By Margaret Hawrywk

Equipped with an undergraduate diploma and a law degree from the University, one alumnus began his campaign for Nassau County Legislature last week with a fundraising gala.

Thomas Sabellico, a resident of Farmingdale and a local attorney, chose to run as the Republican candidate for the 14th District legislative seat because he “had an opportunity to make a change,” he said.

The gala was postponed from Feb. 28 to March 1 due to the inclement weather, but was successful regardless, Sabellico said.

Sabellico is the president and founder of the Farmingdale Community Summit, an organization that brings “community organizations together for the common good.” He is also president and founder of Winning Beyond Winning Inc., “a not-for-profit organization that connects children with former pro athletes who enrich their lives by sharing their life experiences with them.” Sabellico is the founder of the 4887 Scholarship Foundation; president and 20-year board member of the Farmingdale Baseball League Inc. and has been a baseball coach since 1974, he said.

A graduate from the University’s undergraduate and law schools, Sabellico said he transferred to the University from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania because he wanted to be close to home and to his high school sweetheart, whom he married and raised three children with in Farmingdale.

“I was young and in love,” laughed Sabellico.

As a commuter student, Sabellico coached a children’s baseball league and was a reporter for The Chronicle. Although he was accepted into the School of Law at the University and St. John’s University, Sabellico chose to continue his studies at the University because he enjoyed his undergraduate experience, he said.

Nancy Rudolph, director of alumni relations at the law school, was glad to see a University alumnus enter the political world. She said there are many alumni currently holding positions in government and it sheds a positive light on the University, especially the law school, when graduates run for any public office regardless of whether they win or lose.

“It shows that our alumni are showing an interest in the community,” she said.

Sabellico plans to improve his community by staffing more police officers and paying more attention to the gang presence that has sprung up around the area. Sabellico said there are 500 less officers than there were four years ago, thus lowering police response time when incidents arise.

Sabellico is also concerned with the tax structure in the area that makes it too expensive for young couples and senior citizens to live comfortably in the community. He said he wants to work for the best possible results for his community and plans to continue his service to the area through organizations and his work as an attorney.

Although he has ambitious plans for the future, Sabellico is presently focused on his campaign and “not thinking past Nov. 8,” he said.

“I think I can make a difference,” Sabellico. “I hope people can see where my heart’s at.”