ONLINE EDITION FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2001

News

Throughout his campaign for Nassau County Executive, Democrat Tom Suozzi told residents that "he could do it because he's done it," referring to his ability to turn around the financial fortunes of the City of Glen Cove as its mayor. Suozzi firmly believes he could do the same for Nassau County and now he will get his chance.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Suozzi easily defeated Republican Bruce Bent by a 203,901 to 104,052 margin and will become the first Democratic county executive in three decades. He will succeed Tom Gulotta, who decided not to run for re-election. Nassau County's financial troubles paved the way for a change in power in the Legislature two years ago and now, this year, in the county's chief executive position.

For Suozzi, the journey began two years ago when he decided to run for the post. He overcame a major obstacle in September when he defeated New York State Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli, the former chairman of the Nassau Democratic Party.

Running against the former head of the party may have been a daunting task and many Democrats, if they had their choice, would have been celebrating a county executive win by DiNapoli. However, Suozzi refused to be dissuaded from his goal of being county executive and, after defeating DiNapoli, proceeded to gather support and momentum in his race against Bent.

On Tuesday, Suozzi realized his dream of being county executive. At the Vanderbilt Hotel in Plainview, Suozzi celebrated with his supporters and fellow Nassau Democrats who also waited to see if their campaigns were successful.

While supporters waited with anticipation for election numbers to roll in from the polls with enthusiasm and confidence, a party-like atmosphere erupted further when new Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs announced Suozzi as the next county executive.

"Tom Suozzi is the definition of a leader," Jacobs said. "If anyone can do it, he can do it. He can do it because he's done it."

As Suozzi spoke for the first time as Nassau County Executive-elect, the realization that the county had a new leader hit many residents, including Suozzi, who emphasized the teamwork that is going to be needed to get Nassau out of its doldrums. "We came here tonight as a team and we're going forward tonight as a team because we know it takes teamwork to make the dream work," he said. "Tonight is a great victory, but it's not just a victory for our party, it's a victory for the people of Nassau County."

Suozzi said he was humbled and gratified to have gained the trust of so many voters. He then re-emphasized the promise he made during his campaign "to break the back of machine politics in Nassau County."

Suozzi, who dedicated the victory to his late brother Joseph, may have made history with the win, but he acknowledged that it's time to go to work. "We have to restore the fiscal stability in Nassau County. We have to restore the trust in our elected officials and we have to restore the pride in our people," he said. "Over the next few months, I guarantee you I'm going to make some mistakes. I ask you to stick with me as we make the tough decisions, as we work together and fight the battles that need to be won."

As Suozzi recognized the difficulties that lie ahead, he asked for teamwork and the help of fellow residents, including his opponent Bent, who appeared gracious at Republican headquarters as he conceded defeat.

"I wish it didn't happen but it did," said Bent. "Hopefully, I have brought issues to this campaign that will be implemented in the coming administration. What I have offered to Mr. Suozzi is my expertise and my credentials. I am still a Nassau County resident. It is my hope I will be able to serve the people of Nassau."

With Suozzi's victory, the Democrats maintaining their majority in the legislature and Democrat Howard Weitzman defeating Republican Fred Parola in the race for county comptroller, the responsibility to solve the county's problems falls on their shoulders. They realized their task is difficult, but believe brighter days lie ahead. Said Jacobs, "The picture is a gloomy one and the challenge is a great one, but tonight Nassau has elected a new team, a Democratic team."

The morning after her son's decisive win, Marguerite Suozzi said, "I am so proud of Tom and his whole demeanor during the campaign. There was no backbiting and nothing hurtful. I hope that young people who are thinking of going into politics are aware that campaigns don't have to be 'dirty.' I am happy for him. He'll do a good job and he has a wonderful partner in Helene to help him on the road ahead." After a very busy morning answering congratulatory phone calls, his father, Judge Joseph Suozzi, a former mayor of Glen Cove, said, "You know. At first I asked Tom, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' It will be an overwhelming job but he has what it takes to do it. Tom has the will and know-how but he needs the resources from the governor and NIFA. I'm always proud of him. He did an outstanding job during the campaign...his energy is limitless."

Vincent "Jimmy" Suozzi, Tom Suozzi's uncle who is also a former Glen Cove Mayor, added, "I think Tom has talents we haven't seen yet and they will benefit the taxpayers of Nassau County. Tom is an extraordinary individual and I'm proud to be his uncle. He will show the voters that they made the right choice."

