Development again central to 2nd District fight
Candidates' takes on Fairfield, Sandy Hills could impact voters
20 comments below
The Mount Sinai resident first served in the town attorney's office. He later worked as deputy chief of staff to former Supervisor Brian Foley, and then briefly for acting Supervisor Lori Baldassare. He is currently deputy town supervisor for constituent service under Supervisor Mark Lesko.
Now John Leonard is seeking yet another job on Bald Hill: town councilman.
Mr. Leonard says he will not run on the same reform agenda as other recent Democratic candidates -- constantly reminding residents of Brookhaven's sometimes dark past -- but rather on very recent history, calling for members of both parties to continue to work together as he says has been done in recent months under Mr. Lesko.
"You will not hear me say [Crookhaven] during this election," Mr. Leonard said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "If you do, please hit me over the head."
"That simply doesn't apply to me," the Rocky Point resident said.
So whereas past campaigns have been flooded with partisan bickering, both Mr. Leonard and Ms. Bonner are hoping to spend the next four-plus months before Election Day focusing instead on issues -- with maybe just a little jabbing back and forth. And not unlike the 2005 general election, when Ms. Bonner and opponent Bill Shilling offered different perspectives on the Tallgrass Planned Development District in Shoreham, this year's election could come down to how residents feel about each candidate's position on development projects proposed in the 2nd District.
There is no shortage of building plans currently being floated in the district, which stretches along the North Shore from Wading River to Mount Sinai and cuts into parts of Ridge, Middle Island and Coram. From the residential Fairfield project in Rocky Point, to the mixed-use Sandy Hills development in Middle Island, and the commercial Main Street idea in Mount Sinai, several proposals have already come into the spotlight in the 2nd District. And preservation efforts at the Vassilaros property in Miller Place and the former Tesla lab site in Shoreham will surely take center stage in the coming months.
It's the candidates' differing takes on Fairfield and Sandy Hills that could impact the election, however.
Ms. Bonner, who strongly opposed the Tallgrass PDD has also been a vocal opponent of Sandy Hills, which has been proposed for just outside the 2nd District and would feature 135 housing units and 13,000 square feet of commercial space. The project has been met with support from Mr. Lesko and 4th District Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who will both appear on the Democratic line with Mr. Leonard come November. While Mr. Leonard declined to say he supports the project, he did say he believes some sort of similar PDD is "the type of project the town needs to move toward."
"We can't just always say no to development," said Mr. Leonard. "We have to look at a new model. We have to show our residents that this is the new model. Someone has to be the first. We need some type of leadership."
Mr. Leonard said he does not, however, see himself supporting the 239-unit Fairfield Properties project for Rocky Point, a plan Ms. Bonner had until recently appeared in favor of.
The councilwoman said her opinion has changed along with the collective voice of the community. She said she now believes that, given the current economy, Fairfield is not what Rocky Point residents think is best for the community. Her initial support for the project, which she called "too dense, anyway," had more to do with the sewers it could provide for the redevelopment of downtown Rocky Point.
"Now let's find another way for the downtown revitalization," Ms. Bonner said.
The second-year councilwoman won the 2007 general election by more than 6.8 percent of the vote. Since councilmanic districts, the Republican candidate has won the 2nd District race by no less than 5.5 points. But even though Mr. Leonard acknowledges that he is the underdog, he said he believes now is the perfect time for a Democrat to take the district.
"People have taken notice of the new atmosphere at Town Hall," Mr. Leonard said. "That can be attributed to [Mark Lesko] bringing everyone together." Mr. Leonard also pointed to the success Mr. Lesko had, faring better than Republican Tim Mazzei in the 2nd District, in the March special election for town supervisor as a sign that maybe the tide is turning.
Mr. Leonard made some pointed comments at Ms. Bonner, saying he would "care less about cutting ribbons at press conferences and more about cutting red tape." He also said she is "guided by too many partisan interests."
But Ms. Bonner said making appearances is part of her job, and one that helps her stay in touch with the needs of her constituents."
And the councilwoman feels confident her record will help get her re-elected. She pointed to her work regarding town vehicle reform and parks improvements as just two examples of work she's done to improve the 2nd District. She said continuing to find new revenue streams for Brookhaven and preserving open space would be priorities of her second term.
