Suffolk County Elections 2021: James Mazzarella For Legislature

MORICHES, 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 Legislative race, incumbent Republican Legis. James Mazzarella faces former legislator Kate Browning, a Democrat, who held his seat up until 2018.

Mazzarella discusses why he deserves to keep his seat on the Legislature and answers Patch's Q&As below.

Age (as of Election Day):

55

Position Sought

Suffolk County Legislator - District 3

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Mary - wife - middle school history teacher

Sarah - daughter -recent college graduate studying for her Law School Admission Test

Joseph - son - freshman at Penn State University's Army ROTC program

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Brother-in-law - district court judge

Education

William Floyd High School graduate

SUNY Maritime College

Occupation

Union officer at Local 342 LIPSE - 31

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Suffolk County Legislator - District 3

Campaign website

www.jamesmazzarellaforsuffolk....

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue my work seeing important projects in the 3rd Legislative District become a reality, and to improve the overall quality-of-life for all of its residents.

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

Quality-of- life.

I am going to continue my work with the community, our local civics, my partners in government, and law enforcement to bring about positive change in the district. I am working to improve public safety, the overall environment of the area, and to bring much-needed economic development to all areas of my legislative district.

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

1) I believe in term limits.

2) I believe in working cooperatively with other levels of government across party lines to accomplish the will of the people of my district.

3) I have always been enrolled in one political party, while my opponent has been enrolled in at least three different parties.

4) I support infrastructure improvements and solutions to traffic congestion on Montauk Highway and County Road 46, while my opponent in 12 years was unsuccessful.

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

I believe that Suffolk County did an admirable job at utilizing social media and other means to keep people informed of the most up-to-date information.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The number one issue revolves around quality-of-life. I have worked closely with the Suffolk County police to address issues surrounding illegal off-road vehicle use on our public roadways, vacant homes, and squatters, as well as the opioid epidemic.

I have also secured the required funding for the Forge River Watershed Sewer District, which will provide a cleaner environment as well as promote economic development. This is the single largest infrastructure project in the history of the tri-hamlet community.

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

Prior to being elected in the special election in the legislature, I spent 31 years working collaboratively with local government of every political party to effectuate change for my hard-working members.

I worked to support the economy, my local residents, and the integrity of the communities throughout the entire Town of Brookhaven during my tenure as a member of the Brookhaven Town Board of Zoning Appeals.

During my time as both a civic leader and president of my local library board, I worked tirelessly to make improvements to the community and provide services in both capacities.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Work hard, be truthful to yourself, and be respectful of all others.

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

I am genuine, honest, and I will always put people before politics.