Mayor Ralph Suozzi Wins Debate

Incumbent Ralph Suozzi was the clear winner in last night’s mayoral debate at Glen Cove High School.

Suozzi ticked off his accomplishments, presented a clear vision for the city and had a command of all the facts and figures associated with his job, those including finances, safety issues, infrastructure improvements and quality of life.

His opponent, City Councilman Reginald Spinello, unable to list more than one accomplishment during two years on the council, often fumbled for names and facts.  Mayor Suozzi, displaying his good nature and even temperament, stepped in on a number of occasions to help his challenger, even when Spinello was in mid-criticism.

The mayor’s confidence was clear, as was the picture of the job he’s done in office.  As Newsday quoted Suozzi as saying, "Our city is stronger. Our city is safer. Our quality of life is better. Our infrastructure is vastly improved. Our environment is cleaner."  Suozzi pointed to improvements downtown, including new signage, quaint street lamps, new businesses and the coming “piazza” development that will feature a home for graduate osteopathy students from New York Tech, stores, restaurants and more.

One message the mayor’s campaign has underscored was made over and over again, and even confirmed by Mr. Spinello – the fact that Spinello has voted in agreement with Mayor Suozzi on City Council issues 97% of the time, blurring the distinction between the candidates.  Spinello’s comeback: the 3% of the time he didn’t vote with the mayor corresponded with significant issues.

When asked about his accomplishments on the council, Spinello pointed to his work negotiating the Glen Cove police contract.  As Mayor Suozzi offered, though, Spinello was a member of a team of seven people on the city’s negotiating team.

When asked about his plan for the city, Spinello would say only that he will bring business to Glen Cove.  He did not say how.

Mayor Suozzi, on the other hand, laid out plans by the CDA/IDA to implement its marketing plan to introduce Glen Cove to businesses in the surrounding communities and to provide more housing options to attract residents who will, in turn, make the city attractive for retail outlets and restaurants.  He discussed the waterfront project, the fact that the site preparation is completed and that 99% of the environmental clean-up is also done, paving the way for building beginning on 2014.

Both candidates agreed that Glen Cove is a great city in its current state, with lots to offer families, especially a thriving waterfront and a beautiful seascape, as Spinello stated, “just 23 minutes from New York City.”

Full disclosure: I have been providing public relations support to Mayor Suozzi’s campaign.  But honestly, working with the Mayor has only underscored the fact that he is a dedicated, hardworking public servant who has done great things for this city and continues to be committed to making it better.