Democrats Select Candidates in Suffolk Legislative Races

The Democrat ticket for Suffolk County Legislature includes former Riverhead Town Councilwoman Catherine Kent in the 1st LD; Southampton Town Councilwoman in the 2nd LD; Trina Miles in the 3rd LD; Tim Hall in the 4th LD; former Suffolk Legislator and former NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright; Legislator Sarah Anker's Chief of Staff Dorothy Cavalier in the 6th LD; AME Chief of Staff Ryan McGarry in the 7th LD.

In an effort to return to the 5th LD, 52 year Setauket resident Steve Englebright said in an interview last weekend that it's like "coming home again." Englebright first won election to the County Legislature in November 1983. He took office in January 1984 where he served consecutively until he won a special election to the New York State Assembly in 1992. Under the term limit law, if elected in November, Englebright can serve up to 12 years inclusive of his prior tenure in the county seat. Speaking to his intent to continue public service, Englebright said: "The issues I've worked on are still very much before us, those being quality of life, keeping property taxes low, and protection of the environment and our drinking water - all of which determine the fate of our well-being. My background as a geologist and teacher give me credibility and unique experience to continue serving the people of Suffolk County," Englebright explained.

"As a Suffolk County legislator, I spearheaded the Suffolk County Open Space Program during my first 5 terms. Moving forward, Englebright continued," there is a list of the best of the rest of remaining open space in the Pine Barrens so ths task is not completed."

Englebright notes that efforts to rescind a portion of an 1,800 acre parcel of Hither Hills/Hither Woods in Montauk for purposes of developing a sewage treatment plant should be halted.

Additionally, Engelbright said he stands firm on his record to get illegally-acquired guns taken out of hands of those in whose possession they are, and also returning discretion back to judges to determine bail consequences.

While he is confident about this election, Englebright is quick to say he takes nothing for granted. "I want to earn the voters' trust to serve them in the County Legislature," Englebright said. "My County record is exemplary; through my initiatives, we have nearly quadrupled the size of County parkland from 12,000 acres to 50,000 acres, and as a result, we have become the largest county park system in the nation," Englebright stated. "I have spearheaded the effort to define watersheds to conceptualize that by protecting the land, we're also protecting our drinking water of which we only have a finite source. So I am looking forward to 'coming home'," Englebright said.

In pursuit of the 6th LD is current Suffolk Legislator Sarah Anker's Chief of Staff, Dorothy Cavalier, of Mount Sinai. Anker will be term limited on December 31. Cavalier is intimately familiar with the operations of the job. "My experience and familiarity make me well suited for the responsibilities where my top priorities will be public safety and making sure thd public feels safe, and to keep within county guidelines to keep affordable housing so that people don't move away because they can't afford to live here," Cavalier explained. "I also want to help make it affordable for our senior citizens to stay here because they're so much a part of our history."

The environment and the economy are also high on Cavalier's pyramid of priorities: "Keeping the line on finances to help local businesses both sustain and thrive, and working with Sea Grant addressing erosion issues and long term sustainable ways not to lose our coastline, especially on our North Shore are very important," she noted. Cavalier said she is looking forward to working with all 9 civic organizations within the 6th LD and also continuing the community concerts. Cavaliere asserts it is her knowledge, experience and assisting Anker and her staff on addressing a myriad of constituent issues that make her best poised to win the election in November.

In the 7th LD, Suffolk County AME Chief of Staff Ryan McGarry is seeking election. His record of community service includes five years as a volunteer firefighter with Patchogue Fire Department's Van Guard Hose Company. McGarry currently sits on the Patchogue Village Board of Zoning Appeals, and previously served on the Patchogue Village Community Development Agency Board.

Ryan McGarry

Asked why he is running for election to the County Legislature, McGarry stated: "I'm excited and enthusiastic because I've spent nearly 20 years working for county, regional or areas adjacent to government and I want to bring two decades of experience behind the scenes to the front. We're seeing tensions rise and increasingly devisive communities, neighbor versus neighbor -.it's time to not just complain, but to do something about it."

McGarry said he wants to work to bring more economic opportunities to other communities within the 7th LD, using Patchogue's growth as the model, while recognizing each community's character and needs are unique. "Patchogue is the shining example of revitalization, and other communities need the same attention for a strong infrastructure, transportation and our waterways." McGarry said it will be paramount to keep jobs local. "I want to create a framework for the private sector economy that creates short and long term jobs."

Dorothy Cavalier

From a fiscal standpoint, McGarry stated: "I give credit to Steve Bellone for increasing our bond rating. It does make me nervous to see the current majority attacking revenues." McGarry pointed to the red light cameras as an example: "I'm not saying I support the cameras, but I would like to see how we would offset that revenue before removing the cameras. We have to be more creative with revenue streams." McGarry continued, "We also have to do all we can to get money for unfunded mandates."

McGarry talked about the campaign trail in his pursuit of victory. "I want to commit myself to working with all of the communities within the 7th district. We are definitely focused on our vision for the 7th LD, and I have the experience to best represent the people. We're taking nothing for granted," McGarry pointed out. "This is a very tight, evenly distributed, purple district. I am the best candidate for the job, and coordinating our campaign with Dave Calone for County Executive, we're not setting up to fail; we'll be the party for victory."

In the 2nd LD, incumbent Bridget Fleming is not seeking re-election and is endorsing 6 year Southampton Town Board Trustee Ann Welker to run for the legislature. Welker is the first woman elected to the Southampton Town Board since its inception in 1686. Welker said in a prepared statement, "As a Southampton trustee, I'm proud of my record of maintaining and protecting water quality, preserving public access to the water, and working with the town board on coastal related issues. I'm excited to take that experience to the Suffolk County Legislature to continue fighting for residents of the South Fork," she said.

Kent, Miles and Hall could not be reached for comment.