Candidate Profile: James O'Connor For Islip Town Council

ISLIP, NY — Suffolk County residents will be lining up at the polls for Election Day on Nov. 2, where they will be voting for their chosen candidates.

Incumbent James O'Connor will be running as a Republican for the Islip Town Council's District 2 against incumbent Darrin Green, who will be running as a Democrat. This is the first time residents will be able to choose their representative since a new voting system was put in place this March, when the town was divided into four districts.

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

James P. O’Connor

<b>Age (as of Election Day)</b>

58

<b>Position Sought</b>

I am seeking reelection as Islip Town councilman.

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Republican and Conservative

<b>Family</b>

Married with 3 children. Wife is a cardiologist with Saint Francis Hospitals in Suffolk County, West Islip.

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No

<b>Education</b>

I earned a B.A. in political science from Boston College and a J.D. from Hofstra University Law School.

<b>Occupation</b>

Own and runs a small private practice law firm. In addition, I have held many leadership positions in state and national bar associations.

<b>Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office</b>

Town of Islip Councilman – Current
Town of North Hempstead Councilman — January 1998 to December 2001

<b>Campaign website</b>

www.jimoconnorforislip.com

<b>Why are you seeking elective office?</b>

I am seeking reelection as Islip Town councilman because it is important to serve for the betterment of your community. I am also a strong believer in public service.

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

Finances.

People have been taxed out of their homes. As a councilman, small business owner, and a parent fiscal responsibility is one of my strongest disciplines — and I lead with this in all things. My efforts have helped to reaffirm the town’s Aaa Moody’s bond rating for the fifth time, and hold the line on taxes so we are compliant with the tax cap. In fact, for the proposed 2022 budget, taxes have been reduced; while expanding services to the community. In my next term, I will continue my focus on building a strong, safe, and stable financial outlook for the Town of Islip.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

Experience.

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

The Town of Islip responded swiftly and skillfully to the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic. I worked, round the clock, alongside every level of town government, as we fought tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus.

As councilman, I made the health and safety of the town my top priority, from helping to secure pop-up testing and free vaccination sites for residents to ensuring free vital services such as housing and senior meal assistance. Along with protecting individuals from the dangers of COVID-19.

I also prioritized the effects of the pandemic to small businesses, by working together with my fellow partners on the Islip town board to deliver more than $250,000 of COVID grants to Islip small businesses.

<b>Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.</b>

I am a strong proponent of environmental initiatives that protect and support the Town of Islip’s celebrated biodiversity. As councilman, I worked with the Town’s department of environmental control to make enhancements to both the town’s fish hatchery and bay bottom leasing programs. These programs will have long-lasting positive impacts and will help to Save The Great South Bay. I also strongly supported the dredging of Browns River and improving landfill facilities and waste management.

As a father of a non-verbal son on the autism spectrum, I take my role as chairperson of the
Town of Islip's disability advisory board seriously. I have advocated strongly for the disabled
community, from revitalizing the disability advisory board after years of dormancy to establishing the Town of Islip's first disability advisory board resource guide. I also created the disability employment awareness and opportunity video series to help advocate for equal employment opportunities for the disabled. In addition, to advocating for more youth inclusion and programming for the disabled community.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

I am honored that my past accomplishments have earned me sterling recommendations from leaders at all government levels, including law enforcement. The following are a few endorsements that cite my ability as Islip Town councilman:

“The Suffolk County Correction Officers Association proudly represents over 1,400 active and retired correction officers, most of which live in Suffolk County. In our candidate endorsements, we look for individuals who understand the needs of our members and the vital resource we provide for Suffolk County. Your past service as a councilman has proven that you care deeply for the communities you represent and respect the role of law rnforcement in maintaining public safety for your constituents.

The Suffolk County Correction Officer Association Executive Board is proud to announce our unanimous endorsement for you in your upcoming re-election. We look forward to working with you and your constituents in the future.” – Suffolk County Correction Officers Association

“I have known Jim O’Connor for decades and he has never failed to impress me with his leadership in the Islip community. Jim is incredibly dedicated to his job representing us and always makes it a priority to put the residents’ interests first.”

— NYS Senator Phil Boyle

“Jim O’Connor’s background and common-sense approach to government is an invaluable asset to the Islip Town Board. Jim’s experience has contributed greatly towards Islip’s exemplary AAA Bond Rating achieved for 5 consecutive years. “
– Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter

“I have worked together closely with Jim over the last four years. Jim is completely active in our Islip communities! He is well-known by local organizations for his tireless work ethic. Islip needs Jim’s activism for the next four years. Vote for my friend, Jim O’Connor, on Election Day!”

— Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi

“In order to deliver valuable services to our residents, it is important that different levels of our government work together. In collaboration with my friend, Jim O’Connor, we work hard to keep Islip safe. Please vote to re-elect Jim to the Islip town board. He deserves your vote!”

— Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino

<b>The best advice ever shared with me was:</b>

“Luck comes from hard work!”

I know firsthand all the hard work, strategic planning, and responsible decision making that took place, when I read or watch the news about the unprecedented numbers of young families fleeing their current places to buy homes in the Town of Islip at record values, whether to live, work, or play here. This is something we can all be proud of.

This type of progress and growth comes from leadership, experience, activism, and collaboration — which summarizes my approach to ensuring commonsense and responsibility in governing.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I am proud of the town’s accomplishments in the past four years, and my role in it. I care about the community. I believe in putting community first. Prior to being elected on the Islip town board, I was a former Great River fire commissioner, youth sports coach for St. Mary’s CYO and East Islip soccer. I am also a member of Knights of Columbus, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Ancient Order of Hibernians.

I love what I do. I have a passion for it and I look forwarding to serving our community.