Voters Send McKevitt Back to State Assembly

Tom McKevitt, R-East Meadow, has held onto his 17th Assembly District seat, according to unofficial results from the Nassau County Board of Elections.

With 99.2 percent of precincts reporting, McKevitt has secured 23,513 votes, while Thomas Devaney, D-Williston Park, has garnered 14,313. 

"I am very pleased," McKevitt said. "I worked very hard, and I want to thank the voters for all their support. I am trying to show the people that I am part of the solution and not part of the problem in Albany."

McKevitt is now in position to begin his fourth term and has held this post since 2006. He was born in Oceanside and has lived most of his life in East Meadow. In a recent interview with Patch, McKevitt spoke about some of the ideas that he has for the 17th Assembly District.

"We need to repeal the MTA payroll tax," he said. "It is not only is a great burden on businesses, but it is also is a disincentive to hire new employees. New jobs are urgently needed, and we should not put obstacles in the way."

Devaney, an active volunteer firefighter, is a newcomer to the political arena, and he was trying to make a late push for the district seat.

"Of course I was disappointed we were not successful," Devaney said. "I realize how hard all of the volunteers associated with my campaign worked to get our message out of change and reform in Albany, and I thank them for their efforts."

Devaney also stressed that he will remain active in his local fire department.

"My brother firefighters always knew from the beginning, that this election was never going to change my status with them," Devaney said. "I was on a fire call Monday, and I will continue to serve my community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. "

Moving forward, McKevitt has extended his hand to Governor Andrew Cuomo, and said that job creation in New York should be his number one prerogative.

"I look forward to working with him," McKevitt said. "Governor Cuomo is going to have to submit a budget, and he inherits an $8 billion dollar deficit. We need to create jobs, or New York State is going to wither away and die."

The 17th Assembly District includes North Bellmore, North Merrick and East Meadow, as well as portions of New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Garden City, Mineola, Williston Park, East Williston and Carle Place.