Legislator Richard J. Nicolello (516)571-6209 Committees: Planning, Development & The Environment - Ranking Labor _ Ranking Economic & Community Development Judiciary Towns, Villages & Cities Finance

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Biography:

Rich Nicolello has represented the 9th L.D. since the inception of the Nassau County Legislature. He was the first Chairman of the Legislature's Committee on Planning, Development and the Environment and helped establish a true committee system for the first time in Nassau government. As Committee Chairman, he helped oversee the County’s first ever Comprehensive Master Plan and Open Space Plan. He is currently the Ranking Member of the Planning Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Towns & Villages Committee.
Legislator Nicolello has sponsored and supported measures to reform County government so that it provides quality services to the taxpayers in the most business-like and cost-effective manner possible.
Among other things, Legislator Nicolello has sponsored laws to:

• Impose fiscal discipline on the County administration through spending reductions, consolidation of departments, and improved management.
• Require the County to prepare an economic and financial impact statement for every new proposed law.
• Prohibit sex offenders from establishing a residence within 1000 feet of a school or 500 feet of a playground.
• Establish Nassau County’s Environmental Bond Act to preserve open space, protect drinking water supplies and rehabilitate polluted properties.
• Bring community revitalization monies to the communities of the 9th L.D.
• Protect our young people, including a law that makes it illegal for minors to possess dangerous razor-blade like "box-cutters."
• Expand tax exemptions for seniors, the disabled and firefighters to the maximum amount allowed by law.

Legislator Nicolello also recently co-sponsored a law that would freeze the annual reassessment of residential property for five years. He has fought alongside community leaders to lessen the impacts of the LIRR’s third track project. Legislator Nicolello has also stood with the residents to oppose plans to continue the over development of the Nassau “Hub” which has resulted in gridlock traffic and empty stores on our “Main Streets.”
Prior to joining the Legislature, Rich Nicolello was a member of the Board of Directors of the Water Authority of Western Nassau. He also served as a Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of North Hempstead and as an Aide to then Assemblyman Dean G. Skelos.

Professional Experience

Rich Nicolello has been a practicing attorney since 1986. He is associated with the law firm of Congdon, Flaherty, O'Callaghan, Reid, Donlon, Travis & Fishlinger. He concentrates on the defense of civil litigation. Legislator Nicolello has also served as the Counsel to the Board of Education of the New Hyde Park - Garden City Park U.F.S.D. since 1987. As Board Counsel he provides advice on all of the aspects of operating a school district. Mr. Nicolello is admitted to the New York State Bar, as well as the Federal District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts. He is also a member of the Nassau County Bar Association.

Community Involvement

Legislator Nicolello is active in numerous community organizations and activities, including:

• Member and past president of the New Hyde Park Kiwanis Club, helping to coordinate the Club's sponsored youth programs in the local high school and elementary Schools.
• Member, Mineola Lions Club.
• Member, Cellini Lodge (Order Sons of Italy in America).
• Member, Columbian Lawyers' Association (the professional association of Italian-American attorneys).
• Associate Director, Irish-Americans in Government.
• Member, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
• 3d Degree Member, Knights of Columbus, NHP Council.
• Member, Notre Dame Parish.
• Member, Elks Club, NHP Lodge.
• Former coach, Wildcats Soccer Club.
• Member, Parks Civic Association.
• Member, New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce.
• Member-at-Large, Shelter Rock District, Theodore Roosevelt Council, Boy Scouts of America.
• Honorary Policy Committee Member – Jewish Advisory Network for Security on Long Island.

Education

Mr. Nicolello received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Politics (Magna cum Laude) from St. John's University. He received his Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School. He is a member of the Alumni Associations of Fordham Law School and St. John's University.

Personal background

Rich Nicolello is a life-long resident of New Hyde Park. He and his wife Susan have two children, Kathleen and Patrick.

9th Legislative District

The 9th L.D. is composed of all or part of the following communities: New Hyde Park, Mineola, Williston Park, East Williston, Carle Place, Westbury, Garden City Park, Floral Park Centre, Floral Park, Bellerose and Bellerose Terrace.