John Rennhack for Nassau County Legislator

Massapequan Observer 10/24/03

Nassau Legislative District 12 Candidates
John Rennhack

John Rennhack
By Jessica Anderson
Democratic challenger John Rennhack of North Massapequa is seeking election to Nassau Legislative District 12, which encompasses Massapequa, Massapequa Park, and portions of North Massapequa and Seaford.

If elected, Rennhack said his main focus would be to put Nassau's fiscal house in order. "There are many things I would like to see accomplished in the 12th, but without the money from the county, it will be difficult to accomplish them," Rennhack said. He claims that his opponent, together with his party, have been deceiving the voters of Nassau County.

"Mr. Schmitt has gone on and on about a $500 million increase in spending which he blames on Tom Suozzi and the Democratic Majority," Rennhack said. "The truth is that what Mr. Schmitt is attacking is mandated cost increases which he knows about. These increases are in Medicaid, pensions and healthcare."

When Nassau County has succeeded in moving from deficit to surplus, Rennhack said he would like to see county property tax decrease by 3 percent every year for five years if the next year's budget spending and receipts are in the black.

If elected, he said he would also like to see passage of his Military Reservist Tax Relief proposal in the Nassau County Legislature and in Congress. The proposal would freeze property taxes for reservists serving more than six months overseas, and provide federal grants to pay the taxes to the municipalities.

Another goal of Rennhack's would be to have the Legislature pass a Minimum Fuel Efficiency Standard for all county vehicles in various classes. "When new vehicles are purchased they must meet or exceed the standard," Rennhack explained. "This will save the county money at a time when gas prices are high and look to get higher in the near future."

Finally, Rennhack has plans for a light rail system on Rt. 135, connecting the north and south shores with connections to Long Island Bus routes and Long Island Rail Road stations. "This would make travel in Nassau easier for residents and workers without cars."

Rennhack, who is originally from Queens, credits his dedication to civic responsibility to his mother, who was involved with local organizations in Middle Village. "She stood up and fought for the neighborhood and did not shy away from getting the job done," Rennhack explained.

"I have always been outspoken socially and politically." He said he was prepared to run for the School Board in Queens but backed out when he decided to live in Nassau. "I felt it would be wrong to run, win and then leave one year later."

Rennhack believes that the fact that he comes from the private sector and hasn't been involved with the political system will make him an asset to the 12th District. "I am a leader, not a follower," he said. "I will not only have my own plans for the financial recovery of Nassau and keeping the county strong, but I will work with anyone who has a feasible and fiscally responsible plan. Politics cannot enter the equation when we are charged with the responsibility of keeping Nassau the best county in the country."

Rennhack works for CBS Television where he is responsible for millions of dollars of programming and advertising. He graduated from St. John's University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He is a member of the Stueben Society and the Sons of Italy. He is married to Jean since 1997, with twins due any day.

Rennhack, who is also running on the Working Families Party line, has received endorsements from the Liberal Party of Nassau County, NOW of Long Island and the Empire State Pride Agenda.

Rennhack believes his honesty and commitment to public service make him the most desirable candidate for the job. "When I go to the legislature," he said, "I will go as an equal and be what the founding fathers envisioned: a citizen legislator. I am not making this a career. I will do what I have to in order to get Nassau County back on the right track and then move on."