WATCH: Democrat Businessman Seeks To Succeed Bellone As County Exec.

SETAUKET, NY — Bound by term limits, Steve Bellone is unable to run for re-election next year as Suffolk County Executive. For the first time in 12 years, the Democrats will not have the incumbent on the ballot.

David Calone, a businessman with political experience, has started his campaign to succeed Bellone.

Calone, who chaired the county's Planning Commission for eight years, said he wants the job because "county government focuses a lot on problem-solving and getting these done," he told Patch AM.

He has been committed to the county's workforce.

"If young people don't get their first here, or don't get their first place to live here, they're more likely to go elsewhere and then not come back," Calone said.

Watch the full "Patch AM" interview below.