Candidate Profile: Hector Gavilla For Suffolk Legislature

LONG ISLAND, NY — Voters in Suffolk County will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for Legislator.

In District 16 — including Commack, Dix Hills, East Northport, Elwood, Melville and South Huntington in the Town of Huntington, Deer Park in the Town of Babylon and Brentwood and North Bay Shore in the Town of Islip, voters will elect Republican challenger Hector Gavilla or Democrat incumbent Susan A. Berland.

Patch reached out to both candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Hector Gavilla

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): 49
• Town of Residence: Dix Hills
• Position Sought: Suffolk County Legislator
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: N/A
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No.
• Education: Bachelor degree in criminal justice
• Occupation: Real estate broker for 17 years
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None
• Campaign Website: HectorGavilla.com

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

"High taxes."

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

"I actually care about the people I want to represent. Since January, I have visited more than 5,000 homes and have tried to help people now."

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

"She has failed to be available to her constituents. For example, this summer there were some real problems that community members had and they were told she was on vacation for the entire summer. She did not return their phone calls, Skype requests, or emails. They came to me, and I have helped people."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

"Taxes, fees, red light camera scam, and quality of life. They are being ignored by our current legislator."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

"I have helped people with their real issues and have met more than 5,000 people, and I am in the process of helping more people now."

The best advice ever shared with me was...

"Always tell the truth, because it is easier to remember."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"I want to be their voice in government, because no one is currently helping these people. I am currently working with quite a few groups who have problems with the current legislator who has stayed in Key West for several months and wanted to Skype into meetings from her second home on the beach in Key West, FL. I want to help her stay there permanently by winning the election on Nov. 5."