Amy Keyes: 'I Know We've Got to Do Something About The Cost of Living Here'

Democrat Amy Keyes is running for Brookhaven Town Council in Council District 5. Her opponent is Republican Neil Foley. Council District 5 includes Blue Point, Patchogue, North Patchogue, East Patchogue, Davis Park Fire Island and parts of Lake Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, Holtsville and Medford. View a map of Council District 5 here.

Submitted by Amy Keyes:

Although at 30 years old, I am young – the road to run for this seat started a long time ago. I was in 8th grade at Saxton Middle School when I ran for Class President and every educational and professional decision I’ve made since then has led me to my current career in public service. After graduating Pat-Med High School, I earned my Bachelors in Political Science from Stony Brook University. While I was finishing up my degree, I went to work full-time in the Town of Islip for 5 years, leaving to become the Chief of Staff for Suffolk County Legislator Rob Calarco and most recently, I accepted a position with County Executive Steve Bellone.

Maybe it seems silly to be proud of your hometown, but I’m proud to have grown up here and I’m even prouder to be raising my 4 year old daughter, Charlotte here. And when I say here I mean throughout the 5th Council District: from my childhood home in North Patchogue, to summer days at the Holtsville Ecology Site, to running in the annual 4 mile race around Lake Ronkonkoma to holidays spent at my parents’ home in Medford – I love every part of this District. And that’s part of why I’m so excited to be running for Brookhaven Town Council; so excited to have this chance to work to improve the places I love the most.

My passion for the places I call home combined with my solid experience working in government is why I believe I’m the clear choice in this election. Since this campaign kicked off, I’ve talked to thousands of people who all want the same thing - to be able to afford to stay in the place they call home. I’ve watched too many people I grew up with leave Long Island in pursuit of more affordable locations. And the trend doesn’t end with young people – the AARP just released a study saying that 70% of baby boomers don’t plan to retire here because it’s too expensive. I’m running because I know we’ve got to do something about the cost of living here, and my more than seven years in government have provided me with the skills to be able to deliver results.

If I’m elected, I’m ready to work on day one. I know how Town government works and it’s the level of government I’m truly passionate about. The Town’s role in land use decisions is arguably the Town’s most important role, and definitely its most far-reaching function. When the Town approves new projects to a certain extent it’s determining what those neighborhoods will look and feel like for many years to come. I promise to never make a decision that will shape your community without engaging residents in a full dialogue first.

But beyond land use decisions, the Town is responsible for some of the most basic government services that people rely upon in their everyday lives. Garbage pick-up, road maintenance, snow removal, parks upkeep – these are all critical functions the Town has a responsibility to carry out effectively. It’s what people pay taxes for and too often the Town has failed to its job adequately. You can count on me to be constantly advocating to make sure the people in the 5th Council District are getting the services they deserve.

I chose a career in public service because I have a passion for working hard to improve communities, and it’s been my full-time job for nearly a decade. If I win this election, I am ready to be your full-time Councilwoman. With your support, I believe I can make a difference in Brookhaven Town. I ask for your vote on November 4. Thank you.

Candidates running for office are encouraged to send letters to the editor, and a photo, explaining why they believe voters should elect them. Email photo and letter to ryan@patch.com