Politics & Government

What's at Stake Locally in Tuesday's Election?

Polls are open until 9 p.m. Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Half Hollow Hills residents will head to the polls to decide who their leaders in government will be. 

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 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. 

But it's not only about the candidates. 

New Yorkers are voting on six referendums, including whether the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges should be increased. Also on the ballot is a Casino Referendum, which, if approved, would allow the state to build up to seven non-Indian casinos, including in the Catskills, which long ago lost its favored status as a retreat for New York City residents.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. To find out where you should go to vote, click here.

We want to know what you think is at stake in Tuesday's election? Tell us in our Soapbox- Gov't Matters open blog or in the comments section below.


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