Glen Cove City Council Candidates: Meet Danielle Fugazy Scagliola

GLEN COVE, NY — Glen Cove voters will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for mayor and city council. Patch reached out to all the candidates via email and/or Facebook to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Danielle Fugazy Scagliola

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 42
• Town of residence: Glen Cove
• Position sought: Glen Cove City Council
• Party affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Married to Tommy Scagliola for 15 years. Four children ages 13, 11, 8 and 4.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.
• Education: Bachelor's of arts in Journalism from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
• Occupation: Financial journalist for 20 years, covering private equity, M&A, capital markets, mortgages and bonds, among other industries.
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: President of the Glen Cove Education Foundation, Board Member of the Business Improvement District, Board Member of the Community Development Agency
• Campaign Website: dfugazyscagliola4gccitycouncil.com

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Partisan politics. It is unfortunate, but it has become almost impossible for our City to move forward on important issues that regular citizens care about, like development, the downtown and our city school district because of constant partisan politics. I will work hard to push important issues forward and not get caught up in partisan nonsense. I am not a professional politician and I only care about the items that other mothers, daughters, homeowners and business owners care about. The issues facing our city are not black and white, I am willing to hear others out and work to find the best solutions for the people of Glen Cove — not for any party.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I can't speak about all my opponents, but what I can say is, I am someone that isn't afraid of hard work and I see things through to fruition. I work to get the job done. Additionally, I am the only candidate running who has children in our public school district. I have first-hand knowledge of what's going on in our school district and with many Glen Cove families. I also keep my office in downtown Glen Cove and have done so for 11 years. I see first hand what's happening in the downtown area.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I have respect for everyone who has done the job and put themselves out there. It's not easy. But I am very tired of the politics. My husband and I are raising our family here and I run a business from downtown Glen Cove. I am heavily invested in this city and I am focused. I want to put the politics aside and get the job done right!

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

First, I would like to see City Hall function better. I also think the terms for mayor and city council are too short for the elected officials. Elections every two years do not give the elected officials enough time to implement change. Campaigning takes a tremendous amount of time and it's time away from governing. I also think our city codes and ordinances need to be reviewed and updated to be sure they are in line with our growing and ever-changing city.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Professionally, I spend most of my time writing about financial issues, which will give me the background I need to help with the city budget. Additionally, not only do I write, I also produce large conferences for financial and technology clients. These events are usually attended by more than 400 people. I have extensive knowledge in program management, time management and logistics, which will undoubtedly be helpful. Lastly, around the city I am proud to say that I have worked hard already to make a difference in the lives of Glen Covers. I was instrumental in raising funds for the new Deasy Playground and outdoor classroom, the new student lounge at the Finley Middle School and band uniforms for our high school band.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I have been given a lot of advice, but something that they say at my kids' schools resonates with me. It's simple. This isn't exact, but I try to live by this... Work hard, try your best and be kind.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am not scared to work hard and fight for what I believe is right to for the people of Glen Cove. I am running for no reason other than because I care about our community.