On New Year's Day, 2002, Thomas Suozzi followed his eight years as mayor of Glen Cove by beginning his new role as the first Democratic Nassau County executive in 30 years. In his inaugural speech, Suozzi asked that residents of Nassau County commit their talent, time and goodwill to "break with the tired past of cynicism, lethargy and political expedience and rekindle the idealism, energy and optimism" that is needed to rebuild. FULL STORY