas
Democrat, incumbent Age: 49 Lives in: Manhasset Career: Queens district attorney’s office; created Nassau County Special Victims Bureau; Chief Assistant to former D.A. Kathleen Rice; acting district attorney Political experience: Acting district attorney since January Family: Married; 13-year-old twins On the issues: Singas said that to fight the growing heroin epidemic, Nassau County needs to coordinate with local, state and federal authorities to close heroin pipelines and distribution. She also said that the county must work to combat addiction and help people recover. She has committed asset forfeiture funds to helping people go from the hospital directly to rehab.
She also has her office conduct informational workshops at schools. On corruption, which Singas said is the biggest issue facing the county other than heroin, the acting district attorney said she has taken a strong stance in the past and will continue to do so. She cited how, after Dean Skelos was indicted, she launched an investigation into the county’s contracting process. “I am also working to end the grievous misuse of taxpayer dollars for political mailings,” Singas said. “I flagged this issue several times this past year, and
stopping this practice will be my most immediate focus when elected.” On experience, Singas has said that her 24 years as a prosecutor and her time in the D.A.’s office make her the most qualified candidate. Before she took over the seat, she was the top aid to former District Attorney Kathleen Rice. “In the 21st century, the landscape of a D.A. not only includes investigation and litigation,” Singas said, “but applying the latest innovations in crimeprevention strategy, community affairs, victim services, forensic science, conviction integrity review, re-entry assistance, legislative advocacy, intelligencebased prosecution, alternative sentencing and case management — to name but a few.”
Kate Murray Republican, Challenger
Age: 53 Lives in: Levittown Career: Worked as assistant attorney general in Criminal Justice Section of state attorney general’s office; advocate for victims of domestic abuse with Suffolk University’s Battered Women’s Advocacy Project. Political experience: State Assembly; Hempstead town clerk; Town of Hempstead supervisor Family: Single On the issues: Murray has criticized the way Singas has handled the heroin scourge, citing statistics that show deaths from heroin overdoses have doubled since last year. She recommended the implementation of a Nassau County Police Department heroin taskforce, and the department agreed. She also wants to make sure drug deal-
ers don’t get sentenced in diversion court and wind up back on the streets, and increase education and addiction services. Murray has said she has taken a strong stance against public corruption as Town Supervisor, and promised to have a “zero tolerance” policy as D.A. She cited the case of former Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, who was convicted of official misconduct in 2013. “I became aware of allegations of misconduct on the part of the official, ordered an internal investigation and personally turned over the matter to then District Attorney
Kathleen Rice,” said Murray. “Although I personally liked the official, I didn’t hesitate in taking swift and decisive action in the face of wrongdoing.” Her experience as supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, overseeing the largest township in America for 13 years, qualifies her for the role of D.A., Murray says. She said the role of D.A. is mainly one of management, and that is something she excels at. “The Nassau County district attorney is the leader of an office of prosecutors who work with law enforcement to protect residents by bringing criminals to justice through thorough investigations and competent prosecution of cases in court,” said Murray. “Setting an agenda through the establishment of specific bureaus within the office and by prioritizing the allocation of resources, the district attorney is critical in addressing emerging areas of criminal activity.”
ELECTION 2015
HEMPSTEAD TOWN SUPERVISOR Tony Santino Republican
Age: 54 Lives in: East Rockaway Career: Before running for elected office, he was district director and executive assistant to U.S. Rep. Norman Lent, a Republican representing New York’s 5th District. Was also a staffer for the Nassau County Board of Supervisors. Political experience: Six-term Town of Hempstead councilman, elected with 71 percent of the vote in 2013; most senior board member. On the issues: Santino touted his environmental record on the Town Board. “I’m proud to run for Hempstead town supervisor with the Sierra Club’s endorsement,” he said. “Its seal of approval confirms my strong record of environmental conservation.” If elected, he said, “I would hold our federal and state
officials accountable for building the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant ocean outflow pipe –– a longtime fight of mine to improve the water quality of our bays, which is supported by a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, community leaders and advocacy groups.” He added that he would like to continue setting up “blue trails” for kayakers throughout the waterways that line the South Shore’s bays under town governance. Santino said he would like to see the town work to increase affordable housing opportunities
for young people and older adults. “It is the town’s responsibility to help create a range of affordable housing choices, including traditional suburban homes, garden apartments, condominiums, townhouses or senior housing –– for our workforce and neighbors of all ages,” he said. “Only when communities have an affordable housing stock will the middle class thrive in those areas long into the future.” On the heroin epidemic, Santino said the town is working hand in hand with South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside to make Narcan, a heroin antidote, more widely available to the public. At the same time, the town has increased funding for local social-service agencies that are fighting the heroin epidemic. And, Santino said, he is working with law enforcement to monitor local neighborhoods better.
Rita Kestenbaum Democrat
57 Lives in: Bellmore Career: Community volunteer and activist for more than three decades, including work with Bellmore-Merrick PTAs, civic associations, the Long Island Crisis Center in Bellmore and Sharrei Shalom Reform Temple in Bellmore. Political experience: One-term Town of Hempstead councilwoman, elected in 1999. Among first three Democrats to win Town Board seats since 1905. On the issues: Kestenbaum said she sees the numerous town mailings that Hempstead sends out as wasteful spending. She also sees them as a threat to the environment. “I would start by cutting the environmentally irresponsible mailings that come to our doors each week,”
she said. “On day one, I would propose a Save Green by Going Green Campaign. I would cut and consolidate the town mailing budget by 50 percent and push to get residents’ email addresses and cell-phone numbers and enroll them in a treefree program.” Kestenbaum said she believes the town faces an affordable-housing crisis. Town government has had its chance to solve it, but it hasn’t, she said. “We need more workforce and affordable options. We’re failing to keep young people here, and it scares me as a mother and
grandmother,” she said. “We invest a lot in educating our children, only to lose their talent and that investment to other areas. I think the town has had ample time to solve this issue and has failed. I believe that with new leadership we could focus on revitalizing downtowns with mixed-use housing.” Kestenbaum touted her record as a community advocate with organizations like the Bellmore-based Long Island Crisis Center, a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour suicide-prevention hotline, when saying that she believes she is best qualified to address Nassau County’s current heroin crisis. “After my daughter’s murder in 2007, I found it hard to go on,” she said. “I took my despair and acted to prevent more children’s deaths.” She started the Carol Kestenbaum Foundation, she said, to empower girls.
ELECTION 2015
VOTE ON
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD: RECEIVER OF TAXES Donald X. Clavin
Republican, incumbent
ELECTION DAY
TUESDAY NOV. 3
Age: 46 Lives in: Garden City Career: He was a trial attorney practicing in all New York courts, as well as the United States Federal district courts. He has served as the Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes since 2001. Family: Wife, Nancy; daughters, Catherine and Margaret; son, Donald. He is a third-generation resident of the Town of Hempstead. Other: Member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Nassau County Bar Association, Garden City Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Irish Americans in Government. Experience: Clavin is responsi-
ble for managing the day-to-day operations of the office that collects taxes for 99 special districts and 33 school districts, and disburses the money to school district treasuries. Its other functions include billing and collection processes, banking, record maintenance, mail and accounting functions. The department also collects Nassau County taxes on properties within the town borders. It is a four-year term.
Accomplishments: Since becoming Receiver of Taxes, Clavin has enhanced services, creating two satellite tax offices in Lawrence and Hicksville, in addition to extending office hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the tax payment seasons. He uses Hempstead Town’s Mobile Town Hall to collect taxes and address the concerns of town residents. He has also implemented email and text message reminder programs to help taxpayers make timely payments. Taxpayers can now pay their tax bills by credit card or e-check, online or by phone. Clavin also created the first taxpayer drivethru payment window in New York State. Clavin’s opponent, Democrat Gina Arcabascio, could not be reached for comment.
ELECTION 2015
HEMPSTEAD TOWN CLERK Nasrin Ahmad Republican, incumbent
Age: 58 Lives in: Salisbury Career: Loan Officer at Barclays Bank in London, 1976 – 1983; filing clerk, Hempstead Town Clerk’s office, 1998 – 2000; Marriage Officer & Passport Agent, 2000 – 2009, Hempstead Town Clerks’s Office; Administrative Supervisor, Hempstead Town Clerk’s Office, 2009 – 2013. Political experience: Hempstead Town Clerk, 2013 – present. Family: Husband, Naeem; three children, Zainab, Humza, Jaffer; one granddaughter. Other: Founded the East Meadow School District’s Multi-Cultural Committee in 1992; Chairwoman of the East Meadow School District’s Human Dignity Committee, 1994-97; Vice President of the W. Tresper Clarke Middle School PTA, 1997-99;
Member of the South Asian Political Action Committee. On the issues: In her two yearsplus as Hempstead’s Town Clerk, Ahmad spoke of the strides she has made to make the office more transparent and userfriendly. She extended the office’s hours on Thursdays for those with full-time jobs who cannot make it there in the afternoon. She has pushed to make more forms available online. And she has diversified her staff so it can translate documents for non-English speakers. She discussed her desire to continue that trend by making certain fees payable online, and
using other technology to streamline document production and records preservation. Ahmad said she would be open to persuading the Town Board to include more information from their meetings online, but added that it could be costly. She said audio for those meetings is already recorded on a compact disc and is available to residents upon request. Having worked in the Town Clerk’s office for 17 years, Ahmad said she and her staff work with diligently and cohesively to process documents, and that such organization and synchronization would continue. Born in Uganda and raised in England, Ahmad said she understands the hardship and intimidation that people who don’t speak English might feel about the bureaucratic process. It is important to her, she said, to make the town clerk’s office a warm, welcome and accessible place.
