Port Washington Police Commissioner Race: Franklin Out, Scobbo In

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — The Port Washington Police District has a new commissioner after challenger Frank Scobbo defeated incumbent Commissioner Dave Franklin, who had served nine years in the position.

Voters cast ballots all afternoon and into the night Tuesday at Polish Hall. Franklin confirmed to Patch on Wednesday that Scobbo received 372 votes and Franklin received 346.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Scobbo celebrated the victory, writing "Thank you!!!"

Scobbo ran on a platform to improve the district's infrastructure without increasing taxes. He wants to use civilians to complete administrative tasks and leverage federal and state grant money to buy special gear and training to supplement the department's operating budget. Additionally, Scobbo wants to modernize the district's security and technology, and notably opposes hiking taxes to fund a new police headquarters building.

"Over $50,000 taxpayer dollars voted on in the last 6 weeks for a project the general public didn't know anything about until this election," Scobbo wrote in a Facebook post. "I'm fighting to save tax dollars and bring transparency to the district."

Franklin previously said the district during his tenure"vastly improved" the safety and well-being of residents through smart investments in technology and training. The district reduced costs while improving services and communication with the public, he said, and he noted he's made it a point to be easily accessible via social media and various email groups. Furthermore, a long-term deal is in place with the police union to help lower current salaries and reduce deferred benefits.