Opinion

In half of Suffolk County's legislative districts, voters don't have much of a choice this year. In nine of Suffolk's 18 districts, the editorial board was unable to interview one of the candidates, and none of those appear to be actively campaigning. 
The absence of competition is unfortunate, and deleterious to the electoral process. Races that are competitive not only give voters a say, but often make every candidate better, as incumbents and challengers alike have to be more thoughtful, energetic, nuanced, and prepared to make their case. The upcoming redistricting of legislative seats should strive to make districts more equally split by party preferences, rather than try to create "safe" seats. 
This is a year when control of the legislature could change hands from the Democrats to the Republicans, and when the county will face critical issues that require skilled and motivated lawmakers. 
While issues across the districts vary, some common themes emerge: Affordable housing. Economic development. Climate change. Water quality. 
The legislature can and must play a central role in advocating for and, in some cases, pushing forward innovative projects large and small — where they make sense — that will start to make a dent in the region's housing needs, while also being attuned to open space issues. And the body also must address Suffolk's very specific needs along its coastline. In every district, infrastructure — from roads to sewers — is key. The county should do more to coordinate with towns and villages to move forward. Lawmakers also would be wise to address the county's sagging information technology infrastructure, including the lack of adequate broadband on the East End. 
But none of that will matter if the county can't meet its budgetary needs at the coming critical financial juncture. Some candidates see Suffolk on solid financial footing right now; others think the county already is in fiscal distress. While federal stimulus funds provide a temporary boost, at some point soon, Suffolk will have to deal with a far darker reality. 
Lawmakers must be ready.

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Suffolk legislative endorsements overview

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Among the most crucial local issues for the North Fork is protecting water quality, and Albert J. Krupski Jr. knows that well. 
Chronically poor drainage on roads during even moderate storms can lead to flooding and an endangered aquifer, and the solutions are expensive and time-consuming improvements to our drainage systems — the kind of work for which Krupski is well-prepared. The 61-year-old Cutchogue Democrat comes from a multigenerational farming family and has the legislative experience at the town and county level to tackle the tough challenges that bedevil Suffolk districts, from mind-boggling traffic to the promotion of affordable housing. 
These and other thorny issues need a steady hand as the district becomes even more threatened by climate change and more densely traveled by visitors and newcomers. 
Krupski’s opponent, Republican Remy Bell, 66, of Riverhead, is not actively campaigning, according to the Suffolk GOP. 
Newsday endorses Krupski. 
The 1st District covers Middle Island eastward North Fork to Fishers Island

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Al Krupski for Suffolk Legislative District 1

Newsday endorses Krupski for Suffolk Legislative District 1

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Bridget M. Fleming, 61, of Noyac, understands the risk that climate change presents to her ocean-adjacent district that stretches from Montauk to East Moriches, along with Shelter Island. That means pushing for ways to reduce Suffolk’s reliance on fossil fuels, including by expanding solar energy, and to mitigate the impact of extreme weather now by building up wetlands to help stem disastrous flooding from rising seas. 
Her focus on new forms of transportation is warranted, including experimenting in micro-transit to make bus service more on-demand and tailored to riders’ needs, offering a way to get county residents out of cars and onto mass transit. 
Fleming, who has served in town and county government and is a former prosecutor, has the experience to push these issues forward. She is also working on a run for Congress in 2022. 
Her opponent, Robert J. Carpenter III, of East Quogue, is not actively campaigning, according to the Suffolk GOP. 
Newsday endorses Fleming. 
Suffolk Legislative District 2 covers Shelter Island and South Fork, Montauk west to East Moriches.

