Massapequa Makes Its Decision

There was no excuse not to vote, Tuesday and many who did voted a pocketbook issue.

Mother nature cooperated with brilliant weather, for election day as voters in the Massapequas went to the polls to pick office holders in the Town of Oyster Bay and in the Nassau County Legislature.

There was one key  issue that dominated the thoughts of voters Patch spoke to outside polling places. 

"I don't want any taxes to go up," said Marylyn Shaw who voted at Massapequa High School. "I'm voting for people who will lower taxes and take care of elderly people."

Among the candidates that have Shaw's full backing is GOP legislator Peter Schmitt, who is running for re-election in Nassau County's 12th legislative district.

 "I read a piece about him in the paper, I found that he's for lowering taxes," she said. "His opponent doesn't appear to be taking that stance."

Ed Hanley also feels that high taxes need to be addressed if Long Island is to remain a home to the middle-class.

 "The economy," he said, when asked about his most important issue. "I think the taxes should be an income tax instead of a property tax...it would help both the seniors and the young people stay on Long Island."

David Barclay not only feels strongly about taxation, but also weighed in on the current job crisis.

 "Taxes are too high...they need to be fixed," he said. "We also need to do something about unemployment...laying people off to supposedly get your budget balances isn't going to make things better."

 On Tuesday morning turnout was slow according to one poll worker at the high school, who said "they're coming in in dribs and drabs." 

Turnout picked up later in the day and also seemed stronger at Schwarting Elementary School.

Fredrick Duncan also had taxes on his mind as he voted at Schwarting, But he said that not only should tax increases stop, but politicians should give back a little as well.

 "Taxes not only need to be frozen, but they should find a way to roll they back a bit," he said. "The people in power still like to spend a lot of our money, and they should be held accountable for it."