Huntington GOP Gathers

Huntington Republicans met Wednesday night for some networking and to hear Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's pitch for re-election.

Committee members, supporters and those vying for seats this fall shook hands, chatted and electioneered in the meet-and-greet cocktail hour at the Thatched Cottage before Levy spoke.

On the slate this fall are two town board seats, as well as the county executive position and the 18th District seat held by county Legislator Jon Cooper, who isn't seeking re-election because of term limits.

"The time has come to give government back to the people," said Toni Tepe, town chairwoman, as she introduced the many office holders on hand for the evening, including 2nd District state Sen. John Flanagan, who introduced Levy.

"We are here to represent the people," Flanagan said, "and here is someone who understands that 10,000 percent. We remember it's the people's money."

Levy, who switched his party registration to Republican last year in a failed bid for governor, got a round of applause when he told the crowd "I'm home where I should have been all along."

"What's great about this party is that you're willing to welcome a guy like me," he said.

Levy said he sees big spenders undoing the cost controls he put in place since starting as county executive in 2004. Government needs managers, he said, and people look to Republicans for that skill. "We should balance the government's checkbook like we do our own at the kitchen table," he said.

There are 178 election districts in town, and two committee members per district, although not all spots are filled, Tepe said. Members will meet in June to reorganize and fill vacant positions, she said.