Community Corner

Election 2011: 8th Legislative District

Vincent Muscarella runs for re-election against challenger Scott Milano.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Republican Vincent Muscarella will be up for re-election for the Nassau County 8th District legislator position, against Democrat Scott Milano.

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

Polls will be open between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Garden City Village Hall. Click here to find your polling station.

Find out what's happening in Garden Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

(Editor's Note: After an initial correspondence, Scott Milano did not respond to interview questions.)

Vincent Muscarella

Find out what's happening in Garden Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Hometown: West Hempstead
  • Years in Office: 16

Muscarella was elected to the first session of the Nassau County Legislature in November 1995. He is now seeking his ninth two-year term in office.

Muscarella is 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.

Patch: Many small business owners are struggling to stay afloat in these tough economic times. What can be done to help them?

Muscarella: Nassau County is the highest taxed county in the nation. To assist small businesses here, we must make it an affordable place to live and to run a business. The taxes here are driving residents away and are not welcoming to small businesses. I will continue to fight tax increases and make Nassau more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.

Patch: Nassau residents, like most Americans, are concerned about their job security. Those that don’t have jobs have found it difficult to find one. What is your plan for creating and sustaining job growth on Long Island?

Muscarella: Stop the tax increases. To create and sustain job growth in Nassau County, we must make it an affordable place to live and to run a business. 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 I also repealed the Home Energy Tax and eliminated 16.5 percent in proposed property tax increases.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.

Patch: How are you addressing the issue of high property taxes in your district?

Muscarella: Please see the answers to #1 and #2.

Patch: In your opinion, what do you think is the most pressing issue facing residents? What do you propose to remediate the problem?

Clearly, the biggest concern of all residents and elected officials is the tax burden. I will continue to advocate for tax relief for all residents.


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