MINEOLA, NY (TIP): On the steps of Mineola Village Hall, former Mineola Mayor and State Senator Jack Martins announced, April 26, his candidacy for Nassau County Executive.

“For the first hundred years of its existence, Nassau County was the nation’s preeminent suburb and a magnet for investment, growth and prosperity,” said Martins. “Unfortunately, Nassau County’s second century has been marred by high taxes, corruption and fiscal instability.”

Surrounded by dozens of supporters including Mayors from across Nassau County, Martins articulated his vision to restore the public’s trust and reimagine county government. Through fiscal responsibility and accountability, Martins stressed the importance of making Nassau County more affordable for middle class families and returning local control of the county’s finances.

“One hundred and eighty-nine days ago, I called for a change in leadership in Nassau County,” Martins said. “Today, that change begins and we turn the page to begin a new chapter in Nassau County’s history.”

As the state senator representing North Hempstead and portions of the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay for three terms, Jack Martins worked to cap property taxes and state spending, roll back the MTA Payroll tax, end the unfair Gap Elimination Adjustment that redirected Long Island‘s state school aid to New York City and passed the constitutional amendment stripping corrupt elected officials of their taxpayer funded pensions. Martins also led the Senate‘s Workforce Development Task Force and chaired Senate committees on labor and local government.

“Jack Martins is exactly the person Nassau County needs right now,” said Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss. “Jack has the integrity, and the leadership we need in our elected officials.

Jack’s track record as Mayor of Mineola speaks for itself. He restructured Mineola’s finances and put the village on the right track,” concluded Strauss.

As mayor of the Village of Mineola, Jack Martins inherited many of the same challenges facing Nassau County–budget deficits, soaring debt and challenges to its assessment system. As mayor, Martins developed balanced, fiscally responsible budgets and debt management plans that substantially reduced Mineola’s debt and returned the village to a sound financial footing. He also led the effort to create Mineola’s award-winning master redevelopment plan that expanded the village’s economic base through smart growth principles.

“Jack Martins is a leader whose integrity speaks for itself. He will represent Nassau County well. Jack is honest and has the experience to solve the fiscal challenges that Nassau County faces every day,” said Stewart Manor Mayor Michael Onorato. “I’m proud to stand here with Jack and support him for county executive because he will provide honest leadership in Nassau County.”

“Jack Martins will provide the honest leadership Nassau County needs,” said Massapequa Park Mayor Jeffrey Pravato. “As the Mayor of Mineola, Jack distinguished himself as a bipartisan problem solver and I’m confident that, through Jack’s leadership, Nassau County will have a bright future,” concluded Pravato.