Suffolk Republican backs Jacobs

Former Suffolk County Legislator and Presiding Officer Joseph Caracappa (R-Smithtown) in Newsday......

Unseating Jacobs is upsetting

As presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature, I have read with sadness and dismay the accounts of recent attempts to remove Judy Jacobs from her post as presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature ["The Mondello maneuver," News, Dec. 22]. These events have come as a complete shock to me, as I'm sure they have for many individuals across Long Island.

Not only should the powers that be in Nassau County be upset by these developments, but the voters and residents of Nassau should be both angered and offended. This political maneuvering equates to nothing more than an ill-conceived power grab, orchestrated by some ego-driven, power hungry, over-zealous politicians.

After my election as Suffolk presiding officer in January 2004, I worked with Jacobs. I found her an honest, caring, independent public servant who has put the needs of the public well ahead of partisanship or her own political gain. We were able to work in a bicounty, bipartisan approach, dealing with important issues such as regional planning and share ideas in an attempt to better our respective legislative bodies. I am better for having worked with Jacobs, just as the people of Nassau County are better for her leadership in the legislature.

Joseph T. Caracappa
Smithtown