"I will continue to be about government accountability and improving the quality of life," Ms. Bonner said.
gparpan@northshoresun.com
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20 comments found
Flippers lack of action : 10/27/2009
Flippers lack of action proves that she is not the right person for the job.
Its going to take awhile to fix her disaster : 10/27/2009
Over the past two years, we have been gathering information for a vast number of categories, so that we may continue to inform our and surrounding communities with fair and accurate information on important issues at different times. As you well know, Fairfield Properties announced that they would cancel their plans for their proposed Rocky Point PDD. At that time they announced that in two weeks they would submit plans for 47 single family homes (as-of-right) to be built on the property they own behind the Rocky Point McDonalds restaurant on Rte. 25A. At that time there was speculation that they would not make any move until after the elections. That announcement from Fairfield was 11 weeks ago and the elections are now upon us. As you may have already read, several of our elected officials are still spending hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars on what they call Corridor studies, Hamlet studies, Feasibility studies, etc. We believe that these Studies all point in the same direction; to facilitate the efforts of developers in proliferating their projects throughout or communities. One of our elected officials, Jane Bonner is running for reelection as our Councilwoman. Her district includes Rocky Point and several surrounding communities. Prior to running for our representative on the Brookhaven Town Council, Jane Bonner held a position on the Rocky Point School Board. According to the School Board Minutes, while she was on the school board, Jane negotiated with Fairfield Properties for a swimming pool for Rocky Point. This proposed swimming pool was part of a “community benefit” that we would receive in exchange for a zoning change so that Fairfield could build it’s dense project in our town. In other words, “What will it take to ‘buy’ the school board’s support”. Had it not been for vehement opposition to the Fairfield project by Rocky Point Residents Action Group and along with comunity oposition to Fairfield, I believe she would still be negotiating for the pool or for some other community benefit. Jane Bonner is presently endorsing another corridor study for the area along Route 25A through her district. This corridor study will cost hundreds of thousands of TAX DOLLARS. Our feeling on this is: If a corridor study is in favor of a sewer district, anywhere in the study, it will pave a path for Fairfield Properties to resubmit their proposal. Don’t forget the headlines 11 weeks ago. “we will submit a plan for 47 homes within two (2) weeks. Those plans have yet to materialize and have not been submitted to the Town of Brookhaven. And Jane Bonner has been silent on this from the beginning. Until the recent opposition to Fairfield, Jane Bonner was in our estimation “pro” Fairfield. While she openly opposed the Tall Grass PDD in Shoreham and the development of 60+ acres in Miller Place (single family houses on one acre lots would destroy the rural downtown feeling of Miller Place) she only stated that “I will do what the people want” when it came to the Rocky Point Fairfield PDD. On another front, while it is perfectly legal, moral, and ethical to accept campaign contributions from whomever you wish; the consequences attached to those contributions should be realized. When it comes to voting on a proposed project involving a campaign contributor, one should remove themselves from voting on that project. In no way shape or form do we allege and wrong-doings of any kind, but we do feel you should know who some of her contributors are. 1. John J. LaValle “LaValle said he plans to abstain from discussing and deciding the (Fairfield) matter because of his political and prior business relationships with Broxmeyer (the owner of Fairfield)."I never interact with their [Fairfield] applications," said LaValle, who at one point served as Broxmeyer's attorney. "I completely take myself away from the situation. I think that's extremely appropriate because I wouldn't want any wrong perception out there." (Newsday June 11, 2001) KUDOS to you Mr. LaValle. 2. “Friends Of John J. Lavalle”- contributions of $1,500.00 3. Jane Bonner received $500.00 of campaign contributions from Fairfield. With the election upon us, think carefully about all of our candidates….we would not presume to tell you how to vote…..these are important times in Rocky Point….think carefully and choose people that represent us. Rocky Point Residents Action Group DON'T LET HER PUT US DEEPER IN THE HOLE.
Flipper : 10/27/2009
Anyone who flip flops there stance on the issues in an attempt to gain more votes needs the boot. Jane Bonner should definitely be known as Flipper from now on.
Bye Bye Jane : 10/27/2009
John Leonard has been the only one discussing the real issues going on in the Town of Brookhaven. Jane Bonner has been discussing deer and cat's. We need someone in Council with intelligence. Jane is far from that. She has never handled pressure well and this election is laying its toll on her. How dare she continue to run for office after her closing statements the other evening at Leisure Glen. She replaced McCarrick in office because he was at whits end and tired of politics and she feels the same. She is already a has been in such a short amount of time.
