Challenge to be heard on Quirk's petition

A challenge to independent candidate and Libertarian party member John Quirk’s petitions to run for the Nassau County legislature are expected to be heard Friday in State Supreme Court in Mineola.

Quirk — a district superintendent for the New York City Department of Sanitation — said he is confident he has enough valid signatures to survive the challenge. He said he collected 1,600 signatures and needed 1,106 to get on the ballot to run for the open seat in the 18th Legislative District. Oyster Bay resident Richard LaMarca challenged about 650 signatures — which, if upheld, would be enough to deny Quirk a place on the November ballot.

LaMarca did not return calls seeking comment.

Republican Donald MacKenzie, an Oyster Bay Water District commissioner, is running against Oyster Bay Democratic leader David Gugerty for the open seat. Quirk said he had wanted to run as a Republican.

“I’m not in it to be a spoiler,” Quirk said. “I’m in it to win it.”

Quirk, a bicyclist who has pushed for adding a bike lane on West Shore Road in Mill Neck, said his activism over the road has garnered him support among Democrats and Republicans.