Community still supports Skelos

Hours after he announced that he would be resigning from his leadership position in the Senate, constituents of Dean Skelos poured their support onto his Facebook page.

Hundreds of people commented on Skelos’s announcement that he was resigning, nearly all of them to show solidarity for the longtime senator, who is facing federal corruption charges with his son, Adam.

“I am so upset that this is happening to you,” wrote Rockville Centre resident Kathy Horace. “You have done wonderful things for this state and for our community for the taxpayers, seniors and our children. Our prayers are with you and your family. You are a good man and I am sure you will continue to do great things in the future.”

Constituents from all over Skelos’s district — which includes his home town of Rockville Centre, as well as Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Oceanside, Island Park, Long Beach, the Five Towns and Valley Stream — showed their support.

“You’ve been a bright light in the massive amounts of political challenges in this state,” wrote Cindy Schreiner, a Lynbrook resident. “You’ve always focused on what your constituents deem important. I also hope you are exonerated.”

Dozens of constituents said they supported Skelos and fully believed he would be exonerated, and possibly restored to his position as Majority Leader.

“You have always been there for the our children’s educational needs, for our seniors and for all the residents of Long Island,” wrote Rosemary Miller. “Please know that we are behind you, and I personally feel this is someone agenda for political gain. My family knows that you will be found innocent. I just hope the media covers that as much as they’ve covered this witch hunt.”

Lawrence Levy, executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra Universtity, a political commentator and Rockville Centre resident, said many in his community still think favorably of their longtime senator. 

“They say you can’t go home again, but Dean Skelos can,” Levy said. “A lot of people still respect him and care about him and will stand with him, especially in Rockville Centre. He’s been the proverbial pillar of the community for a long time. He’s helped a lot of people.”