Candidate Profile: Mark Cuthbertson For Suffolk Legislature

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Suffolk County residents are gearing up to head to the polls for Election Day on Nov. 2, where they will be voting on the Suffolk County Legislature. Democrat Mark Cuthbertson is set to run against Republican Stephanie Bontempi in the 18th Legislative District; the office held by Democratic Legislator William Spencer. Spencer is not running for re-election.

The 18th Legislative District is composed of Cold Spring Harbor, Greenlawn, Lloyd Harbor, Huntington, Halesite, Huntington Bay, Centerport, Northport, Asharoken and Eaton's Neck, as well as parts of Huntington Station, Elwood and East Northport.

Patch reached out to both candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Mark Cuthbertson

Age (as of Election Day)

55

Position Sought

Suffolk County Legislature

Party Affiliation

Democrat and Working Families

Family

Wife: Michelle; Sons: Hunter 23 and Aidan 18; Daughter: Elizabeth 20

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NO

Education

Villanova University and Albany Law School of Union University

Occupation

Town Councilman and attorney in private practice

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Town Councilman

Campaign website

markcuthbertson.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

"I am passionate about public service. I enjoy making a positive difference in the lives of people and have been able to do so as a Town Councilman and hope to continue to serve the public in the County Legislature."

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

"Finances and environment. I will bring the same budgeting skills that have allowed the Town of Huntington to have a AAA Bond Rating, the highest possible. I also want to bring my record of protecting the environment, which has earned me the endorsement of the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters, to the County of Suffolk to help with the many environmental challenges we face."

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

"I have a wealth of relevant experience in government and based on that I have a clear vision for what I can do for the people of the County of Suffolk in many areas including finances, environment, opioids, public health and public safety among other things."

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

"I think they did pretty well under the circumstances. There was no playbook for this. I think we have learned many things and some of the innovations/changes we have had to make can help us in the future."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

"Other areas that define our campaign is an understanding of the opioid crisis and a desire to shape how Suffolk County spends the 120 million dollars it is projected to receive. I also support efforts to dredge Northport Harbor and want to make sure that the county helps us to implement the watershed studies that have been done for the Crab Meadow and Northport area and expand that to other areas of the coastline in Huntington. I would like to see the town and the county bring sewers to Huntington Station which we will have the ability to do based on federal money awarded to the Town and County and a study on this issue which we had done several years ago."

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

"Protecting over 1,000 acres of open space, helping the Town maintain a AAA bond rating by voting against the wasteful budgets of the past 3 years, bringing Canon, the largest economic development in a generation to Huntington along with thousands of jobs."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Listen and do what you think is right and you will be at peace with what you decide."

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

"The contrast between me and my opponent couldn't be any stronger. When she has actually shown up to a debate, her lack of knowledge and substance on basic issues is apparent. Because of that she has run a cynical and negative campaign that has been based on falsehoods about me and my record of public service. I will continue to focus on my experience and record of accomplishment and how that will benefit the voters of the 18th Legislative District."