Dino Amoroso Democrat, challenger
Age: 58 Lives in: Lynbrook Career: Prosecutor for more than 20 years; now an attorney in private practice; adjunct lecturer at Fordham, St. John’s and Brooklyn law schools; lecturer on prosecutorial ethics throughout the country Political experience: First run for public office Family: Wife Patricia; two daughters. Other: Knights of Columbus; American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section, member and past Chair; New York State Bar Association On the issues: Amoroso’s biggest rallying cry is to increase transparency within the Town Clerk’s office. He claims he has been denied by the office and the Town Board when requesting certain documents in the past, and that he would ensure every-
one’s requests are fulfilled, if elected. He said he wants to enhance communication to residents to better inform them when a town decision is occurring in their area. In his first 90 days in office, he said he would conduct a “top-to-bottom review” of operations to increase efficiency and eliminate duplication of functions. By doing so, he said, he could lower the office’s expenses. Amoroso said he is an advocate for putting video of Town Board meetings online using money already budgeted for the Town Clerk’s office, and would
aim to make the office website more interactive and user-friendly, rather than just a mechanism for retrieving documents. As a former top deputy under former Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes, Amoroso said he has experience managing an office and that it would translate to the office of the town clerk. He also served as the president of Nassau County Off-Track Betting for four years. Amoroso said he was asked to run for Town Clerk, and that even though he was skeptical at first, he has since taken to the role and has enjoys campaigning. He insists that he has strong ethics and values. “I have the experience, education and management background to manage the Town Clerk’s office,” said Amoroso. I have a vision of a Town Clerk’s office that makes all of town government accessible to residents.”
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 1 Kevan Abrahams
Democrat, Incumbent Age: 40 Lives in: Freeport Career: Project Manager for North Shore LIJ Health Care System, Minority Leader Nassau County Legislature, six-term county legislator; former Nassau County Finance Director; former Legislative Assistant and former Deputy District Director for Congressman Floyd H Flake; former financial analyst for Astoria Federal Savings Bank Family: Married, two children Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Queens College On the issues: Abrahams is the Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature since 2012 and a 13-year member of the County Legislature. He is running for re-election “because I believe that I have a full grasp of the
issues facing our residents and can provide solutions,” he said. Abrahams said the biggest issue facing residents is high taxes. The key to making Nassau County more affordable is to encourage economic development in our downtowns as well as creating high-end jobs. He does not support any county tax increase this coming year. He said the Democratic budget proposal does not raise taxes and manages to provide a $6 million bus subsidy to insure that none of the bus routes in Nassau County are cut. He said the county could
save money by reforming the current procurement process which now allows the County Executive to sign personal service contracts for anything under $25,000 without legislative oversight. “There has been $10 million worth of personal service contracts coming out of the County Executive’s office, more than any other County Executive,” he said. “If there were some oversight there could be some savings to taxpayers.” Abrahams supports hiring more police officers and securing more funding for after school and gang prevention programs and fully funding social service programs. He believes the county needs more affordable housing “for young and old in communities throughout Long Island,” he said. Abrahams said the Nassau County IDA should do more to provide more assistance to developers to develop affordable housing.
James Major Republican, Challenger
Age: 52 Lives in: Roosevelt Career: New York City Housing Authority – manages a 1,200unit housing project in Queens. Family: wife and two children Education: BA from Adelphi University On the issues: Majors has not held political office but decided to run for county legislature because “I see a decrease in our quality of life,” he said. “We
are overtaxed and being pushed out of our homes,” he said. Majors said the biggest issue facing residents are high taxes, followed by crime and fewer opportunities for young people.
Majors supports the redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum and believes it is an opportunity to bring more high paying jobs to Nassau County. Majors said if elected he will work with the Nassau County IDA to try and attract high-tech and healthrelated companies. Majors supports cutting the budget, if necessary, to keep taxes down. Majors also supports creating more not-for-profits aimed at helping young people to avoid gang life and crime.
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 3 Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results
ELECTION 2015
The First Legislative District includes parts of Freeport, Baldwin, East Meadow and Hempstead as well as Roosevelt and Uniondale
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 2 Siela Bynoe Democrat, incumbent
Age: 47 Lives in: Westbury Career: Executive director, Huntington Housing Authority Political experience: Bynoe is just completing her first term as a legislator in the 2nd District after coming in during a special election in February 2014 when she succeeded Robert Troiano. Family: Single, no children Education: Master’s in public administration from C.W. Post, bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hofstra University, associate’s degree in liberal arts from Nassau Community College, graduate of Westbury public schools. Accomplishments: The Land Bank — which facilitates the return of vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent properties to productive use — is still in its infant stages, and if elected,
Bynoe wants to create bylaws for it and start obtaining grant funding to acquire land and work with lenders. She believes getting blighted homes back on to the tax roll is a key to bettering the community. Bynoe also secured $127,000 in grant money for the Lakeview Library through funds from the Nassau County Community Investment Program, and other grant money for the library in Westbury. She also has other grants in the pipeline for Hempstead High School and the library system and senior center in Westbury.
On the issues: Bynoe is grateful that, despite her being a member of a minority party in the legislative body, she was able to have positive impact on change in the communities she has served for the past year and eight months. This includes securing a spot on the Land Bank’s board of directors so that she could continue her work in revitalizing zombie houses for use. Bynoe feels strongly mental health programs are vital and has secured funding for Mental Health First Aid program, which identifies mental health issues in a young person, triages them and gets treatment in crisis or non-crisis situations. She helped secure the funding through her work with Legislator Francis Becker. Bynoe said the issues surrounding mental health keeps surfacing, and wants to continue focusing on it in a county-wide way.
Cornelius Todd Smith
Republican, challenger Age: 47 Lives in: Lakeview Career: Business banker Political experience: None Family: Married, four children Education: Attended State University of New York Empire State College, Nassau Community College Accomplishments: A business banker for over a decade, Smith also founded and runs a summer program which teaches business finance to students on Long Island. Smith received an endorsement from Newsday when he ran against Earlene Hooper for a seat in the State Assembly’s District 18 last year. On the issues: Smith says he wants to make sure we’re not
just a middle class, but move to a better class. He feels we need look more closely at the key elements in our communities — our local fire departments, schools, and economic development for example — and figure out how to make a better way of life. Smith also wants to look at small business and make sure the proper things are in place to invite the correct businesses here to do business in our neighborhoods. Smith feels that for every vacant building we
have, it’s an added tax burden on the community, and that the more we occupy vacant buildings, the more it helps our communities through taxes, jobs and the economy. Smith’s goal is to meet at least every Tuesday within the first six months with each one of the districts to find out what their needs are. Then, take all five of the most common things and work with those five first. Smith feels that if there are similarities in those district, that’s a major problem. He added that communication with the leaders in our districts is vital, and stressed his focus on making young people more financially literate and fiscally fit. Smith believes that if we can educate people about finances when they are young, they will grow to be financially responsible adults.
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 3 The 2nd Legislative District includes East Garden City, Hempstead, Hicksville, Lakeview, New Cassel, Rockville Centre, Uniondale and Westbury.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 3 Carrie Solages Democrat, incumbent
Age: 36 Lives in: Valley Stream Career: Bronx assistant district attorney/private practice at family law firm, 20042012; County legislator, 2012-present. Political experience: Nassau County Human Rights Commissioner, two-term legislator. Family: Domestic partnership, three children. Other: Elmont Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Amistad Black Bar Association. On the issues: Solages cites the privatization of the NICE bus system as a mistake that resulted in cuts to service and unreliable buses that often arrive late. He wants to engage the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority about resuming stewardship of the county’s busing. He is calling for more narcotics detectives to fight the region’s heroin epidemic, as well as increased funding for educational and treatment initiatives. Solages also wants to bring back the NCPD’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit, which did not return with the reopening of the 5th Precinct, to address specific crime issues. Solages opposes the proposed 25,000-seat stadium for the New York Cosmos soccer team, noting the opposition of local community groups like the Elmont Soccer Club and Elmont Chamber of Commerce. He says it could change the nature of the community too drastically, with too little a return for the village’s residents.
Felix Quayson
Republican, challenger Age: 25 Lives in: Valley Stream Career: Manager for an engineering company at the project site of the state Office of Storm Recovery in Mineola; disaster case manager for Project LIFE, 2013-2014; liaison for Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs, 2013; adjunct professor, Master of Healthcare Administration program, Washington Adventist University; Doctor of Education program, American International College, 2012 to present; preprofessional adviser, Washington Adventist University Undergraduate Academic Affairs,
2009-2011. Political experience: First time running for political office. Family: Wife, Emelia. Other: Strive Youth Ministries, Timoun Gen Dwa Foundation. On the issues: Quayson wants to see more police patrols in the district, and calls the area the gateway to Nassau County, where people entering from the city should understand that they will be held accountable for their actions there. To combat heroin, he wants to focus efforts on finding the sources that bring the drug into the county and also increase social services for people who are addicted to it.
The XX Legislative District includes
Seth Hirsh Green, challenger
Age: 55 Lives in: North Woodmere Career: Accountant, 1995-present; Stockbroker, private financial firms, 19892003. Political experience: First time running for political office. Family: Unmarried Other: Treasurer, Nassau County Green Party. On the issues: Taxes and spending are key issues of Hirsh’s platform. He opposes a 1 percent transfer tax for home sellers. Hirsh believes in repealing the state’s real estate tax cap because, he says, homes worth several million dollars are under taxed and create a shortfall. He
opposes the present reassessment structure, saying it is “inherently corrupt, and it does not work.” He supports a $50,000 credit for first-time homebuyers younger than 35. Hirsh wants to reduce the county portion of the state sales tax by 1 percent, which he calls a usage tax that is burdening the local economy. He “vehemently” opposes privatization of any county infrastructure, including the sewer system, and wants to eliminate sewer taxes. Hirsh says he would use the seat to act as an advocate for reinstating revenue sharing by the state, which he says would bring several hundred million dollars to the county each year.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 4 Keith Lebowitz
Democrat, Challenger Age: 62 Lives in: Long Beach Career: Sales for a national corporation. Political experience: none Family: Wife, Lori; two daughters, 23 and 18 Education: Long Beach High School, two years as an apprentice wine maker in the Bordeaux region of France, Certificate in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts from the New School, New York City. Other: Lieutenant, Engine 2341, Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department; fundraiser for American Cancer Society, Making Strides for Breast Cancer and Relay for Life. On the issues: Lebowitz stresses he is not a lawyer, or a politician. He has worked in business
his whole life, knows how to get things done and how to do it within a budget. He wants to find ways his children can afford to live in Nassau County; they can’t afford to live here right now. To reduce taxes and balance the budget he would develop sources of revenue that do not come from the taxes of either homeowners or small businesses. He is proposing power-generating sources, windmills and solar, on unused properties the county owns. He says one windmill turbine can power 15,000 homes, and the local power
authority must purchase any power not used. Lebowitz says Federal and state incentives and grants will pay two-thirds of the cost. For the other third, he proposes the selection of a vendor that would accept a percentage of the yield in return for the other third, and payment for ongoing maintenance. He would revamp the contract process of the legislature, having the full body consider any contracts over five to seven thousand dollars. Lebowitz is against the privatization public services. He feels county jobs should be done by county workers. He says the state has to partner with the county to fix roads and drainage, especially state route 878. On corruption he says his advantage is he is not a clubhouse guy.
