By Laura Lane
Last month, the Merrick resident became the organization's president after the resignation of Christopher Bastardi. "I was surprised [by the offer] and didn't think it would happen," said Vassallo. "I'm up for the task."
His father, former Merrick Chamber of Commerce President Sal Vassallo, has been involved in the Nassau County Republican Party for 20 years years. His mother is a Democrat, and encouraged political discussions.
"Politics was always a part of my house," said Vassallo. "Dad was a moderate Republican, and mom was a liberal Democrat. But he's never tried to persuade me to become a Republican. Mom always tried to convince me that there were alternatives."
Even with all of the political dinner conversations, the Republican candidate signs on the lawn, and magazines and newspapers strewn around the Vassallo home, Alex doesn't attribute his passion for politics to his family. He gives that credit to former President Ronald Reagan.
"He was my hero and the reason why I became a Republican," admitted Vassallo. "I think we won the Cold War because of his strength. I was so upset when Reagan died; it was like losing a member of my family."
Vassallo's fervor for the Republican Party began in 2000 when he became involved locally. Helping his father distribute political literature during election time, he went door to door, speaking to neighbors about the party's candidates.
"I really enjoyed knocking on those doors, saying hello to people," said Vassallo. "It was great building relationships with people in the district to find out what their concerns were."
In 2001, he became executive vice president of the Nassau County Young Republicans and served as a co-committeeman, too. Vassallo worked closely with legislators and made sure that operations at Young Republican headquarters ran smoothly.
Now the organization's president, Vassallo has many plans. He believes the party's many local losses are owing to past problems. He's sure that even though the party has lost representation, young people are far more concerned about issues other than a tarnished local Republican past.
"A lot of young people worry about the future; they worry about high taxes, and that they might have to move out of Long Island because they can't afford to live here anymore," said Vassallo. "I want to reach out to younger people, the ones that don't vote, and get them in on the process and talk to them about what matters to them."
Vassallo's planning to do this by increasing Young Republican social events. Vassallo hopes to get more volunteers involved in future campaigns, and spearhead an aggressive registration drive to speak directly to people about what the party stands for and how being a Republican can be personally beneficial.
"Last month we did a countywide mailing to young people, telling them where we stand," said Vassallo. "We want people with all different perspectives to give us these different perspectives on the issues. I'd like to put together a discussion with people my age who might not see eye to eye with Republicans, to get them to understand that this is the party that wants to lower your taxes."
Comments about this story? Llane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
