Islip’s new councilmanic district system will put Districts Three and Four on the ballot for the first time. The open Third District contains parts of western Islip and local businesses owner, restaurateur, and government-community liaison Mike McElwee (R-West Islip) is running to fill the post.
A decades-long business-owner and community organizer in the Bay Shore-Sayville area, McElwee has put his managerial and organizational skills to the test, as he has owned and operated the Penny Pub, Goody Two Shoes, and Sayville Bait and Tackle for many years. He has significantly helped strengthen the sense of commerce and cooperation among businesses in Bay Shore, namely by virtue of his status as a founding member of the Bay Shore Restaurant Committee.
McElwee also helped spearhead a campaign to allow residents to donate to local restaurants, which would go to preparing meals for Islip hospital workers during the height of COVID.
McElwee’s opponent, former Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino (D-West Islip), served a brief stint in the Assembly before being defeated for re-election in the blue wave year of 2018. While Pellegrino did buck her party when necessary, especially on the bail reform laws, we believe that McElwee is a better barometer for his district’s moods. His recent work as a community liaison for former Senator Boyle (R) and current Assemblyman Gandolfo (R) equip him with an appropriate amount of government experience to understand the mechanism of government, while also still being healthily involved in his community.
The Messenger endorses Mike McElwee for Town Council, District Three.
The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Likely Republican
