Nassau comptroller candidate Schnirman outraises Labriola

Amelia Camurati
Nassau County comptroller candidate Jack Schnirman, left, has raised more than twice as much as Steve Labriola, right, during the campaign. (Photos courtesy Jack Schnirman and Steve Labriola)

The Democratic candidate for Nassau County comptroller, Jack Schnirman of Long Beach, has outraised his Republican opponent, Steve Labriola of Massapequa, by more than double during the campaign.

According to the state Board of Elections, Schnirman has raised $458,233 since last September while Labriola has raised $163,063 since March.

Since the last report was done in July, Schnirman has raised $89,722 compared with  Labriola’s $47,155.

Four large contributors to Schnirman’s campaign make up $58,500 of the funds he has raised since December, including a $7,000 donation from the New York State Political Action Fund, $20,000 from Ira Riklis of New York City, $25,000 from Bryan Lawrence of New York City and $6,500 from Gunit Sabharwal of Oyster Bay.

Labriola has two donations over $5,000, both from Tobay Friends of Steve Labriola for $15,922.

“This is a grass roots campaign that is being driven by supporters across Nassau County,” Andrew Mulvey, Schnirman’s campaign manager, said in a statement. “This incredible support shows voters are demanding change and believe in Jack’s proven record of government reform and support his plan to end Nassau County’s culture of corruption so we can invest in the things we all care about.”

As the final month of campaigning begins, Schnirman has released a television ad airing throughout Nassau County focusing on Labriola’s time as Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano’s chief compliance officer. The ad claims that Labriola was responsible for “Mangano’s corrupt contracts” and has benefited from nepotism.

Labriola, however, denies all allegations in the ad and said he had consulted with lawyers about his legal options for “the malicious libel.”

“I think that it’s terrible that a person who’s never run for office before such as Mr. Schnirman would spend money attacking my family instead of introducing himself to the public and telling them why he’s the better candidate,” Labriola said. “I think it’s gutter politics, and hopefully people will see through a 30-second attack ad.”

Labriola is working on an ad as well but said it would focus on “records, not families.”

Labriola has been endorsed by the Civil Service Employees Association and four county law enforcement unions: the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, Superior Officers Association, Detectives Association Inc. and Nassau County Sheriff’s Correction Officers Benevolent Association.

“Steve’s record proves his commitment to the issues affecting public service employees, and addressing the needs of every hardworking man and woman in Nassau County,” Nicholas J. LaMorte, Civil Service Employees Association Long Island president, said.

“Without a doubt, Steve Labriola has a proven record of steadfast leadership, which this County needs now more than ever,” Brian Sullivan, Nassau County Sheriff’s Correction Officers Benevolent Association president, said in a news release.

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