Holbrook-- Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley was joined by dozens of supporters to kick-off his campaign for the 3rd Senate District on Saturday. Foley received the endorsements of several prominent elected officials from throughout the district, including Representatives Steve Israel and Tim Bishop. Other elected officials who joined Foley for the announcement included State Senator Craig Johnson, Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer William Lindsay, Legislator Kate Browning, and Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert.
Foley announced that he is running because the State Senate is not addressing several issues which are vital to Suffolk County, including the property taxes which are crippling our communities and forcing people to move off Long Island, helping tens of thousands of families who cannot afford rising health care costs, and continuing his longtime mission of improving the affordability of a higher education.
"Just as Brookhaven was in great need of reform and we seized on an historic opportunity, today the old ways of doing business in Albany must change," Supervisor Foley said. "While I commend Senator Trunzo for his many years of service, I believe it is time for a new generation of leadership to fight for Suffolk County."
Foley, who made history by twice winning election as Brookhaven Town Supervisor, is once again looking to win a historic race and become the first Democrat elected to the State Senate from Suffolk County in over 100 years and unseat a 36-year incumbent. Foley's entry into the race has established the 3rd Senate District as one of the most competitive races in New York State.
"Brian Foley understands the issues facing our middle class here on Long Island and has a proven record of change and leadership," Congressman Israel said. "Albany needs real change and reform and Brian Foley is just the man to lead the fight."
"Albany is in desperate need of change," Congressman Bishop said. "Brian Foley is a proven change agent, Brian Foley is a proven reformer."
Senator Johnson, who in 2007 was the first Democrat elected to the State Senate from Nassau County in nearly 25 years, noted the need to change the leadership of the State Senate and the longtime failings of the institution, "Long Islanders have endured and suffered through decades of rising property taxes. Enough is enough, it is long past time for a change."
Presiding Officer Lindsay who primarily represents Islip, noted the need for all Democrats to come together and support Foley, "I urge Democrats in Islip and Brookhaven to come together to support Brian Foley. We have been waiting a very long time for someone to come along who can win this seat, and we finally have our candidate."
It definitely appears that this train is leaving the station, with or without Jimmy Dahroug. That's a pity, because it seems more and more obvious that Foley is indeed the candidate that is going to win a primary here, my own feelings about Dahroug notwithstanding. Plus, it looks as if Foley has a real, genuine shot at finally taking this seat. Foley isn't some party switching Johnny Come Lately. He's a real Dem with a real record of reform to run on.
Once again, this is where I would link Foley's campaign site. He doesn't yet have one.
