Residents React to Election Results

Two days after the Nov. 2 elections, residents are still voicing their opinions and concerns, and one question is circling through the city: how will  impact the community?

Community members are buzzing—from local business owners to city officials to student residents—about the reelection of Charles Lavine to the 13th Assembly District, the Proposition, which aimed to extend the term of the mayor and city council from two to four years, and state and countywide results.

Members of several city organizations said that the election results will not affect how they function or conduct business, including local law enforcement and the Chamber of Commerce.

Both the Proposition and Lavine's reelection won't impact the , according to Sgt. Jack McDougal.

"It doesn't affect law enforcement. We are going to do what we're doing either way," McDougal said. 

Phyllis Gorham, executive director of the also said that the election will have no impact: "the Chamber is nonpolitical," Gorham said. "We're going to continue to work for businesses, and whoever is in office, we will work with." 

One local business owner does not share that political indifference. Rick Smith, owner of , said that Lavine's reelection will have a negative impact on employers, specifically because of the Assemblyman's support of the MTA tax. 

"From a business standpoint, the election was a disaster," said Smith. "Employers on all levels pay the MTA tax, an unnecessary additional payroll tax, sponsored by Charles Lavine. He has said that it will not go away. Now, with additional confidence in his reelection, it will no doubt be raised, just like all the fares and tolls controlled by the MTA have already been, and those even before the election."

Smith said that business owners are not the only residents who will feel the burden MTA tax, but also property owners.

"I think the general public was not well enough informed about how far reaching Lavine's taxes go," Smith said. "Everyone pays his additional taxes, not just employers. Since the largest employers are the schools and the towns all over Long Island, they pay enormous MTA tax, which then will be reflected in higher property tax bills for everyone."

The Proposition, which was not passed, has no effect one way or another on business at all, said Smith: "The only result is the increased time lost from governing by incumbents seeking reelection, as well as those additional costs. That is a countrywide problem."

Vinny Abbondondollo, co-owner of the Downtown Pizzeria, said that he expects a tax increase regardless of who's in office and doesn't think that this election made a difference, as far as his business is concerned.

"I think taxes will go up this year; but what's the difference? Taxes go up every year," he said.

Residents also voiced concerns over the national, state and countywide election results.

Glen Cove resident Daniel Kaplan said that the national results will have more of an impact on the community than the local results.

"Some people don't want government," he said. "They just want the president out. They want to repeal healthcare and that's ridiculous. Citizens are now able to stay on their parents insurance until they are 26 and are guaranteed insurance even if they come down with an illness; the elected want to put those people back out."

While Kaplan said that most elected Republicans will work to undo any progress Obama has made, Smith said that he expects the same stagnant, unproductive government that's been in Albany. 

"As far as any effect on business by Fifth District or Statewide election results, since Albany has the worldwide reputation for inefficiency, dysfunction and corruption, those attributes will now continue and probably get worse, if that is possible. The New York Times, on more than one occasion, called for the removal from office of all  New York State incumbents. Too bad it didn't happen.," Smith said.