Glen Cove City Council Candidates: Meet Rocco Totino

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.

Rocco Totino

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 32
• Town of residence: Glen Cove
• Position sought: Glen Cove City Council
• Party affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Evelina (mother), Mario (father), Michael (brother) and Jessica (sister)
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.
• Education: Bachelor's of business administration in international finance and marketing from University of Miami; Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School
• Occupation: Trial attorney for a major insurance carrier (four years).
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: City of Glen Cove Board of Zoning Appeals
• Campaign Website: N/A

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

Smart Growth. With the influx of residents we will be getting from all the ongoing projects within the city, we need to start thinking about our city’s overall development going forward. I intend to incentivize new businesses to open their doors in Glen Cove. I would also like to aid in the growth of already existing businesses. This would stimulate our economy and create jobs within the city for our local residents.

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

I'm an independent thinker who takes all residents into consideration when deciding my stance on issues pertaining to the city. I’m involved in numerous organizations and clubs within the city and in constant contact with residents of Glen Cove. I believe I have my finger on the pulse of this city, know what issues our residents are concerned with, and have the ability to address them accordingly.

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

The lack of bipartisanship when handling city affairs. Being an elected official is not an easy job, but that shouldn't excuse anyone from still getting the job done. If elected I intend to work with all, regardless of party affiliation, because at the end of the day I serve the residents of Glen Cove. You can be sure I will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

First, I think our city code, charter, procedures and policies need to be revamped and overhauled. As a member of the board of zoning appeals, I constantly run into issues with our city code. Second, I think the city needs to operate more efficiently. I firmly believe that in order for our city to run efficiently we need to be transparent regarding all city affairs, and more importantly, there needs to be accountability and oversight regarding those affairs. Lastly, residents of Glen Cove have the privilege of enjoying some of the most unique amenities on Long Island. Our residents are currently unable to fully utilize these amenities because of the current state of disrepair. I intend to revitalize and properly maintain them moving forward so that residents may enjoy all our city has to offer.

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

As a trial attorney in New York City, with cases mainly in Queens, I'm constantly making court appearances, attending depositions, handling arbitrations, among many other job responsibilities. As a result, I'm able to interact and work with people from all different walks of life that may have a different way of handling issues or a certain perspective and/or opinion on relevant topics. I also have the legal research acumen necessary to interpret our city charter and code, with the ability to identify certain issues that may arise. As an individual with a degree in finance, I’d easily understand and be able to readily assist regarding our city’s finances. I have also properly and fairly adjudicated applications for variances while on the city’s board of zoning appeals. And finally, as a board member of Glen Cove Jr. Soccer Club, I have assisted in the success of our intramural programs, enabling over 400 children to participate in both the spring and fall seasons.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I'm not sure it's the best advice that was ever shared with me, but it's the one that makes me wake up every morning ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard. It's one of the many things my father always told me growing up.“Chi dorme non piglia pesci” (Those who sleep, don’t catch any fish)

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

I am a lifelong Glen Cove resident who was raised here and attended Glen Cove schools throughout my youth. I'm a current homeowner and I hope to start a family here in the near future. I believe that I am a real candidate for Glen Cove. I'm a hardworking individual who is passionate about this city and is dedicated to serving the residents of Glen Cove by putting the city on the right path to success.