The Thrill of Victory • The Agony of Defeat

By Stewart S Lilker
 

Democratic Party boss, Jay Jacobs (left) celebrates the victory of Kevan Abrahams  ... Full Image

The race for the vacated seat of Democratic County Legislator Patrick Williams was decided last night in a landslide victory for the Democrats, who have retained control of the County Legislature.

The First LD, which includes pieces of Freeport, Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Baldwin and East Meadow is registered Democratic two to one. With all the election districts in, Democrat Kevan Abrahams trounced Republican RickyLarosa five to one. Abrahams, the former Finance Director for the Legislative Majority, won with 83 percent of the vote.
 

Republican candidate, Ricky LaRosa gave it his best shot ... Full Image

It appeared from the outset that Republican party boss, Joe Mondello, was going to give up the seat without a fight, giving LaRosa little more than palm cards for support. LaRosa, to his credit, stumped the district to exhaustion, knocking on doors, visiting train stations and taking every opportunity to shake hands and get his message out.

LaRosa told FNYN "It was an honor to run. I congratulate Kevan Abraham on his victory. I will continue to keep working with the community to ensure everybody gets a fair shake and can participate in the American dream."
 

After the polls closed, Jacobs, Legislator Denennberg and Abrahams watch the results come in.

Abrahams told his supporters, "It is my hope to translate this victory into a larger victory that will open the door for all the people who live in our community. We share the same dreams for affordable housing, economic development and educational opportunity. I will work day and night, with all my heart and soul, to make these dreams a living, breathing, reality."

 Democratic Legislative Leader, Judy Jacobs, talking about the years of Democratic turmoil, told FNYN, "We did it again and again until we got it right."
 

As the media's interviews concluded, County Exec. Tom Suozzi told Scott ... Full Image

Through the Democratic Press Office, Jacobs added, "Kevan's extensive experience with the legislature will mean he will hit the ground running. There could be no better time for him to come aboard then now, when the legislature will be grappling with the budget and serious financial decisions that will effect this county."

According to Rafael Lieber, Majority Deputy Press Secretary, "Abrahams, a life-long resident of Hempstead, joined the County Legislature staff as Deputy Finance Director in 2000 and served as its Finance Director from July to present. He served as a legislative assistant and Deputy District Director for Congressman Floyd H. Flake and as a district representative for Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. Abrahams has also worked in the private sector as a Financial Analyst for Astoria Federal Savings Bank. He has a masters degree in business administration from Hofstra University and holds bachelors degrees in political science from Queens College."