It was the power of people that won this past election for President Barack Obama. Millions of unified voices were able to demand the change they needed through committed campaigning. Brookhaven Town residents must not forget that there is another election in just two months that is equally important as this most recent and historic national race.
With Brian Foley headed to the State Senate, the residents of Brookhaven are left to fill his position of Town Supervisor. This special election is set for Mar. 31. Both parties have picked their candidates: Tim Mazzei (R) and Mark Lesko (D). Tim Mazzei has been a councilman for council district 5 for the past five and a half years. He is a practicing attorney and resides in Bayport. Mark Lesko was a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney, and is a staunch advocate for the environment and ending corruption in Brookhaven.
Throughout his tenure, Brian Foley had enacted many reforms to improve the quality of life for all Long Islanders. He ended no-bid insurance contracts for political bosses and opened up access to local government through the 451-TOWN information system. Foley also instituted reforms, creating the lowest town tax rate in Suffolk County while achieving the highest bond rating in Brookhaven’s history. Now that there is an election about two months away, we need someone to fill his position who will continue the reforms Foley started.
Being a federal prosecutor for over 10 years, Lesko fought cases very dear to the people of Brookhaven. In the Lawrence Aviation case, Lesko led the prosecution against the illegal dumping of toxins that contaminated the local drinking water in Port Jefferson Station. Lesko also led in the Muttontown “slave” case in which two immigrants were enslaved and worked against their wills. As far as fighting corruption, he headed the prosecution over the fraud at Symbol Technologies involving corruption of the company’s senior management. Lesko also oversaw federal prosecution of the “Asphalt Cartel” case in which the owners of major asphalt companies in Suffolk County conspired to rig bids.
“Who better than a Federal prosecutor to fight corruption, continue our reforms and make sure things never go back to the way they were?” Foley said.
It is so important to vote and to help spread the word about local elections because these contests end up having the most impact on our quality of life here in Brookhaven. My advice for you is to research both of the candidates, find out when debates and other events are, and determine for yourself who is the candidate that deserves your vote. Whatever your choice, just remember to mark your calendar for Mar. 31. It’s not called a “special election” for nothing.
If you are interested in helping at all with this campaign, please call the Brookhaven Democratic Committee at 689-7315.
