Candidate Profile: John Kennedy, Jr. For Suffolk County Executive

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.

The race is on in local town and village races leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 5. Patch asked those running for office to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles in the days leading up to the election.

John M. Kennedy, Jr., 63, of Nesconset, is a Republican also running on the Conservative and Independence lines for Suffolk County Executive. His opponents include incumbent Democrat Steve Bellone and Libertarian Greg Fischer.

Kennedy and his wife Leslie, have four adult children, John, Kristen, Brian and Gillian. His wife is a Suffolk County Legislator. He earned a J.D. from St. John's University in 1994, an MBA from Adelphi in 1984 and a BA from SUNY Stony Brook in 1979. An attorney for 24 years, he also serves as Suffolk County Comptroller and was a Suffolk County Legislator for the 12th district for 10 years.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with John Kennedy below.

Patch: The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

John Kennedy: Budget deficit

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

K: I have saved $55 million in 5 years. My opponent has put Suffolk County $883 million in debt.

P: If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

K: 7 bond downgrades, junk bond status, 2 rated worst fiscally stressed county in State of New York.

P: Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

K: Opioid crisis, zombie homes/ affordable housing.

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

K: $15 million audit recovery, $35 million interest savings, successfully absorbed treasurer office

P: The best advice ever shared with me was ...

K: "Listen to your employees! They can make you or break you."

P: What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
K: Married to my high school sweetheart 43 years. She is a career RN with Mather Hospital.