Drucker bests Imbroto in Legislature race

The Island Now

Democrat Arnold Drucker easily defeated Republican Louis Imbroto in an election for Nassau County’s 16th legislative district seat, which opened up after the unexpected death of longtime county Legislator Judy Jacobs. 

“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Drucker, who lives in Plainview and runs a law practice in Jackson Heights. 

“My primary goal is to do the kind of work that would make Judy Jacobs proud.” 

Drucker garnered 17,647 votes, which comprised 58 percent of the electorate; while Imbroto took in 12,774 votes, which amounted to 42 percent. 

The county’s 16th Legislative District takes in parts of Roslyn Heights, Old Westbury and the Town of Oyster Bay. 

Imbroto, also of Plainview, is the associate general counsel for the Nassau Health Care Corporation. 

He remained upbeat in spite of the loss. 

“I’m really proud of the results because this was a tough district,” he said. “I’m thrilled that I had a chance to present my plans to the voters.”

Jacobs’ death, on Sept. 13, brought the two candidates into an unexpected sprint toward Election Day. 

Throughout the campaign, they both expressed admiration for Jacobs but disparate visions for how to carry on her legacy in addressing issues of corruption, taxes, and spending. 

Drucker’s victory sets the makeup of the County Legislature at 12 Republicans and 7 Democrats, denying the Republicans a supermajority, which would have allowed them to pass large spending measures without a Democratic vote.

A primary feature of Drucker’s campaign was his criticism of the alleged malfeasance perpetrated by County Executive Edward Mangano, who was indicted for corruption charges on Oct. 20. Drucker said he supported a proposal by Nassau County District Madeline Singas and endorsed by Democratic legislators to institute an independent inspector general as a means of bolstering county oversight. 

Imbroto focused his campaign on cutting property taxes, which he blamed for forcing middle-income residents to move away from Nassau County. He said he would cut wasteful spending to mitigate the loss of revenue that would result from the tax cut. 

“I’m going to remain active in the community, reaching out to people and trying to work with politicians,” Imbroto said, expressing a desire to run for office again. 

Drucker, meanwhile, was eager to begin his term. 

“I cant wait to roll up my sleeves and get going,” he said.

BY MAX ZAHN

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