Election 2011: Muscarella Claims Victory in 8th District, Will Begin Ninth Term

Republican Vincent Muscarella is poised to begin his ninth term as 8th district legislator after defeating Democratic challenger Scott Milano Tuesday.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Muscarella garnered 8,383 votes to Milano's 2,064, according to unofficial results from the Nassau County Board of Elections.

"Many years ago I went into politics because my Dad thought everyone had a responsibility to give something back to the community," Muscarella said. "I'm gratified the residents returned me to office so i can continue to serve."

Muscarella, who resides in West Hempstead with his family, was elected to the first session of the Nassau County Legislature in November 1995. Come January, he will begin serving his ninth two-year term in office.

A a graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine and St. John's Law School, where he received his J.D. degree in 1979, he is currently a partner in the law firm of Muscarella and Tomasone.

He vows to continue fighting tax increases and making Nassau a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.

"To create and sustain job growth in Nassau County, we must make it an affordable place to live and to run a business," he told Patch. "The taxes here are driving residents away and are not welcoming to small businesses. I recently voted to pass the second consecutive no-tax-increase budget since the Republicans were voted into the Majority in 2010. I also repealed the Home Energy Tax and eliminated 16.5 percent in proposed property tax increases. We must reduce the cost of living here in Nassau, and holding the line on taxes is the first step."

The 8th Legislative District includes Garden City, Garden City South, Stewart Manor, West Hempstead, Franklin Square and portions of Elmont and Floral Park.