By Doug Miller
Councilman Jim Hennessy, the leader of the 2003 Coaltion Republican slate that put an end to a generation of unchecked Democratic Party rule in Long Beach, announced Friday he would not seek re-election, citing health concerns.
Hennessy, the father of two young children, has battled cancer for much of his term.
Hennessy has insisted for months that he would indeed run, beginning with the 2005 Herald story in which he first revealed his cancer.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the city but its time for me to focus on my family and my health," Hennessy said in a statement. "I remain committed to remaining active in improving the quality of life for our community."
His announcement came in conjuction with the Long Beach Republican Party's announcement of their slate for the 2007 council election. Billed as another coalition ticket, incumbant Tom Sofield Jr., a registered Democrat, will be joined by former Republican Councilwoman Mona Goodman and a retired New York Fire Department lieutenant, John McLaughlin, another registered Democrat.
They will be joined by incumbant Nassau Legislator Denise Ford, who will seek a third term most likely with the backing of both the Democrats and Republicans.
The Democrats have already announced they will cross-endorse Ford for Legislature.
"Obviously Hennessy has had a long political life," Long Beach Democratic Leader Steve Polcer said. "He would have been a tough candidate to go up against."
The Democrats will know their council slate after their county convention, which will be held on Wednesday, but among their three candidates will almost certainly be Council Vice President Robert Tepper.
The other two candidates will be announced at the convetion, but Polcer called it "public knowledge" that former Councilwoman Gina Guma and Larry Benowitz, a retiree who frequently speaks at City Council meetings, are seeking nomination.
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