Editorial: Nicolello in Nassau 9th District
Nassau Republican Richard Nicolello, Nassau County legislator, 9th District (June 24, 2011) Credit: David Pokress
Republican incumbent Richard Nicolello could be considered one of Nassau's elder statesmen, having been in the legislature since it first convened in 1996. At 51, Nicolello, of New Hyde Park, is not elderly -- but he has perspective when he says this is the worst time in Nassau he's ever seen. He accepts that the state control board's involvement in the county's finances is necessary, as Nassau's contracts with its public unions are, in his view, unsustainable. In his endorsement interview, he frankly said the Police Benevolent Association has outnegotiated the county for years, taking the long view while Nassau politicians have taken the short one.
His Democratic challenger, Jason Watson, 33, of New Hyde Park, is a project coordinator for Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism. Watson says Nassau has been hamstrung by partisanship and that his lack of political experience -- this is his first run for office -- is a plus.
Given the county's challenges, we're not so sure it's a great time for novices -- at least not when they'd turn out a dedicated legislator who, when asked why he's seeking a ninth term, cites how gratifying it is to help constituents. Newsday endorses Nicolello.
