In a special election held May 24, residents of the 15th Assembly District selected Republican/Conservative candidate Robert Walker to fill the seat vacated by Donna Ferrara last month. Walker, a resident of Hicksville, received 1,948 votes (unofficial tally as of press time) while Democratic candidate Kathleen Magin-Arecco of Oyster Bay received 454 votes.

As assemblyman, Walker said he will work to implement the New York State Empire Zone in Nassau County and a gradual state takeover of Medicaid costs as well as see downtown redevelopment throughout the district. In addition, Walker stated that rising property taxes also need to be addressed.

"I am thankful for the trust the voters placed in me. That is something I hold in high regard. I am privileged to serve and represent them. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work right away," said Walker, who took his oath of office in Albany on May 25.

Although not required to by law, Walker said he will resign from his position as deputy commissioner of Oyster Bay Town's Parks Department, which he has held since 2002. Walker will have to seek re-election in November 2006 - when Ferrara's two-year assembly term would have normally been up. In addition, he plans to utilize the remaining lease on Ferrara's district office, which is located on Post Avenue in Westbury.

Ferrara, a Republican, resigned in order to take a job as commissioner with the New York State Workers Compensation Board. Currently, the Nassau County District Attorney's Office is investigating Ferrara's permanent address during her last term after allegations arose that she violated residency requirements.