Candidate Profile: Tom Donnelly For Suffolk Legislature

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County residents are gearing up to head to the polls for Election Day on Nov. 2, where they will be voting on the Suffolk County Legislature. Incumbent Legislator Tom Donnelly is running in the 17th Legislative District against challenger Stephen Becker.

The 17th Legislative District is composed of Cold Spring Hills, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Huntington Station, South Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, West Babylon and West Hills.

Patch reached out to both candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Tom Donnelly

Age (as of Election Day)

56

Position Sought

Suffolk County Legislator 17th Legislative District

Party Affiliation

Conservative, Democrat

Family

Wife: Lisa; 3 Daughters: Amanda, Alexandra, Adrianna

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science at Saint Joseph's College, Brooklyn, NY.

Occupation

Retired FDNY Lieutenant after 30 years of service.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Previously served as a Babylon Town Councilman for 7 years, and Deer Park Fire Commissioner for 10 years.

Campaign website

Suffolk County Democratic Committee.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Legislator 17th Legislative District

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

"There isn't one singular pressing issue facing the district. Rather it is the continued work to: maintain strong public safety, addressing quality of life issues, maintaining fiscal budget control, continue improvement to our local infrastructure (roads, county parks, county buildings; making them as accessible as possible for our residents). Lastly the 17th Legislative district is a highly diverse district and assisting our residents with any constituent issues they may have with government services is vitally important. Our 17th is very accessible."

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

"As a practical matter I don't compare myself to another candidate. Rather I let my body of work as a public servant over decades be the benchmark."

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

"The COVID crisis over the last 20-plus months is still ongoing, local government was confronted with so many challenges. A crisis not seen in over 100 years. Town government and county were able to maintain continuity of government and still provide essential services to our residents. It is a testament to the dedication of our municipal, our first responders across the board, our store and restaurant employees and so many others. When the history of this catastrophic event is written and taught in textbooks generations from now, it will be how a nation mobilized itself to overcome the worst."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

"Have had the Honor and Privilege to have served my community as a Volunteer firefighter, Coach, Town Councilman and legislator. Simply I have always tried to serve with Humility, Dedication, Pragmatism empathy and mostly with a sense of duty to our residents."

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

"As the 17th District Legislator over the last 4 years, we have kept our communities safe, Worked to maintain fiscal budget control, addressed quality of life issues, Continued with infrastructure improvements in the district, and mostly I am proud of is assisting our residents and their families on any issue where I can be of assistance. Local elected Officials are the 1st point of contact for our residents, being available to them on what ever issue they have is something I am not only proud and will always do as a local official."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Be Decent, Humble Dedicated empathic , Give your Best effort. Treat others as you would want to be treated." - My Dad Decorated World World WarII Naval Combat Veteran and Retired FDNY Lieutenant.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"You Can Visit the Suffolk County Legislature website. If I and be of assistance call our office 631 854-4433 or email me: [email protected]."