Suffolk County Executive

DEMOCRATIC

Bellone, 50, is running on the Democratic and Protect the Taxpayers party lines. Bellone is in his second term as county executive after serving as the Babylon Town supervisor.

Bellone said he has reduced the size of county government and streamlined operations to protect taxpayers. He has pointed to cutting nearly 1,300 county positions from the payroll and combining the county treasurer and comptroller offices. He is paid less than he is legally entitled to be and does not drive a county vehicle.

Bellone called Suffolk one of the safest suburban communities in the nation, citing historic low crime rates and his focus on combating gang violence and the opioid epidemic.

Bellone also noted his water quality initiative, called Reclaim Our Water, which has focused on reducing nitrogen in waterways through incentivizing homeowners to update their septic systems. A proposed subwatershed plan would add more of these systems and expand sewers.

DEMOCRATIC

Fischer, 62, is running on the Libertarian Party line. He is a semi-retired business strategist and consultant.

• Fischer said he would focus on the economy, especially as the “commercial base is eroding right now.” He wants to provide “comprehensive business preservation” by creating a resource center for business consulting, computer services, tax assistance and advice.
• Fischer said he wants to remediate the environment through more water testing, better water filtration and separate sewage systems for effluent and other waste. He wants to work with towns to require separating trash.
• Fischer said he wants to turn trash into boulders to create jetties and other items.

REPUBLICAN

Kennedy, 63, is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence party lines. Kennedy is in his second term as the county comptroller after serving as a county legislator for 10 years.

Kennedy said his top priority is to fix the county’s budget and finances. He has pointed to a state comptroller’s report finding Suffolk to be in the most fiscal stress of any county in New York and several bond rating downgrades. He would cut redundant positions and patronage jobs and make sure the county is paid on time by the state and other entities.

Kennedy would focus on the affordable housing crisis, including by working with towns and banks to prevent homes in foreclosure from becoming “zombie houses” and turn them into affordable houses for first-time homeowners.

Kennedy also would work with state officials to ensure the county gets its fair share of funding for opioid treatment.