Former Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci confirmed to run Suffolk's traffic violations bureau

Suffolk County lawmakers, in a split vote, approved the appointment of former Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci as director of the county’s Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.

Four Democrats voted against the appointment at Tuesday’s general meeting of the Suffolk Legislature, which itself followed a contentious committee meeting last week, when lawmakers questioned Lupinacci on past controversies while he held elected office, as well as how he plans to bring fairness and transparency to the office.

All 11 Republicans voted to appoint the former Huntington lawmaker, along with Legis. Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park).

County Executive Edward P. Romaine, a Republican, appointed Lupinacci to replace Bryan Browns, who was elected county court judge in November. Lupinacci, 46, began the role in January on a preliminary basis prior to the legislature's formal approval.

Lupinacci, who was not present at Tuesday's meeting, told the members of the Ways & Means Committee last week the agency plans to implement a “more robust online platform,” will enhance the agency’s call center and open for evening hours at least once a week.

He said his prior experience will allow him to "find ways to operate the TPVA in a manner conducive with treating all people fairly, with respect, and ensuring they receive the best customer service available."

Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) and Legis. Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), Greg Doroski (D-Mattituck) and Samuel Gonzalez (D-Brentwood) voted against the appointment. Legis. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Ann Welker (D-Southampton) both abstained.

Doroski questioned Lupinacci during last week's committee about several controversies, including a crash while Lupinacci drove a town-assigned SUV while he was supervisor in 2021 and two accusations of sexual harassment. Lupinacci replied that no wrongdoing was found in any case.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) said Doroski was trying “to muddy the waters on a nomination process" and said the questioning wasn't "germane to the proceedings.”

Piccirillo also apologized to Lupinacci and called the questioning “unprofessional.”

Doroski on Tuesday defended his questioning as an appropriate examination of Lupinacci’s record while in elected office.

Lupinacci ran for Sanin's 16th Legislative District seat in the November election but lost. Prior to Tuesday's vote, Sanin said while she believes in second chances, that does not “automatically translate into suitability for every role, particularly a public facing position that involves enforcing rules and standards that have previously been called into question.”

By Joe Werkmeister

joe.werkmeister@newsday.com

Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.

---