Meet The Candidate: Greg Doroski For Suffolk County Legislature, 1st District

Suffolk County residents will be heading to the polls Tuesday to elect local representatives and make their voices heard.

Residents will weigh in on the race to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County, vote for Suffolk County District Attorney and Sheriff — and choose their local town elected officials.

In advance of the election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaign. In Suffolk County's 1st Legislative District, two candidates, incumbent Catherine Stark and Greg Doroski, who has served on the Southold Town board since 2021, are vying for the seat.

Name

Greg Doroski

How old will you be as of Election Day?

45
Does your campaign have a website?

doroskiforsuffolk.com

What city or town do you live in?

Mattituck

What office are you seeking?

Suffolk County Legislature

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

LD1

Party Affiliation

Democratic and Working Families

Education

BA Drew University

What is your occupation?

Southold Town Councilman and Beer Brewer

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

Two daughters: Emerson (13) and Jane (12)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes. Southold Town Councilman

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?

I have a deep and current understanding of the challenges facing folks on the East End and of the solutions — from my experience growing up here, raising my family here, helping grow businesses here and serving our community here. My family goes back to the original founding of Southold Town and we have deep roots in Riverhead. I am committed to preserving and protecting our farmland, open space, and water; to keeping us safe, and to fighting for our fair share of county tax revenue.

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

Protecting our water — in both quality and quantity — is critical. The Suffolk County Water Authority reports that 70 percent of the water it pumps goes to residential lawn irrigation, and 50 percent of that is wasted. I’m proud of the conservation measures I championed on the Southold Town Board and believe we must take a regional approach to water conservation. As a town board member, I partnered with Highway Superintendent Dan Goodwin and the Peconic Estuary Partnership to remove over 40 stormwater outfalls that were discharging directly into our creeks and bays. This work protects our environment, strengthens our economy, and safeguards our way of life.

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

We need better medium- and long-range planning for projects and funding, along with improved coordination between all levels of government. A more strategic and collaborative approach will reduce waste, minimize disruption, and ensure that infrastructure investments meet future needs.

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

I would continue my record of fiscal responsibility and advocacy to bring our fair share of county tax revenue back to the East End. We also need to expand workforce housing options. On the town board, I worked to make it easier to build accessory apartments and to include employee and caretaker housing in our draft zoning code update. Supporting local agriculture is another key priority — strengthening our food system and helping to reduce the high cost of living.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

The dysfunction and divisiveness at the federal level create real harm in our communities. Cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, and harsh immigration enforcement policies, have directly affected families here on the East End. While my opponent has remained silent, I’ve spoken publicly about the need for compassion, stability, and practical solutions that support working families.

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

Following the model of former Legislator and current Town Supervisor Al Krupski and current LD2 Legislator Ann Welker, I have been actively engaged in the community during my entire term, and not just during campaign season — like my opponent. I believe it is important for our elected leaders to say visible and help foster the public discourse about the issues impacting our district. While I took a leading role in the debate over Riverhead’s proposed agri-tourism district and the fast tacking of the SCWA pipeline expansion my opponent stayed silent. Up until I raised the issue during the campaign, my opponent had failed to attend a single Southold Town Board meeting.

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

Protected farmland and preserved open space: Preserved hundreds of acres of farmland and open space by leveraging municipal bonds, the Community Preservation Fund, and partnerships with Suffolk County and private donors. Led the charge to modernize zoning laws to promote smart, sustainable growth. Stood firmly against irresponsible development that threatened the character of our community.

Environmental leadership that protects our water and land

Fought to eliminate polluting stormwater outflows into the Peconic Estuary. Took a leading role in the debate over Riverhead’s proposed agri-tourism district and the Suffolk County Water Authority pipeline expansion advocating for transparency, conservation, and local control.

Partnered with state representatives on both sides of the aisle to establish a pilot deer management program that safeguards public health, safety, farms, and ecosystems.

Secured over $5 million for affordable Housing: Worked with state legislators to create the Southold Town Community Housing Fund, overcoming political resistance and earning overwhelming voter approval. The fund has already generated over $5 million to help working families, seniors, and young people stay in the community they call home. Made it easier to build accessory apartment and championed employee housing and caretaker dwellings in zoning code update.

Delivered emergency relief when it was needed most

Directed $100,000 in federal COVID relief funds to local nonprofits providing hunger relief — despite opposition from entrenched town officials. Ensured families in need got help, proving he’ll always put people over politics.

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

I love serving on the Southold Town Board, so deciding to run for the Suffolk County Legislature was not easy. Ultimately, I’m running because I believe I can make a greater impact for the same community I’ve always served — at a level where I can deliver more resources and results for the people of the East End.