Suffolk County Legislator, 2nd Legislative District: Manuel Vilar Jr.

MANUEL VILAR JR.
Republican
BACKGROUND:

• Vilar, 62, of Springs is seeking the 2nd Legislative District seat.
• He retired as a senior sergeant with the State Park Police and as president of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State last year. He also founded the government relations firm Accabonac Strategies LLC.
• He is a graduate of Suffolk County Community College.

ISSUES:

• Vilar said the top issue is traffic and that the South Fork needs a comprehensive plan that involves county, state and potentially federal resources to improve County Road 39.
• He said water quality is the top environmental issue the district will face in the next 20 years and that he would consider “all viable alternatives” to achieve a goal of zero groundwater contamination.
• Providing housing for the South Fork’s workforce is also a major issue, he said. Citing the lack of affordable housing on the East End, he said he would oppose efforts to place migrants in the area.