By Judy Rattner
"Obviously, I'm delighted that my conference in the Senate has decided to elect me their majority leader," said Skelos. "I look forward to the challenges ahead, the main challenge being real property tax relief and economic development and job creation for Long Island and the rest of the state."
"This is a most well-deserved honor for Senator Skelos," said Assemblyman Bob Barra (R-Lynbrook). "The Republican majority could not have picked a more qualified, smarter, more astute person to represent New York state as majority leader. Dean Skelos is the best governmental official of my generation that Nassau County has seen, and we on Long Island have every reason to be so proud of him for all he has accomplished for this region and the entire state."
Born and raised in Rockville Centre, Skelos, a member of South Side High School's class of 1966, received a B.A. in history from Maryland's Washington College in 1970. He earned a law degree in 1975 from the Fordham University School of Law, and is counsel to the Mineola-based law firm Ruskin Moscou Evans & Faltischek.
Serving in the state Assembly for two years, Skelos was elected to the state Senate in 1984. He is the author of Megan's law, which created the New York state Sex Offender Registry, and serves as the senate representative on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's four-member Capital Program Review Board, and co-chairman of the legislative task force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment.
"Senator Dean Skelos has been an outspoken and effective voice for Long Islanders and all of the Empire State's residents," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "I am proud that Dean's colleagues in Albany have recognized what his constituents have always known: He cares, he listens and he fights for the people. I am eager to continue working closely with the new majority leader of the New York state Senate."
Anthony Bottan and Ariella Monti contributed to this story. Comments? RVCeditor @liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
"Today I met with my Republican colleagues in the Senate and informed them that I will not be running for re-election this November," said Bruno in a statement released by his office Monday night. "After 32 years in office, I have decided that it is time to move on with my life and to give my constituents an opportunity for new representation and my colleagues in the Senate who have supported me an opportunity for new leadership."
It is not certain whether Bruno would have remained leader of the majority party in the Senate, as the Republicans struggle to maintain their one-seat majority in the November election. And it is also not certain why Bruno stepped down now, with speculation centering on the death of Bruno's wife in January, and on a two-year ongoing investigation into his business dealings by the FBI.
"Senator Bruno was an extraordinary public servant," said Alfano. "He truly understood the plight of middle-class families throughout New York state. He was a young man brought up in the shadow of the Depression and was brought up in the shadow of challenging economic times during his youth. He brought that sensitivity of the plight of families as the leader of the Senate."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's decision not to seek re-election marks the end of an era ... Over the course of our countless discussions, negotiations and debates, Senator Bruno has been the model of dignity and fortitude, wisdom and dedication."
John O'Connell, Anthony Bottan and Ariella Monti contributed to this story.
Comments about it? RVCeditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
