Nassau Legislature Candidates: Meet Howard Kopel

Voters in Nassau County will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for the Legislature.

In District 7 — which includes Oceanside, Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, and parts of Hewlett, Lawrence, Baldwin, Valley Stream and Lynbrook — voters will select from two candidates: incumbent Republican Howard Kopel and Democratic challenger Debra Siegel.

Patch reached out to both candidates 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.

Howard Kopel

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): 68
• Town of Residence: Lawrence
• Position Sought: District 7 Legislator
• Party Affiliation: Republican-Conservative-Independence
• Family: Wife Esther, four children and 12 grandchildren
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
• Education: Law School completed in 1975
• Occupation: Attorney and business owner since 1975
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: County Legislator, District 7, and Deputy Presiding Officer, Nassau County Legislature
• Campaign Website: None

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

Taxes and assessments. Taxes are too high and the county administration's recent reassessment is inaccurate. I have sponsored and passed legislation to increase transparency and accuracy, which has been vetoed by the Count Executive. I am pressing for the Legislature to override the veto of this critical legislation.

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

The critical differences are my 10 years of experience in county government, my widely acknowledged expertise in county finances and my business background combined with my leadership position as Deputy Presiding Officer of the Legislature give me a unique ability to effectively represent my constituents and county residents at large. My opponent has none of these important attributes.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Didn't answer.

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

I am known to work effectively with colleagues on both sides of the political aisle, and for my expertise in county finances. I devised and passed a sinking fund that saved the county approximately $70 million a year in commercial real estate tax refund liability. At the time, it was considered by many as one of the most significant financial reforms in county history. I have also been recognized in the press for my vigorous opposition to various costly "financial engineering" schemes.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Don't sweat the small things. Very few things are worth losing sleep over.

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

If I am privileged to continue to represent the 7th District, I will do my best to protect our cherished suburban way of life, and lower the very heavy tax burden on our hard working residents.