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Bridget Fleming for Suffolk Legislative District 2

Newsday endorses Fleming for Suffolk Legislative District 2

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The 3rd District has been home to a lot of drama over the last two years. 
In 2019, former lawmaker Rudy Sunderman was indicted on perjury charges for allegedly lying to the Suffolk County ethics board about his work with the Centereach Fire District in an effort to circumvent the county ethics code that prevented him from holding two public jobs. In March 2021, Sunderman pleaded guilty to filing a false disclosure form and resigned, though he continued to say the prosecution was political. 
That left a vacancy, one that Sunderman's predecessor, Shirley Democrat Kate M. Browning, immediately sought to fill. But Browning's candidacy was controversial, because she already had served 12 years in office and was considered term-limited. Browning argued the law allowed her to take a break from the legislature and then return. The courts agreed, and she ran against Moriches Republican James F. Mazzarella in a May special election. 
Mazzarella, 55, won that race but Browning is back to try again. 
In just a few months, Mazzarella has taken an active role in budget and policing conversations and he knows his district well. Mazzarella said he is focused on efforts like "coffee with a cop" to bring the community and police together. He expressed pride in the recent approval of the Forge River sewer district. And Mazzarella has a nuanced attitude toward the need for both development in Mastic Beach and the reality that additional coastline retreat will be necessary. 
Browning, 62, who directs Babylon Town code enforcement, thinks a 12-year term limit is too short. But in reality, Browning found a loophole in a law voters clearly approved to cap legislative careers and ensure fresh perspectives. She was a capable legislator and says she has more to do in stopping overdevelopment and preserving wetlands. But it's time for someone else to take the district's reins. 
In a full term, Mazzarella should see through the new sewer district, advocate for Mastic Beach's revitalization, and deal with more recent district concerns, like the all-terrain vehicles that he says are potentially dangerous and causing havoc in the community. 
Newsday endorses Mazzarella. 
Suffolk Legislative District 3 covers South-central Brookhaven, Bellport east to Moriches

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James F. Mazzarella for Suffolk Legislative District 3

Newsday endorses Mazzarella for Suffolk Legislative District 3

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Republican Nichols J. Caracappa made news two years ago for the wrong reasons. 
Caracappa, 54, was arrested at his Selden home in December 2019, and faces criminal charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident. He says he expects to be exonerated. 
Selden Democrat Dawn Marie Sharrock, 46, a Middle Country school board member, is a dynamic presence with fresh ideas such as developing more union worker apprenticeship programs and expanding mental health access for adults post-pandemic. She has faced contentious school board meetings and strongly supports a vaccine mandate for Suffolk police officers. 
Caracappa lauded Suffolk's police reform efforts, saying there are bad cops who "must be held accountable." He advocated for affordable apartments for seniors, to open single-family homes to young couples. But he offered little new. 
Sharrock will bring new perspectives to a body that long embraced bold ideas. 
Newsday endorses Sharrock. 
Suffolk Legislative District 4 covers Central-eastern Suffolk, Selden, Centereach, part of Ronkonkoma

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Dawn Marie Sharrock for Suffolk Legislative District 4

Newsday endorses Sharrock for Suffolk Legislative District 4

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Karina Hahn works and pushes nonstop on many fronts at once. 
The Setauket Democrat, 50, chairs two important committees — economic development and planning, and environment, parks and agriculture. Recently, she advanced smart legislation to assure opioid company settlement funds will start and expand addiction programs, rather than reimburse the county for past expenses. Her proposals for capital improvements are realistic, taking into account how long those take to accomplish, as with wastewater treatment. 
Hahn will look to convert vacated big-box stores and strip malls into much-sought housing, while touting the North Shore Rail Trail, which runs from Mount Sinai to Wading River. That could promote both recreation and transportation safety. Next year, during her all-but-assured sixth and final term, she plans on running for Congress. 
Salvatore SB Isabella, the Republican nominee from Port Jefferson Station, is not actively campaigning. 
Newsday endorses Hahn. 
Suffolk Legislative District 5 covers northwestern Brookhaven, Setaukets, Stony Brook, 
Port Jefferson, Terryville

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Kara Hahn for Suffolk Legislative District 5

