Candidate Profile: Michael McElwee For Islip Town Council District 3

TOWN OF ISLIP, NY — Suffolk County residents will be lining up at the polls on Election Day on Nov. 7, or early voting from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, to vote for their chosen candidates.

Republican/Conservative candidate Michael McElwee Jr. is running against Democrat Christine Pellegrino to represent the 3rd District on the Town of Islip Council.

Patch reached out to all candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

The restaurant and bar owner and NY State Assembly community liaison told Patch why he should be elected for this position.

The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Michael McElwee Jr

How old will you be as of Election Day?

48

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

https://mcelweeforislip.com

What city or town do you live in?

West Islip

What office are you seeking?

Islip Town Council district 3

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

District 3

Party affiliation.

Republican/ Conservative

Education.

Bachelors degree Hospitality Management from NYIT 1996

What is your occupation?

Bar & Restaurant Owner / Operator . Community liaison, NY State Assembly

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

Wife of 25 years Mary Ellen, and three children Madeline 23, Michael III 21 years old, Thomas 18 years old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I worked for NY State Senate 2019-2022. Currently work for NY Assembly

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?

As a lifelong resident of the Town of Islip and a 23-year resident of my district as well as a business owner for 20 years in this district, I feel I know the community and the issues the community faces.

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

Inflation / crime and quality of life. Town Council is the first layer of government that you deal with in your community. It’s your streetlights roads parks and general quality of life issues. I want to make it easy and approachable to interact with your local government while also maintaining the services your town provides.

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

Expansion of sewers in our communities

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

Road paving and preventative maintenance

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

I would work with business owners to make it easier to do business with the Town of Islip. Help businesses learn of grants and other programs to help them run their businesses

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

I have been involved in my communities for the past 23 years. I sit on the board of The Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce and The Business improvement district. I’m an active member of The West Islip Chamber.

I also actively participate in the monthly 3rd precinct community meetings. I have worked in state government in this district for the past five years .

I have an active working relationship with all levels of government in our community. I’m aware of the issues our communities face each day.

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

N/A

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

I would like to continue and improve the quality of life in my council district and throughout the entire Town of Islip. I have raised my children here and want to see them raise their children here.

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

I have run my own businesses for the past 20 years. I’ve worked in government for the past five years.

I know the day-to-day issues the town faces and have the experience working with others in government to help people when help is needed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

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

I’ve committed myself to these communities for over 20 years as a resident, business owner, volunteer and I hope to be elected to continue my commitment to this community.