Ralph Suozzi is a familiar name all around Glen Cove, but as of Jan. 1, 2006, his name will be preceded by the honorific "Mayor." In a hard run, grass roots campaign, Mr. Suozzi, who ran on the Glen Cove Voters line, has won election as Glen Cove's mayor, beating out two-term incumbent Democrat Mary Ann Holzkamp and Republican candidate Drew Fonrose.

Celebrating at the Metropolitan, Mr. Suozzi thanked the former administration for its hard work, then went on to thank his supporters, many of whom crossed party lines in agreement with Mr. Suozzi's mantra that "It's about people, not politics." Holding son Alex in his arms, and flanked by his parents, Terry and Vincent "Jimmy" Suozzi, and wife Jane holding newborn Carter, he stated that it all comes down to the individual. He added, "This election was a true team effort. We didn't have the backing of a political party. We didn't need it. We had the people of Glen Cove."

In a quieter moment, Mr. Suozzi stated, "I am very grateful to the people of my city for embracing me as I have embraced them. Running as a third party candidate left me very vulnerable, but I knew that if I spoke of my beliefs from my heart, people would respond and they did. Now the hard work starts."

Supporter Linda Darby agreed. "Democrats and Republicans alike came together in this election," she said. "But this is just the beginning; there is a lot of work to be done by all of us. Being involved in this grass roots campaign gives me hope that throughout this country people will see that they can really make a difference without getting caught up in party politics."

Chants of "Ralph...Ralph...Ralph..." were heard whenever the mayor-elect stopped for a breath. That changed when someone called out, "Drew is here," Drew being Drew Fonrose, Mr. Suozzi's Republican opponent. Mr. Fonrose walked to the podium to similar chants of "Drew...Drew...Drew" and a great deal of backslapping and handshaking. Mr. Fonrose congratulated Mr. Suozzi and stated, "I wanted change in Glen Cove, and I am glad the city will be getting a change in Ralph." He applauded Mr. Suozzi for running a "class campaign." Mr. Suozzi thanked Mr. Fonrose and said, "I watched Drew campaign two years ago and I have seen him battle the Democratic administration for the past two years, often without having his questions answered. I also want to thank him for raising the level of this campaign."

When Mayor Holzkamp and members of the City Council went to the Metropolitan, Mr. Suozzi announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, the mayor of Glen Cove, Mary Ann Holzkamp." Ms. Holzkamp conceded the election to Mr. Suozzi, spoke to a few people and left.

In the election, Mr. Suozzi garnered 3,181 votes; Ms. Holzkamp 2,963 votes and Mr. Fonrose 1,181 votes.

The city council will continue to consist of six Democrats. Five council members have retained their seats: Mike Norman, Tony Jimenez, Joan Meehan, Joe Gioino and Tim Tenke; Nick DiLeo joins them with his first win. Mr. Suozzi has stated he will work with whomever the city elects. Councilman Tony Jimenez commented, "I am disappointed that Mayor Holzkamp did not win re-election, but my work has always been on behalf of the City of Glen Cove and it will continue to be. I would like to thank Mayor Holzkmap for all she has done for our city and state that it has been a pleasure working with her. I would also like to congratulate Ralph Suozzi. I plan to continue working for the benefit of our city with him."