Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. (R-Nesconset) packed out Coco Bistro, formerly known as Café Havana, on Monday, July 11, for his fundraiser.
The fundraiser for the two-time incumbent featured labor, community, and political leaders from across the county, reflecting decades of public service. Members of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, the building trades and prominent attorneys could be distinguished from the guests. Also in attendance was Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R) and Bill Ellis, Chairman of the Smithtown Republican Party, and of course, wife Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) Leslie Kennedy, along with other elected officials.
Kennedy is facing challenger Tom Dolan, whose web portal on the Suffolk County Democratic Party website does not yet list any biographical or campaign information, an oddity for the usually up-to-date website. If Kennedy succeeds this November, it will mark his third and final term in the position as there is a three-term limit on Comptroller. Unless Dolan’s campaign quickly materializes, it looks as though Kennedy might have an easy election in stark contrast to last cycle’s razor-thin election against Jay Schneiderman.
The Comptroller touted his achievements in the office while also thanking his long list of supporters in attendance. Kennedy told The Messenger that he “is encouraged as I go forward in my campaign,” also noting that “There’s lots more to do.”
Supporters had much to celebrate even before the election as he is the recipient of the National Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties for various programs implemented in Suffolk County in collaboration with three+one’s cashVest Program. According to the Comptroller’s Office, the result is $5 million dollars in additional interest payments received by the county.
Among his achievements and a recurring theme in his campaign literature is the refinancing of county debt. Since his election to the office, $850 million of debt has been refinanced for a total of $51 million in interest savings. Additionally, as previously reported in the March 24 issue of The Messenger, numerous technological improvements have been made to expedite services offered by the office.
Despite not yet being elected for a third term, the Comptroller also has his eyes set on offering oversight to next year’s budget – the last County Executive Steve Bellone (D-Babylon) will propose as he too is term-limited.
