By:Leslie Gonzalez and John Borrelli
In announcement, County Exec focuses on achievements since '87
Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election to a fourth full term in November.
Gulotta said that personal matters, not party politics, played a role in his decision. But with his popularity among voters at an all-time low, due in major part to a budget crisis that has seen annual county deficits of $300 million and debt of up to $3 billion, even Republican Party officials believed that Gulotta could not win again.
"I am convinced that if I were to be a candidate for re-election, the dominating issue of the campaign would be the county's recent fiscal problems," he said, calling that a legitimate issue. "I think we have made substantial progress. We have achieved a great deal over the past 14 years. If I were a candidate, I think it would be difficult to achieve that type of bipartisanship that is necessary to ensure the county's fiscal strength."
Gulotta spoke of the fiscal problems that have plagued Nassau over the past 18 months. "I accept my share of the responsibility," he said, adding that the media's focus on the fiscal concerns "have overshadowed the many positive quality-of-life issues that Nassau offers."
Gulotta has devoted 30 years to public service, 24 in elective office. He listed some of the accomplishments he said he has achieved since being chosen to replace the retiring Fran Purcell as county executive in 1987: a 50 percent decrease in crime to a 25-year low in 2000, a 44 percent reduction in drunk-driving deaths, and a 33 percent rise in the median value of Nassau County homes. He also cited an increase in businesses moving to Nassau, with the lowest commercial vacancy rate in ten years, and a lower level of unemployment. He also mentioned his effort to control county property taxes while simultaneously cutting the county workforce by 41 percent.
"While you can't get a home run every time you're at bat, I certainly tried my very best," he said.
Until the final decision was made, Gulotta said he kept his options open, even running television ads that some viewed as campaign ads. None of the ads addressed whether he would seek re-election.
No decision has been made regarding what will be done with $2.5 million he has raised in campaign funds. "I hope to use those dollars over a period of time, ultimately to benefit the people that I have served," he said.
His wife, Betsy, was at his side throughout his announcement at the county executive's office in Mineola. She said her husband's decision made her feel both happy and sad, adding that she would support whatever decision he made.
"It's going to enable our family to have a little more time together, which I am looking forward to," she said.
Gulotta said it was inappropriate at this time to recommend a successor, but said he may do so at a later date.
"Today, Nassau County is a better place to live, work and raise a family," he said. "Clearly, the time has come for me to evaluate new challenges, opportunities and family considerations."
Gulotta said his decision is irrevocable.
Malverne Mayor Anthony Panzarella, who worked with Gulotta as assistant parks commissioner, said he wasn't shocked when he learned of his decision. The mayor described Gulotta as "very accessible to his constituents and staff," and spoke positively of Gulotta's efforts towards downtown revitalization, setting aside grants, and for villages to share in sales tax revenue.
"He's a good man personally, with good government instincts and people skills. Years ago, he considered running for governor, and he may have won." Panzarella referred to Gulotta's departure as "an end of an era."
"I wish him well," he said.
