Brookhaven Town Board Sworn In; Panico Town's 71st Supervisor

Long-time Brookhaven Councilman Daniel Panico was sworn in Monday as the 71st town supervisor during a town hall ceremony made all the more poignant by the appearance of Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, Panico’s mentor who appointed him as his deputy 12 years ago.

PANICO SWORN IN AS BROOHAVEN’S 71ST SUPERVISOR Robert Chartuk

Karen Dunne Kesnig sworn in as Town Councilwoman Robert Chartuk

“This is a young man who started off life on Jefferson Drive in Mastic Beach and graduated from William Floyd High School. He studied political science and history at Stony Brook and went on to get his law degree,” Romaine recounted in front of an audience of about 400 well-wishers. “He had boundless curiosity and a burning desire for public service. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to hold this position.”

Panico said streamlining services for town residents is among his top priorities, particularly in the area of land use. To strengthen the local economy and provide affordable housing, he promised to shave a year off the process for development approvals. To make it easier to derive income and allow people to keep their homes, he said he would abolish the accessory apartment review board and grant permits through a more streamlined administrative process.

The new supervisor focused a great deal of attention in his remarks on North Bellport and Brookhaven’s other less affluent areas, noting local support for affordable multi-family housing projects.

Panico spoke of his childhood going to Smith Point Park with his family and said he finds it “abhorrent” that children in North Bellport don’t have a way to get to the beach.

“I will not let this issue lie,” he stressed. “We must be better as a community as a whole, make this a priority. I will be the supervisor for all people, for all of the communities that need help,” he said, noting that he would have the town run its own ferry if that is what it takes to get kids to the beach.

Brookhaven Superintendent of Highways Daniel Losquadro is sworn in for another term by Judge Glenn Murphy as his family, including his brother, Steven Losquadro, look on. Robert Chartuk

Panico showed his jovial side when he referenced the new year’s “three greatest mysteries:” Where the federal government is going to spend the $1 trillion infrastructure money, where the state will spend its $4.2 billion environmental bond fund, and “where is Steve Bellone going to work next,” he said, referring to Romaine’s predecessor in Hauppauge.

The town’s new chief executive rapped Gov. Kathy Hochul for her attempts to usurp local authority in building multi-family housing and for lumping local elections in with state and federal voting. “This is the mentality that is tearing apart this state. The governor did a great disservice to us all by going against the needs and wants of our residents. She should have stood up and said no,” Panico said.

“One thing you can be sure of,” Romaine told the crowd, “You’ll have a county executive rooting for your new supervisor every step of the way.”

Sworn in for four-year terms along with Panico were town Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro, Receiver of Taxes Louis Marcoccia, and town council members, Jonathan Kornreich, Jane Bonner, Neil Manzella, Michael Loguercio, Neil Foley, and Karen Dunne Kesnig.

Councilwoman Jane Bonner sworn in as her husband John Sandusky stands at her side. Robert Chartuk

District 4 Town Councilman Michael A. Loguercio Jr. sworn in with staff and family by his side. Robert Chartuk