Denise Ford
Republican, Incumbent Age: 64 Lives in: Long Beach Career: Telephone technician. Political experience: county legislator since 2003. Family: Daughter, 38, two sons, 26 and 24, grandson, 16 months. Committees: Economic & Community, Development & Labor, Chairwoman Government Services & Operations, Vice Chairwoman, Public Safety, Planning, Development & the Environment Education: Attended Queens College. Other: Ladies VFW, Long Island Crisis Center, Bible Art Camp at the People’s Church, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and Kiwanis. On the issues: Denise Ford has served in the Nassau County Legislature for 12 years. She is
seeking another two-year term. Ford says she was involved in the Bay Park Sewage Treatment plant and Bay Park even before she represented the area. Since Hurricane Sandy she has been working with the county to be sure repairs were done properly. She has been at the forefront in post Sandy rehabilitation and rebuilding working to get funding for local residents, businesses and municipalities from both FEMA and New York Rising. Since taking office in 2003 she has been working on the restructuring of Austin Boulevard. The work has been put off for
another year, but Ford says the funding is in place. The plans are now in the design phase. In addition she is working on a traffic study in East Atlantic Beach from Brookline to Clayton, which will reduce Beech Street to one lane, and another study to repair and improve route 878 through Lawrence. Ford says after she polled the community she found the residents wanted senior housing in the former Long Beach Motel, and she is advocating for that type of use In Long Beach, after shootings in the North Park area, and one in the West End, she has obtained the Shots Spotter equipment for the area. That equipment can pin point where a shot was fired aiding the police. Ford also opposes the 25-year tax abatements and PILOT payments for the proposed iStar project in Long Beach.
This district serves Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Island Park, Lido Beach, Long Beach, Point Lookout and parts of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Lawrence, Oceanside and Woodmere.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 5 Laura Curran Democrat, Incumbent
Age: 47 Lives in: Baldwin Career: Former trustee, Baldwin Board of Education; former editor of the Baldwin Herald and reporter for the Daily News and the New York Post; former parttime communications worker for Nassau County. Family: Married, mother of three On the issues: Curran, who is completing her first term in office, bases much of her plan for economic development on creating walkable downtowns, particularly in Baldwin. She said, “Smart, transit-oriented growth will solve so many of our problems in Nassau County. It helps keep our young people, singles, and seniors here, grows the tax base by providing more housing options and jobs, reduces traffic congestion, and helps the environment.” She also favors smart-
growth for Freeport, particularly in the area around the Long Island Rail Road station. She has been instrumental in bringing the Grand Avenue traffic study to fruition. The plan seeks to find a way to make the road safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. A public hearing on the plan is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at Baldwin High School. Another cause for concern for Curran is the “zombie houses” in the region, houses that have been foreclosed and abandoned. Curran touts the start of the Land Bank, a nonprofit orga-
nization that would buy, restore and sell the abandoned properties. The Nassau Legislature has approved the measure and it is awaiting approval from the New York State Empire Development Corp. Curran plans to be on the bank’s seven-member board. She said that banks have been holding on to the properties, waiting for the economy to improve, but often doing little toward their upkeep. She said she hopes that with a stronger economy, the banks will be more willing to sell the sites. County-wide, Curran said she does not believe that raising taxes would help solve Nassau’s budget problems. She said economic development is the key to the improving county finances. She said she has been keeping a close watch on county contracts “to make sure we’re not giving anyone any sweetheart deals.” Curran also supports economic development along the Sunrise Highway corridor.
Michael S.Vista
Republican, Challenger Age: 43 Lives in: Merrick Career: Former assistant district attorney, Kings County (Brooklyn); U.S. Army and Iraq war veteran Family: Married, father of one On the issues: Vista advocates developing the economy in the district by bringing more business to the region, particularly startups run by young entrepreneurs. He suggested holding networking fairs, similar to job fairs, but with financial institutions, particularly Long Island-based ones, that would be able to advise would-be businesspeople — of any age — how to get funding. Another suggestion is to offer tax incentives to businesses, he said. “Bringing in more private sector jobs is the best way to make Nassau grow,” he said. Vista approves of the Land
Bank plan but he doesn’t believe it goes far enough. He said he believes property-holders “need a push.” He said he would support strengthening penalties for houses that are not up to code. Existing penalties, he said, “are severe, but not severe enough.” He suggested putting a timeline on the penalties, so that if a house was not brought up to code within a certain time frame, the financial institution that owns the property would face tougher fines. But he added that the county needs more “severe conse-
This district includes parts of Baldwin, Freeport, Merrick, Oceanside and Island Park.
quences than just penalties” if owners of zombie houses haven’t sold their houses within a certain time period. Vista said that a tax hike would not help Nassau’s financial picture. Vista said, “I won’t vote for any tax increase.” He advocated cutting wasteful spending, and stressed the importance of bringing in new business to the county as a way to generate new revenue. For Vista, another challenge is the heroin epidemic facing Nassau. As a former prosecutor, he said he believes his experience would be of value in fighting the crisis. Vista advocates working closely with the Nassau Police Department to get the department the resources it needs. He said that the police need better intelligence and more undercover officers. He also believes forging a close working relationship with the FBI would be beneficial to the county in fighting drugs.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 6 Jim Paymar Democrat
Age: 64 Lives in: Rockville Centre Career: Former anchor and reporter for various New York and national television networks; senior vice president of corporate communications for PepsiCo; professor at Molloy College; president of Paymar communications Group Family: Wife Diane and five children Other: President of the Molloy Business Channel; Sigma Beta Delta member On the issues: Paymar, a former journalist, thinks that things in the county have been going downhill in Nassau County. “My top aim would be to bring our financial house in order,” Paymar said. He said that the contract approval process needs to be changed. No contracts can be
automatically approved, Paymar said. Instead, every contract should be scrutinized, and independent auditors should be brought in to analyze them. Paymar has a vision for Nassau County that includes hightechnology jobs, high-performing schools and a culture that fosters entrepreneurship and business growth. “Why can’t we recreate ourselves?” he said. Paymar also said that the would work to get people back into their homes in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and to get rid of “zombie homes.” But
he also said it’s important for the county to prepare for the next storm. “We need to re-engineer the county to protect our communities,” he said. “As a legislator, I would work with county, state and federal authorities to make sure we better protect our coastal zones and our water and sewer systems. I would ensure that proper plans are put in place to restore gas and electric power that took far too long to repair after Sandy.” “I want to bring honesty, transparency and integrity back to Nassau,” Paymar said. “I will reach across the aisle and work with the entire legislature to get things done because we are all in this together. If we fail to work as a team, we will find ourselves unable to compete with other communities in the New York region and across the country.”
C. William Gaylor Republican
Age: 52 Lives in: Lynbrook Career: Retired Lt. Colonel, Us Army; attorney; former professor of military science at Hofstra University Political experience: Former associate justice of the Lynbrook Village Court; former judge, Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency Family: Married to Deborah; daughter Emily Other: Awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals; life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Leg On the issues: Veterans, Hofstra Veterans Alumni and the 82nd Airborne Association. On the issues: Gaylor, a
24-year Army veteran, is looking to replace longtime legislator Fran Becker, who is stepping down. Gaylor said he agrees with the decisions that Becker made over the years. He said he thinks the county is still in fiscal trouble, and that one way out would be to continue to downsize the government. “It’s been effective over the last five years,” he said. Gaylor also said the county has to take a closer look at its contracting process. As it stands, any contracts under $25,000 are automatically approved. Gaylor suggested lowering the
auto-approve rate to $10,000 or even $5,000. He also said the contracting process should be more open, and that residents should be able to see how it happens. He also said he wants to make sure that those in the district impacted by Superstorm Sandy are quickly made whole. “It’s an absolute disgrace that the federal and state governments failed our neighbors,” said Gaylor. “No one should be waiting for federal or state Aid nearly three years later, or fighting with their insurance companies. I would challenge the bureaucracy wherever and however I could, because our residents deserve better. The blight and negative effect on our communities created by abandoned and destroyed houses should not be tolerated.”
The 6th Legislative District includes Lynbrook, Malverne, North Lynbrook, Valley Stream and portions of Rockville Centre, Hewlett, Franklin Square and Woodmere.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 7 Howard Kopel Republican, Incumbent
Age: 64 Lives in: Lawrence Family: Wife, Esther, four children and nine grandchildren. Political experience: County legislator since 2010. Education: Law degree, Brooklyn Law School; bachelor’s in political science, Brooklyn College. Career: Attorney, owner Sutton Alliance, a national title, insurance and settlement services business. On the issues: Kopel supports continuing to reform Nassau County’s property tax assessment system, now focusing on the residential side after revising the commercial tax class that he claims could save the county
between $60 to $80 million after it is implemented in 2017, and should halt the county’s need to borrow money. A proponent of repairing the Bay Park Sewage Treatment, he questions whether an outflow pipe is necessary and if there is a better, cleaner method that should be used. He supports the county Republicans cost-cutting measures that includes a reduction of 2, 200 employees, the consolidation of departments, reduced
legal expenses and the publicprivate partnerships. In favor of the economic development project being proposed for the site by the Nassau Coliseum, which includes a Sloan Kettering cancer center that is expected to create jobs and more business in the area. Supports the work of the commission County Executive Ed Mangano put together to review the county’s contracting process after it came under fire through a federal investigation. Claims many of Nassau’s problems, similar to other county’s in the state, are created in Albany such as high school property taxes and unfunded mandates. Has been fighting the state to overhaul the Nassau Expressway, including the Queens portion, sooner than the 2025 target year. Would like to see more housing to increase the tax base.
