Sunday, November 9, 2025
Alfonse “Al” D’Amato, a longtime Island Park and current Lido Beach resident, served as U.S. Senator from New York for 18 years from 1981 to 1999, following a decade as supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. He earned the nickname “Senator Pothole” for his hands-on approach to constituent service.
Long Island’s own “Senator Pothole” turned 88 on Aug. 1. A three-term U.S. Senator, D’Amato once fillibustered for 15 hours to prevent the US government from providing financial assistance to New York City during its fiscal crisis.
Now founder of the lobbying firm, Park Strategies and a perennial voice on WABC Radio, he reflected about his proudest achievements and today’s politics.
Q: What accomplishments from your public service career mean the most to you?
A: I loved fighting for the people of our state. I was proud to help elect Governor Pataki, and it was a great privilege to serve as supervisor of the Town of Hempstead for almost 10 years. During that time, we were able to acquire 40 acres on the ocean in Lido Beach and the Lido Beach Golf Course—both for approximately $2 million. That was extraordinary. I also worked to shut down the incinerator in Oceanside and help secure the land for the waste facility that’s there today.
I moved to Island Park more than 80 years ago, and I still live nearby in Lido Beach. Many of my family members, including my daughter and grandchildren, live in or near Island Park. It’s been an honor to serve the community in ways that helped it grow and prosper.
Q: You were called “Senator Pothole.” Where did that nickname come from?
A: I loved that nickname because it meant that no issue was too small or too big. Even a pothole needed attention, and I would work to get it fixed. It was important—for the safety of the community and for showing that we cared.
Q: You held one of the longest filibusters in Senate history. What led to that?
A: Yes, it was the second or third longest filibuster in Senate history. I stood up to block a bill that would have cost New York more than 1,000 jobs. The House had left town, so I stood up and spoke to try to protect our workers. It was about doing what was right for New Yorkers.
Q: After leaving the Senate in 1999, what came next?
A: When I lost, I was very fortunate. Friends stepped in to help—one built me an office, another helped me find a house. I had no car, no place to go, but we built a very successful practice and enjoy the private sector. I now live not far from where I grew up, not to far from where I grew up in Island Park. We built a home right off the ocean, and I’ve been blessed to enjoy life with my wife and two children.
Q: What keeps you busy today?
A: I’ve helped send 17 grandchildren to college—six of them went to Notre Dame. One graduated number one in math at Notre Dame. I’m very proud of them. I also have two young children now—one is in a sophomore in high school, and the other’s a senior. I’ve been very fortunate.
Q: What’s changed most in Washington since you served?
A: They don’t work together anymore. We used to have real bipartisanship. Senator [Patrick] Moynihan and I became a team during my last two terms. Now, Democrats and Republicans just fight. It’s not good for the country.
Q: What advice would you give to young people considering public service?
A: If you think you can make a difference in government, and you truly care about people, go for it. There’s no greater public service than working on behalf of the people you represent.
