“Yes, I am in it and yes, I would like it.” That is what Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick had to say when asked if he was screening to become the Republican nominee for Suffolk County Executive. It is clear that Fitzpatrick feels the most important issue in this campaign is restoring fiscal health in the county. “I am qualified to become county executive. I have never been afraid of standing alone when it comes to taking tough positions on fiscal policy and matters that impact the public. And, I have a record of saying no to wasteful spending. ”
When asked about the screenings he was emphatic, “I have attended all the screenings and I have enjoyed them. I’m looking forward to Smithtown’s screening on Thursday. It has been interesting to hear Angie Carpenter (Suffolk County Treasurer), John Flanagan (NYS Senator) and Mike O’Donohoe (Suffolk County Commissioner of Jurors) articulate their positions and their rationale for becoming the Republican candidate. But, my fiscal conservatism speaks for itself. The public expects the county executive to make tough decisions, I have done that and I am doing it now with my proposal for pension reform. The first step in pension reform is removing those who benefit from its excesses and that means getting the political class out of the pension system. My proposal does this.”
Fitzpatrick points to other positions that set him apart. He was the only member of the Long Island delegation to oppose Tom Di Napoli becoming State Comptroller. He felt he was unqualified to deal with the financial crisis facing the state. And In January, he called attention to Speaker Silver allowing two staffers to retire and return to work creating a double-dipping scenario at taxpayer expense. He believes double dipping is not atypical and places an unfair burden on the taxpayer.
For Michael Fitzpatrick politics is a family tradition. His father was Smithtown Supervisor and Michael was a member of the Smithtown Town Council for 15 years from 1988 thru 2003, before becoming Assemblyman. He understands the challenges he faces becoming the Republican county executive candidate but he says he’s ready.