: 10/12/2009
People can't "handle the Truth" about local candidates' ACORN $$$$$$$$$$$ connection. JOHN LEONARD, MARK LESKO & JOHN ROUSE ARE ENDORSED BY THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY... http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/elections/endorsements/suffolk-county-endorsements/ Go to this link, if you want to see THE TRUTH, about John J. Leonard's getting money, from THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY... http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A08215+p_e_year=2009+p_freport_id=K+p_transaction_code=C A VOTE FOR LEONARD, LESKO & ROUSE IS A VOTE FOR ACORN !
Jane Bonner facts : 10/8/2009
Jane boner contribution from Fairfield poster wanted proof of the fact : 10/8/2009 No she is not in the builder pockets, The builders are in her pockets. She excepted campaign contributions from Fairfield. Maybe that is why she was quite on this issue. It was the people who stopped Fairfield. Not Jane Bonner. The community. She just stood on the side lines and said nothing. Until she was forced to say something knowing she can lose this election. So when you say she is for the community, this is a joke..See below who she is for.. FAIRFIELD PROPERTIES 66 COMMACK ROAD COMMACK, NY 11725 $500.00 24-OCT-07 FRIENDS OF JANE BONNER 2007 11 Pre General B Town Council 2
This is the link for Jane bonner Fairfield campaign contribution : 10/8/2009
http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/plsql_browser/CONTRIBUTORA_COUNTY?ID_in=C32491&date_From=&date_to=&AMOUNT_From=&AMOUNT_to=&ZIP1=&ZIP2=&ORDERBY_IN=N&CATEGORY_IN=ALL
Jane boner contribution from Fairfield poster wanted proof of the fact : 10/8/2009
A poster wanted to know were to go to find out if Fairfield Properties made a contribution to Jane Bonner campaign, copy and past the whole link below. The contribution is the 32 nd on the list. Maybe that is why she was silent on this issue.... http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/plsql_browser/CONTRIBUTORA_COUNTY?ID_in=C32491&date_From=&date_to=&AMOUNT_From=&AMOUNT_to=&ZIP1=&ZIP2=&ORDERBY_IN=N&CATEGORY_IN=ALL See below FAIRFIELD PROPERTIES 66 COMMACK ROAD COMMACK, NY 11725 500.00 24-OCT-07 FRIENDS OF JANE BONNER 2007 11 Pre General B Town Council 2
John Leonard : 10/5/2009
It is not often enough that an individual can gain the attention of a “public servant” and truly feel relieved that you have someone who is genuinely interested in the well being of the citizenry and the community. Brookhaven is extremely lucky to have such an individual in JOHN LEONARD, Brookhaven’s current Deputy Supervisor for Constituent Services. A new and refreshing wave of enthusiasm has washed over the Town of Brookhaven when it comes to keeping our town safe, clean, and eradicating the increasing presence of drugs on our streets. Without divulging the facts in order to protect certain individuals, JOHN LEONARD has been instrumental in bringing focus to the problem of drugs in our neighborhoods, and working together with law enforcement, he has been able to reduce the threat of those drugs and the decline that they have upon the neighborhood and the well-being of our children and young-adults. JOHN LEONARD is running for the 2nd District Seat on the Brookhaven Town Council. He certainly has earned my respect and my vote. I encourage all voters in the 2nd District to vote for JOHN LEONARD come Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009.
vote Leonard : 9/16/2009
Yes to Fairfield, no to Fairfield....? I'd better check with my puppet master.
patronage : 9/16/2009
Where exactly can I access the evidence of Fairfield Property's contribution to Jane Bonner if it exists??
Bonner : 9/8/2009
She is a Lier. Do not trust her. I saw first hand how she likes to control the public. NO !Bonner you can't control everyone
Jane Bonner : 7/2/2009
Any politician that decides to flip flop before an election is only proving that they are out for themselves. We in Rocky Point and Sound Beach know this to be true of Jane Bonner. She was all for the Fairfield project, until she realized the community didn't want it. Flip flop, election year and there is a running mate. Someone with character who wants to make a bigger difference and not just smile for a camera. You can be available for your constituents without constantly being in the limelight....we all know that. And just what private industry job has Jane ever held? How about an Education to support the position in office...that should be mandantory...we know Grant supports Jane because this paper is in her district, so he writes his articles in her favour. Maybe Grant should get to know John Leonard and write a nice op ed on him....
