Candidate Profile: Robert Calarco For Suffolk Legislature

LONG ISLAND, NY - Suffolk County residents will be hitting the polls next week to elect several local representatives.

In addition to local town and village races, residents should look into who will be running to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County. This year, Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

In anticipation of the big day, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Democrat Robert Calarco, 39, of Patchogue, is running for re-election as the Suffolk County legislator in the Seventh District, which includes Patchogue, East Patchogue, North Patchogue, Medford and Gordon Heights. It also includes smaller portions of Blue Point, North Bellport, Middle Island, Coram, Yaphank and Fire Island.

His opponent is Republican Dominick Thorne.

Calarco, who holds a bachelor of arts in political science and a master's degree in public administration, was first elected to the legislature in November 2011. He has three children.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Calarco below:

Patch: The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Calarco: Every community I represent is different, but as a whole we need to focus on how to make Suffolk an affordable place for our residents, while protecting our environment especially our water. We do this through smart growth, attracting high paying employers, and investing in sewer infrastructure and septic upgrades.

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

C: I have experience in the county and currently serve as the Deputy Presiding Officer. I know how to get difficult things accomplished in Suffolk. In addition, have worked with each community on their respective needs and have made significant progress addressing those issues.

P: Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

C: The county is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the residents and we have done that by tackling the opioid crisis, driving crime to its lowest levels in recorded history and protecting our environment.

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

C: I authored the legislation to sue the pharmaceutical companies that is on the verge of settlement. I have delivered funding to sewer parts of Patchogue Village, and to remove invasive species from Canaan Lake. I have passed laws reforming how criminal asset funds can be spent and increase transparency in Suffolk government. I have also passed campaign finance reform legislation.

P: The best advice ever shared with me was ...

C: Leadership is about relationships, meaning you have to spend time getting to know people and what is important to them. That is why I enjoy going door to door during campaigns, it is the best way for me to have direct conversations with voters, to understand their concerns and to ensure I am focusing on what matters to them.

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

C: I have worked these last eight year to be as responsive to the needs of my constituents and to do the best to deliver for them while ensuring Suffolk County remains on the right track to meet the needs of our residents. We have balanced our budget every without piercing the state tax cap and by controlling costs. I'm confident if re-elected I can continue that work.