Blakeman casts his ballot, as voters talk taxes, policing

Law enforcement, taxes and a general dissatisfaction with state leaders were among the issues motivating voters in Atlantic Beach on Tuesday morning.

Robert Mandell, 40, said he believes it is his civic duty to vote as he helped get his toddler daughter into his car outside Village Hall.

"I feel very strongly that it's my civic duty and responsibility to participate in any and all elections that I'm available to," he said, adding he wanted to make sure the community was getting the "best representation" when it comes to issues like taxes.

Neal Ezra, 65, said he votes every election. His top priority this year was policing, he said, noting he supports law enforcement.

"Low taxes would be nice but I don't think that's coming from anybody," he said.

Carolyn Orena, meanwhile, almost lost her chance to cast her ballot. Orena said she was on her way to Connecticut when she realized she forgot to vote. Despite the extra charge to her EZ-Pass account, she said it was important enough for her to turn around.

Orena said she votes Republican and is concerned about the direction New York is going. She said she supports the current Nassau County administration.

"I wanted to make sure I voted and to get my opinions across," she said.

The three voters were joined Tuesday morning by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Just before 10 a.m., Blakeman, who is running for re-election against Democrat Seth Koslow, strode into Village Hall after being greeted warmly by voters. He cast his ballot, said he felt like a winner and insisted on getting the popular, but elusive "I voted" sticker.

Outside, he addressed reporters, telling them he felt confident but would be campaigning until polls close at 9 p.m.

By Deborah S. Morris

deborah.morris@newsday.comdsvmorris

Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.