Political Insider - Issue V
By featured writer Marty Schwartz
For this column I have interviewed Nassau Democratic County Executive candidate, Tom Suozzi
BACKGROUND Age 38; married with two children. Law Degree from Fordham Law School and undergraduate degree from Boston College. Lifetime resident of Glen Cove and Mayor since 1994.
COUNTY'S FINANCES A total debacle due to the culture of machine politics. Every issue that Nassau County has we had in Glen Cove. A new County Executive needs to be an agent of change and needs the skill to get the job done.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MYSELF AND TOM DiNAPOLI I'm a CEO for nearly 8 years; he's a legislator. I'm a CPA and an attorney and a risk taker. I'm willing to make changes through tough decisions especially with the finances in Glen Cove and the garbage carters. I'm much more independent. He's a total Party person.
SALES TAX We are overly dependent on sales tax. With a slight change in the economy, we could be in big trouble.
POLICE CONTRACT We need to civilianize positions where you have high paid police working as computer specialists, bodyguards and clerical. We can reduce the costs. I'm against layoffs and we need to decrease the rate of increase.
THE PATAKI ADMINISTRATION I agree with Governor Pataki on some environmental initiatives. Other than that I have no special fondness for him and do not plan to vote for him next year.
SOCIAL SERVICES We have the opportunity to be a model for other communities. We need to help the poor and victims of social problems. We're losing a whole generation of kids to other areas and there will be serious issues down the road. I believe I will manage our social programs more effectively.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING I have a specific plan to build affordable housing for young people and senior citizens on our commercial strips.
TO BRUCE BENT I'm not running against you. I'm running for a job based on my financial and governmental background. I welcome you to debate the issues.
SUCCESSES AS GLEN COVE MAYOR Restoring the pride and optimism of the people by: (1)balancing the budget (2)revitalizing the downtown area and (3)cleaning up pollution at the waterfront.
RHUBARB, SQUASH & YAKETY YAK
As a salute to 80's rock superstars Simon LeBon and Nick Rhodes, the Nassau County Medical Center Board of Directors got together and unanimously voted to rename the hospital "Turan Turan"...Let's make 12th District Legislator and Minority Leader, Peter Schmitt, a 15-17 point fave over his opponent...The rumor that Congressman King and I opened an IRA account is not true...Assemblywoman Kate Murray (19th, Levittown) is expected to win her race for Hempstead Town Clerk. After she wins, a special election should be called around February '02 and my prediction is that 15th District Legislator, Dennis Dunne (East Meadow) runs for that seat ... One interesting race to watch for in Suffolk: Tom Spota v Jim Catterson for D.A. It's a toss-up...Who's likely to run for Governor next year? Carl McCall, Huntz Hall or Chuck deGaulle?...Incumbent Oyster Bay Town Clerk, Martha Offerman, with Independence backing, is a razor thin fave over Hicksville superstar Rose Walker. This seat is up for grabs...Former Massapequa ParkTrustee, Bill Van Wagner, may be the strongest candidate going into the big March '02 Trustee race...If you're interested in finding out more about the lone Hempstead Democratic Councilwoman, check out the website .goosby.com...Well anyway, Sweet Home Alabama!
