Democratic challenger John Rennhack of North Massapequa is seeking election to Nassau Legislative District 12, which encompasses Massapequa, Massapequa Park, and portions of North Massapequa and Seaford.

If elected, Rennhack said his main focus would be to put Nassau's fiscal house in order. "There are many things I would like to see accomplished in the 12th, but without the money from the county, it will be difficult to accomplish them," Rennhack said. He claims that his opponent, together with his party, have been deceiving the voters of Nassau County.

"Mr. Schmitt has gone on and on about a $500 million increase in spending which he blames on Tom Suozzi and the Democratic Majority," Rennhack said. "The truth is that what Mr. Schmitt is attacking is mandated cost increases which he knows about. These increases are in Medicaid, pensions and healthcare."

When Nassau County has succeeded in moving from deficit to surplus, Rennhack said he would like to see county property tax decrease by 3 percent every year for five years if the next year's budget spending and receipts are in the black.

If elected, he said he would also like to see passage of his Military Reservist Tax Relief proposal in the Nassau County Legislature and in Congress. The proposal would freeze property taxes for reservists serving more than six months overseas, and provide federal grants to pay the taxes to the municipalities.

Another goal of Rennhack's would be to have the Legislature pass a Minimum Fuel Efficiency Standard for all county vehicles in various classes. "When new vehicles are purchased they must meet or exceed the standard," Rennhack explained. "This will save the county money at a time when gas prices are high and look to get higher in the near future."

Finally, Rennhack has plans for a light rail system on Rt. 135, connecting the north and south shores with connections to Long Island Bus routes and Long Island Rail Road stations. "This would make travel in Nassau easier for residents and workers without cars."

Rennhack, who is originally from Queens, credits his dedication to civic responsibility to his mother, who was involved with local organizations in Middle Village. "She stood up and fought for the neighborhood and did not shy away from getting the job done," Rennhack explained.

"I have always been outspoken socially and politically." He said he was prepared to run for the School Board in Queens but backed out when he decided to live in Nassau. "I felt it would be wrong to run, win and then leave one year later."

Rennhack believes that the fact that he comes from the private sector and hasn't been involved with the political system will make him an asset to the 12th District. "I am a leader, not a follower," he said. "I will not only have my own plans for the financial recovery of Nassau and keeping the county strong, but I will work with anyone who has a feasible and fiscally responsible plan. Politics cannot enter the equation when we are charged with the responsibility of keeping Nassau the best county in the country."

Rennhack works for CBS Television where he is responsible for millions of dollars of programming and advertising. He graduated from St. John's University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He is a member of the Stueben Society and the Sons of Italy. He is married to Jean since 1997, with twins due any day.

Rennhack, who is also running on the Working Families Party line, has received endorsements from the Liberal Party of Nassau County, NOW of Long Island and the Empire State Pride Agenda.

Rennhack believes his honesty and commitment to public service make him the most desirable candidate for the job. "When I go to the legislature," he said, "I will go as an equal and be what the founding fathers envisioned: a citizen legislator. I am not making this a career. I will do what I have to in order to get Nassau County back on the right track and then move on."

Republican incumbent Peter J. Schmitt is seeking re-election to the 12th District of the Nassau Legislature this November. The Massapequa native has also served as the Legislative Minority Leader since January of 2000.

Schmitt, who is also running on the Independence and Conservative lines, was elected to the first Nassau County Legislature Nov. 5, 1995, and was re-elected by wide margins in 1997, 1999, and 2001. He served as the legislature's Deputy Presiding Officer from 1996 through 1999.

The 12th Legislative District encompasses Massapequa, Massapequa Park, portions of North Massapequa, and a portion of Seaford, which was recently added to the district under a redistricting plan of the county legislature's Democratic majority.

If re-elected, Schmitt said one of his biggest priorities would be to continue to fight against property taxes and spending that he claims have been the norm in the county under the Democrats.

"Democrats have raised taxes, yet all they can say is that they inherited this mess," Schmitt said. "I think I have good communication with the residents, and that is why I understand how badly they cannot afford these tax increases."

The district is one of the safer Republican seats in Nassau, with Republicans having a more than 2-1 voter edge over Democrats.

Some other objectives for Schmitt, he said, are to continue to move some projects forward in the district, including a $10 million renovation project in the Massapequa Preserve for the creation of three additional sewage pumping stations. He also said he plans to continue to secure funding for Operation Downtown projects.

Schmitt said he believes he is the better candidate for the job because of his long history of involvement in the community, both before and during his terms in office. "I've been doing this for eight years. I understand this community and I understand its needs. I think if you put my resume next to my opponent's, I come out on top."

Schmitt also noted that, if re-elected, he will be either the majority leader or the minority leader in the next session. "Both positions give me the power to get things done for the district. If my opponent is elected he will be one of many on the back bench and he won't be able to do as much for the residents in the district."

Schmitt was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Community and Youth Services for the Town of Oyster Bay in 1984 and served in that capacity through 1995. Under his direction a number of successful programs were instituted, including Cultural and Performing Arts, Group Activities Program for the Handicapped, and numerous Senior Citizen service and recreational programs.

Schmitt was also responsible for developing the renowned Music under the Stars program into one of Long Island's premier entertainment events. Additionally, he directed efforts to update the mission and operations of both the Town's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program and the Town of Oyster Bay Youth Bureau.

Long active in volunteer service to the Massapequas, Schmitt is trustee of the Massapequa Historical Society, past president of the Treehaven Civic Association, past chairman of the Massapequa Heart Fund, member and past president of the B.P.O. Elks 2162 and a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Division 15.

He has received awards and been cited for his community and civic contributions by several organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Village of Massapequa Park, and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. He is also a recipient of the Estabrook Award from Hofstra University.

Schmitt received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University in 1973. He and his wife, Lois, have one daughter Samantha, and have been homeowners in Massapequa since 1974.

"It's been an honor to represent the residents for the past eight years," Schmitt said, "and I hope they will send me back for two more."