Adam Haber, a Roslyn school board member who last year unsuccessfully ran in a Democratic primary for Nassau County executive, will hold a campaign rally on March 27 at noon at the Albertson Veterans of Foreign War hall to formally announce his candidacy for the 7th state Senate district.
Haber on Thursday registered the campaign “Haber for New York” with the state Board of Elections, possibly setting the stage for a race against Sen. Jack Martins [R-Mineola], who took office in 2011.
“I think I could do a lot of good work in my community,” Haber said Tuesday. “I’ve really taken a lot of time examining local government and the issues my community faces, many progressive issues.”
The 7th state Senate district includes Mineola, Roslyn, Westbury, New Hyde Park, Williston Park, Garden City Park, Manhasset, Great Neck, Port Washington and parts of Floral Park, Franklin Square, Elmont, Valley Stream, Carle Place and Hicksville.
In a statement, Martins spokesman Chris Schneider said, “Senator Martins will never, ever stop fighting for the residents of the 7th Senate District and we’re confident that they will continue to appreciate his efforts on their behalf, regardless of who his opponent is.”
Haber, a Village of East Hills resident, challenged Democrat Tom Suozzi for the party’s nomination for county executive and conceded after a Sept. 10 primary. Suozzi, who served as county executive from 2001-09, lost the general election to Republican incumbent Edward Mangano.
Haber was also among the candidates considered for the Town of North Hempstead’s 2nd council district position that went to former East Hills Trustee Peter Zuckerman.
Haber said he decided to run after being courted by the state Senate’s Democratic nominating committee to run against Martins.
Sen. Mike Gianaris [Astoria], the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee chairman, said in a statement that, “Adam will be a great addition to the Democratic conference and I know he’ll be a strong voice for lower property taxes, job creation and great schools in Nassau.”
Haber said his experience in public education with the Roslyn school board, as well as within the private sector as a former independent commodities trader and currently as a restaurateur, has helped make him socially conscious to issues impacting residents, businesses and municipalities.
His campaign against Suozzi, he said, taught him how to run a campaign for public office.
“It really gave me a strong handle on all the issues that face Nassau County and enabled me to meet all the players, whether in business or industry, and hear their concerns,” Haber said. “I feel I’m coming in with a strong background in what’s needed, instead of going about it and learning about it for the first time. It was certainly an educational process.”
