Tom Muratore Hosts a Margarita Madness Fundraiser

A festive political fundraiser for Suffolk County Leg. Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma), who is running for re-election in November, was held at  last week.  The Cinco de Mayo themed Margarita Madness and Karaoke Night was a fun-filled event with over 100 attendees.

Muratore's third annual Karaoke night was a lighthearted way to kickoff the campaign season with friends and supporters.

At last year's fundraiser Muratore performed a Bobby Darin song, and this year the self-professed "people's legislator" planned on paying tribute to Dion. Muratore's approachable style was evident at the laid back soiree where he donned a sombrero, fake mustache and brightly colored poncho to get into the spirit of the occasion.

"I'm all about the constituents," he said. "I like people to appreciate what government can do for you.  I try to cut taxes as well as cutting spending.

Muratore was the sponsor of a  resolution, which will cap the county's portion of gasoline sales tax when the price reaches $3 a gallon.  It was , due to a technicality, earlier this year, but will go into effect June 1.   According to Muratore, this will save Suffolk County taxpayers $4 million annually.

One of the guests in attendance, Arlene Hoffman from Selden said, "Tom's absolutely the best legislator.  Tom is always there.  If it needs to be done, Tom gets it done.  Tom's not in it for himself; he's in it for the people.  He's got a lifetime of community service."

Muratore worked as a law enforcement professional for 35 years.  He served as a patrol officer, and a senior instructor at the Suffolk County Police Academy.

He is involved in numerous political, civic and community service activities and organizations, and in 2006 was honored with the "Community Service Award of Excellence" by Suffolk County Community College.

While all on hand were enthusiastic about supporting Muratore, most were apprehensive about the prospect of belting out a karaoke tune.

"Last year my wife picked something by ABBA; I'm not doing that again," said John Rago, Third Ward leader for Brookhaven.

Having learned his lesson, the hard way, he said this year he would be picking "something with a very narrow range — and short."

"We're here for the margaritas, and because Tom's a great guy. We fully support him," said Joseph White, originally from Ronkonkoma and now residing in Coram.  "We heard Tom sing last year, and we're all here to hear him sing this year."