Island Vote: Suffolk 2nd Legislative District

A Republican businessman and a Democratic town councilwoman are vying to become the new county legislator in Suffolk's 2nd District. The seat is currently held by Jay Schneiderman, who is leaving after

News 12 Staff

•

Oct 29, 2015, 2:17 AM

•

Updated 3,346 days ago

A Republican businessman and a Democratic town councilwoman are vying to become the new county legislator in Suffolk's 2nd District.

The seat is currently held by Jay Schneiderman, who is leaving after 12 years due to term limits. The East End district covers Moriches to Montauk.

Republican candidate Amos Goodman has never held public office, but says he wants to help the county dig out of its $51 million budget deficit.

"I've worked with balance sheets, budgets, finances -- I worked at the Pentagon and I balanced multibillion-dollar budgets there. Suffolk County has real fiscal challenges," Goodman tells News 12.

Democrat Bridget Fleming, a former Manhattan prosecutor and councilwoman in Southampton for the last five years, says she's proud that the town has not had any tax increases during her term.

"I know how to represent the folks here, we have great relationships," says Fleming. "My constituents trust and really feel that I bring the job - bring the results that they need for the East End."

Goodman is openly gay, costing him an endorsement from the Conservative Party after he publicly backed gay marriage. Goodman says his sexual orientation shouldn't matter.

Currently, there are 12 Democrats and six Republicans in the Suffolk County Legislature.