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Interview with North Hempstead
Democrat Leader Joe Galante
BACKGROUND
Age 37 and single. Lifelong Mineola resident. Masters in Political
Science (American University) and a
Bachelors Degree in
Political Science from St. John’s University. Currently Director of
Public Affairs for Nassau Downs (OTB) and formerly Long Island
Representatives to both Governor Cuomo and Comptroller McCall.
ON SUPERVISOR JON KAIMAN
I’ve been impressed
by his ability to delegate and take charge. He’s brought a sense of
community and teamwork that has been and will be vital to his long-term
success.
2004 PRESIDENCY
A close race between
President Bush and John Kerry. Two points either way. Ohio and Florida
will be the keys.
FUNCTIONS AS TOWN LEADER
There are three main
functions: (1) To keep people unified. This showed when we drew up
Councilmanic Districts last year and we won 5 out of 6 seats. (2)
Raising money even in the off years. Last year our candidates and the
Committee raised over $500,000 on the coordinated campaign. (3)
Recruiting and retaining a strong talented team. The young people are an
important part of the process. It’s hard but we have been successful
in bringing in new leadership.
MESSAGE TO JOHN KERRY
Learn a lesson from Al
Gore’s playbook and don’t make his mistakes. Find a way to
incorporate former President Bill Clinton into your
campaign, especially in the South.
FAVORITE NASSAU REP,
ITALIAN DISH, ACTRESS & WRITER
John DeGrace, Chicken
Picata, Sandra Bullock & Michael Moore
NASSAU LEGISLATURE
It makes great theatre.
We’ve had situations with close voting margins between parties for 5
years. There’s always a give and take between the Dems and the Reps.
Overall it’s been a good institution compared to the old Board of
Supervisors. Because of the fact that’s it has been 10-9 for so long,
it’s hard for the legislators to always have a coherent plan of
attack. It’s been more reactive than pro-active.
TOM DiNAPOLI
He is a tremendous
leader and individual who is dedicated to his work. He appears serious
about taking a step up politically. He has a
lot to offer and the backing of many in his race for Lt. Governor.
MINOR PARTIES
They have caused me
many sleepless nights. While we like candidates to have multiple ballot
lines, I wish there was a less complicated way of knowing who will be
in-charge of a particular political party for more than two years.
UP & COMERS
(Democrats, North Hempstead)
John Darcy, Rafael
Lieber, Caisy Goldschmidt and Kim Corcoran-the young people who recruit
new people to our organization.
2006 GUBERNATORIAL RACE
Although it’s still
early, Eliot Spitzer seems to be the favorite with Tom Suozzi definitely
in the hunt. I think that Chuck Schumer would change everyone’s plans
if he decides to make the move. On the Rep side, if Mike Balboni makes a
move for Attorney General, we feel that the Democrats can take the 7th
Senatorial District.
PERSONAL GOALS (next
1-2 years)
I hope to vacation and
settle down and start raising a family. I have packed a lot into my 37
years. Politically I want to continue to unify and build the North
Hempstead Democratic Committee.
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