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Babylon Democrats win big; set course for the future If there is a positive thing that Republicans in the Town of Babylon can point to in this year's election, it is that more Republicans than Democrats continue to head to the polls and vote. The problem is, they continue to vote for Democrats. "We are up against the strongest Democratic machine in the county and we don't have the money or the troops to overcome that," said Babylon Republican leader Anthony Pancella. "Nonetheless our candidates were out walking their districts and their message was resonating with voters and we have to capitalize on that as we go forward." "The fact is that we have Steve Bellone and the Republicans don't," said Babylon Democratic leader Robert Stricoff in assessing the results of the vote on November 6. "That makes the difference." But Stricoff said the Democrats do not overlook the numerical reality that there are more Republican than Democratic voters at the polls every year. "We need to continue to focus on providing good government and good services not as a party but as a government," said Stricoff. "People cross party lines at the local level because there is no Democratic or Republican answer on how to provide service. There is only good government service." In Babylon, voters overwhelmingly reelected incumbent Democratic Councilwomen Ellen McVeety and Jacqueline Gordon with 13,051 or 36 percent, and 10,391 or 29 percent of the votes respectively (unofficial tallies). Their opponents, Christopher Connors of Amityville received 7,852 or 22 percent of the votes and his running mate Philip Giambruno, 5,027 votes or 14 percent of the tally. "Ifaced a good challenge and found out a lot of things about myself," said Connors who thanked his supporters. "I asked a lot of questions on behalf of the taxpayers of Babylon and I will maintain my interest in town government." As she sat behind her desk at Town Hall on Thursday, McVeety said the idea of another four years was just settling in. And, she said, she is looking forward to continuing doing the human service types of projects that have marked her previous years on the board. "I guess you can say I am the 'Martha Stewart of Babylon," she said laughing as she talked about working to redesign and reallocate space in the Town's planning department. "We want to create a welcoming, user-friendly professional and calming atmosphere for both the residents and the employees there," she said, adding that the work will include publishing new and user-friendly booklets to walk residents through the various Ttown processes for applying for permits. Pumped by two cups of coffee (two more than she is accustomed to) on election day, she admits she had "caffeine nerves" throughout most of the day. "I am glad it is over and appreciate the public's support," she said. Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, who did not run with McVeety this year since voters gave him a four-year term two years ago, said he was "gratified" by the results of the elections. "The voters clearly sent a message that they want us to continue the work we have begun in terms of making government more efficient, keeping taxes down, creating unique parks and a beautiful Town and infrastructure," he said. "Both Ellen and Jackie have absolutely stellar records of public service and I am proud to be able to continue to work with them." At the County level, Democrats, including S.C. Exec. Steve Levy who ran without major party opposition, easily won reelection. Levy garnered 96 percent of the vote. In the 14th District, incumbent Democrat Wayne Horsley defeated Republican Mark Gallo by 4,883 votes or 69 percent to 2,226 or 31 percent of the vote. In the 15th District, Democrat Elie Mystal brushed off a challenge from Republican Ed Brown, and an independent candidate, Ed White of the For the People Party, who waged a strong and aggressive campaign against him. Mystal captured 3,648 votes or 69 percent of the vote to Brown's 1,628 or 26 percent and White's 868 votes or 14 percent.
Both White and Brown said that while they were deeply disappointed with their losses, they plan to stay active in the community. Brown said he would continue to help those, who like him, come from poor backgrounds, to achieve success. And White said that he would continue to work with the youth in Copiague as a coach and member of the Copiague Youth League. And, he added, he plans to run again.
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