2025 Candidates

Hon. Ed Smyth – Town Supervisor

Hon. Edmund J.M. Smyth was elected Town Supervisor in 2021. Under his leadership, Huntington’s bond rating was upgraded to AAA by Fitch, while Moody’s maintained the town’s AAA rating for the 10th consecutive year, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also passed a budget below the mandated tax cap for the eighth consecutive year.

Smyth spearheaded technological upgrades to the building department, improved the permitting process, and oversaw major revitalization projects, including the reconstruction of Al Walker Park and a $1.5 million playground installation at Heckscher Park.

Before serving as Supervisor, he was elected to the Town Board in 2017, becoming part of the first Republican majority in a quarter-century. During that time, he enacted term limits, strengthened ethics laws, increased government transparency, fought overdevelopment, preserved open space, and worked to reduce taxpayer burdens.

A lifelong Huntington resident, Marine veteran, and attorney, Smyth has deep ties to the community. He and his wife, Coriander, are raising their four children in Huntington.

See Ed Smyth’s Re-Election Letter

Dr. David Bennardo – Councilman

Dr. Dave Bennardo has lived in Huntington for over 25 years and has dedicated his career to education, serving as both a high school principal and the superintendent of South Huntington Schools.

Since joining the Town Council in 2021, he has prioritized bipartisan leadership and community-focused decision-making. His efforts include improving drinking water quality, protecting beaches and shorelines, enhancing parks, and ensuring record road paving. A firm believer in fiscal responsibility, he has played a key role in maintaining Huntington’s AAA bond rating through tax cap-compliant budgeting.

Bennardo is known for his accessibility and engagement with residents, welcoming input from all corners of the town. He encourages community feedback and can be reached at (631) 351-3172 or [email protected].

Greg Grizopoulos – Candidate for Councilman

Greg Grizopoulos is focused on fiscal responsibility, keeping our community safe, promoting integrity and transparency in government, progress but no overdevelopment and preserving Huntington’s suburban character and quality of life.

A former Assistant District Attorney, Grizopoulos prosecuted violent crimes and serious felonies, gaining extensive experience in law enforcement and public safety. He also served as Nassau County’s Stop-DWI Special Prosecutor and has trained officers in alcohol breath testing, highway safety, and accident reconstruction.

Grizopoulos is a partner at the law firm Grizopoulos & Portz, P.C., handling matters in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. He and his wife reside in Melville, where they are raising their three children.

Andre Sorrentino – Superintendent of Highways

Andre Sorrentino, Jr. was elected in 2021 and is a lifelong Huntington resident. He owns Professional Automotive Services and Sorrentino Trucking while also serving as Director of General Services for the Town of Huntington and as a Huntington Fire Commissioner.

During his first term as Highway Superintendent, Sorrentino oversaw the paving of a record number of miles of roadway — more than double that of any prior superintendent. He has led major beautification projects, infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood revitalization efforts, ensuring roads remain safe and well-maintained.

Sorrentino has also spearheaded cost-saving initiatives like LED lighting installations at town facilities and has overseen major renovations at the Town Senior Center and Veterans Plaza.

Committed to giving back, he founded the Sorrentino Family Turkey Drive, which donates thousands of Thanksgiving turkeys to local families each year. Sorrentino lives in Huntington with his wife, Kim, and their two young daughters.

Stephanie Bontempi – Suffolk County Legislator (18th L.D.)

Stephanie Bontempi, a former teacher and immigrant from Sweden, was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in November, 2021.  Since assuming office, she has served on a variety of committees, most recently the Public Safety, Ways & Means, Economic Development & Planning and Housing, Education (Chair), Labor (Co-chair), and Health (Co-chair) committees. Some of Stephanie’s most noteworthy accomplishments include term-limit legislation, preservation of open space, public safety enhancements, termination of the redlight camera program,  and the strengthening of animal abuse legislation.

A Town of Huntington resident for over thirty years, Stephanie decided to run for office once her three children had grown up. Having raised a family on Long Island, Stephanie understands the challenges many face, so she wanted to be a voice for her district in County government.  Fiscally conservative and socially moderate, Stephanie’s priorities include safe communities, job creation and smart development, support for veterans and seniors, and protection of the environment.

Stephanie holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a M.S. in Education, and a M.S. in Education, Information, & Technology.  

