CAUSE Students Host Mayoral Debate

Glen Cove High School hosted a debate between incumbent Mayor Ralph Suozzi and his Republican challenger Reggie Spinello on Friday. 

Organized through the high school CAUSE (Community Action Using Student Empowerment) class under the direction of teacher Susan Poulos, the senior class was invited to sit in and watch the candidates respond to questions delivered by their high school peers. 

A student panel of four CAUSE moderators (Danny Betancurt, Christina Facciolo, Essence Fawler and Jackeline Revis interviewed the candidates on local issues such as the downtown business district (including the movie theater), the closure of Crescent Beach, the vacant Cole School, tourism, recreational facilities, illegal housing and their respective visions for Glen Cove. Each candidate also had the opportunity to give closing statements. CAUSE member Tia Henderson served as the timekeeper.

The candidates for both the Mayor’s seat and City Council participated in an informal meet-and-greet with the students in the commons area following the debate. Students also held a mock election in which Mr. Spinello was elected. The event was covered by Glen Cove TV as well.