New Dem. challenges in 8th District

In the 8th District this year, voters have a choice between a man they’ve come to know as their legislator for more than a decade and an untested challenger.

The challenger, Gaspare Tumminello, is a local leader who claims to have fresh ideas that will help the county turn the corner into a brighter future. The incumbent legislator, Vincent Muscarella believes his has been the right attitude for the county.

In county government, Muscarella says, that there should be a return to zero-budget governing, a system that forces organizations and offices to justify expenditures rather than simply renewing money from the year before. “That way, you are re-evaluating what programs work, the procedures in offices, purchasing and overhead costs,” he said. “It’s a different way of doing things.”

For Tumminello, changing the way the county doles out funds just doesn’t seem like enough to put Nassau County where it needs to be financially. He has worked to put together a plan that essentially recycles the assets the county already has. “I’m trying to create revenue and bring new ideas to the county, which would include possibly starting an online auction system for materials in the 8th district,” he said.

Both men agree that people are most concerned about the taxes they have to pay when it comes to schools and their homes, but their governing philosophies approaches are different. Muscarella stressed his consistency and the time he has spent in the community, getting to know business owners and residents.

Tumminello said he believes it’s the elbow grease — and the willingness to take to the streets and bring the issues to each voter — that make a great politician. “You really have to get into office for one reason: to make a difference in your community,” he said. “People care about their issues, whether it’s a downed tree or a pothole.” He said he planned to hold Town Hall meetings on legislation as a way to keep his ear to the ground.

Muscarella said that to stay on top of the issues, it is most important to be constantly engaged. “Many times, an elected official [takes office], they tend to stop attending meetings or divorce themselves from the goings-on in the community,” he said. “Being involved, you tend to get a day-to-day feel about what’s happening with people.”

Comments about this story? MHampton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 214