By Herald Staff
Incumbent Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray trounced Democratic challenger Kevin Gorman, garnering about two-thirds of the vote.
Town of Hempstead 3rd District Councilman James Darcy, a Republican, defeated challenger Gary Carlton. Carlton, a Democratic zone leader and a member of the North Woodmere Parks Foundation, said Tuesday night that he would continue in those jobs. "We're already gearing up to petition for Hillary Clinton," Carlton said. Of his loss, he added, "I think any kind of low turnout in a local election is going to favor the Republicans because so many of them are tied to the Town of Hempstead and are going to come out and vote."
In the 2nd Council District, Republican incumbent Edward Ambrosino beat out challenger Scott Banks, a former councilman himself. Darcy, Ambrosino and 5th District Councilwoman Angie Cullin, a Republican, defeated their opponents by nearly 2-to-1 margins.
"The numbers are stellar," Murray said, "not only for myself, but for all of the council members. Our residents have shown by voting today that ... they are very satisfied with the services we provide."
The Democrats celebrated their successful defense of their one-vote majority in the Legislature. "I have never lost faith in the people of Nassau County," said Democrat Judy Jacobs, the Legislature's presiding officer.
Locally, Francis Becker and John Ciotti, both Republicans and original members of the legislature when it was created in 1995, retained their seats. Becker was challenged in the 6th Legislative District by Omar Jorge and Ciotti defeated Ali Mirza in the 3rd District.
"I'm grateful to be re-elected by my district," Becker said. "Even though the turnout was low, my supporters came out to vote for me." Becker said he has things "in the works" that he hopes to accomplish. "I am excited about the next two years."
Becker, 54, is a certified financial planner in Lynbrook. He and his wife, Clementine, live in Lynbrook with their youngest daughter, Diana. They have two older daughters, Madeline and Beth.
Jorge said that the voters made a "comfortable" choice. "I am looking into some other opportunities. As they say, when one door closes, another opens."