Tova Plaut
Democrat, Challenger Age: 45 Lives in: Cedarhurst Career: Director of an early childhood center. Political experience: Lawrence Board of Education trustee — 2012 –present. On the issues: Plaut said the county must first address what she views as the fiscal mismanagement and unethical contracting process that has placed Nassau in poor financial health and increases county taxes annually. She is in favor of the county implementing all the recommendations put forth in the Zarb report regarding increased transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. Plaut wants the full Legislature to review con-
tracts above a certain limit and having all contracts reviewed. She wants to work with the county’s Industrial Development Agency to attract more businesses. Opposes the idea of a video lottery terminal casino in Inwood and backs implementing educational initiatives such increasing extracurricular opportunities and involvement as part of a two-pronged approach to help reduce crime. The other component is providing the
police with the support they need to enforce the law. Says she will be a strong advocate for her district concerning the federally-funded, state-administrated Community Reconstruction Project to build storm mitigation infrastructure and other programs the constituency could benefit from. She was at the forefront of volunteering with community organizations to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy in the Five Towns and understands what residents in Oceanside and other parts of the district have gone through. She believes her skills as a director of a school could be directly applied to serving her constituents on a range of issues from financial to enhancing existing services and programs, along with being an effective legislator.
The 7th Legislative District includes Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, East Rockaway, Rockville Centre and Oceanside.
ELECTION After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results
2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 8 Vincent Muscarella
Republican, Incumbent Age: 61 Lives in: West Hempstead Career: Attorney with local law practice focusing on real estate and estate planning Political experience: Muscarella has been a legislator in Nassau County for 19 years. Family: Married; two daughters Education: B.A., Bowdoin College; law degree, St. John’s University Other: Muscarella helped create the first smoking ordinance in Nassau County and has been a legislator in Nassau County for almost two decades. Muscarella represented Garden City and some parts of Floral Park and Elmont during his first 16 years as a legislator. Now, he’s lost Garden City and has picked up other areas of Floral Park and Elmont. Muscarella said he has
seen these areas grow more segregated over the years. Muscarella is a member of numerous civic organizations. On the issues: The county budget is one of Muscarella’s primary areas of focus over the short term, and said he will be scrutinizing the budget and working to contain county spending. Muscarella feels that the residents pay a lot of taxes and don’t deserve a government that isn’t as efficient as possible. Muscarella said that as an government official, he often struggles with providing services that the
residents should have while working within the budget. He feels strongly in approaching the government budget as he does his own household and business budgets, and that curtting expenses is his first priority. His second priority is the tax base, and exploring how the county can get more people involved in raising more tax revenue. Failing that, Muscarella says, the other thing to do would be to raise taxes, which he’s wholeheartedly resisted, he said. Muscarella believes he has the experience, drive and right personality for the job, and think he’s sensible, responsible and responsive to the needs of the community. If he isn’t elected, Muscarella said he will continue to serve the needs of the community through different civic organizations.
Carl Gerrato Democrat, Challenger
Age: 48 Lives in: Franklin Square Career: Corrections officer, Nassau County sheriff’s office Political experience: None Family: Married; five children Education: Sewanahka High School. Other: Gerrato has worked and volunteered in public safety for over 30 years, and has 27 years of tenure in fire services, having joined the Elmont Fire Departmnet Explorer Post 709, and the Franklin Square-Munson Fire Department. He is also a Emergency Medical Technician and received a Life Saving Award by the Nassu County’s Sherrif’s department. He is also a member of numerous civic organizations, including Save The 5th Precinct.
On the issues: Gerrato feels commuter parking is a major issue for his district. Gerrato wants to sit down with Garden City officials and discuss what can be done to alleviate the issue. Gerrato feels that many businesses on Hempstead Turnpike are shutting down because of the parking situation, and because of high taxes. Gerrato also feels government needs to look different at how property taxes are assessed in order to make it more affordable for
more people to live here. He would like a more comprehensive way of recalculating property taxes, and thinks it will bring down costs and make housing and taxes more affordable. For example, Gerrato feels that if people have no children in the school district, that should pay a smaller percentage of the taxes than someone like himself, who has five children. Gerrato said taht if people use a service in the community, they should pay more than someone who does not. He feels that government needs to stop with blanket coverage of taxes. Gerrato said one of his best skills is the ability to communicate with a lot of different people who have different issues, and feels that being a “blue-collar guy” is something important to the people he would represent as a legislator.
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 3
The 8th Legislative District includes West Hempstead, Franklin Square, Floral Park and portions of Elmont, Garden City, New Hyde Park and Valley Stream.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 13 Norma Gonsalves
Republican, incumbent Age: 81 Lives in: East Meadow Career: Educator in New York City school system for 25 years. Family: Husband, John, three children and four grandchildren Organizations: Project Director for Crime Watch and Civilian Patrol in East Meadow; member of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce; member of the Edward J. Speno Lodge #2568 Order Sons of Italy in America; member of the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow. On the issues: Gonsalves said her top priorities are constituent service, holding property taxes and increasing affordability in Nassau County. She noted that she — along with the rest of the county Legislature in unanimity — voted to reject County Executive Ed Man-
gano’s proposed 3.4 percent tax hike last year, which Mangano ultimately vetoed. Instead of increasing taxes, she said money can be generated by demanding more aid from Albany, cutting spending and bringing more tech industries into the county, which she said is already beginning at the redeveloped Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site. Gonsalves expressed adamantly that she would not accept cuts to social services. “The more businesses we can create,” she said, “industries we can retain and attract, jobs
we can develop and money we can help inject into our local economy, the better for all residents..” Since becoming presiding officer in 2012, she said she has increased partisanship and communication within the Legislature. She’d like to expand the number of police officers in Nassau County, and increase drug education in schools. Gonsalves said taking on the heroin epidemic that has plagued Nassau County is another major priority, and that she would like to see the county continue its “Too Good For Drugs” initiative, which educated children on the harmful effects of drug use. Gonsalves said her 18 years serving on the Legislature has given her a thorough understanding of how the county operates, and emphasized that she has not lost the grass-roots mindset of community activism that first inspired her to run for county legislator in 1995.
Eileen Napolitano
Democrat, challenger Age: 53 Lives in: East Meadow Career: New York state-licensed optician for 30 years Political experience: First run for public office Family: Divorced; Daughter who is a junior at East Meadow HS, and son who is a freshman at SUNY Albany. Organizations: Past president of Barnum Woods Elementary School Parent Teacher Association; past president of Woodland Middle School PTA; past vice president of East Meadow High School PTA; Former manager and coach in East Meadow Baseball Softball Association; Girl Scout leader. On the issues: Napolitano said her primary concern, if elected, would be to respond to her constituents’ needs, something she
ELECTION 2015
said she has already done as a Parent Teacher Association member and local advocate. She expressed a strong desire to take a look at the county’s finances by increasing transparency in the their contractual process and advocating for the formation of an independent panel to review all contracts, as well as closing the socalled loophole that allows contracts under $25,000 to proceed without review by the Legislature. Reasons for why they were awarded should be provided for every contract, she said. All contracts, she added, should
be posted online. Such changes, in addition to a conversion from print to online mailings, she said, would save the county millions. Fees to view county requests for bids and proposals online should be eliminated, Napolitano said, so residents can be more informed of county transactions. Napolitano said she’d also push to implement term limits to decrease the likelihood of corruption and “pay-to-play politics.” Increasing awareness of the harmful effects of drugs, she said, would be another focus. Though she lacks political experience, Napolitano said her passion for helping people and her desire to make a difference would make her a strong representative for the district. She said she would like hold Town Hall meetings with regularity so that she can give residents an avenue to directly express their concerns.
ELECTION 2015
The 13th Legislative District includes East Meadow, North Bellmore, North Merrick and portions of Seaford and Wantagh
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 15 DISTRICT 17 Dennis Dunne Republican, incumbent
Age: 65 Lives in: Levittown Career: Former director of Nassau County Veterans Agency; Nassau County legislator, 1996-present, chair of Public Safety Committee Family: Married; two children, Dennis Jr. and Joleene; two grandchildren Education: Associate’s degree, Nassau Community College; bachelor’s degree, Hofstra University. Other: President, Levittown/ Island Trees Veterans Council; President, Marine Corps Coordinating Council; member of American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club and Levittown Chamber of Commerce.
On the issues: Dunne is an original member of the Nassau County Legislature, and is running for his 11th term. He is seeking re-election “because it is my mission to serve the residents of Nassau County. I want to do all that I can to improve the lives of the people around me. Dunne said that biggest issue is taxes, and that residents are fed up with paying high property taxes. He said that even though county taxes account for only a small portion of a person’s property tax bill, they
should not be increased any further. The key to keeping property taxes down, he says, is by controlling the cost of government. He said he supports publicprivate partnerships like NICE Bus and the United Water takeover of the sewage treatment plants, including Cedar Creek. Dunne said these result in millions of dollars of savings for the county each year. Dunne said he is most proud of providing strong constituent services. He said if a resident has a problem, they should come to him and he will find the right person or agency to get that problem resolved. “That’s one of the great things about being an elected official,” he said. “You can get things done.” Dunne’s opponent, Democrat Matthew Malin, of Seaford, did not respond to questions from Herald.
The 15th Legislative District includes portions of Wantagh, Seaford, East Meadow and Salisbury.
Rose Marie Walker
Republican, incumbent Age: 64 Lives in: Hicksville Career: Nassau County Legislator, 17th District Political experience: Nassau County Legislature, 2010-present; Oyster Bay Town Board, 2004-09. Family: Widowed, four children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, four grandchildren Other: Member, Hicksville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary; past president, Irish Americans in Government; former trustee, Hicksville Board of Education; founding member of Hicksville Athletic Booster Club; past president of PTA, PTSA and Hicksville PTA Council; Hicksville Community Council; Hicksville Chamber of Commerce; Kiwanis; OSIA; Columbiettes.
On the issues: Walker says she has always taken pride in her desire to help people and to work with others to make her community better. She cited road and safety improvements completed throughout her district and the county, as well as major park improvements. Taxes, job growth and public safety are the issues that she says are her highest priority. With sales tax declining, she discussed the need to find savings and other sources of revenue. She cited the selling of county buildings to put property back
on the tax rolls, and the reduction of the county workforce. Walker said that families can no longer afford any more tax increases, and the county must find ways to maintain services with the money it has. She supports the recent takeover of the Cedar Creek sewage treatment plant by United Water. She says this has saved the county $10 million per year while providing better services. Walker said the addition of a odor collection system has been a benefit to residents. Walker said she wants to keep the suburban character of her district, but does want to look for ways to create affordable housing by repurposing existing buildings. Her opponent, Dan Devine, a Democrat from Hicksville, did not return answers to questions from the Herald.
