Norma Gonsalves, Nassau County Presiding Officer, Won't Seek Re-Election

Norma Gonsalves, a Republican from East Meadow and the Nassau County Legislature's presiding officer, has announced Thursday afternoon that she will not be seeking re-election this year. Gonsalves has been the representative of Legislative District 13 since 1998.

Gonsalves took over as the presiding officer after the death of Peter Schmitt, the former presiding officer, in October, 2012.

"It has been an honor to serve the taxpayers of the County and my constituents in the 13th LD," Gonsalves said in a statement. "Lowering crime and implementing the NARCAN program were two of the many public safety initiatives of which I am very proud. On a personal level I take pride in establishing the Hispanic Heritage month and outreach to the Latino community; establishing a Veterans Clinic at NUMC; and sustaining the Cornell Cooperative Farm in East Meadow."

Gonsalves has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments during her 19-year tenure in the Nassau County Legislature. She was honored with the 2015 Marvin Bernstein Humanitarian Award from the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, 1999 Woman of the Year from the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, 1998 Woman of Distinction from the New York State Senate, and many, many more. She is a member of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce as well.

Her tenure was not without scandal, though. Her campaign committee, Friends of Norma Gonsalves, was fined by a state Supreme Court justice for not following proper financial disclosure practices.

Gonsalves, who is 82, is expected to finish the remainder of her term. After the election in November, her replacement will be sworn in on Jan. 1, 2018.

"I have kept my commitment to the homeowners and tax-payers by holding the line on property taxes and improving the fiscal stability of this county by closing the deficit, increasing jobs, cutting spending, reducing patronage and increasing the rainy day fund, just to name few," Gonsalves said in her release. "While I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren, it is my intention to remain active in community affairs."

Photo: Norma Gonsalves's office