Brookhaven Democrats endorse 2 Republicans

The Democratic slate for Brookhaven Town Hall has many familiar names -- including two Republicans.

Republican Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh was cross-endorsed for re-election by the town Democratic Party at its convention Wednesday. The Democrats also cross-endorsed Republican town tax receiver Lou Marcoccia.

Walsh was tapped by Democratic town supervisor Mark Lesko in 2009 to serve as deputy supervisor and has frequently supported his policies. She was elected to the town council in 2005 and re-elected in 2007 and 2009.

"I'm very grateful to receive the cross-endorsement and to be given such a good opportunity to serve the residents of the 3rd Council District," which runs from Lake Ronkonkoma to Coram, Walsh said.

"I think we're proud to say as a party we unanimously voted to support the entire slate including these two elected officials," said Marc Alessi, chairman of the Brookhaven Democratic Committee. "We believe in good government. We believe in the business of the people before politics."

The party nominated all incumbents, including Lesko, highway superintendent John Rouse, councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld and councilwoman Connie Kepert.

The Democrats are fielding three newcomers for the remaining council seats.

Marie Berkoski of Rocky Point works for the county economic-development commission, and acts as a liaison to several chambers of commerce. She is running against Councilwoman Jane Bonner.

Susan Gonzalez of Mastic Beach is a community activist involved in a number of organizations in Shirley and Mastic, according to Alessi. She is running against Councilman Dan Panico.

Tom Cavanaugh, a former teacher from Patchogue who works at the county Board of Elections, is running against Councilman Tim Mazzei.

With the Brookhaven Republicans convening next week to make their nominations for town elections, Walsh said she is confident she will also get their nod.

"I have a lot of support in the GOP and I don't think it will be a problem," she said.

She then added, "Though I don't particularly assume anything."