Peter J. Schmitt was first elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 1995, where in addition to representing the 12th District, he served as Deputy Presiding Officer. In 2000, he became the Republican Party's Minority Leader of that body.

Schmitt has been a homeowner in Massapequa since 1974. A graduate of Hofstra, Schmitt and his wife, Lois, are the parents of a daughter, Samantha.

As a resident of Massapequa, Schmitt has served as president of the Treehaven Civic Association and the Kiwanis Club of Massapequa. He has also served as a trustee of the Historical Society of the Massapequas, an officer in the Massapequa Elks Lodge 2162, chairman of the Massapequa Heart Fund, and as a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 15.

During his time in the legislature, Schmitt lists his most prominent actions as: Introducing legislation to stop the annual reassessment, voting no on all three tax increases, voting no on all fee increases, sponsoring real property tax exemptions for seniors with limited incomes, and sponsoring legislation to mandate increased restrictions on sex offenders.

Among his accomplishments, Schmitt lists street improvements on Merrick Road, Broadway, and Park Boulevard, the refurbishment of pumping stations south of Merrick Road, and the "upcoming refurbishment" of Massapequa Preserve.

"I have lived in this district since 1974, and I know and love the area and the people who live here," Schmitt said. "I have spent most of my career working in public service, including serving as Nassau County Legislator representing the Massapequas since I was first elected in 1995. I am running for re-election so that I may continue to fight for the needs of the people of this district, mainly tax reform and quality of life issues.

"As the Minority Leader of the legislature, I consider myself a valuable instrument in the system of checks and balances in this county and I would like to continue my fight to keep my county's Administration forthright and honest with residents, and keep county budgeting and spending practices transparent," Schmitt added. "At this time, the single biggest issue facing the voters in District 12 is rising property taxes due to annual reassessment. I have proposed reforms for the county's taxing system and I would like to remain in office so that I may take these proposals to fruition."

When asked if there were reasons other than property taxes for the exodus of young people leaving Long Island, Schmitt said: "Although I believe that the property taxes are the main reason for the exodus of young people and seniors out of this county, another cause may be a lack of desirable employment. I would like to encourage new businesses to take root here in Nassau County with the hopes of bringing in new jobs in the technological and science fields. But again, until property is affordable, this is a challenging goal. But it is my goal, and I will not tire of working towards it."

---By Joe Scotchie