Meet The Candidate: Raheem Soto For Suffolk County Legislature, 2nd District

Suffolk County residents are 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 2nd Legislative District, two candidates, incumbent Ann Welker and Raheem Soto are vying for the seat.

Name

Raheem Soto

How old will you be as of Election Day?

46 years old.

Does your campaign have a website?

www.SotoforSuffolk.com

What city or town do you live in?

East Quogue

What office are you seeking?

Suffolk County Legislator

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

Suffolk County Legislative District 2 (Southampton and East Hampton Towns)

Party affiliation

Republican Party

Education

High-school equivalent from Gateway Job Corps, with a certificate in Business Administration

What is your occupation?

Publisher at The Messenger Papers and co-founder of TUC Media LLC

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

Yes. I’m a proud father of six and grandfather to three. My wife, who works for Suffolk County, and I share a deep commitment to public service and community involvement. Family keeps me grounded and reminds me that policy decisions ultimately affect real households — not statistics or slogans.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, my wife works for Suffolk County.

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

No. My experience comes from leading organizations that serve people directly — in business, media, and community service — where accountability and results are immediate and measurable.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running to strengthen collaboration between local communities and county government. The East End plays a vital role in our region’s economy, environment, and identity. My goal is to ensure that county decisions reflect local priorities. I believe in fiscal discipline, measurable results, and solutions grounded in real-world experience.

The single most pressing issue facing the district is:

Balancing growth and affordability. We must protect what makes our towns unique while ensuring that working families, seniors, and young professionals can afford to stay here.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on Long Island?

Improving water quality requires both technology and natural innovation. Kelp and shellfish restoration provide proven, low-cost filtration that supports cleaner bays and sustainable coastal jobs. These efforts should complement septic and sewer upgrades — a balanced approach that delivers long-term results.

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

Infrastructure should be treated as an investment, not an expense. My FAIR Share concept focuses on measurable outcomes, long-term planning, and coordination among county, town, and state agencies. For corridors like County Road 39, we can improve flow through data-driven traffic management and smarter design.

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

We can support small businesses by reducing red tape, simplifying the permitting process, and creating Tourism Investment Districts that let local owners reinvest in marketing and beautification. Government should be a partner in growth, not an obstacle to it.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

Federal spending and energy policies drive up local costs. County government must respond with fiscal restraint, efficiency, and innovation — stretching each dollar further while maintaining essential services.

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

I come from the private sector, where success depends on results, not talking points. My experience in publishing, business, and community advocacy has taught me how to manage budgets, lead teams, and deliver outcomes. I approach public service with that same mindset — practical, transparent, and accountable.

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

• Public safety and community-based policing support
• Youth workforce development and technical education
• Infrastructure-led housing and smart growth
• Transparent and performance-based budgeting

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

I revitalized The Messenger Papers into a respected multi-town publication, co-founded a media company that creates jobs, and developed programs that help young people and returning citizens succeed. These experiences show I can manage complex systems, deliver results, and lead responsibly.

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

I believe public service should be guided by principle and performance. The best policies improve lives without overpromising or overspending. My guiding principle is simple: If we spend public dollars to build a bridge, we should know how many people cross it — and whether life is better on the other side.