Candidate Profile: Tom Muratore For Suffolk Legislature

LONG ISLAND, NY — Voters in Suffolk County will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for Legislator.

In District 4 — including The Brookhaven Town portion of Ronkonkoma, Centereach, Coram, Farmingville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Medford, Port Jefferson Station and Selden — voters will elect Republican incumbent Tom Muratore or Democrat challenger David Bligh.

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.

Tom Muratore

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): 74
• Town of Residence: Lake Ronkonkoma
• Position Sought: Legislator, 4th District
• Party Affiliation: Republican, Conservative, Independence
• Family: Wife: Linda
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: Niece in Department of Social Services.
• Education: Bachelor of Professional Studies, New York Tech
• Occupation: Suffolk County Legislator 2010-Present, prior to being a legislator I was a Suffolk County Police Officer for 34 years.
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Current Suffolk County Legislator 2010-Present.
• Campaign Website: https://thomasmuratore.com/

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

"Fiscal Crisis. We must budget responsibly, hold the line on taxes and eliminate the outrageous fees, such as the red light camera fee. We must also reduce our capital borrowing; In the next term, I support a 5-10 percent reduction in capital borrowing."

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

"I have the experience and a proven record of accomplishments."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

- Protecting our environment and open space.

- Support law enforcement and first responders tackling the opioid crisis.

- Grow our economy by investing in our energy and transportation infrastructure and revitalizing our downtowns.

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

"I worked with multiple government agencies and community groups to purchase the land to develop a 24-acre park in the district. I worked with my colleagues in the legislature to secure funding for a feasibility study for sewers in the district. I have sponsored legislation that benefit children, veterans and seniors."

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

"I'm endorsed by the Sierra Club, The Long Island Federation of Labor and Law Enforcement."