Newsday endorses Hahn for Suffolk Legislative District 5

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If Sarah S. Anker wins her sixth full term, it will be her last, a tenure during which the 57-year-old Mount Sinai Democrat has become more knowledgeable and effective over time. 
One of her biggest efforts, the North Shore Rail Trail, will soon be completed. Her efforts to combat drug addiction, starting with her role on the Suffolk County Addiction and Prevention and Support Advisory Panel, are tireless. Her district knowledge positions her well to help residents. 
Republican Brendan R. Sweeney, 28, of Shoreham, a law student and assistant to Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine, clearly has a passion for public service. His desire to close the loophole that lets term-limited legislators run again after a break makes sense. His complaints about county patronage positions are justified. He should stay on a path of public service. 
But Anker is a seasoned, effective legislator, at the height of her powers. 
Newsday endorses Anker. 
Suffolk Legislative District 6 covers northeastern Brookhaven, Coram, South Beach,Miller Place, East Shoreham, Middle Island.

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Sarah Anker for Suffolk Legislative District 6

Newsday endorses Anker for Suffolk Legislative District 6

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Robert T. Calarco has emerged as a leader with a solid record since his first election to the seat a decade ago. 
Seeking a sixth and final term, Calarco, 42, of Patchogue, says his top district priority is the sewer project to connect 500 homes in south Patchogue. He vows to assist the county's effort to acquire and preserve part of the Avery Homestead in partnership with Brookhaven Town and continue striving to improve housing and public safety in Gordon Heights. 
As presiding officer in the Democratic majority, Calarco is committed to following through on plans for police procedural reforms and fair redistricting, and making certain that opioid settlement funds are used, as intended, to fight addiction. 
Republican Dominick S. Thorne, 54, of Patchogue, shows a devotion to policing and local emergency services, with which he's a longtime volunteer. But he lacks the incumbent's versatility on government issues. 
Newsday endorses Calarco. 
Suffolk Legislative District 7 covers Patchogue, Medford, Gordon Heights,Middle Island, Fire Island

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Robert Calarco for Suffolk Legislative District 7

Newsday endorses Calarco for Suffolk Legislative District 7

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Two years ago, Republican Anthony A. Piccirillo, 38, won this seat in a recount over William Lindsay III, after losing a recount to him in 2017. 
But in 2019, with the Democrat Lindsay part of a cynical deal accepting the diametrically opposed Conservative line before Piccirillo beat him in that party's primary, and Piccirillo on the spot for having pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for collecting money in an illegal poker hall in 2011, Newsday did not endorse. 
This year, Democrat Peter A. Russo is not campaigning, and Piccirillo has had a term to prove he can respond to constituent needs and do the work of a legislator. Piccirillo, of Holtsville, has challenged Democrats who officially control the county, his own Republican caucus leaders and other powerful players, including police unions. There's been no hint that the legal misstep a decade ago was part of a pattern. 
Newsday endorses Piccirillo. 
Suffolk Legislative District 8 covers East Islip, part of western Brookhaven, Holbrook, Oakdale, Sayville

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Anthony Piccirillo for Suffolk Legislative District 8

Newsday endorses Piccirillo for Suffolk Legislative District 8

Democratic incumbent Samuel J. Gonzalez relentlessly listens to and advocates for his community. This past term, he was the lone "no" vote in the legislature on the county's police reform plan, fueled by concerns from his constituents that it lacked an independent investigator to hold the department accountable. 
This district was hard hit by COVID-19. Gonzalez, 60, of Brentwood, used his ties as a former labor union official to borrow trucks with screens and microphones to provide vaccination information in English and Spanish. That, plus other messaging and organizing pop-up vaccination sites, helped improve vaccine rates. His out-of-the-box thinking includes union certification programs for high-schoolers, non-train-station-oriented downtown development around 5th Avenue, and innovative multifamily housing solutions. He should see these through in his next term. 
Republican Maxima Castro of Brentwood is not actively campaigning. 
Newsday endorses Gonzalez. 
Suffolk Legislative District 9 covers Central Islip, eastern Brentwood,part of Islandia

