Glen Cove City Council Candidates: Meet Kevin Maccarone

GLEN COVE, NY — Glen Cove voters will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for mayor and city council. Patch reached out to all the candidates via email and/or Facebook 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.

Kevin Maccarone

• Age (as of Sept. 1): 29
• Town of residence: Glen Cove
• Position sought: Glen Cove City Council
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: Single
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.
• Education: Bachelor of arts in business information technology, Xavier University; J.D. in Law, Touro Law School

• Occupation: Attorney at law for three years
• Previous or current elected or appointed office: Elected member of the Glen Cove City Council, January 2018 - Present
• Campaign Website: None.

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

At this current time, among the many issues our city faces ,the most important is the substantial development that is underway. Prior to my election many major projects were approved that will greatly impact our city. Whether you are in favor of this development or not, it is of the utmost importance right now to ensure that we closely monitor the impacts this development will cause on our community and do our best to ensure that such impacts are positive. Since my election, I have opposed proposed development projects on Glen Street, and voiced my concerns regarding the amended Villa project. This is a critical time in our community, and our elected officials, regardless of the election outcome, need to ensure that any development going forward is within the characteristics of our community and done so with a goal of enhancing the quality of life of our current residents.

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

Two years ago I ran for city council as a 26 year old recent law school graduate who was just starting his career and wanted to make sure that at the same time, I also contributed to the community that raised me. I got involved because I love this city and I want to ensure that it gets back to being a place where young people want to stay and raise their families. Unfortunately, given the current political climate and makeup of the current counsel, the opposition seeking to unseat me and some of my running mates has constantly taken the position that me and the rest of my Republican colleagues are nothing but partisan puppets and obstructionists. For anyone that knows me, they know I am the furthest thing from a puppet and always think for myself. Second, I have a strong record of reaching out across party lines in order to negotiate and compromise, and have done so time after time after time, with little if any response from the other side. I have and always will vote in support of what I feel is best for the residents of Glen Cove. My record speaks for itself on this matter, and I believe it is what set me apart.

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

N/A - current council member.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Smart and appropriate development; enforcing illegal housing; strong and transparent fiscal management.

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

As a member of the City Council for the last two years, I have worked hard to ensure that we hold the line on taxes and fees. I voted against Mayor Tenke's request to pierce the tax cap and raise taxes almost 5 percent and I voted against his massive increase in water rates in our city. I have supported improving our services to our residents and have a strong record of opposing over-development.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

DO WHAT'S RIGHT, NOT WHAT'S EASY.

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

I am 29 years old, was born and raised in Glen Cove, and joined my family business here. I recently purchased a home in the Landing area and am not looking forward to the increased taxes that Mayor Tenke is going to force through. I am here for the long haul and want to do what I can to make life better for all Glen Covers in the future. At an early age it was instilled in me by my family that giving back to our community is the most worthwhile and fulfilling endeavor you can undertake.