Candidate Profile: Don McKay For Huntington Town Council 2023

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Don McKay is one of the four challengers for the Huntington Town Council, where two candidates will be elected on Nov. 7.

Voters will choose from McKay, Jennifer Hebert, Brooke Lupinacci and Theresa Mari. Patch reached out to all 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.

Name

Don McKay

How old will you be as of Election Day?

58

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://donmckayforhuntington....

What city or town do you live in?

Dix Hills

What office are you seeking?

Huntington Councilman

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Town Board

Party affiliation.

Democrat/Working Families

Education.

B.A. Communications, Bethany College, West Virginia. Northport High School 1983.

What is your occupation?

Deputy Commissioner, Suffolk County Parks

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Wife Lauren. Daughter Allison. Son, Kyle

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

There is the possibility of a 5-0 Republican majority, one party rule. It's imperative we have checks and balances in our local governance.

For the past six years, Town Hall has been riddled with controversy, arrogance and corruption. We need to restore common sense and caring to our local government.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Irrational and unsustainable development. My opponents have been bankrolled by developers and their attorneys. I will hold these developers accountable.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

Start with approving the referendum that was killed by County Republicans.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc?

Need greater assistance at the state and federal levels. Local tax dollars can only go so far.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

Start by making our downtowns more inviting and easier for shoppers to park. Huntington Village desperately needs more parking and not more luxury rental apartments.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

This is a federal and state issue. But everyone needs to show greater empathy.

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

Experience. I've worked in public service for 25 years. I am a former newspaper reporter. I clearly understand local government and the importance of being responsive. My opponents are refusing to attend public debates and are more interested in raising money. Again, they are being bankrolled by developers. Draw your own conclusions!

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

No incumbent,

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Affordable workforce housing, public safety. Need to better protect our bays and harbors. Being responsive and honest, both severely currently lacking on the town board.

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

Worked 20 years for the town of Huntington and six years with Suffolk County. Covered local government for 10 years as a newspaper reporter. We need someone with the background and mentality of a reporter to serve on the town board.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Respect those who disagree with you and always lend a helping hand.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a lifelong Huntington resident. I have always strived to carry out my responsibilities as a public servant in a fair honest manner. Unlike my opponents, I am not a lawyer running as a stepping stone for a judgeship.