Curran seizes Scannell seat

Laura Curran, sitting Baldwin Board of Education President, won the right to succeed Joe Scannell in the 5th Legislative District last night. Curran collected 6,996 votes, 57 percent of the 12,271 ballots cast. Her fellow Baldwin resident, Debbie Pugliese, netted 43 percent of the votes with 5,268.

Speaking to the Herald, Curran said her victory stirred mixed emotions. “I am feeling kind of bittersweet,” the 45-year-old mother of three reflected. “I’m happy that our grassroots campaign paid off, but I’m sad that the party didn’t do better.”

While campaigning Curran promised to be an accessible legislator dedicated to helping residents navigate Nassau County government. She said she sees her new position as having divided responsibilities. Part of the job, she said, relates to the nuts and bolts issues of daily life, and the other portion involves sparking economic growth and steering the area in a productive direction.

Curran, who is still serving her first term with the Baldwin Board of Education, has said she will not seek re-election as a Trustee in order to focus on her legislative responsibilities. “I’m looking forward to getting to work,” she said. “There’s a lot to do.”