Politics & Government

Down to the Wire: Huntington Election Guide

Voters to decide Town Board, county legislative races.

Huntington voters go to the polls Tuesday to choose candidates for town supervisor, highway superintendent, two council seats and Suffolk County Legislature. 

Theoretically, though not likely, 80 percent of the Town Board could be gone in January. If all three incumbents lost, only Councilwoman Susan Berland would remain in a current position.

Here's a look the races.
 
Town Supervisor
The unusually fierce race pits Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, 68,  against challenger Gene Cook, 51, a businessman and a member of the Town Board since 2011. An independent, Cook is endorsed by the Republican Party. Petrone, a Democrat, is seeking his sixth term. 

Among the issues are term limits, government efficiency, whether the town can continue its A+ fiscal rating, taxes, affordable housing, the redevelopment of Huntington Station and a resolution of the LIPA tax assessment fight. Numerous websites and TV, print and internet ads have popped up touting candidates' strong points or denouncing opponents. Both sides have been highlighting endorsements by members of other parties. And both sides have been urging voters to turn out for their candidates.

Partisans have taken up issues from candidates' ages to their literacy skills; the availability of tickets to the Billy Joel concert to their views on guns. 

Town Board
Incumbent Mark Mayoka, a Republican and a CPA, and Mark Cuthbertson, a lawyer and a Democrat, are seeking re-election. The two often clash during Town Board meetings. Tracey Edwards, a Democrat and Josh Price, a Republican, are also running. 

Highway Superintendent
Ugly weather, a series of punches that began with Superstorm Sandy, followed by nor'easters, a blizzard and more brought both praise and criticism for incumbent William Naughton, who is being challenged by Republican Pete Gunther. While Naughton had his battles with Petrone and Cuthbertson, the Democrats have coalesced around him. Gunther is a retired New York City firefighter, and serves as fire commissioner of the Centerport Fire District.

Suffolk County Legislature
With redistricting approved by the Suffolk County Legislature last year, many voters are finding themselves with new representatives. 

16th District
Democrat Steve Stern is running for re-election unopposed.

17th District
Incumbent Lou D'Amaro, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Jim Martin. D'Amaro took office in 2006, and serves as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, among other roles. Martin has campaigned on the theme of change, and cites taxes and the economy as key issues.

18th District
Incumbent William "Doc" Spencer, a Democrat, is being challenged by Rob Conte, a Huntington businessman and brother of the late Assemb. James Conte. Spencer has been active in environmental matters. Conte has campaigned on small-business and tax issues. 

If you're not sure where to vote or want to verify that you're registered to vote, the Suffolk County Board of Elections can tell you.


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