Suffolk County Elections 2021: Brendan Sweeney For Legislature

SHOREHAM, NY — Election Day is one week away, and Patch is giving you a look at the candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot.

In the 6th Legislative District race, Republican challenger Brendan Sweeney is looking to unseat Democratic incumbent Legis. Sarah Anker.

Sweeney discusses why he should be elected and answers Patch's Q&As below.

Age (as of Election Day)

28

Position Sought

Suffolk County Legislator - 6th District

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Diane Sweeney, mother

Meghan Sweeney, sister, 27

Shaina Sweeney, sister, 25

Robert Sweeney, father (Deceased)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Arts, University of Florida (Graduated 2014)
Currently attending Touro Law School

Occupation

Citizen's Advocate, Town of Brookhaven (2017-Present Day)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

facebook.com/sweeneyforlegislator

Why are you seeking elective office?

Born and raised on Long Island, I believe that this is one of the greatest places to live, work, and raise a family. As I look around it seems as though the great promise is being taken away by unaffordability. The current administration and legislator have not worked to make this island more affordable, not just for young people, but for all residents. It is my hope, that if elected, I will be able to make a difference in reining in the cost-of-living here and work to make this island more affordable for all.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most important thing facing this district is public safety. Unfortunately, my opponent, Legis. Sarah Anker, supports candidates that were in favor of bail reform and letting criminals back on the street. In addition, she allowed for a county budget to pass last year that defunded the Suffolk County Police Department by $20 million. If elected, one of my priorities will be making sure our cops have moral backing, along with as many financial funds as necessary to get the resources and tools necessary to keep our people safe. I would also advocate for undoing bail reform, allowing judges to have greater discretion on releasing repeat criminals out pending trial.

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

For starters, I am in favor of term limits. My opponent is against them and believes an elected official should be able to run for office indefinitely. That is bad policy. As we can see in Washington, part of the problem is from people so entrenched, they care more about being re-elected rather than serving the public.

I have a proven record working at the Town of Brookhaven in making residents’ lives better. Whether it is through simple constituent issues or the zombie home demolition program, activities that I have worked on in the town have increased the property values and also the quality of life of the residents I have been fortunate enough to serve.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The legislator claims to have many accomplishments but when talking with residents, they say they have never felt the effects of what she touts.

On Rails to Trails, it took nearly 20 years to come into effect, and under her mismanagement, the federal government nearly took the money back. It was only thanks to Congressman Lee Zeldin, that time was extended.

On water quality, the legislator voted for a referendum to steal money from a fund dedicated to providing sewers to county residents to shore up a budget deficit.

On the budget, the legislator has voted for nine unbalanced budgets, with yearly deficits, one-shot revenue schemes, and fee increases. The legislator claims she voted against fee increases yet those same fees she voted against became law. There's no leadership.

Finally, as stated before, unlike the legislator, I will be fully in favor of term limits and also for supporting the police, not defunding them.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I feel that Suffolk County, instead of using the federal bailout money to solve their budgetary woes, should've taken the money and directly invested it into our small businesses and residents. Our small businesses and residents are struggling, and there has been no aid given by the legislator or the county.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

In short:

• Holding the line on property taxes.
• Passing term limits.
• Supporting law enforcement.
• Preserving and enhancing our environment.
• Stopping overdevelopment.

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

The Zombie Home Demolition Program run by the Town of Brookhaven is my point of pride. Upon taking over the program in 2017 we have demolished over 350 homes and made the property owners repair over 40 homes throughout the town. This program has had a demonstrable impact on the safety, quality-of-life, and property values of the homeowners that live near the former derelict buildings.

In some cases, a property that we demolished has had a new home built in its place, one that is leagues better than the one there prior. These efforts actually make a difference in people's lives and it is my hope that I can bring my success with this program to the legislature to help find common-sense solutions to improve people's lives and to work on housing affordability.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I ever received was from a mentor and supporter of mine, Supervisor Ed Romaine. He stated to me: "Focus on the job of delivering services and don't worry about the politics. Good government is good politics. People will see the real deal."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like to first thank the legislator for her 10 years of service. Running for office is a difficult thing to do. It is ultimately time for a change. I think voters will see the policies I am in support of and will join with us in making our district, island, state, and country a better place.