Joe Lorintz, democratic candidate for Town of Oyster Bay supervisor, officially launched his campaign last Thursday with a celebration held at the Swan Club in Roslyn Harbor.

Richard Amper, good friend of Lorintz and fellow environmentalist, served as the emcee at the kick-off celebration. "I was not enthusiastic about Joe running for Town of Oyster Bay supervisor," he said to the 150 supporters in attendance. "I don't particularly care for politicians, but Joe is not your typical politician."

Bonnie Eisler, presently the lone democrat on the town board, was not able to attend, but Ann Dorman spoke on her behalf. "We need a supervisor who won't stick his finger into the air to see which way the political winds are blowing," said Dorman. "The people of Oyster Bay are incredibly fortunate this year to have a candidate of Joe's caliber running for Supervisor. Let's not waste this opportunity to elect a man of true character who is devoted to protecting and preserving the quality of life in Oyster Bay."

Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) showed Lorintz her support and spoke of the importance of a two-party system and the need for more Democrats in the Town of Oyster Bay. She reminded those in attendance about the 1999 elections when Democrats seized control of the Nassau County Legislature, taking the majority by a 10-9 margin. "1999 was the starting point [for the Democrats], let's make 2001 the definitive point," said Jacobs.

Former Oyster Bay Supervisor Lou Yevoli described Lorintz not as a politician, but as a candidate for the people. "John Venditto is beholden to the party who put him in office - not the people," said Yeolvi. He predicted a victory for Lorintz, and the democrats, in November.

Lorintz, a Jericho attorney, civic leader and environmental activist, walked to the podium as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He recognized his family, especially his parents who flew in from Florida, his wife Marissa and two children Rachel and Elana, as well as friends and supporters and thanked them for their continued help and support. "I am here to do the right thing," said Lorintz.

One of Lorintz's first initiatives, and the beginning to his political career, dealt with the Robert Seaman Elementary School in Jericho. Lorintz was responsible for the reopening of the school, a feat that not many believed was possible. "I realized that I can't be outside yelling, but inside doing," he said.

Since 1996, Lorintz has been a leader in the effort to preserve the 81-acres of open space located in Jericho known as the Underhill Property and he served as the president of the Society to Preserve Underhill, a charitable organization. As a result of his efforts, the plan to build a 270-unit housing project on the site has been halted, first by the New York State Supreme Court and most recently in a unanimous Appellate Court decision handed down in July 2000.

Lorintz has been a civic leader in the Jericho community and has served as vice president and president of the Oakwood Princeton Park Civic Association for 10 years. He was a founder and is president of the United Civic Associations of North Oyster Bay, a coalition of civic and homeowner associations. He helped in the creation of the Nassau County Open Spaces plan. Also, in an effort to unite groups opposed to the proposed mall on the Cerro Wire property, Lorintz helped form the "No Mall Here" Coalition.

Lorintz's opponent in November is Republican incumbent John Venditto.