Meet The Candidates: Al Krupski For Suffolk County Legislature

CUTCHOGUE, NY — Suffolk County residents will be heading to the polls next week to elect local representatives and make their voices heard.

In addition to local town and village races, residents will weigh in on the race to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County.

This year, Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 2.

In advance of the election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaign — and the results will be published as candidate profiles in the days leading up to the vote.

Al Krupski, 61, of Cutchogue is a Democrat running for re-election as Suffolk County Legislator for District 1; the 1st legislative district is geographically the largest of the 18, stretching more than 70 miles from Middle Island in Brookhaven Town, through Riverhead and Southold Towns, to Fishers Island.

His opponent is Remy Bell (R) of Riverhead.

Following is Patch's full Q&A with Krupski:

<b> Name: Albert J. Krupski, Jr .

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

61

<b>Position Sought</b>

Suffolk County Legislator, District 1

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Family</b>

Married to Mary, three children

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

My son Nicholas is a Southold Town Trustee

<b>Education</b>

BS in PLant Science, University of Delaware

<b>Occupation</b>

Farmer, since 1982 or 1960

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

I was a Southold Town trustee for 20 years, Southold Town board member for seven years, and a Suffolk County Legislator since 2013.

<b>Campaign website</b>

krupskifor legislature.com

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

I live in a great community that is a pleasure to represent. I find my involvement is important in addressing many issues.

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

</b>The East End is facing unprecedented development pressure; it takes collaboration between all of the stakeholders, in all levels of government and the community, to forge our future. Change is inevitable, but it needs to meet the needs of the community.

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

</b>My experience as a public servant

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

</b>I was very impressed with the way the Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, his capable staff, and the Health Commissioner Dr. Piggott reacted to all of the unknowns in the health crisis. From the very uncertain first days, with the way they handled information regarding personal protective equipment, then testing, then vaccine availability, they were great at communicating with all levels of government all that they knew.

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

</b>Water quality is of great concern, both surface water and drinking water.

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

</b>The zoning of Plum Island to discourage the sale helped to define the future of development on the North Fork. My ongoing work for decades to improve water quality and quantity through drainage, which prevents beach closures, keeps shellfish beds open, and recharges the aquifer.

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

</b>Listen to everyone, work with everyone.

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

</b> I am proud of my ability to work with all elected officials, regardless of party or past performance, on common issues. I also see great value in engaging the community that I represent.