Candidate Profile: Trish Bergin for Suffolk County Legislature

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County residents will be lining up at the polls for Election Day on Nov. 2, where they will be voting for candidates vying for Suffolk County Legislature seats. Councilwoman Trish Bergin of Islip is running to represent the 10th Legislative District against Carla Simpson.

Tom Cimli, the current legislator for the district, will not be running again due to term limits. He has held the position since 2009.

The 10th Legislative District is comprised of East Islip, Bay Shore, Islip, Great River, Oakdale, Bohemia, Ronkonkoma, Central Islip, Islandia, and Hauppauge.

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.

Trish Bergin

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

50

<b>Position Sought</b>

10th LD

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Republican/Conservative

<b>Family</b>

Three boys 19,18,16, and one girl, 8

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

No

<b>Education</b>

Masters in journalism

<b>Occupation</b>

Councilwoman for 12 years

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

Same

<b>Campaign website</b>

Trish Bergin.com

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

I enjoy helping my community and my neighbors.

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

Suffolk County is teetering on junk bond status. The fiscal health of the county with take top priority. I helped to achieve a AAA bond rating in the town of Islip during her 12-year term. I plan to bring fiscal integrity and conservative budgeting to the county.

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

I have the experience in government that is needed to right the ship. Prior to government work, I was an award-winning news anchor and reporter for News 12 and CBS news. I know the issues and I am ready to tackle those issues.

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

N/A

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

I think all levels of government worked together to follow the guidelines handed down by the governor's office to try our best to keep residents safe.

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

Clean water, improved infrastructure, safer neighborhoods and support for law enforcement, road paving.

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

My experience as a councilwoman for 12 years working hard to close budgets with a tax hike. Also, my years as a journalist covering the difficulties facing Long Islanders.

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

“A knockout is not a knockdown.” When the going is tough you get back to the drawing board and begin again . . . this time harder and better until you succeed.

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

I am the mother of four beautiful kids. I also spent some time as a foster mother for Suffolk County, fostering one of my children and eventually adopting that child. I hope after college her kids will be able to return to Long Island where they will raise their children.