Following on the heels of victory in the polls on Tuesday, Oct. 6, Nassau County Democrats announced on Wednesday that presiding officer Judy Jacobs was stepping down from her position after eight years. In her place, Leg. Diane Yatauro, a resident of Glen Cove, has been named to the post.

"Eight years is long enough for the president of the United States to serve," said Leg. Jacobs, "and long enough for one person to be in this job."

She said she would like to think that her legacy would be one of opening up government and remarked that she has been told she brought civility to the office. "That's a very nice way to leave," Leg. Jacobs said. She called Leg. Yatauro an excellent choice to replace her.

The 10 Democratic legislators gathered for a post-election lunch on Wednesday, said Leg. Jacobs, which is when she made her announcement. The vote for Yatauro was unanimous.

Leg. Yatauro said, "This is very exciting and I'm extremely honored. It will be a big job to fill Judy Jacobs' shoes. Right now I'm still taking it all in and trying to digest it."

The appointment is contingent on David Mejias winning the 14th LD in a close race that will hinge on absentee ballots. At press time, Leg. Mejias led opponent Joseph Belesi by more than 200 votes, with 300 ballots to be counted, however, historically, absentee votes mirror machine votes, and it is evident the Democrats are certain Leg. Mejias will prevail.