Candidate Profile: Stephanie Bontempi 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. Republican Stephanie Bontempi is set to run against Democrat Mark Cuthbertson 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.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Stephanie Bontempi

Age (as of Election Day)

55

Position Sought

Suffolk County Legislator- 18th District

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married to Bob. Three children, John (27), Emily (23), Sofia (17). Lily (chubby Yorkie), Zacky (blind Morkie), Lexi (tailless rescue cat).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, my husband serves on the Huntington Town Planning Board.

Education

Master of Arts, Educational Technologies; Master of Science, Elementary Education; Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Occupation

Teacher, 18 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://stephanieforsuffolk.co...

Why are you seeking elective office?

"I am running because I feel that our local officials have lost sight as to why they are elected and who they are there to represent. I think the residents of the 18th Legislative District deserve better and deserve someone who will advocate for them."

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

"I think prolonged financial stability is the number one priority of our county government. That's why I'll fight for budgetary accountability by making departments justify every dollar they spend. In 2014, the Federal Government introduced a taxpayer receipt — enter a few pieces of information and get a breakdown of how your tax dollars are being spent on priorities like education, veterans benefits, and health care. I want to bring that same degree of accountable public spending to the Suffolk County taxpayers."

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

"I'm an outsider and a newcomer to politics. My opponent is a career politician that has been in office for over two decades. Unfortunately, he's consistently failed the people he's been elected to represent by putting his self-interests before theirs. His tenure has been plagued with one ethical disaster after another. This community deserves better. I think it's imperative that our elected representatives put the residents first, he hasn't done that, and I will."

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

"I think everyone did the best they could, given the circumstances."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

"The community's safety, security, and well-being are other top priorities. I will continue to support and, as a legislator, fully fund local law enforcement. I believe protecting the health of our environment is a fundamental part of improving our quality of life. I plan on pushing the County to 'green up' its operations, saving taxpayer dollars by lowering operational costs and reducing the County's carbon footprint. I'm a strong supporter of term limits and believe new voices and fresh ideas make the legislature more innovative and responsive to its residents. I support the current legislation to close Suffolk's 'consecutive years' loophole and will abide by the will of voters."

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

"I am a hardworking mother and a proud, naturalized citizen. At a young age, I left my family in Europe and moved to the U.S. I've since earned two graduate degrees while working full-time and raising three kids.

"As a teacher, I've developed excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills. As a result, I've been asked to participate in multiple technology-related committees, curriculum development, D.E.I. (Diversity Equity Inclusion), and personnel searches."

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Be humble. Be kind. Always work hard. Never judge a book by its cover!"

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

"The voters will not get an expert on sewering or dredging, or an expert on the inner workings of government. However, the voters will get someone who is not afraid to work hard, nor afraid to take on a challenge. Someone who will seek input from the constituents in the district — someone who will listen to, and hear what people have to say. Someone who never sought to seek public office, but who is so disgusted by the lack of integrity of so many of our public officials that she feels the calling to run."