George Pataki backs Jack Martins for Nassau County executive

Former Gov. George Pataki on Wednesday endorsed former State Sen. Jack Martins for Nassau County executive, citing his experience in Albany and as mayor of Mineola.

The endorsement came a day before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was scheduled to headline a fundraiser in Woodbury for Martin’s Democratic opponent, Nassau County Legis. Laura Curran.

Pataki is set to join Martins for an event in Nassau later this month, a campaign spokeswoman said.

“Jack Martins has been a successful executive and legislator, and has the right experience and integrity to lead Nassau County,” said Pataki, who was governor from 1995 through 2006. “As mayor of Mineola, Jack restructured the finances, paid down debt, built infrastructure and expanded the village economic base.”

Martins credited Pataki with instituting tax cuts, anti-crime policies and preserving the state’s open space. “Governor Pataki’s legacy is far-reaching here in Nassau County and across our state,” Martins said.

Cuomo, who endorsed Curran in her Democratic primary last month against County Comptroller George Maragos, will headline a fundraiser for the Baldwin legislator Thursday at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Tickets range from $500 for general admission to $25,000 for VIP passes.

“I am honored to have the support of Governor Cuomo and Nassau taxpayers who are ready to end the culture of corruption and give our county the fresh start it deserves,” Curran said Wednesday.

More than 100 attendees are expected at the Cuomo fundraiser and Curran expects to raise more than $250,000, a campaign spokesman said.

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.