Theresa Mari – Huntington Town Board

Theresa A. Mari has been a children’s advocate and attorney in private practice for 30 years. She is also an entrepreneur and former general counsel to multiple businesses. Because of her depth of experience, she exhibits strong leadership skills, and is an expert on small business development and handling legal and business matters.

Theresa is the founding partner of her own law firm, Theresa A. Mari, P.C. She concentrates her practice in family, real estate and matrimonial law, focusing much of her efforts on representing children. Before that, she co-founded Ecotyre Technologies, Inc., a publicly traded tire-re-manufacturing business. In addition, she served as the company’s general counsel and executive director.

While attending Hofstra University Law School, she served as assistant general counsel for Covidea, Inc., an online computer banking company. After graduation, she was promoted to general counsel.

She has held numerous leadership positions with the Suffolk County Bar Association (SCBA) and the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association. She also served as a member of the SCBA’s Judicial Nominating Committee, and is former president of the Suffolk County Matrimonial Bar Association and the Huntington Lawyers Club.

As a breast cancer survivor and advocate, she is a member of the SCBA Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert. In addition, she is a member of the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Committee.

Theresa has received several awards for her legal, charitable and pro bono work with numerous organizations, including Kiwanis of Hauppauge/Smithtown and Hospice of St. Charles Hospital. In addition, she has volunteered her time with several non-profit groups, among them the Spina Bifida Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy, and the United Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Theresa’s present charitable work is centered around helping children. Theresa raises money for children in foster care to provide them with clothing, school supplies and other necessities.

Sal Formica – Suffolk County Legislator (13th L.D.)

Meet Sal Formica, a lifetime dedicated to service, leadership, and our community. From safeguarding Presidents to leading local emergency services, Sal's experience speaks volumes. A small business owner who understands economic growth and fiscal responsibility. He’s fighting for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Suffolk County. Vote for Sal Formica – Leadership. Experience. Commitment. For Suffolk County.

Sal Formica is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and small business owner who has spent decades working to make Suffolk County a safer, stronger, and more prosperous place. With a background in finance, law enforcement, emergency services, and local business, Sal brings the experience, leadership, and vision necessary to serve as the next Suffolk County Legislator for the 13th District.

A Career Built on Leadership and Public Service

Sal began his professional career with Chase Manhattan Bank, where he worked for ten years as an Assistant Manager. There, he gained extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning—skills that will undoubtedly ensure fiscal responsibility in Suffolk County government.

His passion for service led him to a distinguished career with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), where he rose to the rank of Second-Grade Detective in the Elite Emergency Services Unit (ESU). As a member of the NYPD Sniper Team and Dignitary Protection Detail, he was entrusted with safeguarding the President of the United States and foreign leaders, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and dedication.

A Strong Advocate for Public Safety and Community Engagement

For more than three decades, Sal has been an integral part of the Commack Fire Department, serving for 32 years and rising to the rank of Ex-Chief. His leadership in emergency services has saved lives, strengthened community preparedness, and ensured public safety in times of crisis.

Sal’s dedication to the next generation is evident through his 15-year tenure on the Commack South Little League Board, where he also served as Past President. He understands the importance of youth programs and the role they play in shaping strong, engaged citizens.

As a past president and 25-year member of the Smithtown Chief’s Council, Sal has worked alongside first responders, local officials, and community leaders to advocate for public safety, emergency response improvements, and inter-agency collaboration.

A Successful Small Business Owner and Financial Steward

In addition to his career in public service, Sal has spent 13 years as the owner and operator of Sal’s Ristorante in Smithtown and Bantry Bay Publick House in Commack. Running successful businesses has given him firsthand experience in job creation, economic growth, and the challenges that small business owners face.

Throughout his career, Sal has been responsible for managing budgets for the Fire Department, Little League, and his businesses, ensuring that financial resources are used wisely and efficiently. His fiscal expertise will be invaluable in keeping Suffolk County government accountable and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested back into the community.

A Vision for a Better Suffolk County

A 36-year resident of Commack, Sal knows firsthand the challenges facing Suffolk County families. As a Suffolk County Legislator, he will fight for:

Public Safety – Strengthening law enforcement, emergency services, and first responder resources.

Budget & Finance | Fiscal Responsibility – Cutting wasteful spending and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

Economic Development | Small Business Growth – Supporting local businesses, reducing burdensome regulations, and fostering job creation.

Constituency Services | Community Engagement – Advocating for families, first responders, and community organizations.

With a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication, Sal Formica is the trusted, experienced leader that our Legislative District needs. He will bring his unwavering commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and