Patch Candidate Profile: Al Krupski For Southold Town Supervisor

SOUTHOLD, NY — Southold Town residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.

The race is on leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 7.

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.

Incumbent Suffolk County Legislator Al Democrat, a Democrat, is running for Southold Town supervisor, to fill the seat long held by Scott Russell; Krupski is facing off with GOP candidate Donald Grim for the position.

Here is Patch's candidate profile of Al Krupski:

Name

Albert J Krupski, Jr.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

63

Does your campaign have a website?

https://Southoldforward.com

What city or town do you live in?

Cutchogue

What office are you seeking?

Southold Town Supervisor

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

B.S. in Plant Science, University of Delaware

What is your occupation?

Farmer, 63 years.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married to Mary. Three children Nick and Racheal, parents of Victoria and Layla, Colleen and Stephan, parents of Anatasia ,and Kim and Brandon, parents of Henry and Teagan.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Son Nick, Southold Town trustee, elected in 2015.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Elected in 1985 as town trustee, where I served until I was elected to the town board in 2005. I served on the town board until elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in 2013.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I was born and raised in Southold Town, growing up on the family farm, enjoying the bay and creeks for swimming and playing in. I want the same opportunity for my grandchildren, to grow up in a place with a sense of community. I know that if we pay attention to planning, we can shape our community. If we don't get involved and make improvements, the world will dictate to us how we live.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Ground and surface water quality.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

Our septic systems discharge our waste, pharmaceuticals, household products and personal care products into the aquifer. Updating these 380,000 systems in Suffolk County will take dedication and persistence. We all create this wastewater — and all must be responsible for its treatment.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?

For decades, I have been involved in stormwater remediation, first as a way to stop the loading of pathogens and bacteria that was affecting shell-fishing, then as an effective tool to recharge our aquifer. As our highways are rebuilt, every effort should be made to make them more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

As a local business owner, I know how government requirements for record keeping hurt small business. I will work with the chambers to seek solutions for regulatory relief. Many regulations are not local, but are imposed by county state or federal mandates.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

If there are requirements for treatment of migrants, or services that need to be provided, there has to be a coordinated approach to the problem.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

My governmental and business experience..

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The town has a 2 percent transfer tax, that has funded open space and farmland preservation. That effort has to continue, coordinated with the county program. A recently passed half percent was approved by the voters to address the affordability of homes to workers in the town. This money could be a big help to provide the town with workforce housing.

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

I was involved in the big box law, rewriting the wetland code, townwide drainage code, as well as zoning Plum Island upon sale. All of these efforts have contributed to the future of the town. I have a record of working across party lines to solve the issues facing us.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen to everyone and show them respect.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Our actions or inactions today are our opportunity to get involved. I know that as a public servant I have a brief window to work, that's why it's important to work with everyone.