Pam Betheil's service to this community : 6/24/2009
It amazes me how a person such as Pamela Betheil is beaten down with such hateful words when all she has done is care about her community and served her community. Yes, she made a mistake in charging more for weddings when the amount changed. I do not believe she did this knowingly. She is a stand up person and I wished we had more honest, decent people such as her in our public offices.
Jane Bonner : 6/20/2009
Jane Bonner is not a leader at all, she is controlled by people who got her elected and that's not the voters. The Fairfield project which she still supports and is now trying to change her position on. It is too late for that, Jane you should of opposed this bad project for this community years ago. You have brought us to this stage of this development because you supported the project for all these years. She does not have the experience and the leadership to lead this district. The majority of this district voters now see what she stands for. She fooled us once and this is not going to happened again. This statement from the Sun newspaper proves her bad judgment " Her initial support for the project, which she called "too dense, anyway," had more to do with the sewers it could provide for the redevelopment of downtown Rocky Point." So what she is telling us here is that the sewers are more important than what the detrimental impact of this project would have on this area. John Leonard can help this town with our problems. He is showing leadership already and he did not even get elected yet. Jane Bonner's action's prove that she is not the right person for this job.
: 6/19/2009
Jane Bonner does a lot for her district . You can't make all the people happy all the time, but overall, she has made herself available to all constituents. She deserves your vote
Leonard : 6/19/2009
For the record, Leonard worked for the Town Law Depertment from 2007 until June 2008 when he left based on his own decision to leave. He came back to the Supervisor's office in July 2008 and has been there since. Not so scandalous...is it? Titles have changed but lets look at that. His first title in the Supervisor's office was was eliminated when Jane Bonner fired him. Then he accepted the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and remaind there when Lesko took over. But Lesko realligned the Supervisor's Office and changed EVERYONE's titles. So once again...is that scandalous? By the way, unlike most new challengers, Leonard actually brings some relevant Town Hall experience that could be helpful. So lets stop the rhetoric and let them talk about the issues.
Leonard : 6/19/2009
John Leonard only became active here in Mount Sinai to run for office. He is simply a person who wants to be somebody. An empty suit that has had more jobs in a short period than most people have in their life. Grow up.
Jane Bonner : 6/19/2009
Jane Bonner is the wrong choice for Rocky Point. She is not a leader, she is being told what to do and what projects to support by an attorney friend that got her elected. She attended the meeting at the Civic Association in which the community all united to oppose this Fairfield development which she supported all the time, until people got the word about the project. She tried to keep a low profile on for years. At the meeting she would laugh at people that were speaking against the project. What she does not know that she will not be laughing come election day because you did not support us when we needed you and we will not support you now when you need us. By the way, if you go to the campaign disclosure website for Jane Bonner you will find that she excepted campaign contributions from Fairfield Properties. That's right, the ones that are trying to build this project in Rocky Point which we all oppose and she supported for all these years. You gotta be kidding me, now you what this community to vote for you. I do not think we can trust Jane Bonner to represent us.
Musical Chairs : 6/19/2009
Dear Editor, What I don't get about people like John Leonard and other Democrats at Town Hall is how they are not totally repulsed and disgusted by the scandalous actions of Town Clerk Pam Betheil. She still sits at meetings after her wedding scandal where she charged a hundred or so over the mandated price and pocketed the difference. Your paper got it right, she embarrassed Brookhaven. It is little wonder to me that John Leonard will not use the Crookhaven tag because quite frankly his silence on issues like this shows me he had embraced it. He is silent on Betheil's potential crimes and doesn't have the backbone to say resign. Jane has done a wonderful job and will be reelected because of the work she does. On the otherhand, John Leonard has shown himself to be little more than a political ax man who jumps from job to job as the worm turns. We don't need people in elected office who just want a title and who want to be someone. We need real people who do because they care, not just because they want to be somebody. I am happy to support Jane Bonner 110% and encourage everyone to do the same. Also, I renew my belief that Brookhaven Town Clerk Pam Betheil should resign and if she doesn't she will be the reason the Democrats lose townwide. And in fact they deserve to for allowing an alleged crook to stay in office.
