Kopel ready to help lead

Howard Kopel, the 7th District legislator-elect, said he hopes to follow through on the promises he made on the campaign trail during his first term in office to help combat a struggling economy and keep businesses and people in Nassau County.

“We’re going to start out by repealing that energy tax, as I promised,” Kopel said. “We’re going to look closely at all the new patronage positions and eliminate all those that do not have value for the taxpayer. We’re also going to look at the budget that has areas of waste and an excess of mismanagement.”

Kopel, a Lawrence resident and CEO of a real estate service company, Sutton Alliance, unseated 10-year incumbent Jeff Toback in last week’s election with a vote of 6,654 (54.5 percent) to 5,544 (45.5 percent), according to unofficial results. (A countywide recount is expected to be completed by the end of the month.) His victory helped shift the majority in the Nassau County Legislature back to Republicans, who will now have an 11-8 advantage.

“What it means for the county is good business-type management of the public finances — that’s what the public voted for,” Kopel said. “That was the message out there, loud and clear. The public is hurting. Taxes are too high. We have to find a way to stop losing people and businesses because no one can afford to stay here.”

But Stephen Anchin, president of the Five Towns Democratic Club, claims the Republicans ran a nasty smear campaign against the Democrats about false issues. “I think there was an anti-incumbent sort of feeling among voters,” Anchin said. “They’re angry about taxes, the economy and frustrated with things not changing fast enough. Incumbents everywhere took it on the chin.”

Anchin added that he was disappointed with voter turnout, which was estimated to be below 30 percent, and said that many frustrated Democrats stayed away from the polls.

For his part, Toback struck a conciliatory tone. He said he called Kopel to congratulate him on his victory and offered to set up a transition meeting. “There are many constituent service issues that are pending and need to be dealt with through the end of the year and beyond,” Toback said. “I hope to meet with Howard and wish him well.”

Kopel said he is looking forward to serving the district, including finding a solution to the sewer consolidation issues affecting Bay Park and the Five Towns. “I’d like to stay in touch with the people of the district and keep my ear as close to the ground to hear what people’s concerns are,” he said. “I hope to listen to the people and make them happy, and if I’m not doing that, people should let me know. I hope to work to fulfill everyone’s expectations.”

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