The uproar over Nassau County's financial instability has provided a backdrop for this year's election campaign season. A budget deficit of over $300 million in the county has candidates in the Republican-led legislature facing a possible backlash from malcontent voters in the Nov. 2 election, while Democratic candidates hope to seize on the opportunity.

Campaigns are being waged in each of Nassau's 19 legislative districts. As county Republicans try to minimize the damage, Democrats are trying to capitalize on public dissent over the fiscal state of the county and close the gap between the Republican and Democrats in the legislature. Presently they are outnumbered 14 - 5.

Democratic candidates have alleged that overspending and patronage by the Republican-controlled legislature is to blame for the county's poor financial state during a time of unprecedented national economic growth. Republican candidates claim a freeze on property taxes for the last eight years, coupled with rising operation costs, have contributed to the county's current dilemma.

Other issues discussed throughout the campaign season included the preservation of environmentally sensitive land, such as the Underhill property in Jericho, and the county's "antiquated" assessment system, which many believe places an unfair tax burden on lower income homeowners.

Locally, Republican incumbent of the 14th Legislative District, Salvatore Pontillo, is being challenged by Democrat candidate Kevin Gorman and Independent candidate Rosemary Styne. The 14th district includes Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Plainedge, and parts of Levittown, Seaford and Wantagh.

The Republican incumbent of the 13th Legislative District, Norma Gonsalves, is being challenged by Democratic candidate, Rita Eilenberg. The 13th district encompasses North Bellmore, North Merrick and parts of East Meadow and Wantagh.

In the 15th Legislative District, Republican incumbent Dennis Dunne, is being challenged by Democrat Teresa Butler, Liberal Benjamin Slutsky and Green Party candidate Janet Zink. The 15th district includes Levittown, Salisbury and parts of Wantagh.

In the 16th Legislative District, Judy Jacobs, the Democratic minority leader in the legislature, is being challenged by Republican Lois Weinstein and Liberal candidate Kevin Rockitter. The 16th district includes Woodbury, Syosset, Plainview, Old Bethpage, and parts of Hicksville, Jericho, Farmingdale and Bethpage.

Republican incumbent of the 17th Legislative District, Edward Mangano, is being challenged by Democrat James Keough and Liberal candidate Aaron Schein. The 17th district encompasses Bethpage, Hicksville, Muttontown, Brookville, East Norwich and parts of Jericho, Syosset, Plainview, Old Westbury and Oyster Bay.

Even the Town of Oyster Bay could not escape the issue of fiscal stability in this year's election. Democratic challengers have alleged the town has amassed a $30 - $36 million deficit that they are trying to close through various land sales. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Venditto has repeatedly denied there is a deficit and has reiterated his and the board's dedication to preserving the town's high quality of life and many services.

Venditto is making his first defense of the supervisor's position he won from Lew Yevoli in 1997. He is being challenged by Democrat Kevin Langberg. Incumbent Republican councilmen candidates Anthony Altimari, Joseph Muscarella and recently appointed Martin Massell are running against Democratic challengers Anthony Macagnone, Frank Goban and Bonnie Eisler.

Election day is Nov. 2.