Political pioneers

In January 2018, something historic happened. For the first time, women were sworn in as the top elected officials in four of Long Island’s 13 towns, and in one of the region’s two counties. Among them were three women, all named Laura. Newsday followed Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith throughout their first year in office.   Credit: Newsday Staff