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Samuel Gonzalez for Suffolk Legislative District 9

Newsday endorses Gonzalez for Suffolk Legislative District 9

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Republican Patricia Bergin Weichbrodt is ending a 12-year tenure on the Islip Town board. Term-limited, she is seeking to replace Tom Cilmi, who is also term-limited. She ranks water quality as a high priority and wants to expand the program of seeding South Shore bays and canals with shellfish to speed up the filtering process. Another priority is trimming county spending and putting some money in reserves to meet the county's pension obligations. 
Bergin Weichbrodt, 50, of East Islip, would advocate for a county-towns partnership to make sure each entity's federal COVID-19 funding is spent efficiently on sewer infrastructure projects to have a regional impact, a smart approach. Another plan would have the county implement a community preservation fund that would tax real estate transfers in the western towns, much like the successful program in the five East End towns that collects a 2% tax. The money would be used for land preservation and other eligible pollution prevention programs. It's a good idea but Bergin Weichbrodt needs to provide more information on exactly how it would work. Also on her to-do list is a waste treatment plant on Fire Island. 
Democrat Carla Simpson, 39, of Hauppauge, owns a real estate investment firm and previously worked on commercial real estate for investment banks. She's a first-time candidate with considerable community volunteer experience. She is PTA president for Bretton Woods Elementary School, a member of the Central Islip Civic Council, and a family court special advocate for children who are abused and neglected. 
Simpson has good ideas about improving and expanding housing in the district, such as taking existing rental complexes and rehabilitating them to add more units and bring smart, green development. But she also feels the district is overdeveloped and actively opposes several proposed projects in Sayville and East Islip. She's also raised misguided concerns about the sale of the long-shuttered Whiporwil School, near the closed Blydenburgh landfill, for construction of luxury senior housing. Simpson wants to review the county's criteria for the selection of red-light camera locations, saying that too many cameras are placed in communities of color. 
Simpson has impressive credentials and the potential to become a strong political voice. However, Bergin Weichbrodt is better informed on many vital issues. Working in a collegial, nonpartisan manner would better advance her goals and serve her district's residents. 
Newsday endorses Bergin Weichbrodt. 
Suffolk Legislative District 10 covers Great River, parts of Bay Shore, Bohemia, Islips, Islandia, Hauppauge

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Patricia Bergin Weichbrodt for Suffolk Legislative District 10

Newsday endorses Bergin Weichbrodt for Suffolk Legislative District 10

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Steven J. Flotteron says he loves local politics. He appears to enjoy tackling quality-of-life issues, and the everyday needs of constituents. The Brightwaters Republican knows his district, down to every creek that needs a cleanup, and says he understands the need for a variety of housing types, supporting Heartland Town Square and revitalization in Central Islip. 
But Flotteron, 59, also emphasizes Suffolk's broader challenges, particularly financial ones. He argues the county has to "get our financial shape in order" and says he'll continue to push for less borrowing and more prudent financial decision-making. 
Islip Democrat Astrid Fidelia, 54, is a real estate broker and community leader focused on local and social issues, like food insecurity, rental housing, and equal pay for women. While her voice is a welcome addition and she's more open-minded than Flotteron on marijuana sales and vaccine mandates, Fidelia lacks the necessary grasp of the county's challenges. 
Newsday endorses Flotteron. 
Suffolk Legislative District 11 covers West Islip, Brightwaters, parts of Bay Shore, Islip, Islip Terrace, Fire Island and Deer Park.

