The South Shore Press Endorses DeStefano for Reelection to the Assembly
Joe DeStefano is seeking his fourth term as the state Assembly representative from the 3rd District, which extends through central and south Brookhaven from his hometown of Medford. DeStefano is well known in these communities, having served as an elected Fire District commissioner for 28 years and 44 years as a firefighter and ambulance company volunteer.
Along with the Republicans in the Senate, DeStefano is outnumbered by the Progressive Democrats, who have an agenda that is more concerned with New York City than the needs of the suburbs. Yet, he gets things done. He worked across the aisle to pass a bill designating 911 and other emergency operators as essential employees, an issue near and dear to him after a 27-year career in the Suffolk Sheriff’s communications office.
The transmission line for the Sunrise Wind project runs right through his district, and he got a bill passed that would allow it to come ashore at Smith Point Park. The effort will provide green energy to the region and $170 million in hosting fees to Brookhaven Town and Suffolk County. Another bill he helped push through provides funds for sewers to serve the redevelopment of the Mastic Beach Business District. He convinced the governor to extend the deadline for those affected by the August floods and works with his colleagues to ensure Long Island gets its fair share of education aid and other funds from the state.
DeStefano is well known for constituent service and welcomes requests from residents for help with their issues. During COVID, other government offices called him for assistance. He has a good staff that solves problems.
One look at DeStefano’s Social Media and you can see that he is everywhere. If it’s happening in his district, he is there. He is also an attendee of rallies, press conferences, and events calling for action on any number of fronts, including the drug crisis, crime, and illegal immigration. Many seem to agree with Joe’s work as he’s been endorsed by practically every law enforcement organization in the region and various other groups.
Joe DeStefano is a man of his community with a record of accomplishments to prove it. The South Shore Press endorses him for reelection.