Michael Venditto, Our Legislator, Our Neighbor

   I had the pleasure of sitting down with Legislator Michael Venditto last week but I didn’t want to speak to Michael Venditto the Republican. I wanted to speak to the guy who grew up in the Massapequa area, who lives here with his wife, and hopes to start a family here. I wanted to speak to the man who hopes to serve his community but not sound like I was sharing his campaign speech.

   Michael Venditto graduated from St. John’s University School of Law. He’s not getting rich becoming a Nassau County Legislator. He could practice law and become a very wealthy man and never once have to deal with living life under a microscope. So why? I had to ask him that because as I told him, you couldn’t get me to run for office for a million dollars.

    When Legislator Peter Schmitt suffered a fatal heart attack, in October 2012, he lost a man he had known since he was a young boy and who had served as a mentor to him. He spoke of seeing Mr. Schmitt only three days earlier saying, “our community lost a great ally in Legislator Schmitt.”  His admiration was clear and he described Schmitt as someone who “brought a great enthusiasm and a great energy to the Legislature.”

    When asked to run “I answered with a resounding yes. I viewed the opportunity to run for office as an opportunity for me to give back to a community of Massapequas and Farmingdale which gave me so much.”

    We discussed some of the criticism he faced when asked to run and he had an incredible grace when discussing some of the sting that can come from public scrutiny and attacks. He didn’t dismiss the criticism but instead expressed an understanding that it is part of the process.

   His father, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto made a name for himself while serving Nassau County for decades and with that comes an inside knowledge of the political scene and how things work. Those were my words, not his, but he acknowledged that there are lessons that come from growing up in a political family and while some say why him? I also think its fair to say why not him and acknowledge all he brings to the table.

   “Bringing a youthful perspective has afforded me a lot of advantages already. I’d like to think at this point in my life I have an energy that could really channel something positive.” He spoke of walking door to door to meet residents to get his face out there and to let them know that he wants to work hard representing them.

   It was with pride that he spoke of the relationships he’s made with Legislators, both Republican and Democrat, while working as Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Hempstead and how in forging those relationships he will be able to work with his fellow legislators while keeping an open mind in what is best for the residents he serves and “not necessarily what one party says is right.”

   He spoke with particular pride of the TOB workforce and their tireless work after Hurricane Sandy came to town and that because of their tireless work our Town beaches will be open for the summer despite the severe damage.

   He knows that many residents are still facing issues from Sandy whether it is waiting for insurance money or still dealing with clean up. When contacted about incorrect fees some residents were charged, he worked to get them refunds, refunds that he personally delivered.  He encourages residents with any concerns or questions to contact his office describing a network of government that is there to serve the public.

   Where he really won me over was when we talked told me of taking a tour of YES Community Counseling Center at the invitation of Jamie Bogenshutz, the Executive Director in Massapequa. He saw firsthand what a great resource they are for our community.

   He recognizes many issues facing our youth and families and it was clear that they are issues that, as a resident, he is able to feel. He spoke again as someone invested in our community, who would like to preserve our quality of life. He doesn’t have an easy job. Give everyone what they want, acknowledge the importance of things that you can’t always save, and do it without raising taxes. My words again, not his. But I saw a man who was eager to find, as he described, “creative ways” to get things done.

   Without getting into political ideologies we did discuss a range of topics that have an impact on our community. We discussed the ugliness that can come while working towards solutions  and he struck me as someone who can work well with people from both sides. He wants to represent all of us not just one side. Our quality life is important to him.

    I have a tendency to be blunt so I just put it out there to him that he’s a very handsome man. With good looks, a warm personality and hard work I had to wonder, aloud, about the bigger picture. Is there one  like say “Michael Venditto for Governor?” “Michael Venditto for President?”

   He laughed good-naturedly and said that he was very flattered but for now he recognizes the issues facing our community and that he wants to work very hard to be the best legislator that he can be.  For now, I think that’s a great start.