Joe to go

Joe Scannell, a seven-term legislator in Nassau County’s 5th District, announced in late May that he would not seek re-election in November. The 14-year veteran of the Legislature spoke with the Herald last week about why he is moving on, what his future holds and the issues he believes will remain on the table in his district, which covers parts of Baldwin, Freeport, Rockville Centre and South Hempstead.

“It’s just the right time for me,” Scannell said, adding that he discussed his decision with his family before he made the announcement. “I feel great, honestly. I’m proud of my record and all the things I accomplished.”

Scannell said that in his next job, he will be legal counsel to the Village of Hempstead’s Community Development Association, and that he believed that improvements to Grand Avenue would remain at the top of Baldwin’s agenda after he steps aside. “Grand Avenue is still the major issue for everybody,” he said. “That and the Town of Hempstead Project, which is in a complete freeze. People still ask me about that on a daily basis. It’s in the core of the town.”

Who’s next?
Aspirants to Scannell’s position were announced last week. The Democrats have nominated Baldwin Board of Education Trustee Laura Curran, 45, and the Republicans have chosen a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Debbie Pugliese, 46. Both donate much of their time and energy to Baldwin activities.