GOP hopes to pick up seats in Islip Town

In Islip Town, Supervisor Phil Nolan and two Democratic colleagues -- one of whom could become the first minority legislator in town history -- will try to hold on to a narrow 3-2 town board majority in next month's election.

In what might be the most compelling of western Suffolk County's townwide races, Democratic incumbent Gene Parrington and newcomer Renee Ortiz face Republican-backed John Cochrane Jr. and Anthony Senft Jr. in a town board contest with the four candidates competing for two seats. Ortiz, who is of Puerto Rican descent, would make history if elected.

Nolan, who also sits on the town board, became the first Democratic supervisor of Islip in 38 years when he won a special election in 2006. He faces Republican Thomas Croci.

"I think voters know that if they don't vote for Parrington and Ortiz, Phil Nolan won't be able to do what he has been able to do in holding the line on taxes," said Suffolk County Democratic chairman Richard Schaffer. "He'd be a minority supervisor without any power."

But Suffolk Republican chairman John Jay LaValle said he hopes the Republicans can take advantage of voter frustration about the economy and unemployment.

"The public is upset with what's going on, and regardless of party affiliation," he said.

Gordon is running as a Democrat, alongside Thomas Donnelly. The Republican challengers are Thomas Gargiulo and William "Matt" Groh.

LaValle said he believes Republicans can make gains in Babylon, where Democrats hold serve. "The days of assuming certain seats are unwinnable are over," he said.

In Brookhaven, Democratic Supervisor Mark Lesko defends his position against Republican planning board member Cecile Forte. Republican and Conservative members hold four seats on the seven-member town board, but Republican Kathleen Walsh, also Lesko's deputy supervisor, frequently votes with the Democrats. Every seat is on the ballot.

Lesko said he believes his work to hold the line on town taxes could aid Democrats at the polls and give the party a more solid majority. But Forte said rising town fees under Lesko could help Republicans take firm control of the board.

"My opponent has been less than careful about managing people's money," Forte said.

Huntington's ballots ask residents to choose from two of four town board candidates, including incumbents Susan Berland and Glenda Jackson.

The two Democrats are opposed by a pair of Republican-backed candidates, Eugene Cook and Huntington Bay Village Mayor Herbert Morrow, who have run aggressive campaigns.

A complete voter's guide to all candidates in all races will appear in Newsday's Nov. 6 edition and at newsday.com.