Kopel Tops Moser for Second Term as 7th District Legislator

Howard Kopel handily defeated Adam Moser on Tuesday and gained a second term as legislator for the seventh district, according to unofficial election results.

Kopel, of Lawrence, ran his campaign on the Republican line of keeping taxes low and slashing spending, which was supported by residents of the Five Towns. Kopel recently approved a 2012 budget that will privatize the county’s bus system, close two police precincts and save about $51 million with potential union layoffs and about $80 million more in concessions.

“It’s very satisfying,” Kopel told Patch. “It was an ugly, nasty campaign by the other side. I’m very gratified that people have good sense and saw that we’re trying to do good things. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

With 98.46 percent of precincts reporting in as of 1:46 a.m., Kopel received 6,184 votes to Moser’s 4,306, or 58.9 percent to 41 percent, according to Nassau County Board of Elections.

Many Five Towns voters interviewed at the polls approved of the job Kopel and his party has been doing since being elected in 2009.

“[Republicans] have my best interests at heart,” said Sherry, of Woodmere, who did not want to give her last name. “The cost of living is really high. I can’t afford a tax increase.”

Norman Ross, of Woodmere, reflected those thoughts when he said he voted down the conservative line.

“Government has to cut back on spending, and Democrats don’t know how to do that,” he said. “You have to live in a budget.”

David Graber, of Cedarhurst, said he didn’t like how Moser ran his campaign.

“I'm looking for a legislator who doesn't knock the opponent,” he said. “Moser was not standing for anything and just knocking Kopel.”

The 7th District includes Five Towns, Bay Park, Island Park, North Woodmere, Mill Brook, and parts of Oceanside and East Rockaway.

Andrew Shilling contributed to this article.