By Jacquie Rath
When Scannell left his position as an assistant district attorney for Nassau County to pursue a career in politics, his motivation was to put the 5th District on the political map. The two legislators who preceded him had been unable to secure funding for much-needed capital projects in the area. "Baldwin was out of the political mix," said Scannell.
He believes that one of his biggest accomplishments in office was securing $4.4 million to renovate Milburn Pond, Silver Lake and Loft's Pond. The renovation of Milburn Pond has already been completed, and the other two projects are slated for completion next year. Scannell said he "wanted families to be able to bring their children to these places to enjoy them."
Additionally, he is extremely proud of the work he has done to beautify Grand Avenue in Baldwin, between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway. He obtained $750,000 for "Streetscaping" projects, which were done to increase the curb appeal of the downtown area. "People judge a town by its main street to see if would be a nice place to live," said Scannell. "[Before the improvements] it wasn't very nice."
He has also found success in working face to face with his constituents. "I call it bringing government to the people," said Scannell, mentioning his periodic town meetings, where residents are encouraged to voice concerns. In addition to the meetings, he has brought government home through various programs, including bringing mammography vans to local neighborhoods and holding seminars on the proper use of child safety seats.
Scannell fought for control over how some legislative funds could be used, and early this year won a victory when Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced that legislators could earmark up to $200,000 for capital projects in their districts. Last month Scannell presented the Village of Rockville Centre with a check for just that amount, which will be used for new windows and blinds for the Sandel Senior Center and a new ventilation system for the Recreation Center.
Among future goals for Scannell are bringing Nunley's Carousel back to southern Nassau County, keeping the 1st Precinct in Baldwin and putting more police officers on the streets. Also, he plans on giving capital funding to the Rockville Centre Historical Society for improvements at the Phillips House.
Scannell has been criticized for having a somewhat volatile relationship with Suozzi. Scannell calls it a "working relationship," saying he will fight for what is in the best interests of his constituents even if it goes against his party's line. "I am proud to represent the people of the 5th district," he said. "It is with them that my responsibility lies."
For Scannell, community involvement reaches beyond politics. He is a past co-president of Baldwin Community Watch, a two-time president of Baldwin Kiwanis, founder of the Kiwanis Anti-Graffiti Committee, a past president of the Nassau County Chapter of St. John's School of Law Alumni Association, a member of Irish Americans in Government, the BPO Elks and the Fraternal Order of Police, and a volunteer for Island Harvest.
