Candidate Profile: Robert Trotta 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 13 — including Smithtown, Fort Salonga, Kings Park, San Remo, Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor, and St. James, as well as portions of Commack and East Northport, voters will elect Republican incumbent Robert Trotta or Democrat challenger Jan Singer.

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.

Robert Trotta

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): 58
• Town of Residence: Fort Salonga and Smithtown
• Position Sought: Suffolk County Legislator, 13th Legislative District
• Party Affiliation: Republican and Conservative
• Family: Wife (Wendy) and two adult children
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: My wife is a teacher.
• Education: Master's in Labor Relations from SUNY Stony Brook and BA in Criminal Justice from C.W. Post.
• Occupation: 5-and-a-half years as the Suffolk County Legislator for the 13th LD.
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Suffolk County Legislator for the 13th LD.
• Campaign Website: TrottaforSuffolk.com

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

"Corruption and wasteful spending. I am investigating wrongdoings. I have introduced a bill to create an independent Office of Inspector General to identify and deter waste, fraud, misconduct and abuse."

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

"I am a fiscal conservative and realize people cannot afford to live on Long Island anymore."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

"Fighting corruption, capping landfills, protecting our drinking water and stopping wasteful spending."

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

"The chief of police went to jail and the District Attorney has been indicted. The system works, but very slowly."

The best advice ever shared with me was...

"Politicians have to be able to say, 'No.'"

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

"I am dedicated to serving the people of Suffolk County, in particular those living in the 13th LD, and I am passionate about making Suffolk affordable for our children to live here and for our parents to stay here."