Seeking a third term representing the people of the 3rd District, Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano launched his reelection bid last week at a fundraiser in Patchogue.
“As l go into my third election campaign, it’s good to know that l have such great supporters behind me,” the assemblyman said to a packed house at Rudi’s Bar and Grill in Patchogue. “My agenda is the Long Island agenda, and l will keep fighting for the suburbs in Albany for as long as the voters keep sending me back.”
The Republican said he is running on a platform of overturning the cashless bail system and what he calls the “pro-criminal, anti-law enforcement” policies of the Progressive Democrats, stopping the illegal immigration surge into New York, solving the Fentanyl crisis, and making sure Suffolk gets its fair share of education aid and the state’s Environmental Bond Act monies.
The Medford resident ran for the legislative seat after a 27-year career in the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office. His public service resume started in 1980 when he volunteered with the Medford Fire Department. For the past 29 years, he’s served as a fire district Commissioner, having also held the positions of Fire Police Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, Department Recording Secretary, Department Vice President, and Department President. He’s also served with the Medford Volunteer Ambulance for the last 40 years.
“Public service is my passion, and people know they can count on me to tackle not only the big issues but also provide whatever my office can do to assist them,” DeStefano said, noting that constituent services are a vital part of his office’s operation. “I also strive to support law enforcement, fire service, EMS personnel, and labor.” He thanked the many representatives of organized labor, local chambers and civic groups, and his neighbors and staff for joining him at the campaign kickoff.
Also attending his reelection kickoff was County Executive Edward Romaine, who pledged to work with him on issues important to Suffolk. “You won’t find a more devoted and hard-working public servant than Joe DeStefano,” Romaine said. Also wishing the assemblyman well at the event were Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne and Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley, whose districts overlap with DeStefano’s. The 3rd AD covers the communities of Bellport, Brookhaven, East Patchogue, Farmingville, Mastic/Shirley, Medford, Middle Island, Holtsville, Yaphank, and Ridge.