4th Council District: Kepert vs. Cunha 1 comments below
4th District Candidates
Connie Kepert (D)
Incumbent from Middle Island, seeking third term
Occupation: Teacher
Why is she seeking re-election?
Representing a diverse district from Bellport to Middle Island, Ms. Kepert said she hopes to be re-elected so she can complete projects she has started to undertake in each of the communities she represents. Specific to the northern portion of her district, she said she believes she has made progress in four years toward changing the way development will occur along Middle Country Road. She said her overall goal there is to create pedestrian-oriented village centers in Middle Island and Coram that will help solve traffic issues and create affordable housing opportunities for Brookhaven's younger residents. She also vowed to examine ways to solve problems with high fire taxes in the Gordon Heights Fire District, and to combat problems with sex offenders in that community. She said she also hopes to see progress made on a Gordon Heights visioning, which would bring "a new mixed-use, downtown neighborhood center to serve as a focal point for both community members and neighboring communities." Ms. Kepert also vowed to continue to look at ways to improve the environment in Brookhaven.
Her two cents: "The 4th District is a very diverse district. I like that diversity, and I think I represent that diversity well. I'd like to continue to help improve the quality of life for these many different people."
Twenty questions:
1. If elected, will you cut taxes next year?
No. We have zeroed out all lines
2. How would you grade the current Town Board?
B.
3. Which hamlet in your district currently needs the most attention?
North Bellport.
4. Will you consider the dissolution of the Gordon Heights Fire District?
Yes. We are doing a feasibility study to ensure that residents are provided adequate fire protection.
5. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most fat), how much fat do you think could be trimmed out of the town budget?
Three.
6. Have the Caithness funds been spent wisely?
Yes. This was a democratic process, in which communities made recommendations to the board.
7. Could the town's sex offender residency restriction laws be more stringent?
Yes. We are currently looking at strengthening the sex offender legislation which I passed.
8. Do you think the hiring of park rangers was money well spent?
Yes.
9. Does the town need its own Justice Court to prosecute code violations and other quality-of-life issues?
Ms. Kepert declined to answer question.
10. Should the public information office and economic development department be returned to the supervisor's office?
Yes.
11. Does the town need a Community Preservation Fund?
Yes.
12. Should the Mott House be replaced with a community center?
Yes.
13. Does Kathy Walsh do a good job in the role of deputy supervisor?
Candidate declined to answer question.
14. Do you believe Town Board meetings run more smoothly since Mark Lesko took office in April?
Yes.
15. If elected, would you hold more than one job?
Yes.
16. Are Town Board members compensated fairly?
Yes.
17. If you could eliminate one particular job title from town government, what would it be?
[Chief legislative aide] Frank Tassone.
18. Have the GPS and vehicle control policies been good for the town thus far?
Yes.
19. Is Sandy Hills a good project?
Yes, we need to encourage pedestrian-oriented villages.
20. Tell us one good thing about your opponent.
He is a family man.
Show us the money
Kepert's Top 5 corporate campaign contributors in 2009:
1. Kelly Development Corp., Patchogue
$500
2. Mar Consultants Inc., Manorville
$500
3. Maggio Sanitation, Medford
$300
4. Two Brothers Property Management, Medford
$300
5. Four different companies
$250
Rick Cunha (R)
Farmingville resident seeking first elected office
Occupation: Builder
Why is he running?
Mr. Cunha said his primary focus would be to improve the quality of life for the residents of Brookhaven's 4th District. He is a proponent of a tax cap in Brookhaven, which he believes will take an unnecessary burden off taxpayers during turbulent economic times. He has vowed to cut taxes if elected. He said he believes Brookhaven could also be run more efficiently, something he said he has noticed in his dealings with the town as a local builder. Mr. Cunha vowed to work toward attracting more businesses to Brookhaven to strengthen the tax base and improve the economy. He also said he would look to combat problems with illegal aliens and sex offenders living in the 4th District.
His two cents: "People are hurting out there. They can pay their mortgage, but they can't pay their taxes everywhere you go. We have to do something about this."
Twenty questions:
1. If elected, will you cut taxes next year?
Yes.
2. How would you grade the current Town Board?
C-.
3. Which hamlet in your district currently needs the most attention?
Yaphank.
4. Will you consider the dissolution of the Gordon Heights Fire District?
Yes.
5. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most fat), how much fat do you think could be trimmed out of the town budget?
Ten.
6. Have the Caithness funds been spent wisely?
No.
7. Could the town's sex offender residency restriction laws be more stringent?
Yes. Civil confinement.
8. Do you think the hiring of park rangers was money well spent?
IDK.
9. Does the town need its own Justice Court to prosecute code violations and other quality-of-life issues?
No. I don't see a need.
10. Should the public information office and economic development department be returned to the supervisor's office?
I believe the council should have that power. Not just one person.
11. Does the town need a Community Preservation Fund?
Yes.
12. Should the Mott House be replaced with a community center?
No.
13. Does Kathy Walsh do a good job in the role of deputy supervisor?
Candidate declined to answer question.
14. Do you believe Town Board meetings run more smoothly since Mark Lesko took office in April?
About the same as with Foley.
15. If elected, would you hold more than one job?
I have the ability to make the town my first and only priority.
16. Are Town Board members compensated fairly?
I don't know. I really don't know what their salary is.
17. If you could eliminate one particular job title from town government, what would it be?
All the deputy supervisors, if I had a say.
18. Have the GPS and vehicle control policies been good for the town thus far?
Yes/no, don't have enough info.
19. Is Sandy Hills a good project?
No.
20. Tell us one good thing about your opponent.
You can see that she is very proud of her accomplishments.
Show us the money
Cunha's Top 5 corporate campaign contributors in 2009:
1. Precision International, Yaphank
$2,250
2. D&A Site Work Inc., Medford
$1,200
3. J&A Concrete, Bohemia
$1,000
4. F&G Concrete and Brick Management Group, Holtsville
$950
5. Sears Ready Mix Ltd, Lake Ronkonkoma
$500
The North Shore Sun is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. The North Shore Sun does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not The North Shore Sun. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Service and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
1 comments found
CONNIE & KATHY : 10/30/2009
Is Connie Kepert backing the Deputy Supervisor Kathy Walsh in re re-election bid as a Councilwoman in Council District 3? Kathy Walsh was hand picked by left-wing liberal Mark Lesko to be his Deputy Supervisor, despite the fact that Kathy is a Republican. Influential husbands never hurt when you are chosen to be a Deputy. Kathy is being opposed by Ira Berstein, the choice of Connie's party. Is Connie backing Ira Bernstein or Kathy Walsh? Connie, we have a right to know!