The 17th Legislative District includes a portion of Seaford and parts of the Town of Oyster Bay.
ELECTION 2015
NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE: DISTRICT 19 Claudia Borecky
Democrat, Challenger Age: 58 Lives in: North Merrick Career: Nassau County Board of Elections worker. Former Nassau Off Track Betting Corporation worker, aide to then-Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, reporter for the Merrick Life. Education: High school diploma. Political experience: Lost race for Hempstead Town Board in 2011. Family: Husband, Michael; sons, Christopher and Timothy. Other: President of North and Central Merrick Civic Association since 2009. Co-founded Coalition of Nassau Civic Associations in 2013. Regularly involved in local issue advocacy. On the issues: As far as taxes, Borecky said, “We are among
the highest-taxed counties in the country. For the second straight year, the county is hiking taxes on our already overtaxed homeowners and businesses. The operating budget includes $10 million to pay for tax refunds, yet raises our taxes by $12 million. It’s imposing a 10 percent business tax on already overtaxed commercial properties, further exacerbating the high cost of doing business. People are smart. They see through this shell game.” Borecky said she would reduce county mailings to help save taxpayer dollars. “My oppo-
nent purports to stop wasteful spending,” she said, “yet in his short time in office, he wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars on promotional mailers, campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime and taking credit for the unemployment rate in Nassau, votes on assessment that he never made, sex offender laws written by his predecessor, the movie industry and holding the line on taxes, to name a few. As your legislator, I pledge that I will not waste taxpayer money on such mailings.” Finally, Borecky would like to see greater oversight of county contracts within the Legislature. Budget proposals, she said, “shouldn’t be rushed through the Legislature without public hearings.” In particular, Borecky said, she would focus on contracts below $25,000, which do not currently require legislative oversight. She said she believes waste is hidden in these contracts.
Steve Rhoads Republican, incumbent
Age: 46 Lives in: Bellmore Career: Nassau County legislator; associate at Grey & Grey, LLP, heading firm’s Long Island personal injury practice. Former deputy bureau chief of the County Attorney’s Bureau of Tort and Civil Rights Litigation. Education: Bachelor’s degree, University at Albany; law degree, Hofstra Law School. Political experience: Won special election to Legislature in March 2015. Lost previous bids for Legislature in 2013 and 2005. Family: Married, no children. Other: Twenty-three-year member of the Wantagh Fire Department and ex-captain of Engine Company Five, secretary of the County Legislature’s Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club, Sons of Italy, youth
ministry at St. Pius X Church. On the issues: Rhoads describes himself, and the GOP caucus, as fiscally conservative. “Unlike the previous Democratic administration, which raised taxes 42 percent and increased county spending by nearly a billion dollars, my Republican caucus and this administration have fought hard to reduce the number of county employees, consolidate departments and resources, reduce legal expenses and cut wasteful spending,” he said. “These efforts have cut over
The 19th Legislative District includes Wantagh-Seaford, Bellmore-Merrick and Freeport.
$330 million dollars in county spending, which has saved the average Nassau homeowner $2,675 since 2010. In fact, the proposed 2016 budget calls for an additional $32 million dollars in spending cuts, and I plan to conduct a thorough review of our operating budget to find additional opportunities. “My caucus and I are also making monumental and lasting changes to the county’s debt and future debt servicing. We are implementing reforms to both the residential and commercial portions of the county’s property tax assessment collection system, which will save residents $100 million in tax certiorari debt annually.” He added that the county is looking for public-private partnerships similar to that which it formed for the NICE (Nassau Inter County Express) bus system.
ELECTION 2015
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD: DISTRICT 2 Edward Ambrosino
Republican, incumbent Age: 51 Lives in: North Valley Stream Career: Attorney/private practice, 1989-present; Nassau County Legislature majority counsel, 1996-1999, minority counsel, 2001/2009 Political experience: Sanitation District 6 commissioner; three-term councilman; temporary Nassau County Legislature District Advisory Commission member. Family: Wife, three children. Other: American Red Cross trustee, Italian-Americans in Government trustee, Nassau Health Care hospital foundation trustee, Hofstra real estate board trustee, former YMCA trustee, former Briarcliffe College trustee, founder and president of theater company Amber Rose
Productions, member of The Dogs of War, a rock band that raises money for veterans, professor of public/private partnerships at New York Law School, professor of business law at Nassau Community College. On the issues: Ambrosino highlights economic development, employment and quality of life issues as the most important subjects his candidacy is focused on. He wants to promote transit-oriented development and affordable housing for young people and seniors in the
district. Ambrosino wants to explore the possibility of building a new movie theater in the town, and wants to work with private developers to move forward. He wants to work with school districts to reduce the tax burden on local businesses, and wants to make tax rates manageable for residents. “Stabilizing the tax base should be among our biggest priorities,” he said. Ambrosino also wants to establish a quality of life court to address illegal renting and other non-criminal violations.
Tammie Williams
Democrat, challenger Age: 33 Lives in: Elmont Career: Service provider to children with special needs, 20112013. Political experience: Elmont Public Library trustee. Family: Son, CJ. Other: Director of Girls P.R.I.D.E. Project, intern for state Sen. Liz Krueger, intern at Queens Community House, Florida State Attorney General’s Office administrative assistant.
On the issues: Williams identifies taxes as the most pressing issue facing town residents. She wants to evaluate all town departments and functions for efficiency, and limit town mailings to reduce taxpayer expenses. Williams wants to make sure
that town jobs and contracts are open to all residents, saying that the current system awards them to those with connections to elected officials. She also wants to reevaluate the bidding process for contracts to ensure that taxpayers get the lowest prices possible. On economic development, Williams wants to “bring more young people to the table” for their insights into affordable housing and the evolution of the community. She advocates for age diversity, saying seniors benefit from living in proximity to younger people.
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 3 Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results
The 2nd Council District includes parts of Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, Floral Park, Garden City, Garden City South, New Hyde Park, Salisbury, South Floral Park, Stewart Manor, East Meadow, Elmont, Franklin Square, Hempstead, Uniondale, North Valley Stream and West Hempstead.
ELECTION 2015
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD : DISTRICT 3 Bruce Blakeman
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt Age: 60 Lives in: Atlantic Beach Family: Wife, Segal. Education: Law degree, California Western School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Arizona State University; associate’s degree, College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif. Career: Attorney, Moritt Hock & Hamroff in Garden City; senior fellow of Long Island University’s Homeland Security Department; Political experience: Town of Hempstead councilman Jan. 2015-present; Port Authority commissioner 2001-’09; presiding officer Nassau County Legislature 1996-’99; TOH councilman 1993-’95.
On the issues: Supports the Town of Hempstead’s borrowing plans — $18.3 million in reserves and a 12-year, $17 million bond — to support its $436 million budget for 2016 and infrastructure repairs saying that the last two winters and storms Sandy and Irene have decimated town roads. Said the town does support economic development projects and pointed to the Green Acres Common project as example of Hempstead moving
forward on creating jobs and a stronger tax base. Said town was looking into the concept of micro-housing, smaller spaces for people, especially young people to live that would be close to transit and create a village-like setting. Also town is studying where to place so-called affordable housing. Said there has been discussion on a comprehensive approach to housing that could include legalizing auxiliary apartments. Said he has been active looking into issues with businesses not complying with town code in Inwood. Keeping an open mind on a stadium for the Cosmos soccer team, Said he wants to see if construction would create a substantial number of jobs and if there were any taxpayer costs.
Milagros Vicente
Democrat, Working Families Age: 47 Lives in: Valley Stream Family: Three children. Education: Bachelor’s, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, graduated cum laude. Career: Membership specialist, Girls Scouts of Nassau County. Political experience: Ran in 2012 Democratic primary for Assembly. On the issues: On the issues: Opposes the borrowing of $18.3 million in reserves the town is planning to do regarding the 2016 budget and the 12-year, $17 million bond. Said the town is wasting taxpayer money as services are not being delivered efficiently enough. Wants to con-
duct an analysis and review of departments, and correct what she says are inefficiencies, and curb spending. She emphasized that does not mean cuttong services, but improving them and the manner in which residents are helped by the town, its staff and those programs. In response to an analysis costing money, Vicente said that spending money is not a negative if it it done the right way. Said that there needs to be a town-wide comprehensive plan that tracks
the maintenance of all town roads. Would like to see the town create more handicap accessible spaces in its existing parks. Said town needs to create more affordable housing for seniors, young people and military veterans. The question of where to place the housing must be answered, along with other zoning questions. Believes the town has to understand that it is densely populated and not a sleepy suburb. This necessitates the need for engineering expertise to address traffic mitigation and safety issues. Doesn’t believe that construction of a stadium for the Cosmos would help to sustain economic growth and thinks the community opposes the idea. Wants the town to entertain ideas from multiple bidders that should be carefully vetted.
The 3rd Council District includes Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Inwood, Lawrence, North and South Valley Stream and Meadowmere Park, and portions of Cedarhurst, Franklin Square, Malverne, Valley Stream, West Hempstead and Woodmere
ELECTION After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results
2015
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD: DISTRICT 5 Erin King Sweeney
Republican, incumbent Age: 41 Lives in: Wantagh Career: Lawyer Political experience: Hempstead town councilwoman, January 2015-present Family: Husband from Ireland, two children Other: Board member, Cradle of Aviation Museum; Circle of Red Member, American Heart Association; Corporate member, Nassau County Museum of Art; Board member, Wantagh Seaford Homeowner’s Association; Certificate of Recognition from FBI for assistance with 9-11 investigation; 2013 Businessperson of the Year by the NYS Chief’s Benevolent Association, inducted as Honorary Chief; Recipient of 2014 Achiever Award from Long Island Association for Professional Women
On the issues: King Sweeney, who was appointed to the Hempstead town board in January following the retirement of Angie Cullin, said she will continue to fight for the middle class and make sure that all residents receive the services and support they deserve. She said that since her appointment, she has been meeting with people and community groups throughout her district, which covers the southeast portion of the town. King Sweeney said she wants to be accessible to her constituents. Of particular concern to her is
a blighted section of Grand Avenue in Baldwin. Her vision is to create a walkable downtown there, with a mix of residences and businesses. That, she says, is the path to economic development and revitalizing the area. She said she has the ability to work with people from both parties, noting that she has partnered with Democratic Legislator Laura Curran on issues in Baldwin. She would like to see improvements at parks, including Baldwin Park. She also supports continuing popular town programs such as Camp ANCHOR and all recreational activities. Recent concerns by animal activists about conditions and leadership at the town’s animal shelter in Wantagh are untrue, she said, and the facility is in good hands. She says there are few facts to back up the allegations. She is the daughter of Congressman Peter King, and she learned from him the importance of constituent services.
