Candidate Profile: Rebecca Lonardo For Suffolk Legislature

LONG ISLAND, NY — Voters in Suffolk County will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for Legislator.

In District 17 — including Cold Spring Hills, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington, Huntington Station, South Huntington, Melville, North Babylon, West Babylon and West Hills — voters will elect Republican challenger Rebecca Lonardo or Democrat incumbent Tom Donnelly.

Patch reached out to both 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.

Rebecca Lonardo, DVM

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): 38
• Town of Residence: Huntington
• Position Sought: Suffolk County Legislator in the 17th District
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Husband, Eliot Lonardo; Daughter, Elianna age 6; Daughter Carly age 4
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: Eliot holds two positions in the Town of Huntington - he is on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (unpaid position) and Board of Assessment Review.
• Education: DVM from the University of Wisconsin
• Occupation: Veterinarian for 7 years
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: N/A
• Campaign Website: Dr. Rebecca Lonardo for Suffolk County on Facebook

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

"I feel the single most pressing issue is our county's budget and finances. Unfortunately, Suffolk County continues to spend too much, and they are passing that fiscal irresponsibility to the constituents. There are two ways to balance a budget — spend less or increase revenue. Suffolk County continues to choose increasing revenue to support their irresponsible spending habits rather than taking a closer look at how they can decrease spending. As a legislator, budgeting would be a top priority for me. I would take a critical look at where wasteful spending can be eliminated."

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

"My goal is not to be a career politician. I am seeking this position to take an active role in my community and help institute changes that will make Suffolk County an even better place to live."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

"My campaign platform is based on quality of life issues — reducing taxes/fees, increasing safety, maintaining infrastructure and protecting our environment and coastline. These are the issues that most directly affect my family, friends and neighbors."

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

"When I became a parent, I gained a broader perspective of what is important for our community. I want my community to be a wonderful place to raise children, a place where my children will want to start their own careers and families and a place where their grandparents can retire comfortably. This is a driving force behind the changes I want to see in Suffolk County."