Islip Town Council Member (2 Seats Open)
Democratic, Libertarian
Leigh-Ann M. Barde
Background:
DEMOCRATIC
Barde, 34, is running on the Democratic and Libertarian party lines.
Policies:
- Barde said she’s tired of Central Islip and Brentwood “getting ignored” by the town board and seeks to bring representation.
- She said the taxes have increased though the communities are not benefiting — “our parks are pretty despicable,” she said.
- She wants to curb development and improve the town’s environmental stewardship.
Republican, Independent, Conservative
John C. Cochrane Jr. (Incumbent)
Background:
REPUBLICAN
Cochrane, 60, is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence party lines. He is seeking his third four-year term.
Policies:
- Cochrane said he’s worked on several major infrastructure projects such as the Maple Avenue corridor to the Bay Shore marina.
- His next priority is to clean up Browns River in Sayville.
- He’s proud of the town’s aqua-farming initiatives such as the oyster industry in the Great South Bay. “I’m a conservationist, and this helps get the nitrates and the pollution out of the water,” he said.
Democratic, Libertarian
Jorge C. Guadron
Background:
DEMOCRATIC
Guadron, 58, who owns a small marketing and sales business, is running on the Democratic and Libertarian party lines. He has been on the New York State Democratic Committee for the 6th Assembly District since 2014.
Policies:
- Guadron said he believes the present town board does not represent Islip’s different communities, especially those located north of Sunrise Highway.
- “They are not listening to the residents’ outcry of opposition to too many developments and tax increases,” he said of the current board.
- He wants to promote accountability, transparency and accessibility for the town governance.
Republican, Independent, Conservative
Mary Kate Mullen (Incumbent)
Background:
CONSERVATIVE
Mullen, 49, is running on the Conservative, Republican and Independence party lines. She is seeking her second four-year term as Islip Town Board member.
Policies:
- Mullen said she is proud of her record helping to renovate dozens of parks and playgrounds in the town.
- She’s looking ahead to building the town’s new animal shelter and further dredging of area waterways.
- Her top priority is fiscal responsibility: “Like any municipality, we have to watch our budget and we’ve been lucky to have a AAA bond rating,” she said. “We’ve been pretty conscious about spending, [and] we’ve learned to do more with less while we’re providing the services that our constituents need.”