Spin Cycle

James Larocca, who spent a decade as a state commissioner and nearly another as a Long Island business leader, has put in his name for state comptroller.
Larocca, 63, now a professor at Long Island University’s Southampton graduate center, said, “I’m looking for the lightning I couldn’t find in 1998 to strike now” -- a reference to his unsuccessful run that year for governor.
A Sag Harbor resident, Larocca served as transportation and energy commissioner at different times in the Carey and Cuomo administrations. He also headed the Long Island Association for eight years and is currently the unpaid chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Board.
Larocca, a lawyer, said he believes his credentials in different roles gives him unique qualifications for the post and feels that the merit-based process made it worth getting into. “I think I will receive very fair and respectful considerations. Whether I get all the way there is yet to be determined,“ he said.

Rick Brand