Avi Fertig earns GOP nod

Avi Fertig said he subscribes to the philosophy of Harry S. Truman, encapsulated in this quote by the nation’s 33rd president: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
Fertig, 41, of Woodmere, who worked for Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence), and is now special assistant to Town of Hempstead councilmen Anthony Santino and James Darcy, said he has been involved in helping people, and wants to expand his reach. “Good government looks like getting a phone call back, having someone listen, trying to understand the problem, then helping to solve it,” Fertig said.
He was selected by Nassau County Republicans at their nominating convention, on May 29 as their candidate to run for the state Assembly seat in District 20, which encompasses the Five Towns, Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Island Park, Oceanside and part of East Rockaway. “He is very active in the community, very experienced, as he has worked for Howard Kopel, myself and Jim Darcy,” Santino said. “He knows every community organization, many religious organizations. He is a real go-getter, understands local government and understands the needs of the community.”
Fertig’s Democratic opponent has yet to be decided, as Long Beach residents Todd Kaminsky, a former U.S. attorney, and Councilman Anthony Eramo, along with Lido Beach resident Robert Solomon, will vie for the Democratic nomination in a September primary. Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach) said he would not seek another term after 25 years in office.
“I’m the guy who knows the rest of the district and the Five Towns,” Fertig said. “They know Long Beach, but they won’t know the Five Towns. Because of the work I’ve done, I’ve straddled both sides of the district, and I’m familiar with the issues in all these communities.”