By Brian McLaughlin
"I think it's great that we finally have an organized democratic voice for the voters in this area, because they've definitely proven [with last year's county executive election] that they exist," said Sean Strife, the club's second vice president.
The club used this first meeting primarily to introduce themselves to area voters. The meeting was open to the general public, and attendees were encouraged to join up.
The prime emphasis club officers put on the meeting was the importance of the formation and preservation of such a club in the communities of Lynbrook and East Rockaway, which has been known as traditionally republican communities for years, according to club President Dale Camhi.
Camhi, who recently ran unsuccessfully for county legislature, said that "we started this club because there is a momentum amongst democrats in the area right now that we want to keep going."
Local politicians that spoke at the meeting said they were glad to see such a large turnout, about 200 citizens. Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, keynote speaker at the meeting, said "a year ago, a meeting of this size would not have been possible." Matthew Cuomo, first vice-chair of the Nassau Democratic Committee agreed and accredited the large turnout to the confidence sparked in voters by Suozzi's victory last year.
"Suozzi is the reason we're all here tonight," said Cuomo.
In his speech, Suozzi further stressed the importance of clubs like the Lynbrook-East Rockaway democratic club, saying, "meetings like these are the most important part of what we do." Suozzi went on to outline his new plan for the county budget.
The club hoped that the large attendance at the meaning will lead to a large base of campaign volunteers in the future.
"We can't let up for one moment, we have to stay tenacious," said Strife. Strife is a lifelong Lynbrook resident who was one of the most tireless workers on Suozzi's campaign.
Nassau County Assemblyman Jeff Toback also hoped to get attending democrats out to the election for the manager of sanitary district 1, taking place at the garbage dump in Hempstead from 6-10 p.m. on July 8.
Overall, the meeting was reminiscent of a grassroots political rally; an informal public gathering in a church meeting room on a balmy summer afternoon, with the politicians casually engaging in conversation with citizens of all ages over snacks and juice. Camhi said the "enthusiasm and dedication felt at the meeting was very exciting and encouraging. People are ready, willing and able to say that they're democrats."
The club will continue to hold membership drives throughout the summer and will have regular monthly meetings every third Thursday beginning Sept. 19 at Greis Park.
