Nassau County IDA chairman Richard Kessel announces he's stepping down

At the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency's March 30 meeting, chairman Richard Kessel announced he would be stepping down from his position. 

Kessel, 73, of Merrick, was a longtime chairman of the Long Island Power Authority,  chairman of the state Power Authority and executive director of the state Consumer Protection Board. A Democrat, he was appointed to the IDA five years ago by now former County Executive Laura Curran. He continued to serve the agency under her successor, Bruce Blakeman. 

The IDA, which grants tax breaks to expanding businesses and housing projects,  has two vacancies with Kessel's departure.  Current board members include John Coumatos, Victor LaGreca, William Rockensies and Reginald Spinello. 

Blakeman is responsible for appointing board members, who then elect IDA officers. 

At the meeting, Kessel thanked both Curran and Blakeman for their support during his time as chairman, and added that despite his departure from the IDA, he hoped to remain active in government. 

"I want to thank all the board members here tonight," he said. "I am very fortunate to have worked with some terrific board members now, and in the past." 

Kessel also thanked union members and propety developers, and called the work of the IDA a "team effort."

"I've had a lot of fun," he said. "I may go to something else, I like public service. We'll see what happens going forward." 

The IDA is expected to elect a new chairman at its upcoming meeting on April 27.  For meeting news, visit NassauIDA.org. To view last week's meeting, visit Nassau County IDA & LEAC - YouTube.