Neil Foley's ascension from a dedicated councilman to the Deputy Supervisor of Brookhaven Town marks a significant milestone in his journey of public service. Garnering a commanding 66% of the vote in the November 2023 elections, Foley's recent victory against Democratic candidate Francis Salazar is a testament to the trust and support he has earned from the Brookhaven community.
Reflecting on his new role, Foley shared, "I was blessed to win by 66% of the vote...after election day, I had a good conversation with supervisor-elect Dan Panico." This conversation was a pivotal moment, leading to his appointment as Deputy Supervisor, a role that Panico previously held. Foley's appointment is not just a step up in his political career but also an embodiment of his decade-long commitment to serving the people of Brookhaven.
His experiences and learnings deeply influence Foley's approach to public service. He credits sitting next to Dan Panico on the board as a valuable learning experience, saying, "Sitting next to Dan for 10 years was a great education for me." His tenure under County Executive Ed Romaine further equipped him with the knowledge and skills essential for his new position.
In an act demonstrating his commitment to the town over personal gain, Foley declined the salary increase associated with his new role. "I did not wanna take the bump, take the money, keep it in the budget... I'm not doing this for a pay raise," Foley stated, underscoring his dedication to Brookhaven's fiscal health.
Looking to the future, Foley is set on implementing improvements within the town, especially in the building and planning departments, and is passionate about inspiring young people to participate in public service. "I wanna cultivate young people...We need good people," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of engaging the youth in government roles.
The warm reception to Foley's appointment from colleagues and government officials at various levels reflects the high regard in which he is held. "It's been very humbling. I'm very honored," Foley said, acknowledging the encouragement and support he had received.
Foley's journey from councilman to Deputy Supervisor is a personal achievement and a beacon of dedicated public service in Brookhaven. His leadership, marked by experience, vision, and a commitment to community engagement, is set to guide Brookhaven Town toward new heights.