Candidate Profile: Anthony Piccirillo For Suffolk Legislature

LONG ISLAND, NY - Suffolk County residents will be hitting the polls next month to elect several local representatives.

In addition to local town and village races, residents should look into who will be running to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County. This year, Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 5.

In anticipation of the big day, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Anthony Piccirillo, 36, of Holtsville is running for Suffolk County Legislator for District 8, which includes Bayport-Blue-Point, Holbrook, Holtsville, Sayville, West Sayville, Oakdale and parts of Ronkonkoma, Bohemia and Medford.

His opponent is incumbent William J. Lindsay (D).

Piccirillo (R) is a graduate of Sachem High School North (third generation Sachem alum) and completed some college education. He currently works as a legislative aide.

His brother, Alex Piccirillo, was recently elected as Sachem School Board Trustee.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Piccirillo below:

Patch: The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Piccirillo: Cost of Living/ Taxes & Fees. For far too long we have kicked the can down the road. We have a serious spending problem not a revenue problem. County finances have been poorly managed for the last decade; which is apparent in the 7 bond downgrades within the past 8 years. I believe we need to cut spending; and balance our budget.

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

Piccirillo: I will be a full time legislator, my opponent treats this as his part time job. Suffolk County has full time problems and deserves a full time legislator.

My opponent is part of the status quo; and is a rubber stamp for County Executive Steve Bellone. He is even willing to vote along party lines for programs such as the Red Light Camera program when his district is overwhelmingly against it.

I will be a voice for the hardworking middle class families like mine; who are being forced off of Long Island due to the high taxes and cost of living.

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

Piccirillo: My opponent has treated his job as a Suffolk County Legislator as a part time job. Failing to be in the office; attend functions and events around the district . This is simply unacceptable.

He also is bought and paid for by special interest groups. He represents powerful special interest groups; not the hard working middle class families of the 8th Legislative District.

He has voted on bills that his constituency overwhelmingly apposes such as the Red Light Camera program.

If you are not accessible to your constituents and you keep voting along party-lines- who do you really represent?

Patch: Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Piccirillo: I am against the over development of Suffolk County. I am for smart development and smart growth within our community- but I am not for bringing 4 story apartment buildings into our community.

Eliminating the fees levied on the backs of hardworking taxpayers is a top priority for me. These fees include, the red light camera fee, mortgage fee, car registration fee, tax map verification fee, cremation fee and alarm fee.

I would eliminate the burdensome fees levied by the government on new home buyers that can add thousands of dollars in additional costs. I would also reassess the stock of foreclosures and pre-foreclosures. As well as form public private partnerships to revitalize zombie houses for starter homes for young families and veterans.

One of the biggest problems in the 8th Legislative District is the lack of sewers. I would support a plan to bring sewers to the 8th Legislative District. With the increase of sewers, homeowners would reduce the use of cesspools. Downtown Sayville badly needs sewers; and Oakdale where the water table is the highest; have the greatest need. I would work to secure funding for sewer projects district wide.

I would also like to introduce a bill to the Suffolk County Legislature that would lower the nitrogen levels in fertilizer. Ban the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen on all county owned property.

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

Piccirillo: I've been working since I was 14 years old helping to support my family. I've worked various blue collar jobs throughout my life; I know I can adjust to any environment; and can handle any amount of pressure the job may bring.

More recently my job as Legislative Aide to Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron has prepared me to hit the ground running on Day 1 when I am elected. I understand the problems that Suffolk County is faced with and have the institutional knowledge on how to fix these problems. During my time with Legislator Flotteron; I have help to create the Spending Task force, helped to draft policy and handled hundreds of constituent cases. The voters of the 8th Legislative District should feel confident that I will be ready to work hard and efficiently for them the moment I take my oath of office.

Patch: The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Piccirillo: After my father suddenly died when I was 7 years old; my Grandfather shared this piece of advice with me and it always stuck with me. He told me that no matter what happens in life; you have to keep moving forward. The good times will come; the bad times will be there- but if your'e an honest, hardworking, good person you can always be sure that bright days are ahead.

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

Piccirillo: My life has not been easy. I was not born into a life of privilege. I was raised by my mom who was widowed at the age of 29 forcing her to work 2 jobs to keep food on the table. I know what it is like to live pay check to pay check. I have seen many friends and family members flee Suffolk County due to the high taxes and high cost of living. I am running to work to represent the forgotten middle class on Long Island. I want to work for the constituents of the 8th Legislative District; it would be an honor and privileged of a lifetime. Thank you for considering me for this position.