By MIKE CAPUTO
Toback, who ran under the Democratic, Independent and Working Party lines, defeated Lawrence resident Kopel (Republican, Conservative) by roughly 700 votes.
"I'm grateful to the voters of the 7th District for sending me back fora 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 for the challenge."
Although Toback's victory secured his fifth consecutive term as legislator in the 7th district - and area that encompasses the Five Towns, Oceanside, Island Park, Harbor Isle, Barnum Island, Bay Park, parts of South Valley Stream and East Rockaway - both candidates won specific areas.
In the Lawrence-Cedarhurst election districts, it was almost a dead-heat. Based on unofficial data provided by the Nassau County Board of Elections, Kopel fell short in his hometown election districts by a slim four votes - 799 to 795 in favor of Toback.
But in other areas, the races were runaways. Although only a portion of Oceanside is in the 7th Legislative District, Toback won in his hometown, 509 votes to 359, while also claiming victory in Hewlett, 636-372, North Woodmere, 1,076-518, and Woodmere, 585-265.
Kopel soared in the historically Republican Island Park election district, 493-302, and scored big in Inwood, 528-309, and East Rockaway/Bay Park, 557-363.
Toback pointed out that the Republican Party remains strong throughout Island Park, Inwood and Bay Park, places where GOP candidates typically thrive.
"The Republican organization in Inwood remains strong and they get their vote out," Toback said. "It certainly concerns me electorally, but that is something we will deal with again in two years."
Harbor Isle resident Dorothy Jacobs, a Democratic committee woman,vouched for Toback's work and suggested a difference in voting areas.
"I am quite surprised," Jacobs said. "I think Jeff Toback is an honorable man. It would be interesting to see where the votes came out.
"I think Jeff Toback has been a workhorse for the county," she added. "I think he has tried to turn things around."
Five Towns Democratic Club's Dan Goldstein did not expect the 7th district race to be as close as the hotly contested 2005 race Toback went through against Lawrence attorney Jeff Katz. At the time, Toback was criticized in the area of public safety.
"I was surprised it was close, because the PBA (Police Benevolent Association) that opposed Toback two years ago came out and endorsed him this time," said Goldstein, who mentioned that the crime rate has been down in the 4th Precinct. "That's why I am surprised there wasn't a greater vote for Toback."
The extremely tight race in the Lawrence-Cedarhurst area was not unexpected, said Jackie Handel.
"It didn't surprise me that it was that close because of all the advertising Kopel did," said Handel, president of the Lawrence Association.
As president of the active community organization, Handel was happy to see the incumbents prevail in all of her local races.
"I think the people that have been serving our area have been very active in taking our interests at heart," Handel said.
In the councilmatic race for the Town of Hempstead's 3rd District, which takes in the Five Towns, incumbent Republican James Darcy prevailed over Democrat challenger Gary Carlton by a hefty 10,314 to 5,104 margin. Legislator Denise Ford, whose 4th District covers such areas as Atlantic Beach and parts of Oceanside, was re-elected after running unopposed. Seth Blau, an Oceanside resident in the 4th Legislative District, did not have qualms about Ford's re-election, but wanted to see someone challenge the incumbent.
"I would have liked to have seen someone run against her because I think it is good for democratic politics," Blau said. "It is good to have the choice in hearing what goes on and discuss the issues."
Voter turnout was considered low on the rainy Tuesday in what is often described as an "off-year" for elections. According to statistics from theBoard of Elections, only 18.8 percent of the registered voters in the 7th Legislative District cast a vote last week.
Greg Nunn of the Inwood Community Group said that rather than get involved with fiery campaigns, residents should realize the importance of voting.
"We tried to take the higher ground," Nunn said of his civic group. "It is just as important that we get as many votes as possible. Sometimes you tend to chase people away if you pick a party."
Toback was not impressed with the voter turnout, and attributed that to the close results. "What I am most concerned about from this election is the alarmingly low turnout in places other than Inwood, Island Park and Bay Park," said Toback,who pointed to low voter turnout rates in Oceanside and Woodmere.
"That was very surprising, and contributed to the relative closeness of the race."
Comments about this story? Mcaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
