By Liz McBreen and Jerry Burke
Both Deangelis and Hayes, the commission chairman, were at the polls to greet residents. DeAngelis was appreciative to her community, saying, "I'm overwhelmed by the turnout and grateful to the West Hempstead community for their efforts in getting here to vote, " she added, "I feel good about being here."
Hayes also thanked "the community for coming out to vote and supporting the department."
The night's moderate turnout saw both Deangelis and Hayes both lose to their challengers. O'Neill won the election for the three-year term, 569 to DeAngelis' 172, and Ronald Magarie was elected to the five-year term, 599 to Hayes' 179. The election itself had caused some tension in the community.
Many residents had a problem with the campaign posters that DeAngelis used, which featured the candidate holding her late husband's helmet and an American flag presented to her by officials of New York City. "I think it's sad that she had to resort to that and use her husband's flag and helmet to try to win an election," said voter Joe Casali.
Andrew Schwartz was also dismayed by the tone of the election, saying, "I think it's been a lot more dirty than some [elections] in the past."
Perhaps the bigger issue causing tension during the campaign was the proposed purchase of a new ladder truck to replace the current 16-year-old model. Both Hayes and DeAngelis supported the new vehicle, which would cost taxpayers upwards of $850,000.
Resident Bennet Levine said, "I want to vote for something justified. Buying an $850,000 truck to replace one that has just been repaired is not justified."
However, several voters said that they saw nothing wrong with the campaign as they left the polls. "It's fine. I have no problem with it," said Grace Oaks.
In the evening's other elections, John Sparacio defeated Jerome Monaco, 673 votes to 237, in the water commissioner's race. Unopposed Frank Damiano, Sr., will continue to serve as a Lakeview Fire Commissioner.
