Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Nassau County Legislature candidate Ricky LaRosa (R-C-RTL) conceding defeat at a press
conference at La Palma Restaurant II in Freeport, New York in the presence of his supporters,
family and Channel 12 News TV on September 10, 2002
Ricky LaRosa needs little introduction in the body politic of Long Island. After
only tens years working for the community at-large, in general and the
Hispanics, in particular, Ricky has become one of the most respected – and
feared – leaders around. With Ricky there are no in between, people either love
him or hate him. It is because he arouses many sentiments with his passionate
convictions and his raw, uncensored speech.
Ricky stopped complaining about the political status quo with his first campaign
in 2000 when he ran for the Hempstead School Board. In 2002, he ran for the
Uniondale School Board and the Nassau County Legislature District One,
representing Uniondale, Roosevelt and parts of Freeport, Baldwin, Hempstead
and East Meadow. Again in 2003 he ran for the Uniondale School Board. He has
experienced four consecutive election defeats.
Many candidates usually quit politics after two defeats but not Ricky. He says
that as long as he is alive he will continue participating as a candidate for public
office. He says that as a leader he must be an example to the Hispanic
community that only those who endure and struggle amidst defeats eventually
triumph. Presently, he is in his unprecedented fifth campaign again for county
legislator. At 41 years old, Ricky has shown courage under fire, humility in
defeat, and a tenacious strength against all odds making him a leader for all
seasons.
Why were you chosen to run for county legislator again after last year’s 1 to 5
margin defeat?
LaRosa: “I can not speak for the Republican leadership nor am I privileged to the
selection process. However, I have been told by many in the party that they were
very pleased with my performance and that I represented the party well. I
believe I did fine and I am very proud to represent my party again.”
What are the attributes needed to become a good and effective legislator?
LaRosa: “To the extent that the same group of people I just mentioned are the
same that are conceiving and implementing policies that benefit their corporate
associates and have nothing to do with the national security of our nation, I must
honestly say that I don’t believe there exists a true war on terrorism. These rogue
officials have used the tragedy of 9/11 as a pretext for their so-called war on
terrorism. This places every American in great danger. Unfortunately, for
President Bush and the nation, persons who have lied to him and who have
deceived the American people for their own personal gain have sabotaged his
administration and our nation’s foreign policies.”
How do you answer your critics who say that you don’t belong in the
Republican Party and call you unpatriotic?
LaRosa: “Dissenting is one of the most patriotic acts a person can engage in. I am
100% loyal to my party and I love America. Where else in the world can the son
of a janitor grow up and have a chance of becoming the people’s representative
in the legislative body? I dissent when I believe policies are harmful to our
nation. My critics should grow a backbone one day and experience how great it
feels to tell the truth.”
LaRosa: “I ask your readers to pray for our nation, for our troops in harms way,
and for our president. May our Lord given him light to see the truth and the
courage to admit that he was wrong and reverse those foreign policies which
place our troops and our people in grave danger of death and destruction. Thank
you.”
Campaign photos:
Channel 12 News TV debate transmitted live on September 5, 2002