Michael Reid Democrat, challenger
Age: 53 Lives in: Merrick Career: Retired hospital EMS supervisor; paramedic/EMS instructor for North Shore-LIJ; worked for New York City 911 system Political experience: First time running Family: Wife, Marie; sons, Patrick and Timothy; daughter, Christina Other: Volunteer, Merrick Fire Department; past president, Nassau County Firemen’s Association; member, Board of Directors, Firemen’s Association of the State of New York; member, Merrick and Seaford Kiwanis Clubs; member, New York State EMS Council; 1986 New York State Firefighters of the Year, member, New York League of Conservation Voters On the issues: Reid, with a long career in the emergency servic-
es, is particularly concerned about the heroin epidemic on Long Island. He is a founding member of the Bellmore-Merrick Heroin Task Force, and said that he has no sympathy for drug dealers. If elected, he would like all town employees to be trained on Narcan, the heroin overdose antidote. While Reid said the town generally does a good job managing its money, he is concerned that it has been using money from its reserves to fund the budget. He said reserves should only be a contingency fund for emergencies.
The 5th Council District includes portions of Baldwin, Bellmore, Freeport, Lido, Merrick, Point Lookout, Seaford and Wantagh.
Reid said that money could be saved by cutting down on town mailings. He said the town offers a lot of services to its residents, and would not want any of these cut. He also says he supports term limits for town officials. He wants to see redevelopment of the Grand Avenue corridor in Baldwin, and would use the Industrial Development Agency and tax incentives to attract development there and any area of the town in need of revitalization. Reid said he is concerned by allegations made by animal activists about leadership and conditions at the town animal shelter in Wantagh. He said there should be a review of its leaders to see if they are qualified for their jobs, and would like to create an independent panel with animal and shelter experts to review its operations.
ELECTION 2015 NASSAU COUNTY JUDICIAL CANDIDATES County Court
Second District Court
Vote for any three
Vote for one
Felice J. Muraca
Tammy S. Robbins
Steven M. Jaeger
Ayesha Keri Brantley
Age: 53 Lives in: Merrick Family: Wife, Erina Education: Bachelor’s degree, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 1984; Juris doctor, Brooklyn Law School, 1987. Legal Career: Partner specializing in criminal defense, matrimonial and corporate law at the Law Offices of Felice J. Muraca, P.C., 1990 to present; Assistant District Attorney, Nassau County, 1987 to 1990; admitted to the New York State Bar, 1988. Other: Member, Nassau County Bar Association, present; past president of Nassau County’s Former Assistant District Attorney’s Association.
Age: 54 Lives in: Locust Valley Family: Two daughters, Jillian and Mallory Education: Bachelor’s degree, economics, University at Albany, 1982; Juris doctor, Hofstra Law School, 1989. Legal Career: anuary 2015 to present, principal court attorney to Judge Conrad D. Singer in Nassau County Family Court; Nassau County Court judge from 2005-2014; principal court attorney to County Court Judge David J. Ayres, 20042005; principal court attorney to County Court Judge Jeffrey S. Brown Robbins, 20002004; Nassau County assistant district attorney specializing in prosecuting narcotics cases and head of the district attorney’s Street Gang Investigation Unit from 19892000; admitted to the New York State Bar, 1989. Other: Member of the Nassau County Bar Association, the Jewish Lawyers Association and the Criminal Courts Bar Association; Fidelis Juri Award by the Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County, 2014; Norman F. Lent Award, Nassau County Courts Criminal Courts Bar Association, 2014; Woman of the Year Award, Fraternal Order of Court Officers, 2014.
Age: 64 Lives in: Roslyn Heights Family: Wife, Peggy Education: Undergraduate degree, University of Pennsylvania, 1973; Juris doctor, New York University in 1976. Legal Career: Principal law clerk, State Supreme Court Justice Sharon M.J. Gianelli in Nassau County, January 2015-present; Nassau County Court judge and acting State Supreme Court justice, 2005-2014; District Court judge, 2002-2004; Principal law clerk to Judge Meryl J. Berkowitz in Nassau County Court, 2000-2001; Partner at Jaeger & Block LLP, 1991-1999; Partner at Cohen & Jaeger, 1984-1999; Principal law secretary to then county court judge and later State Supreme Court justice Alexander Vitale, 1981-1984; Associate appellate counsel, Legal Aid Society of the City of New York and Criminal Appeals Bureau, 1978-1981; Associate, Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Weisenfeld, 1977-1978; admitted to the New York State Bar, 1977 and to the District of Columbia Bar, 1980; admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts, 1977; and to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, 1979. Other: Member of the New York State Bar Association and second vice president of the Nassau Lawyers’ Association since 2013, President of the Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court from 2011-2012; vice chairman and co-chairman of the judicial section of the Nassau County Bar Association from 20042011; Member of the board of directors of the Jewish Lawyers Association of Nassau County; Member of the Nassau Suffolk Trial Lawyers Association, the Women’s Bar Association of Nassau County and the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association.
Age: 36 Lives in: Hempstead Family: married, three children Education: Bachelor’s degree, Cornell University, 2000; Juris doctor, University of Pennsylvania Law School, 2004 Legal Career: Hempstead Village Court Justice, 2013 to present; Senior Court attorney in New York City Family Courts, 2009 to 2013; Special Assistant Corporation Counsel for NYC Administration for Children’s Services, 2007 to 2009; Court Attorney in Nassau County Family Court, 2006 to 2007; Associate with Stewart Law Firm, 2005 to 2006; Litigation Associate with Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, 2004 to 2005 Other: Running on Democratic, Green, Working Families and Women’s Equality party lines; Board Member of Nassau County Magistrates Association; Member of the Nassau County Bar Association; Member of the Women’s Bar Association; Member of the Amistad Bar Association; Member of the Judicial Friends Association; Member of the New York State Magistrates Association; Member of the National Bar Association
Green Party, Republican, Conservative, Independence
N. Scott Banks Green Party, Democratic, Working Families
Age: 58 Lives in: West Hempstead Family: Wife, Diane; daughters, Jennifer and Melissa Education: Bachelor’s degree, Queens College, 1979; Juris doctor, Akron University Law, 1982. Legal Career: Attorney, Kenneth J. Weinstein, 2009 to present; Attorney, 2003 to 2008 and private-practice attorney from 1995 to 2003, Dominic Barbara law firm; Private Practice Attorney, Capetola & Doddato LLP, 1989 to 1995; Law secretary, Nassau County Court Judge Abbey L. Boklan, 1987 to 1989; Attorney, Nassau Legal Aid Society, 1983 to 1987; admitted to the New York State Bar, 1983. Other: At-large Hempstead Town councilman, 2000; commissioner for the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission, 2003 to 2005; Member of the Nassau County Bar Association and matrimonial law committee, present; Board member and past president, Legal Aid Society of Nassau County board of directors, present; Lifetime Member, Lakeview NAACP.
2015 VOTERS GUIDE ANDREW HACKMACK Section Editor
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Green Party, Democratic, Working Families
Robert Bogle
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Age: 58 Lives in: Valley Stream Family: Wife, Kathleen; two sons, James and Robert Education: Bachelor’s degree, Niagara University, 1979; Juris doctor, Hofstra University School of Law, 1982 Legal career: Valley Stream Village Justice, 1986-present; current Chief Court Attorney, Nassau County Court; Acting City Court Judge for Long Beach and Glen Cove, 1995 to present; former Deputy Nassau County Attorney; former law clerk to Supervising Judge of the Nassau County Criminal Courts. Other: Former president of New York State and Nassau County Magistrates; member of Nassau County and New York State Bar Associations; author of nine legal textbooks; adjunct professor at C.W. Post College, LIU; member of New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics; Assistant Scoutmaster and former district chair for the Boy Scouts of America Iroquois District; member of Sons of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis; director of Irish Americans in Government.
Green Party, Democratic, Working Families
Howard Sturim
Republican, Conservative, Tax Revolt
Age: 54 Lives in: Great Neck Family: Single Education: Graduated from the New York Institute of Technology in 1987 and the Hofstra University School of Law in 1991 Legal Career: Principal law clerk for County Court Judge Alan Honorof, 2004 to present; head of the arson unit and the major offense bureau for the Nassau district attorney until 2004; Nassau assistant district attorney from 1991 to 2004; admitted to the New York State Bar, 1992.
Green Party, Democratic, Working Families
James Darcy
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Age: 63 Lives in: Valley Stream Family: Married, three children Education: Bachelor’s degree, Fordham University, 1974; Master’s degree, State University of New York at Brockport, 1976; Juris doctor, St. John’s University 1980 Legal Career: Current Nassau County District Court judge, District 2, January 2015 to present; Maintained private practice in Woodside, Queens and Valley Stream, 1986 to 2015 Other: Running on the Republican Conservative, Independent, Tax Revolt and Reform party lines; Mayor of the Village of Valley Stream, 1995 to 1999; New York State Assemblyman, 1999 to 2000; Town of Hempstead Councilman, 2001 to 2015; Member of the Queens County Bar Association; Member of the New York State Bar Association; Elks Club member; Member of the Knights of Columbus of Valley Stream; Former member of the Woodside Kiwanis Club; Endorse by the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, the Nassau County Detectives Association and the Nassau County Superior Officers Association
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 3 Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
After the polls close visit www.liherald.com for election results
ElEction 2015 nassau county judicial candidatEs Supreme Court Vote for any seven
James P. McCormack
Democratic, Independence, Working Families
Age: 55 Lives in: Jericho Family: Wife, Marie; two children, James, Michael Education: Bachelor’s degree, New York University, 1982; Juris doctor, Brooklyn Law School, 1985 Legal Career: Acting Justice, Supreme Court, Nassau County, Civil Term, 2012 to present; Acting Justice, Supreme Court, Nassau County, Criminal Term, 2008 to 2011; Acting Justice, Supreme Court, Nassau County, Civil Term, 2007 to present; Acting Judge, Family Court, Nassau County, 2006 to present; Judge, County Court, Nassau County, Elected, 2006 to 2016. Other: Private practice, McCormack & McCormack, 1990 to 2005; Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney, 1985 to 1988; Admission to the Bar, NYS Appellate Division, Second Department, 1986.
