New Nassau GOP Elections Commissioner to be appointed

Oyster Bay Republican Louis Savinetti is expected to be confirmed by the Nassau legislature Dec. 6 as the county's new GOP elections commissioner, replacing John DeGrace, who retired earlier this year.

Savinetti, a former Oyster Bay town board member, former Glen Head GOP leader and current commissioner of divisions and programs in the town, was recommended for the $124,000-a-year post by Nassau Republican Chairman Joseph Mondello. The Democratic and Repubilcan commissioners are chosen by their respective party leaders but must be ratified by the legislature.

"He’s a longtime party activist, been through many, many political campaigns and is very well qualified for the position,"  Mondello spokesman Anthony Santino said of Savinetti.

Savinetti's appointment reflects the growing influence of Oyster Bay in Nassau politics since two Oyster Bay Republicans took over two powerful county positions last year: Edward Mangano of Bethpage was elected county executive and  Legis. Peter Schmitt  of Massapequa became presiding officer of the county legislature. DeGrace was from Valley Stream in Hempstead Town.

Despite the county's shaky financial position, sources say there is movement in both the Republican and Democratic camps to increase the salaries of the two elections commissioners to $154,000 each to match the pay of Westchester elections commissioners.