By John C. O'Connell
, a 10-9 Democratic majority, but with Republlicans saying the 14th L.D. race between David Mejias and Joseph Belesi was too close to concede. All incumbents on the Town Council were returned.
Democratic incumbent Jeff To-back defeated Republican Howard Kopel, collecting 4,698 votes - 53 percent of the total number cast - to Kopel's 4,107, with 97 percent of election districts reporting.
"I'm grateful to the voters of the 7th District for sending me back for a fifth term," Toback said. "I never get tired of winning. We have a lot of work to do in the county over the next two years, and I know that I'm up to the challenge."
Incumbent Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray trounced Democratic challenger Kevin Gorman, 67 percent to 33 percent, with 70 percent of election districts reporting late Tuesday night.
The town councilman in the Five Towns' 3rd Council District, Republican James Darcy, defeated his challenger, Democrat 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."
Tuesday night, Democrats celebrated what they believed was 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. "The people of Nassau County believe the truth and see through the lies."
But town Republicans were celebrating as well. "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."
Several Herald staffers contributed to this story. Comments about it? joconnell@liherald.com.
