Nassau Dems elect Abrahams caucus leader

Here's the announcement from Nassau's Democratic organization on the party's new legislative leadership, with Minority Leader Diane Yatauro departing the body.

The Nassau Democrats last night, unanimously elected Kevan Abrahams (LD1) as the leader of the Democratic Caucus in the Legislature. After serving the areas of Uniondale, Roosevelt, Hempstead and Baldwin for nearly a decade, Abrahams will lead the Democrats in the Nassau County Legislature. This historic decision means that Abrahams will be the first African American leader from either party in Nassau County.

When first elected through a special election in 2002, Abrahams became the youngest legislator ever elected in Nassau County. Since taking office, he has taken on issues such as Nassau's spiraling property taxes and more recently, Abrahams took the lead on pushing back the Republican power grab of drawing new legislative lines that would have diminished minority and Jewish representation in the Nassau County Legislature. The Republicans' redistricting plan was deemed illegal by the New York State Court of Appeals in August.

"I am so pleased that Kevan Abrahams will be our new caucus leader. I named Kevan to serve as our budget director in 1999 when I became Presiding Officer. He maintains a thorough understanding of county budgeting and finances which is so sorely needed these days. He also brings proven leadership and a firm dedication to our principles and values," remarked Legislator and former Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs.

“It was Kevan who stood firm for taxpayers when he opposed the voter-defeated coliseum tax. It was Kevan who stood firm against the Mangano administration's efforts to shift certain tax burdens onto local school districts," continued Jacobs.

"Of utmost importance for me is the fact that Kevan is a man of honesty and integrity."

In addition to holding the line on taxes and curbing reckless Republican spending, Abrahams has made child safety issues a top priority. Abrahams was the lead sponsor for a local law that restricted registered sex offenders from living near schools, parks and playgrounds. He was also instrumental in the passage of Tobacco 19, a local law that raised the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 19 in an effort to keep cigarettes off high school campuses.

"I am humbled by my colleagues' unanimous support," said Abrahams after last nights caucus meeting. "I pledge to be a strong voice for county residents who struggle to survive a poor economy, higher taxes and a decreasing level of quality services."

Abrahams brings with him a wealth of experience at varying levels of government. He joined the County Legislature staff as Deputy Finance Director in 2000, eventually moving up to the position of Finance Director. He brings with him a wealth of government experience and has served as a legislative assistant and Deputy District Director for Congressman Floyd H. Flake and as a District Representative for Carolyn McCarthy. Abrahams also worked in the private sector as a Financial Analyst for Astoria Federal Savings Bank. Abrahams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Queens College and also attended Baruch College's MBA Program. He is married and has two children.

After last week's county elections the majority in the Nassau County Legislature is undetermined, pending recounts in legislative districts 14 and 18.