Republican Party Chairman Joe Mondello addressed members of his party at Republican Headquarters on Tuesday. "I'm happy to report that despite a lot of trouble in this county, all the fiscal problems that we've all heard about for the last few years, we've held all of our legislators," said Mondello. "We've kept our Town of Oyster Bay, we've kept our Town of Hempstead, and it's all due to the work that you have accomplished. These are not easy times. The Republican Party is alive and well, I salute everyone that has worked so hard. We want you all to know that despite a two to one victory that County Executive Tom Suozzi had over our candidate, there were no coattails and that's why our people [have] come back."

All of the Nassau County Legislators retained their seats, meaning the Democrats still hold a 10-9 majority. For the first time, the county will operate with a Democratic legislature, county executive and county comptroller.

Democratic incumbent Judy Jacobs tallied 13,505 votes while her opponent, Republican Steven Marx, received 4,108 votes. "I am humbled, gratified and thankful for the overwhelming show of support that I received from my Legislative District," said Jacobs regarding her victory. "I enjoy what I am doing and I am honored to serve them. It is a great feeling of gratification when you win an election with the numbers that I did and realize that people recognize and appreciate the efforts that you expended. It was a wonderful evening."

Jacobs is looking forward to working with Tom Suozzi and recognizes that the Nassau County Legislature, since its inception in 1995, has never worked with a Democratic County Executive. "We have had a very serious problem in the County in that even though we are a 10-9 majority, it is only nice to say because we need a partner and we have not had a partner in the County Executive up until now," said Jacobs. "This will be a refreshing, new feeling here with a man of vital new ideas coming into the fold and the Legislature being able to join hands with him and partner a solution for Nassau County."

Despite his efforts to distance himself from County Executive Tom Gulotta, County Comptroller Fred Parola was not re-elected as Democrat Howard Weitzman defeated him by a 153,278 to 142, 726 margin.

The victory for Weitzman means the county will have a change in its fiscal oversight. Weitzman had been critical of Parola for signing off on some of the contracts that proved damaging to the county.

Weitzman's win means a Democratic comptroller to go along with a Democratic county executive and legislative majority.

Republican Denis Dillon was re-elected as Nassau County District Attorney as he defeated Democratic challenger Charles Ferzola by a 167,087 to 133,212 margin.

Nassau Republican chairman Joe Mondello called Dillon "the finest law enforcement chief that this county has ever had."

Republican Karen Murphy was re-elected as Nassau County Clerk. She defeated Democratic challenger Sharon Commissiong by a 149,811 to 143,278 margin.

Incumbent Republican supervisor for the Town of Oyster Bay John Venditto was victorious in Tuesday's election. Venditto received 41,254 votes while his Democratic opponent Joe Lorintz received 31,434. Venditto celebrated with fellow Republicans Tuesday night, where he thanked his colleagues and said that the people made their choice clear.

"In the Town of Oyster Bay, the Democrats ran a negative, a nasty, an ugly campaign," Venditto said. "All of my teammates in the Town of Oyster Bay were positive, were upbeat and the residents of our town spoke and in a very loud and in a very clear voice, they made it clear that they want good, Republican leadership in the Town of Oyster Bay."

Joe Lorintz is proud of the race that he ran. "I believe that I ran a clean, issue-oriented race and that I stood for my principals," said Lorintz. "I leave with my head held high and with the love of my family, friends and my community." Lorintz plans to continue his heavy involvement throughout the Town of Oyster Bay.

Angelo A. Delligatti, Chris Coschignano and Mary McCaffery won town board seats in the Town of Oyster Bay. Only one incumbent, Delligatti, a Republican, held on to the position with 37,131 votes. Coschignano, also a Republican, received 36,273 votes and Democrat Mary McCaffery took in 35,368. The other Republican running, incumbent Leonard B. Symons, received 33,207 votes while challenging Democrats David O'Brien and Josephine Reder garnered 32,908 and 31,758 respectively.

"I told you guys at the rally, winning is our business, and business is good tonight thanks to Joe Mondello and all of you and a great Supervisor John Venditto and a great Councilman Angelo Delligatti," Coschignano said. "Thank you all, I wouldn't be here without you."

Democratic incumbent Martha S. Offerman won the town clerk position with 35,704 votes while her opponent, Rose Marie Walker received 33,775.

Marta E. Kane and Denise D'Alessandro contributed to this story.