William G. Ford
Democrat, Conservative, Independence
Age: 59 Lives in: Brentwood Family: Wife, Pam; two children, William, Noah Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science, SUNY Empire State College; Juris doctor, Brooklyn Law School Legal Career: Nominated to New York Supreme Court by the Democratic, Conservative and Independence parties. If elected in November he will be the first African American Democrat; Following his election to the District Court, Judge Ford was assigned to a criminal trial term; Tried numerous DWI and assault cases to verdict and published several hearing decisions in the NY Law Journal; Consistently been upheld on appeal, most recently in the case of People v. Coveney 2014 NY Slip Op.50810(U) NYLJ June 6 2014; Appointed an Acting County Court Judge, January 2014; Presiding Judge in the Drug Treatment and Mental Health Treatment Courts in Suffolk County; Reappointed to the same position by the Chief Administrative Judge, A. Gail Prudenti, effective January 2015; Past President of The Suffolk County District Court Judges Association; Past President of the N.Y. State District Court Judges Association; Elected to the Supreme Court from Suffolk County. Other: Civic activities include being a distinguished member of the Long Island Head Start Board of Directors; Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association District Court Committee the Appellate Practice committee; Member of the Judicial Friends, the Alexander Hamilton Inns of the Court, the Islip Town branch of the NAACP, Great South Bay YMCA Board of Managers; Member and Past Chair of Dix Hills United Methodist Church Council; Named in “Who’s Who” in American Universities and Colleges.
Jack L. Libert
Emily S. Pines
Julianne T. Capetola
Age: 66 Lives in: Oyster Bay Education: Bachelor’s degree, Hofstra University, 1971; Juris doctor, Hofstra University School of Law, 1974 Legal Career: Counsel to the Nassau County Board of Supervisors and acted as liaison between the legislature, County Executive and administrative arms of the county government, 1978 to 1984, CEO and general counsel of the real estate division Benjamin Development Co., 1992 to 2002, a founding member of the law firm of D’Amato, Forchelli, Libert, Schwartz and Mineo, which he rejoined in 2010 Other: Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Woodsburgh, 1989 to 1994, trustee of the Incorporated Vilalge of Woodsburgh, 1987 to 1989, Town of Oyster Bay Board of Zoning Appeals, 1993 to 2005, became chairman of that board in 1997 and served until 2005, Commissioner of Planning and Development for the Town of Oyster Bay, 2005 to 2008, Commissioner of the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Public works, member of the ABA, New York State Bar Association and the Nassau County Bar Association, featured in Long Island Business News’ “Who’s Who in Law on Long Island” in 2002, Leadership in Law 2011 honoree, appeared as a legal commentator on Cablevision News Channel 12, vice-chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee, named “Long Island Public Interest and Pro Bono Attorney of the Year” in 2015 by Touro Law School, serve on the advisory board of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, admitted to the New York State Bar, the Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Federal District Courts for both the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
Age: 64 Lives in: Brookhaven Family: Husband, Jonathan Sinnreich; three children, Aram Sinnreich, Rachel Cleves and Daniel Sinnreich, six grandchildren Education: Bachelor’s degree, Hofstra University, 1972; Juris doctor, Hofstra University School of Law, 1976 Legal Career: Current Suffolk County Supreme Court justice, Suffolk County District Court Judge, 1998 to 2001, Town Attorney for the Town of Brookhaven, 1993 to 1998, served as Chief Legal Advisor to Town Supervisor, Town Board, Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals, counsel to all Town departments, commissioners, officers and employers, appointed by Town Supervisor to Regional Pine Barrens Commission, worked at private practice Boyle, Shea, Nornes & Pines, Suffolk County Department of Law, 1989, Deputy County Attorney, 1992, Law Secretary to New York State Supreme Court Justice Helen E. Freedman, 1989, office of New York City corporation counsel, 1980, assistant division chief, commercial litigation division, 1986, New York State Public Service Commission, 1976 Other: 2003 Hofstra University George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award recipient, 1999 Town of Brookhaven Woman of the Year in Law, 1983 Municipal Attorney of the Year, Member of the New York State Bar Association, Suffolk County Bar Association and Suffolk County Woman’s Bar Association, Pattern Jury Instruction Committee member 2007 to present
Age: 59 Lives in: Woodbury Family: Husband, Anthony A. Capetola Education: Bachelor’s degree, SUNY at Buffalo, 1977; Juris doctor, St. John’s University School of Law, 1980 Legal Career: Law Assistant at Law Department of the Nassau County District Court, 1984 to 1987, Law Secretary for Justices Joseph Colby, Edward Hart and Jack Kingston, elected to the Nassau Family Court where she has currently served for nearly 18 years, an Acting Supreme Court Justice since 2007 and in 2014 began handling Supreme Court matters in addition to her caseload in the Family Court Other: Former adjunct business law professor at Nassau Community College, former coordinator of the Nassau County P.E.A.C.E. program, received the 2003 Fidelis Juri Award from the Uniformed Court Officers Fraternal Order of Court Officers, member of the Woman’s Bar Association, chair of the Nassau County Judicial Committee of Women in the Courts, cross promoted by the Republican and Democratic parties as well as the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association and the Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County, found “Well Qualified” by the Suffolk County Bar Association.
Democrat, Republican
Republican
John J. Toomey, Jr. Republican
Howard Heckman Jr.
Deborah Poulos Conservative
Age: 61 Lives in: Huntington Education: Bachelor’s degree, Adelphi University, 1981; Juris doctor, Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, 1988. Legal Career: Current Suffolk County Family Court Judge, 2014; Family and matrimonial law trial attorney in her private practice Lefkowitz & Poulos, 19902013. Other: Admitted to New York State Bar, 1989; Admitted to the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court Eastern District, and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, 1993; Member of the New York State Bar Association (Family and Matrimonial Law section), the Suffolk County Bar Association, the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association and the Bench Bar Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association; She is on the Board of Directors for the New York State Family Court Judges Association; Member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Paraskevi Shrine in Greenlawn, New York.
Democrat, Republican
Democratic, Conservative, Independence
Age: 63 Lives in: Center Moriches Family: Wife, Susan; three adult children, Betsy, Howard and Peter Education: Bachelor’s degree, SUNY Oneonta, 1974; Villanova University School of Law, Juris doctor 1977 Legal Career: Court Attorney/Referee assigned to the Calendar Control Part, Supreme Court, Suffolk County, 2012-present; Principal Law Clerk to Supreme Court Justice Melvyn Tanenbaum, 1988-2011; Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, 1979-1988; Associate Attorney with Law Office of Edward W. DeVerna, 1982-1983; Principal Law Clerk to Justice Lynne M. Abraham, Philadelphia Municipal Court, 1978-1979; Associate Attorney with Law Office of John J. Munzel, 1978 Other: East Moriches Recreation Association, President, 1989-1997; Moriches Bay Little League, Volunteer; Center Moriches High School Sports Hall of Fame, Committee Member and Spokesman; Suffolk County Bar Association, Member; Endorsements by the Suffolk County PBA, the Suffolk County Detectives Association and the Suffolk County Corrections Officers Association
Age: 67 Lives in: Saint James Family: Wife, three children and two grandchildren Education: Bachelor’s degree, SUNY at Stony Brook, 1972; Juris doctor, Hamline University Law School, 1977 Legal Career: Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Smithtown, 1976 to 1979, Special Prosecutor for the Town of Smithtown, 1983, private practice law firm 1979 to 2002, elected to the Suffolk County District Court bench, 2002, member of the Tenth Judicial Grievance Committee from 1995 to 2002, selected as the first presiding judge of the newly formed Veteran’s Court in 2010 based on judicial and military background, elected to the Suffolk County Court in 2011 and presides over the felony DWI part of the court, admitted to practice law in New York in 1977. Other: Received two Bronze Stars and was decorated for valor regarding his service in Viet Nam, volunteer firefighter with the St. James Fire Department for over 30 years, has been asked to give many presentations at various veteran’s symposiums, elected Judge of the Year in 2008 by the Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association, received the Peter Sweisgood Award from the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association in 2014, honored by the Lawyer Assistance Foundation of the Suffolk County Bar Association in 2015 and endorsed by the Suffolk County Court Employees’ Association and the Suffolk County Court Officers’ Association.
