Suffolk County Legislator - 9th District
Democratic, Independent, Libertarian, Working Families
Samuel J. Gonzalez (Incumbent)
Background:
DEMOCRATIC
Gonzalez, 58, who won a special election for his seat in March, is running on the Democratic, Working Families, Independence and Libertarian party lines, though he said he recently lost the Libertarian endorsement.
Policies:
- He wants to continue working to create safe havens for youths, especially in downtown revitalization districts, to protect them from the recruiting influences of gangs such as MS-13.
- Gonzalez said it is “imperative” that the county stay involved in helping families with autistic children. His aim is to push “early intervention” programs to help autistic children in the critical ages of newborn to 3 years old.
- Helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and streamlining the number of red-light cameras in the county are also priorities, he said.
Republican, Conservative
Maria D. Vidal
Background:
REPUBLICAN
Vidal, 50, is running on the Republican and Conservative lines. Vidal is managing director of nonprofit Pronto Long Island, a human services organization.
Policies:
- She wants the Department of Labor to work with school districts and the business community to develop job training and job opportunities for youths.
- She wants funding restored for county mental health programs as a way to combat the opioid and substance abuse crisis. And community policing programs brought back in high-crime areas.
- Wants a new focus on improving county roads in her district.