Editor's Note: This article was written by Andrew Coen.
Former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi wants his old job back.
Suozzi, who served as Nassau County Executive from 2002-2010, announced Wednesday morning on his new campaign website that he will once again run for Nassau’s top post. Suozzi ran for a third term in 2009 but lost a close election to current Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. The former mayor of Glen Cove also ran for New York Governor in 2006 but lost a Democratic primary to Eliot Spitzer.
Suozzi, 50, in his statement pledged to restore fiscal stability, end “irresponsible borrowing and skyrocketing debt,” create jobs and reduce crime in Nassau.
Suozzi will officially announce his candidacy at a noon press conference with Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs in Mineola.
Suozzi also released a video on his website that discusses his plan to make Nassau County an “ideal suburb.”
Suozzi will face off in a Democratic primary this September for the right to face Mangano this November, most likely against Democrat Adam Haber, a Roslyn school board member. North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman has also established a campaign committee to explore a run for Nassau County executive.
Nassau County Legis. Dave Denenberg, D-Merrick, has said he would run for county executive if Suozzi did not.
Residents were asked on Bellmore Patch and Merrick Patch's Facebook pages what their thoughts were on Suozzi's decision.
"Anybody has to be better than Mangano," Eileen Mikowski said.
"Competition is always good," Marcella Tompkins added. "May the best candidate win."
What are your thoughts on Suozzi's decision to run? Tell us in the comments section below.
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