By Hank Russell
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman held a special press conference at American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa on February 24 to announce that he is seeking re-election.
According to his campaign website, Blakeman was elected county executive in 2021. Some of the accomplishments he listed include eliminating $150 million in tax increases, adding 200 new police officers to the force, signing executive orders that Nassau does not become a sanctuary county and banning transgender athletes from playing girls’ sports.
Before becoming county executive, he served as Hempstead Town Councilman for six years. He proposed laws to create the town’s first-ever Compliance Officer and passed a bill that makes sure Hempstead does not do business with any business entity that supports Boycott Divest Sanction (BDS), which discourages other businesses from working with Israel.
In addition, Blakeman served as presiding officer of the county Legislature, commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and executive director of the New York Police Chiefs Benevolent Association.
“The best is yet to come,” Blakeman said, adding that Nassau will be “the safest county, the kindest county, the most generous county, the warmest county and the most successful county in the United States.”
Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D-Merrick), Blakeman’s Democratic opponent, had this reaction to Blakeman’s announcement.
“Under Bruce Blakeman, Nassau taxpayers are paying more and getting less,” Koslow said. “Taxes are higher, crime is rising, and millions in illegal fees have not been refunded. Instead of helping hardworking families, he is using taxpayer dollars to line the pockets of his political donors and party cronies. Nassau County deserves better. I will fight to put money back where it belongs, in the hands of taxpayers, and ensure our county is safe, affordable, and well-run for everyone.”