Wantagh meets its candidates

In less than three weeks, voters will make their choices in state, federal and judicial races. Wantagh residents and business owners got to meet some of these candidates on Oct. 7, when the Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual Meet the Candidates night at Mulcahy’s.

The Chamber held the event last year, when town and county seats were up, and it was very successful, according to President Denise Lang-weber. “This is a tremendous community service that we can provide,” she said.

Among the candidates who attended were Michael Venditto, a Republican from Massapequa who is running for the vacant 8th Senate District seat, and David McDonough, who is seeking re-election in the 14th Assembly District. There were also several judicial hopefuls.

Venditto, a Nassau County legislator, is all but certain to win after his opponent, David Denenberg, was charged with fraud and bowed out of the race. Denenberg, a Democrat from Merrick who represents Wantagh in the County Legislature, will still appear on the ballot, but is no longer campaigning.

Although what was once a hotly contested race is no more, Venditto said he has not altered his campaign plan. He wants to continue to meet voters, whether at events like a Meet the Candidates night, going door to door, or visiting train stations. “We are full speed ahead,” he said. “We have a great message.”

Last week’s event was informal; there were no speeches, and no question-and-answer session. Instead, the candidates and members of the public mingled around the bar, enjoying food provided by the chamber. Langweber said the goal was to emulate the downtown feel that Wantagh is known for.

Helen Voutsinas, who grew up in Wantagh and now lives in Freeport, is running for Family Court judge and came to the event. With roots in the community, she wanted to stop by and connect with voters.

“It’s tough for judges to run for office because we can’t speak on issues,” she said, adding that judicial candidates can only sell themselves on their experience.