Doug Cerrato and Jaime Lelle hosted a campaign event at Relish on 2 Pulaski in Kings Park on April 11, where Robert Cappadona, Political Director of the Suffolk County Police Benevolence Association (PBA), announced the PBA’s endorsement of both candidates. The event featured many community members and well-wishers who offered their support to the slate.
“We have done a lot of different screenings throughout this county recently for school board elections,” said Robert Cappadona.
“We were recently involved in one that put headlines and started making some traction,” a reference seemingly made about the Smithtown Central School District, which garnered national attention. Cappadona went on to iterate that this endorsement supports a “pro-police agenda along with support for unions” in what appeared to be an acknowledgment that the PBA’s endorsement has at times conflicted with other unions, specifically the various teachers’ unions of districts.
“Once we are elected, which we will be, we are going to see our police much more involved in our schools,” said Cerrato, to applause.
“In the four to five years our children have gone to these schools, I do not think I have ever seen a police officer there.”
To which his daughter replied, “never.”
“We feel blessed to have been endorsed by the PBA,” said Lelle. “We have been afforded the opportunity, if elected, to work closely with the PBA in fostering a working relationship between law enforcement and the community.”
According to Cappadona’s endorsement speech, Cerrato and Lelle are currently courting other unions for endorsements. Cerrato and Lelle will face incumbents Pam DeFord and Dan Tew, respectively, on May 17.
