Samuel J. Gonzalez for Suffolk Legislative District 9
Democratic Legis. Samuel J. Gonzalez, of Brentwood, is running for reelection in the Suffolk County Legislature's 9th District. Credit: James Escher
Find out the candidates Newsday's editorial board selected on your ballot: newsday.com/endorsements2025
The 9th District covers parts of Islip Town, including Brentwood and parts of Central Islip, Islip, Bay Shore and Hauppauge.
Samuel J. Gonzalez continues to dream big, imagining downtown revitalization in Brentwood and the Heartland Town Square development proposal coming to fruition at the former Pilgrim Psychiatric Center site.
But the Brentwood Democrat also knows major changes start more simply, with sewer lines and treatment plants, state funding and community support. He is also right to focus on three Long Island Rail Road grade crossings that cause major traffic jams.
More immediately, Gonzalez, 64, is rightly concerned about district businesses that are suffering as residents fear immigration enforcement efforts, often on the ground himself to assess the ever-evolving situation.
Guy G. Leggio has lots of titles, from bricklayer to volunteer fireman to wrestling coach to school board member to Bay Shore Republican. Leggio, 62, wants to do more for his community and recognizes the district’s ongoing challenges. His idea to make Suffolk County Community College tuition-free is worth pursuing. Leggio has other avenues to make a difference, especially on infrastructure projects.
Gonzalez knows his district intimately. He must ensure those often-overlooked areas remain in the county spotlight.
Newsday Opinion 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.
