Democratic club chief and party critic backs Suozzi for county executive

The head of the Rockville Centre Democratic Club, who last month criticized his party for endorsing candidates prior to the nominating convention, has thrown his support behind former Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, who is running for his old seat.

Henry Boitel, who became president of the club at the start of 2013, endorsed Suozzi in an email to the candidate immediately following last week’s convention. The Rockville Centre Democratic Club has not backed a candidate in the race.

“In view of your demonstrated record, the strong showing of support for you at the convention this evening, and your commitment to reform of government and politics in Nassau County, for the benefit of its present and future residents, you have my personal support,” Boitel wrote.

Boitel was heavily critical of Party Chairman Jay Jacobs and other Democratic officials in early May, arguing that his party “dropped all pretense of democratic significance” by backing Suozzi months earlier. Suozzi is facing a Democratic primary from East Hills businessman Adam Haber.

Boitel said Friday he was encouraged by Suozzi’s pledge to make government more transparent and cut patronage. He also encouraged Suozzi and Haber to find common ground for the benefit of the party.

“I would like to see Tom and Adam come to an agreement that will avoid a primary that may well be destructive to achievement of the values that they share and to the kind of constructive dialog that will enable the Democratic Party to win in November and to get Nassau back on a proper course,” he said.