ElEction 2015 nassau county judicial candidatEs Supreme Court
Candidate summary
Vote for any seven
Robert F. Quinlan
Janine Barbera-Dalli
Patricia Filiberto
Age: 66 Lives in: Stony Brook Family: Wife, Patricia; two adult children, Sean and Caitlin; two grandsons Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, Virginia Military Institute, 1970; Juris doctor, Villanova University School of Law, 1973 Legal Career: Principal Law Clerk to Suffolk District Administrative Judge C. Randall Hinrichs, 2013-present; Town Attorney for the Town of Brookhaven, 2010-2013; Town Attorney for the Town of Islip, 2008-2010; Town Attorney for the Town of Brookhaven, 20062008; Partner at Long, Tuminello, Besso, Seligman, Quinlan and Werner, LLP, 19822006; Administrator of the Assigned Counsel Defender Plan of Suffolk County, 1983-2006; Trial attorney in the Criminal and Personal Injury Departments of Siben & Siben, Esqs., 1977-1982; Staff attorney, Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County, 1974-1977 Other: President, Suffolk County Bar Association 2005-2006; President, Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association, 1984-1986; New York State Bar Association, Member: House of Delegates, 2003-2006, Member: Special Committee to Ensure Quality Mandated Representation, 2004-2009; New York State Defenders Association: Board 2004-2006, member 1982-2006; Brehon Society of Suffolk County: President, 1991, Director, 19881990; Nassau-Suffolk Law Services: Director 1988-1995, 1996-2005; First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve, Military Police Corps, 1970-1976, Active Duty 1973; Knights of Columbus, Father William J. Crowley Council No. 5817; Coached Three Village Soccer Club
Age: 54 Lives in: St. James Family: Husband, Bart Dalli; 4 children Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Hofstra University, 1983; Juris Doctor, St. John’s University School of Law, 1986 Legal Career: Current judge in the 1st District Court Central Islip; Judge of the 6th District Court in Patchogue and 4th District Court in Happauge. 2013 to 2014; Established her own general practice Barbera & McElhone, 1996 to 2012; Handled matrimonial and real estate cases at Cartier, Hogan, Sullivan, Bernstein & Auerbach, 1993 to 1996; Handled matrimonial and real estate cases at Law Offices of Phillip Rogers, 1992 to 1993; Union staff attorney at 1115 Legal Service Care, 1988 to 1991; Litigation staff attorney at Liotti & Skelos, 1987 to 1988; Conducted real estate closings on behalf of financial institutions at Haggerty & Rinaldi, 1986 to 1988; Law clerk at Gervais, deCicco, McCorry, Salkain & Dowd, 1985 to 1986; Law clerk at Nassau/Suffolk Law Service Committee, 1984 to 1985 Other: New York State Licensed Instructor of Real Estate, American Real Estate School, 1992 to 1997; Adjunct instructor at New York Institute of Technology in Central Islip, 1995 to 1996; Member of: ABA, New York State Bar Association; Suffolk County Bar Association and Nassau County Bar Association; Women’s Bar Association, Suffolk County; Smithtown Women’s Business Network; Divorce Mediation Association; Alexander Hamilton Inns of Court; Columbian Lawyers Association; Women in the Courts Committee; Board of Cohalan Cares Child Care Center; Admitted to: the New York State Bar, 1987; Eastern District of New York, 1990; U.S. Court of Appeals, 2004; Federal Claims, 2004; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 2004; U.S. Supreme Court, 2004
Age: 68 Lives in: West Islip Education: Bachelor’s degree, St John’s University, 1969; master’s degree, Hofstra University, 1973, juris doctorate; St. John’s University School of Law, 1985 Legal career: Acting Judge, Suffolk County District Court, appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman, 2005 to present, Judge, District Court, Suffolk County, First District, elected, 2004 to 2009; Re-elected 2010 to 2015; Judge, District Court, Suffolk County, First District, Elected, 1997 to 2003 Other: Adjunct Professor of Criminal law & Criminal Procedure, SUNY at Stony Brook, 1994 to 2003; District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County, 1988 to 1997; County Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County, 1986 to 1988; Private Practice, 1985 to 1986; Member, NYS Family Violence Task Force, 1999 to present; Member, House of Delegates NYS Bar Association, 1999 to 2003; Director, Suffolk County Bar Association, 1996 to 1999; Nominating Committee, Suffolk County Bar Association, 2001 to 2004; Officer, Suffolk Academy of Law, 1996 to 1999; President, Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, 1995 to 1996; President, NYS Confederation of Columbian Lawyers Association, 1998 to 2000; President, Suffolk County Columbian Lawyers Association, 1998 to 1999; Director, St. John’s University School of Law Alumni Assoc. & President — Suffolk Chapter, 2003 to 2006; Member, Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association, 1990 to present; Member, American Legion Auxiliary — West Islip, 1996 to present; Member, Sons of Italy, Anthony Casamento Lodge, 1994 to present
Democratic, Conservative, Independence
David A. Morris
Conservative
Conservative
Age: 54 Lives in: Sayville Education: Associate degree, Suffolk County Community College, 1993; bachelor’s degree, North Carolina State University, 1995; Law degree, City University of New York at Queens College, 1998 Legal Career: Currently a judge for the Suffolk County District Court, serving 5th precinct in Town of Islip, elected in 2012; Acting justice for the Patchogue Village court, 2009 to 2010; operated his private practice in 2003; Assistant Suffolk County attorney, 1998 to 2003 Other: Admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1999; Member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, Suffolk County District Court Judges Association and Suffolk County Police Association
eleCtion day is tuesday, nov. 3
Kathy G. Bergmann Conservative
Age: 59 Lives in: Speonk Family: Widow; one daughter, Rachel, 20 Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science, SUNY Oswego, 1978; Master’s in public administration, LIU Post, 1981; Law degree, Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, 1988 Legal Career: Currently the principal law clerk to honorable Judge Stephen Lynch in the New York State Court of Claims, January 2013; Assitant at the Suffolk County attorney office, 1988 to 1990; General private practice, 1990 to 2012. Other: Academic adviser and adjunct professor for LIU Post, 1981 to 1984; Admitted to New York State bar, 1989; Member of Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association and Suffolk County Bar Association.
Republican
Supreme Court - 10th District Nassau and Suffolk Counties Vote for any seven Janine A. Barbera Dalli (C) Kathy G. Bergmann (C, I) Julianne T. Capetola (D, R) Patricia M. Filiberto (R) William G. Ford (D, C, I) Howard Heckman (D, C, I) Jack L. Libert (D, R) Martha Luft (WEP) James P. McCormack (D, R) Robert A. McDonald (D, R) David A. Morris (C, I) Emily S. Pines (R, I) Deborah Poulos (C) Robert Quinlan (D, C, I) John J. Toomey, Jr. (R, I)
Second District Court Town of Hempstead Vote for one James Darcy (R, C, I, Ref) Ayesha Keri Brantley (D, G, WF)
County Court Vote for three N. Scott Banks (D, G, WF) Robert Bogle (R, C, I, Ref) Steven M. Jaeger (D, G, WF) Felice J. Muraca (R, C, I, Ref) Tammy S. Robbins (D, G, WF) Howard E. Sturim (R, C, I, Ref)
Surrogate Court
Martha L. Luft Women’s Equality
Age: 63 Lives in: Riverhead Family: Husband, Benjamin; three adult children, Ephraim, Gabriel and Anna; three grandchildren Education: SUNY Stony Brook, B.A., 1974; Columbia University, M.A., 1976; Stanford Law School, J.D., 1983 Legal Career: Acting Supreme Court Justice, Suffolk County, 2010 to present; Family Court Judge, State of New York, 2006-present; Partner at Twomey, Latham, Shea and Kelly, LLP, 1996-2005; New York State Attorney General’s Office, Assistant Attorney General InCharge, Suffolk Regional Office, 1994 to 1995; New York State Attorney General’s Office, Assistant Attorney General, 1987 to 1994; Associate Attorney at Mulvehill and O’Brien, 1985 to 1987 Other: Admitted to the Bar of United State Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and New York State; Endorsements from CSEA, Suffolk County PBA, Eleanor’s Legacy, Smithtown News; Rated “highly qualified” by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission
The Herald did not receive biography information for Supreme Court judge candidate Robert A. McDonald, who is running on both the Republican and Democratic lines.
Vote for one Angela G. Iannacci (D, G, WF) Margaret C. Reilly (R, C, I, Ref)
ElEction 2015 nassau county judicial candidatEs Surrogate Court Vote for one
Angela G. Iannacci
Democratic, Green, Working Families Age: 55 Lives in: Manhasset Family: Married, two children Education: Bachelor’s degree, George Washington University, 1983; Juris doctor, Pace University School of Law, 1986 Legal Career: Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, 2006 to present (presiding over a general civil trial calendar and a designated guardianship part); Associate Justice of the Appellate Term, 2009 to present (presiding over civil and criminal appellate matters in Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties); Judge of the Nassau County Family Court, 2004 to 2005; Backup Judge in the Integrated Domestic Violence Part, 2004 to 2006; Principal Court Attorney to Hon. Allan L. Winick (Justice Court Justice in Nassau County and Associate Justice of
the Appellate Term), 2002 to 2003; Maintained private practice (litigation and general practice law firm) in Great Neck, 1996 to 2001; Maintained a private practice (litigation associate in law firms) in Garden City and New York City, 1987 to 1996; Attorney in the professional liability division of AIG in New York City, 1986 to 1987 Other: Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University; Guest lecturer at local schools, including Hofstra University School of Law; Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the Professionals’ Officers’ & Directors’ Liability Committee; Member of the Association of New York State Supreme Court Justices; National Association of Women Judges; New York State Bar Association; Nassau County Bar Association; Nassau County Women’s Bar Association; New York State NYS Anti-Discrimination Panel; New York State; Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts; Columbian Lawyers’ Association of Nassau County; Italian-Americans in Government; Theodore Roosevelt Inn of Court; Endorsed by the Italian-American Political Action Committee; Rated “well qualified” (the highest rating by the Nassau County Bar Association) for the position as surrogate judge
Margaret C. Reilly
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Tax Revolt, Reform Age: 51 Lives in: Oyster Bay Family: Married, two children Education: Bachelor’s degree, Hamilton College, 1985; Juris doctor, St. John’s University School of Law, 1988 Legal Career: Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, 2012 to present; Nassau County District Court Judge, 1998 to 2011; Acting Nassau County Court Judge, 2006 to 2011; Deputy Nassau County Attorney, 1988 to 1991; Trial Attorney in Private Practice, 1998 to 2001; Village Prosecutor, Village of Stewart Manor, 1998 to 2001; Guardian Ad Litem, Surrogate’s Court Other: Endorsed by The Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County, New York State Fraternal Order of Court Officers, Nassau County
Police Benevolent Association, Nassau County Superior Officers Association, The Nassau County Detectives’ Association, Inc., Nassau County Sheriff’s Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Old Westbury Police Benevolent Association, Freeport Police Benevolent Association, Hempstead Police Benevolent Association; Adjunct Professor, St. John’s University School of Law, 1998; Co-Chair of the Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts, 2004 to 2012; Trustee, Oyster Bay East Norwich Boys and Girls Club; Former Vice Chair of the Parent’s Council, Oyster Bay East Norwich Boys and Girls Club; Member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Guild; Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians; Pastoral Council of St. Dominic’s Church; United States Swimming official; Class Co-Chair, Oyster Bay East Norwich Elementary PTA; Awarded “Fidelis Juri” by the New York State Fraternal Order of Court Officer, 2000; Awarded “Fidelis Juri” by The Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County, 2007
VOTE ON
ELECTION DAY
TUESDAY NOV. 3