Salvatore Formica for Suffolk Legislative District 13
Republican Salvatore Formica is running for election in Suffolk County Legislature District 13. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2025
The 13th District covers northern Smithtown Town south to parts of Smithtown hamlet.
With incumbent Robert Trotta term-limited, residents will choose between two newcomers.
Commack Republican Salvatore Formica has worn many hats, from banker and NYPD detective to fire department volunteer and restaurant owner. That experience helps Formica to thoughtfully assess county and district concerns. Formica, 60, highlights Suffolk’s law enforcement issues, hoping to improve police-community ties. He rightly recognizes the importance of revitalizing downtowns and building a diverse housing stock. Formica importantly spotlights Commack’s needs, saying it’s often been “forgotten.”
Shala Pascucci, a Kings Park Democrat and school board member, fondly recalls moving to Long Island from Queens and seeing trees around the school, thinking it was “a forest.” Pascucci, 56, criticizes “overdevelopment” and supports limited single-family home and condominium construction. Pascucci’s singular focus on stopping projects limits her ability to represent the district.
Newsday Opinion endorses Formica.
ENDORSEMENTS ARE DETERMINED solely by the Newsday editorial board, a team of opinion journalists focused on issues of public policy and governance. Newsday’s news division has no role in this process.
