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Politics & Government

Tom Cavanaugh Campaigns for Brookhaven Town Council

Cavanaugh kicks off his campaign at a fundraiser dinner in Blue Point.

Election season has begun in Blue Point as Tom Cavanaugh held a fundraiser Wednesday night at to boost his campaign for Brookhaven Town Council.

More than 100 people attended the dinner fundraiser for the Blue Point Democrat in his run against current fifth district councilman Tim Mazzei, including Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko, Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee Chairman Mark Alessi and Legis. Jack Eddington.

Cavanaugh said his reason for running for councilman stems from hearing everyday complaints around town.

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“Little things in life aren't going well and I know I can make a difference,” Cavanaugh said.

A Blue Point resident for more than 50 years, Cavanaugh has always been involved in the community. He was a charter member of the Bayport-Blue Point Foundation, a former co-owner of Cavanaugh’s restaurant and an active member of the Baymen Soccer club. He currently works for the Suffolk County Board of Elections in Yaphank.

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If elected, Cavanaugh said his main focus would be bringing jobs back into the Town of Brookhaven, especially District 5. With many vacant stores and boarded up businesses, Cavanaugh wants to rebuild and filter life back into the town’s economy.

“We have to create jobs, help the small businessman and the middle class,” he said.

Cavanaugh's slogan is “Brookhaven is open for business!” and he said he intends to push to make zoning easier for business owners. By hurrying along the zoning process, more businesses will want to set up shop within the town, he said.

“We are going to try to help them with the planning and help them get their permits quicker,” he said. ”We are going to try to streamline the process.”

Cavanaugh said that although Lesko is doing well as a town supervisor, the government is in need of reform. There is a low level of accountability in the town government right now, he said. Instead of talking to an answering machine and not receiving responses, Cavanaugh promised to maintain a personal relationship with all concerned residents by answering calls himself.

“That is the number one complaint among people,” he said. “No one ever gets a response.”

He said listening to people is going to be the first thing on his agenda if elected councilman.

“I’m going to be there for their concerns and respond immediately,” Cavanaugh said. “I know what people want and they want someone who will listen to their concerns.”

Another concern among Brookhaven residents is the lucrative town official salaries, Cavanaugh said. To change that, as a start, Cavanaugh said he will be take a 5 percent pay cut if elected.

“I will never use a town car either,” he said. “I’m going to show by example and the middle class is tired of being burned.”

Cavanaugh said this is the first time he’s thought of running for political office and he is anxious to fulfill the position if elected.

“There’s no agendas,” he said. “There’s no favors out there. I’m ready to work for the people of Brookhaven, end of story.”

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