Legislative Candidate Anthony Piccirillo Addresses The Issues

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Next Tuesday residents will be hitting the polls to vote for their representatives. One of the local races is for Suffolk County 8th legislative district. Currently, the seat is taken by incumbent William J. Lindsay. He is being challenged by Anthony Piccirillo.

The 8th legislative district includes Bayport-Blue-Point, Holbrook, Holtsville, Sayville, West Sayville, Oakdale and parts of Ronkonkoma, Bohemia and Medford.

Before residents within the district cast their votes on Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 5, Patch spoke to Piccirillo on the most pressing issues in the community.

Here's what he had to say about his plans to solve problems in the area:

Patch: You stated that one of the most pressing issues in the district is high cost of living and taxes, what is your plan to tackle this problem?

Piccirillo: For far too long we have kicked the can down the road. We have a serious spending problem not a revenue problem. I believe we need to cut spending; and balance our budget. I would eliminate fees levied on the backs of hardworking middle-class families. These fees include, the red light camera fee, mortgage fee, car registration fee, tax map verification fee, cremation fee and alarm fee. I would also 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.

Patch: In your opinion, what caused this to become a problem in the community?

Piccirillo: 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. My opponent is not the solution; he has been a part of the problem.

Patch: Do you plan on tackling this issue immediately after being elected? If not what
other issue do you plan to tackle first and how?

Piccirillo: Taxes, fees and cost of living will be my top priority; but I have plans to address numerous issues. We have a broken and corrupt campaign finance system that sees the biggest campaign donors move to the front of the line during contracts and government bids. I support Legislator Trotta's bill that will outlaw corporations and unions that do business with the county from donating to elected officials. I would also like to introduce a bill to the Suffolk County Legislature that would lower the nitrogen levels in fertilizer.; as well as ban the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen on all county owned property.

Patch: Why do you think your opponent has not tackled this issue properly during his time as legislator?

Piccirillo: My opponent has treated his $100,000 a year 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. If you do not know the people you represent that how are you able to solve their issues and concerns.