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Steven Flotteron for Suffolk Legislative District 11

Newsday endorses Flotteron for Suffolk Legislative District 11

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Seeking a fourth full term, Republican Leslie A. Kennedy has a feel for what's practical in her elected role. 
Calling herself an "old-school nurse" with decades of experience in that field, Kennedy, 65, of Nesconset, sensibly rejects anti-vaccine "theories," vows to educate, and urges health care workers, cops and others who deal with the public to get the shot. 
She likes to be pragmatic for the common good. 
Kennedy wants better use of county hotel-motel occupancy tax revenue, to offer modest help to businesses in her district battered by COVID-19. In her next term, she said she’ll urge colleagues to "hold the line" on spending against the fiscal squeeze everyone anticipates when federal aid is finished. She expresses confidence that Suffolk police are doing their best to meet multiple challenges involving personnel and patrols. 
Democratic nominee Michael G. Siderakis, 53, also of Nesconset, declined to be interviewed. 
Newsday endorses Kennedy. 
Suffolk Legislative District 12 covers southern Smithtown, NE Islip, western Brookhaven.

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Leslie Kennedy for Suffolk Legislative District 12

Newsday endorses Kennedy for Suffolk Legislative District 12

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Republican Robert Trotta, 58, of Northport, is a retired Suffolk cop but Suffolk's Police Benevolent Association goes to extraordinary lengths to get him out of office. 
So far, it has failed. 
One of Trotta's jobs is safeguarding Suffolk's finances. Much of the PBA's job is loosening them, fighting for higher pay and benefits. They're not supposed to get along, and Trotta's harrying of the cop lobby — he's an equal-opportunity harrier criticizing leaders from both parties on most issues — may be his best trait. 
The PBA-supported candidate to wrest the GOP nod from Trotta, William Mountzouros, lost his run to invalid signatures. Then the PBA sent executive board member Michael J. Simonelli, 49, to run on the Conservative line, and lambaste Trotta for a grab-bag of sins. Democrat Kevin M. Mulholland isn't actively running. 
Trotta is the only active candidate looking to represent the interests of taxpayers, not police unions. 
Newsday endorses Trotta. 
Suffolk Legislative District 13 covers Smithtown west to parts of Commack and East Northport.

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Newsday endorses Robert Trotta for Suffolk Legislative District 13

Newsday endorses Trotta for Suffolk Legislative District 13

Kevin J. McCaffrey, currently the Suffolk Legislature’s minority leader, has long been a budget watchdog. That role is particularly crucial in the coming years. 
The 67-year-old Lindenhurst Republican, who called federal aid during the pandemic a "windfall" that has "put us in the best financial position we’ve ever had," warned against complacency and profligacy. He’s right that the money must be spent "judiciously," and he has been an advocate for paying down the county’s pension obligations and other commitments. 
Appropriately, he is also focused on how Suffolk should spend its portion of opioid lawsuit settlement funds, and in the way that sum and the federal aid can be used to improve life and revitalize neighborhoods for all Suffolk residents. 
His opponent, Nancy R. Delaney, 75, of West Babylon, is not actively campaigning, according to the Suffolk County Democratic Committee. 
Newsday endorses McCaffrey. 
Suffolk Legislative District 14 covers Copiague to parts of Babylon, Lindenhurst, 
North and West Babylon.

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Kevin McCaffrey for Suffolk Legislative District 14

Newsday endorses McCaffrey for Suffolk Legislative District 14

Jason A. Richberg has hit the ground running in his time in the legislature. 
The 39-year-old West Babylon Democrat took office in a 2020 special election to replace the departing DuWayne Gregory, but Richberg had already served in various aide roles in the same body, experience that is paying off now. Richberg knows the importance of expanding access to sewers in his southwest Suffolk district, creating a better and fairer housing system, and improving the relationship between police and those they serve. Thoughtfully and forcefully, he is emerging as a powerful voice attacking the ills of racial discrimination in Suffolk. That includes legislation to help homeowners remove offensive — and unenforceable — restrictive racial covenants from deeds. 
Opponent Jarod B. Morris, 23, of Wyandanch, told Newsday he supports community policing and attracting business to Long Island but he is not actively campaigning, according to the Suffolk GOP. 
Newsday endorses Richberg. 
Suffolk Legislative District 15 covers Southwest Suffolk, north to 
Babylon-Huntington border.

