Insiders, including some lawmakers, say privately that Nassau legislators were motivated by political considerations when they steamrolled over opposition from community health care advocates, ignored the recommendation of Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, and rushed on Monday to reappoint controversial Long Island businessman Bobby Kumar — who admitted in 2001 that he faked his own kidnapping — to the corporate board that runs the Nassau University Medical Center.
They say legislators, along with Nassau Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs, believed state Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay wants Kumar to become the next Nassau Independence Party chairman. And because many politicians covet the party’s ballot line, few wanted to risk the consequences of publicly opposing Kumar.
Consequently, only Judy Jacobs and Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) voted against Kumar’s re-appointment while Democrat David Mejias and Republicans Ed Mangano, Richard Nicolello and John Ciotti left the room before the vote.
Before the kidnap ruse, Kumar was a Nassau Republican party vice-chairman and was considered a political powerbroker statewide. He said this week he switched his registration to the Independence Party about three years ago and now shares his business's office space with MacKay whenever the state chairman, who also heads the Suffolk party, is in Nassau.
MacKay said Tuesday that Kumar is a good friend — but that a legislator’s vote for or against him would not influence future Independence endorsements.
“Personally I see Bobby as being a behind-the-scenes guy,” MacKay said, when asked if he was pushing Kumar for Nassau chairman. “I’m behind Peregine,” he added, referring the Michael Peregine, who has been battling Jim Kapsis for years to become Nassau chairman. “As a rule I don’t go into counties and try to influence who the chairman is going to be.”
But does that qualify as a no?
Celeste Hadrick
Comments (6)
You forgot to mention that Dave Mejias voted for the reappointment of Kumar as well. I'm sure it just slipped Newsday's editorial board's mind and had nothing to due with them trying to not publish anything negative about the guy they're pushing to unseat Peter King.
You've got your facts wrong. Mejias didn't even vote, he left early. Which is actually even worse. Here is a guy criticizing King for his stand on the controversial issue of immigration and when a controversial vote comes up for him he hides. He knew he would fall out of favor with dems if he voted against and be criticized by the public if he voted for. What a coward.
You want to talk about cowardly votes? Peter King votes for the failed policies of George Bush 85% of the time. He votes the GOP Party line 90% OF THE TIME. Talk about a rubber stamp. His subordinance has run the country into the ground.
King also voted to weaken ethics rule to save his buddy Tom Delay from investigation.
Peter King- Cowardly AND Corrupt.
How often does Mejias vote with Suozzi? That is when he decides to show up? Where is his independent voice?
When Mejias follows Suozzi's lead, we lift Nassau out of the gutter the Republican machine put us in. When King votes with Bushie, he cuts social programs for the middle class to pay for giveaways to the super-rich. If you own a yacht and a bentley, Peter King's your guy. If not, maybe it's time for Mejias.
Its been over five years now. You can stop blaming the Republicans for Nassau's problems. I think the Dems have been in office long enough now to start taking responsibility ie Nassau Medical Center, a failed reassessment, increase in gangs, corruption, sexual harrassment, decrease in the quality of parks, hiring Bobby Kumar. I can go on.