Voters Guide 2013: Suffolk Legislature to Shift, Change Next Year

Suffolk County Legislature could see a shift of power this Tuesday, as all 18 district seats are up for re-election and the district lines will change. 

As we head into Election Day, Patch is here to bring you the information you need to know before heading out to cast your vote. Residents will have a chance to vote for their next Suffolk legislator on Tuesday, but it may be a bit different than previous years.

Based on the results of the 2010 U.S. Census, the Suffolk County legislature underwent a redistricting that will bring several changes in the Town of Smithtown and Town of Huntington areas. 

Residents voting in Tuesday's elections will be selecting a representative to speak for them on Suffolk County laws and issues starting on Jan. 1, 2014 and, based on redistricting, may not have the option of re-electing their current legislator.

Here's s rundown of the candidates whose names will be on the ballots for the new 12th and 13th Suffolk legislative districts, their parties and what areas will be covered by those districts in 2014. 

Suffolk's 12th Legislative District
Area Covered: This legislative district will expand to include: western areas of St. James, from Jericho Turnpike to Woodlawn Avenue, the entire Village of Lake Grove, and large portions of Centereach to the south of Route 347 starting in 2014. It will no longer include: most of Town of Islip portion of Hauppauge, and the south-southeast regions of Lake Ronkonkoma. 
Click here to see the former 12th district map, and see if your home falls under the 12th district starting on Jan. 1, 2014. 
Candidates: 

• Gary Jacobs (Democrat) - Jacobs, a Smithtown resident, is a political newcomer seeking to challenge Kennedy for the 12th legislative district. He works from home as an executive for a pet supply company based in New Jersey. 
  
  Jacobs says he is running for office as he believes in a government that represents the people. He was inspired to run for political office due to the state of Smithtown Main Street, wishing to see a revitalization of the town's downtown business areas. 
  
  To read more about Jacobs in Patch's one-on-one interview with the candidate, click here. 
  
  
• John Kennedy Jr. (Republican)  - Kennedy is the incumbent for Suffolk County Legislature's 12th district. He was first elected to the office in 2004. He is the Minority Leader in the legislature and serves as chairman of the Veterans & Seniors Committee and vice-chairman of the Ways & Means Committee.  
  
  Kennedy has served as the official examiner of title for the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office, overseeing day-to-day operations of the county clerk's office for eight years.
  
  His recent issues involve the seeking to protect local groundwater by appealing for grants and state aid to bring sewers to Smithtown's Main Street and the demolition of the Bavarian Inn in Ronkonkoma to create future open space. 

• Rob Trotta (Republican) - Trotta, a Fort Salonga resident and Commack native, is a political newcomer who has staked out offices on Kings Park's Main Street. He beat out two others to win the Republican nomination in the Sept. 10 primary. 
  
  Trotta is a detective for the Suffolk County police department with 25 years experience. He is an advisory board member of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation, a member of Kings Park Civic Association and Kings Park Neighbors Association. 
  
  Trotta said one of his key issues is improving residents quality of life and turning Kings Park Main Street, Smithtown Main Street and other similar areas of town into destinations to help increase sales and tax revenue.  Read more about Trotta on his campaign website. 
  
  
• Elaine Turley (Democrat) - Turley, a Fort Salonga resident of 16 years, is running for the Suffolk Legislature seat vacated by Lynne Nowick. She is an attorney with a law practice specializing in the areas of elder law, trusts and estates, estate administration and real estate transactions.
  
  If elected, Turley has promised to be a full-time legislator who pledged promises to make Suffolk County attractive for young people by attracting quality jobs and increasing housing for young professionals,  reducing drug use among our residents.