Suffolk County's 5th Legislative District Race

With election season in full swing, the 5th Suffolk County Legislative District is shaping up to be a battleground for critical issues affecting over 52,000 registered voters. The District spans communities such as East Setauket, Stony Brook, and Port Jefferson Station in the northwestern part of the Town of Brookhaven. It extends into portions of Coram and Mt. Sinai.

Anthony Figliola, running on both the Republican and Conservative party lines, brings a deeply rooted connection to the community he seeks to serve. A native of Suffolk County, Figliola is the son of U.S. Navy veterans, attributing his work ethic and values to his parents' struggles and perseverance. He is a first-generation college graduate who resides in East Setauket with his wife and three children. With over 21 years of diverse experience, Figliola has established himself as a seasoned professional in both the public and private sectors. He currently holds the role of Executive Vice President at a government relations and economic development firm. Previously, he served as the Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Brookhaven. Water quality stands at the forefront of Figliola's campaign agenda. "Ensuring clean water is a priority, especially here on the South Shore where our sole source aquifer is located," he emphasized. Citing his past legislative accomplishments, Figliola noted his efforts to alter the statute of limitations to aid in lawsuits over chemical contamination. "We are continually finding emerging contaminants in our water, and we need state and federal funding to address this issue effectively," he added. In addition to environmental concerns, Figliola is spotlighting the fentanyl crisis plaguing Suffolk County, which he described as "ground zero" for the issue. He stressed the need to give law enforcement the necessary resources, saying, "This is not a partisan issue; it's a humanitarian crisis."

On the Democratic side, Steve Englebright is no stranger to the political landscape. With a legislative career spanning over three decades, Englebright previously served as a New York State Assembly member until 2022. "During my tenure in the General Assembly, I've established a record of bipartisan collaboration," he stated. His policy focuses have included fiscal responsibility, inflation containment, and staunch defense of natural resources. Before entering the realm of politics, Englebright carved out a career in academia. He served as the Curator of Geologic Collections at Stony Brook University and earned recognition as the founding director of the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences.

Both candidates are underlining their commitment to effectively serve the diverse community that makes up the 5th District as election day nears. While they each have their specific priorities, their overarching message remains similar: the welfare of the District's residents takes precedence over any political agenda. With the clock ticking down to election day, voters in the 5th Suffolk County Legislative District face a choice between two highly qualified candidates. Each offers a unique blend of experience and focus, promising to tackle the pressing issues that impact their potential constituents most deeply.