Sam Gonzalez Seeking Third Term For LD 9: Candidate Profile

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County residents will be lining up at the polls for Election Day on Nov. 7, or early voting from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, where they will be voting for their chosen candidates.

Incumbent Samuel Gonzalez is running for reelection for his third term as Legislator of the 9th District.

He faces Republican challenger, Teresa Bryant.

The 9th Legislative District is located in the western-central portion of Suffolk County, entirely situated within the Town of Islip.

It encompasses Central Islip, the eastern portion of Brentwood and a section of the Village of Islandia. This district is bounded roughly by Motor Parkway on the north, Fifth Avenue and Wicks Road in Brentwood on the west, New Hampshire Avenue along Candlewood Road and continuing east on the Southern State Parkway as the southern border and running along Broadway Avenue in Central Islip.

Patch reached out to both candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Sam Gonzalez

How old will you be as of Election Day?

62

What city or town do you live in?

Brentwood

What office are you seeking?

Legislator for the 9th District

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

9th Legislative District

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

High School Degree

What is your occupation?

Current Legislator of the 9th District.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I am married to my wife Ageda, I have two kids, my daughter Samantha and my stepson Franco, and my dog Max.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, I am seeking my third term in the legislature.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I have been a Brentwood resident for many years, and during my time in office I have had the pleasure of helping my constituents with their needs. I would like to continue the work I have done during my time in office.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue is connecting the constituents with critical resources and connecting them with Suffolk County services. Moreover, being a strong and active voice that supports public safety and economic development for all residents of the 9th legislative district.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

In order to address the water quality issues on LI, we need to allow the constituents of Suffolk County to decide what to do over their water. Giving the constituents the right to decide over their water, and then working for them to make sure their voice is heard and put into action.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?

I think continuing to work together alongside my colleagues on the federal level and in the Town of Islip is crucial to continue to receive funding to continue projects that will continue the improvement of our infrastructure.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

As I have done since first taking office in 2019, I will continue to connect local business to, local, state and federal financial opportunities that focus on community and economic values for all Suffolk County constituents.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

Currently, this is all hypothetical. Hypothetically speaking, we would need to receive payment from the federal government to pay for resources, first, before anything. We would need to devise a plan that would allow migrants to find shelter with their families, to ensure they receive proper support systems. Most importantly, we need to all work together to devise a plan that would allow us to ensure the safety of the current residents of LI and the incoming migrants.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

In the short time that I have been in office, I have accomplished many projects I have promised to work on since taking office. I am a man of action not only words.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was a union president for many years, which has given me the experience to not only be a leader, but to listen to and work with those who have elected me to this position. All my previous work experience has also allowed to engage with my community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Give 100 percent in everything that you do.