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By Dana Klosner
When Suffolk County GOP Chairman John Jay Lavalle withdrew from the County Comptroller race Suffolk County Legislator John M Kennedy, Jr. was named the Republican Candidate.
“I had not originally considered running,” Kennedy said. “It was clear John was seeking the position. He was knowledgeable, confident and able. I felt we had a good candidate, a candidate who would run, win and prevail. When he withdrew, the rest of the names (that were being considered by the Republican Party) didn’t have what it took to be a countywide viable candidate. They didn’t have the strong independent voice at the comptroller level.”
And what qualifies Kennedy for the position?
“When you look at my background you see I have 10 years as a legislator and leader of the Republican Caucus. I spent nine years as the director of cooperation in the County Clerk’s office. (I also have) strong academic credentials. I have a Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University with a concentration in Capital Budgeting. I felt that I had the best combination of hands on skills and academic qualities to put myself forward as a candidate. The committee agreed and here we are. I’ve been a candidate for less than a week.”
Kennedy has said he is “vehemently opposed” to a proposal to merge the offices of county comptroller and treasurer.
“I’m vehemently opposed because the proposed savings is negligible at best,” he said. The amount of necessary oversight that will be forfeited will be tremendous. It has always been proven that there should be separation of function of those who can write the checks and those who run the ledger. The treasurer is a significant countywide function. Suffolk County is larger than 13 states in the nation. I don’t want to minimize the significance of taxpayer funding.”
“However, if it is the will of the people to consolidate the offices I will likewise be able to answer to the responsibility,” He continued. “I have experience in the tax collection process, the trust in agency process, cash management, cash flow and cash protection. I am very comfortable with taking on the responsibility of the function.”
What are some of the challenges Kennedy thinks he will see if elected County Comptroller.
“The issues are similar to what we’re looking at in general in county operation. There is a long term structural imbalance. We are on track to have a $170 million budget shortfall in 2015. The comptroller is challenged with the review of what’s going on with borrowing and debt offerings at the very best interest rate. We must identify areas where there is financial weakness and make recommendations on how to improve,” he said.
There are many areas this can be done, he said. He said it’s time for a Department of Social Service audit. Verizon is responsible to remit surcharges within the 911 system. The Parks department is responsible for quickly depositing all the entrance fees into the park.
“We can make recommendations for improvements,” he said.
And what does Kennedy say makes him the best candidate as he faces Democrat Jim Gaughran in November?
“I am in my 11th year as a legislator,” he said. “I have been a legislator since 2004 when we had a relatively stable and growing economy which has moved to one that has presented real challenges. I still believe my opponent to be a good man. I have the most current skills and experiences and I am knowledgeable in savings. I have more contemporaneous skills and more direct hands on knowledge.”