Samuel J. Gonzalez for Suffolk Legislative District 9
Samuel Gonzalez, Democratic incumbent candidate for Suffolk County Legislature District 9. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2023
The 9th District covers parts of Islip Town including Brentwood and parts of Central Islip, Islip, Bay Shore, and Hauppuage
With a hopeful outlook on the future, Democratic incumbent Samuel J. Gonzalez, 62, of Brentwood, takes pride in the strides he has made to help enhance public safety, which he said have led to a reduction in the crime rate and fostered a stronger sense of security in his district. Gonzalez can pinpoint specific streets and neighborhoods he has worked to clean up and improve, particularly noting a new bus hub in Brentwood and the ongoing revitalization of downtown Central Islip, which he said can be the "next Patchogue."
Gonzalez ruefully recalls that when he joined the legislature in 2019, "I thought I can change the world immediately." While it hasn't been that easy, Gonzalez said he has made progress but has more to do. With Central Islip's remake underway, he hopes Brentwood will be "the next phase," with an emphasis on guaranteeing that native Long Islanders can afford to live in the area without financial strain. Affordable housing is center stage in that effort, a crucial component in retaining current residents and discouraging them from seeking housing elsewhere. But he rightly notes that affordable housing isn't always actually affordable, so he wants to encourage developers to commit to building projects with higher percentages of truly affordable housing with the first priority going to local residents, especially "our children."
Republican Teresa J. Bryant, 60, of Central Islip, is a certified legal nurse consultant who has worked for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services and the Central Islip school district. She has more than 30 years experience as a community leader, including with the Islip chapter of the NAACP and the Central Islip Civic Council. Bryant decided to run due to a significant decline in the quality of life she said she witnessed since moving to the area in 1976. She emphasized the need for a county park in the district, and spoke of bolstering public safety and tackling homelessness. But on most issues, she has few disagreements with Gonzalez's strategies and opinions, and lacks the depth of knowledge the district needs.
Gonzalez’s dedication to and knowledge of the community are exemplary.
Newsday endorses Gonzalez.
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.