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Jason Richberg for Suffolk Legislative District 15

Newsday endorses Richberg for Suffolk Legislative District 15

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Democrat Susan A. Berland, seeking a third term, tries to avoid predictable bromides and takes clear positions on what she sees as the merits of issues. 
Berland, 60, of Dix Hills, says when asked, without waffling, that she'd favor a county COVID-19 vaccine mandate for county police officers. She acknowledges the inevitability of a cannabis trade but speaks out against recreational drug use. 
Berland knows hard fiscal choices lie ahead and supports new development where appropriate. She's Democratic majority leader and chairs the veterans and consumer affairs committee. 
Republican Manuel Esteban Sr., 44, an East Northport attorney, chairs the Huntington Town Hispanic Advisory Task Force. He offers both clarity and muddle. He rails against the Suffolk Police Benevolent Association's clout, and expresses justified concern about low-paid landscape workers. A recent sanctimony-laden rant by Esteban that Berland should "stop being greedy" was pungently off-base. 
Newsday endorses Berland. 
Suffolk Legislative District 16 covers Central western Suffolk County, parts 
of Huntington, Babylon and Islip.

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Susan Berland for Suffolk Legislative District 16

Newsday endorses Berland for Suffolk Legislative District 16

Even with important budgetary and development issues looming, often a county legislator's top job is to support and serve his constituents. And that's a task Deer Park Democrat Thomas P. Donnelly fully embraces. 
Donnelly, 55, now completing his second term, said he sees his responsibilities through a "pragmatic" lens, with attention to public safety, quality of life and other resident concerns. Donnelly lauds the progress at Wyandanch Rising and said he supports further development in his district as long as there's community buy-in. 
Stephen C. Becker, 40, an HVAC sales manager, said he'd use his business sense to address the county's fiscal stresses. But Becker, a Republican from Dix Hills, lacked specifics when promising to rid Suffolk of the familiar waste, fraud and abuse. And his thinking on housing and development is limited to supporting the construction of single-family homes and criticizing efforts like Wyandanch Rising. 
Newsday endorses Donnelly. 
Suffolk Legislative District 17 covers Western portions of Huntington and Babylon.

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Thomas P. Donnelly for Suffolk Legislative District 17

Newsday endorses Donnelly for Suffolk Legislative District 17

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Stephanie L. Bontempi, a fifth-grade teacher at a private school, is seeking public office for the first time, promising a fresh perspective on district problems. 
Bontempi, 55, a Republican from Centerport, cites environmental preservation as a key priority, but says the right programs will need to be supported by putting the county on "its best fiscal footing." She stresses compromise and a need to follow input from her constituents, which she says would be her prime responsibility. 
Incumbent Democrat William Spencer, a physician, is facing charges in Suffolk County for trading oxycodone pills for sex. The tone of the general election campaign to succeed Spencer became unnecessarily negative, some of it involving aspersions over campaign funding that don't enlighten the district's voters on where their choices lie. 
Bontempi wants the county to keep up its staffing levels for police, and speaks of a need to improve and direct more resources to the county's Department of Social Services. She says she would step away from teaching if elected to focus on her public duties. 
The Democratic nominee, Mark A. Cuthbertson, 55, of Huntington, has served on the town board since 1998. He’s an inside player with knowledge of how the system works, but far from a reformer. He takes a different view of how to follow the collective wishes of the district, saying that part of an elected official's job is to reassure people about worthy projects, sometimes against loud resistance from the few. 
Cuthbertson says he'd continue practicing law if elected to the legislature, playing this as a positive that "helps keep me grounded in the business world" — meaning he wouldn't need to cling to the government job. 
Bontempi better offers the promise of openness to new ideas. 
Newsday endorses Bontempi. 
Suffolk Legislative District 18 covers Northwestern Huntington, Northport, Greenlawn, part of Huntington Station.

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Stephanie Bontempi for Suffolk Legislative District 18

Newsday endorses Bontempi for Suffolk Legislative District 18

Newsday's 2021 picks for Suffolk County Legislature

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