Candidate Profile: Eugene Cook For Huntington Supervisor

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Town of Huntington residents are gearing up to head to the polls for Election Day on Nov. 2, where they will be voting on the Town of Huntington supervisor. Stop LIPA challenger Eugene Cook is running against Democratic challenger Rebecca Sanin and Republican challenger Edmund Smyth.

Patch reached out to the 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.

Eugene Cook

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Position Sought

Huntington Town Supervisor

Party Affiliation

Running on the Stop LIPA Line Row F

Family

My wife Lisa and I have 5 children and 2 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I have a Business Administration Degree from Nassau Community College.

Occupation

"I am a business owner with 40 years experience in infrastructure, heavy highway construction and real estate ownership."

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

"I am currently your Huntington Town Councilman and have been on the Town Board for 10 years."

Campaign website

cook4supervisor.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

"I believe Huntington taxpayers deserve a Supervisor who will fight for them. A leader who respects our community, our families, and our businesses. As your Huntington Town Councilman, a business owner, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, I understand the hard work that is required to provide for families, normally, and the struggles many families are facing, due to the pandemic. I have respected my role as your Councilman and am proud of my accomplishments. I have committed myself as your Councilman to make your tax dollars more effective, and will continue to do so as your Huntington Supervisor."

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

"Huntington taxpayers, residents and business owners have not been respected the last four years by some members of the current administration. Huningtonians deserve elected public officials who listen to them, and who take action to resolve the issues; and I don't believe that has happened with the current Supervisor. There are issues with infrastructure that need to be addressed, the Conte Community Center, water quality and our waterfront are all pressing matters that need action."

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

"I have a proven track record where I have respectfully listened to the concerns of the people of Huntington, fighting tirelessly to hold the line on taxes and spending while maintaining balanced budgets. I have also been a clear and independent voice for ethics reform, transparency in government and term limits. I have stood with communities, listening to you when it comes to developing our communities, respecting our quality-of-life concerns and protecting our youth. With your support for Supervisor, I will continue to champion the cause of a better Huntington for the future, while respecting Huntington families, residents, business owners and taxpayers."

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

"I continue to fight LIPA’s reassessment of the power plant, as the settlement will raise taxes substantially, for all of Huntington Township, using my personal monies. I voted against developments which did not meet community standards in measuring detrimental impact on the existing community, like Seasons of Elwood, Benchmark of Northport and Sunrise Assisted Living on Pulaski Road. I have thought outside the box to help our veterans’ organizations when they need upgrades at their facilities at no cost to taxpayers or the veterans. I have worked with Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Police Athletic League to bring no-cost sports programs to the community. I believe it’s vital to build the relationship between the police and children in minority communities, with the hope that children in these communities will continue to aspire to local and national service with role models from law enforcement."

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

"Having never faced a pandemic, local officials responded in the best manner possible for the safety of both the residents and employees. I believe we should have worked more expeditiously to reopen town hall to residents in need of assistance and to resume public meetings while maintaining the safety of all employees and visitors."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

"I believe Huntington taxpayers, residents, business owners and voters deserve public officials who respect their vision for Huntington. They deserve public officials who understand the importance of our infrastructure, water quality, and smart development."

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

"Respecting the taxpayers of Huntington has always been a priority of mine, that is why I listen to what you want for your community. That is why:

"I worked tirelessly to pass the resolution for Term Limits.

"I worked with the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Precinct and Suffolk County Police Athletic League to start a No-Cost Soccer Program at Manor Field for Huntington Youth, and have expanded this work to include a boxing program. These programs allow the community to grow by building a relationship between the families and the police officers in a safe and fun environment.

"I think 'outside the box' on finding ways to assist coordinating various projects within the Town, while saving taxpayer dollars. Coordinated with local business owners for a new roof over American Legion Post 360, and the paving of both parking lots at the Northport VA Golf Course (American Legion 694) and VFW Post 1469 on Pulaski Road at no cost to the Veterans or Taxpayers."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Always be true to yourself."

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

"I will continue to respectfully listen you, residents, taxpayers and business owners while maintaining a strong voice which reflects the wants and needs of all Huningtonians.

"I will respect your children’s and grandchildren’s future by not mortgaging their financial future by providing responsible budgets.

"I will respect the Huntington you want, by providing zoning ordinances that are realistic and feasible.

"I will respect my constituents by listening and working with you to maintain our quality of life, that include safe and diverse communities which make Huntington unique. And I will continue to be the independent voice putting the families, residents and businesses in the Town of Huntington first.

"I do respect you. I will bring public trust back to government, because as a taxpayer you deserve public officials who are honest and answer to you."