Suffolk County Elections 2021: Dem Kate Browning For Legislature

SHIRLEY, NY — Election Day is nearly here, and Patch is giving you a look at the candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot.

For the Suffolk County 3rd Legislative District race, former legislator Kate Browning, a Democrat, is looking to unseat Republican incumbent Legis. James Mazzarella, and take back her old seat.

Browning discusses why she deserves to win her old seat back and answers Patch's Q&As below.

Age (as of Election Day)

62

Position Sought

Suffolk County Legislator

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

My husband, Steve, and children, Aoife, Sean, and Aodhan.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband, Steve was a decorated Detective in the New York City Police Department and retired from the Army National Guard in 2006. Sean and Aodhan serve in the Air National Guard, 106th Air Rescue Wing, in Westhampton.

Education

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from National Labor College.

Occupation

Director of Code Enforcement, Town of Babylon

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Suffolk County Legislator for 12 years between 2006 and 2018.

Campaign website

www.votekatebrowning.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have the experience needed to bring stability back to the 3rd Legislative District. The sewer project, which I spearheaded and made happen, has stalled. We need to get that project going which will create good-paying jobs and help us recover from this pandemic.

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

Creating good-paying jobs. The sewer project, which I spearheaded will bring those jobs to the district. And once completed, will re-invigorate our downtowns, bringing more jobs with it.

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

I will be a full-time legislator. [James Mazzarella] is not.

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

When he campaigned to be a county legislator, he said he would do it full-time. Unfortunately, he lied to voters and has kept his union job — diverting the much-needed attention the district deserves.

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

Currently, as Town of Babylon Director of Code Enforcement, I made sure the inspectors in my office had sufficient supplies of Personal Protection Equipment. I encouraged employers not to force the use of sick time if the employee tested positive for COVID, or if they needed to quarantine, or had to stay home pending test results. I would make sure the same thing is done in the legislative office.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fighting for clean water infrastructure is a top priority. I want to finish the work I did as a Suffolk County legislator, to clean up the Forge River. We also need to keep taxes in check for families who are struggling, coming out of the pandemic. Working with law enforcement to make sure they have the resources they need to fight violent gangs and drug dealers.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My mom: Don't ever embarrass your family. This was because of corruption in government and I've taken her advice well.