Kopel beats Moser in 7th Legislative District

Updated results Nov. 9 at 2:55 p.m.

Incumbent County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) defeated Democrat Adam Moser of Hewlett in the race for the 7th Legislative District seat on Tuesday. The unofficial vote count was 6,312 to 4,347.

“I’m glad that the people were able to see through the nastiness and disinformation,” said Kopel, who described the campaign as “ugly” and added that it was full of “lies and half-truths.”

In his next term, Kopel said, he looks forward to continuing to help his constituents by improving the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant, getting the Nassau Expressway completed to improve emergency evacuation and reducing traffic on Rockaway Turnpike.

As of press time late Election Night, it appeared that the Republicans in the Town of Hempstead would retain power for the next few years, as the incumbents — Supervisor Kate Murray, Clerk Mark Bonilla and Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin — were leading their respective races.

Murray, running for her fifth two-year term, defeated her Democratic challenger, Gary Port, 71,465 to 35,400.

"By retaining the towns and by retaining a Republican majority in the Nassau County legislature, the people have spoken loud,"Murray said. "They like what Ed Mangano and the Republican majority are doing to right the ship in Nassau County. We're freezing taxes, maintaining services, and giving people the respect that they deserve and respecting their pocketbook."

Hewlett’s Steve Anchin, who ran on the Democratic line, lost to Bonilla 65,992 to 38,522.. Bonilla was also running for his fifth two-year term. Clavin, beat challenger, Democrat Wilton Robinson — 69,559 to 35,288. The tax receiver was seeking his third full four-term. He has served in the post since 2001. All results are unofficial.

It's a great night to be a republican in Nassau County," Clavin said. "It's a great night for the residents. I'll tell you folks, this is the start of something special. We've got good things planned for you, the residents. That's why we win, because we look out for you."

Incumbent Republican Councilman James Darcy retained his 3rd District seat, winning another four-year term by defeating Owen Rumelt, a Democrat. The unofficial vote total was 11,963 to 5,433.

The campaign theme for town Republicans was that Hempstead was in excellent financial shape, bolstered by high Wall Street credit ratings, debt on its loans that had been reduced by $6.3 million in the past three years and a tax-freeze budget. “It is an acknowledgement of my constituents that I am doing a job that needs to be done,” Darcy said. “I like to think I have a good reputation with helping people with their problems.”

His priorities are keeping the town’s finances strong and taxes down, he added.