Chris Vaccaro caught up with fellow Sachem alum and Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo about his vision for local politics and the impact his upbringing had on his decision to enter public service.
They touch on several interesting topics, from political reform to overcoming the odds to win his seat.
CV: Where did you get the initial inspiration to run for office?
AP: Since I was a young kid, my grandparents were heavily involved in politics. Growing up, I saw corruption and issues in our community and wanted to make a difference. I joined the Republican Party, attended local club meetings, and got involved. By 2019, I was the nominee and won the seat.
It wasn’t easy. There were some behind-the-scenes challenges. I had to run write-in campaigns to secure the conservative and independent party lines. Despite my name not being on the ballot, we won both by a 60-40 margin. My opponent spent $2 million compared to our $60,000, yet we won on Election Day by 223 votes. That victory cemented the seat as Republican, and we were determined to keep it. I became the first Republican to win this seat since 1984.
Two months later, COVID-19 hit. I had only attended two legislative sessions before everything shut down. We were thrust into a work-from-home, virtual environment. It was challenging, but we quickly organized outreach programs like PPE drives, coat and food drives, and initiatives like “Valentines for Veterans.”
On the legislative side, my first law was a Transition of Powers Act for the county. It ensures outgoing officials follow a structured process to hand over their responsibilities and documents to incoming legislators.
Campaigning is constant in a two-year term. I attend public meetings, civic events, and community gatherings. A few years ago, there was a proposal to switch to four-year terms, but the public defeated it. The two-year cycle keeps me sharp and connected to my constituents.
cv: How much did your upbringing in Sachem impact your life in public service?
AP: As a third-generation Sachem alum, my family’s roots in the community go back to the 1950s. This sense of community shaped me. When we knocked on doors during campaigns, people recognized my family. They’d say, “I went to school with your mom, aunt, or cousins.”
This familiarity helped drive turnout in a historically blue district during odd-year elections. In Sachem, where we campaigned heavily, voter turnout increased from 23% to 27%. We now have one of the highest turnouts in the county.
I also had incredible teachers, like Frank Schmidt and Betty Ingoglia, who inspired me. I remain connected to my roots and always strive to represent the community authentically.
CV: What political philosophy do you align with, and how has it shaped your career?
AP: My upbringing emphasized the importance of a strong family unit, which shaped my worldview. I take a more libertarian approach to government. It’s essential to recognize that government can’t do everything for everyone. Instead, it should focus on helping those who truly need it. I believe in passing laws that positively impact people’s lives. Legislation isn’t effective unless it’s well-informed and practical.
CV: How do you balance your personal beliefs with the diverse views of your constituents?
AP: I serve all my constituents, regardless of political affiliation. I’m always honest with them. I tell people, “If you agree with me on everything, see a professional.” The key is finding common ground. For example, I’ve worked with Democrats on environmental issues. As the chair of the Environmental Committee, I advocate for open spaces and mitigating climate change’s effects. This approach brings people together to focus on shared goals, like leaving the island better for future generations.
CV: What role does compromise play in politics, and can you give an example?
AP: Compromise is essential, but I won’t sacrifice my principles for short-term political gain. One example is funding for coastal resilience. When the Democratic county executive proposed $50 million, we pushed for $100 million to ensure adequate coverage for storm-impacted areas. We worked together to secure the funding, benefiting our communities and preserving the coastline for decades.
CV: What are your top policy priorities, and how have you progressed so far?
AP: Government reform is a significant focus. For example, I’ve targeted the red-light camera program, which ends on December 1. It started as a safety initiative but turned into a revenue generator that unfairly burdened residents. I also prioritize environmental efforts. Working with colleagues like Legislator Englebright, we’ve secured funding for clean water, open space preservation, and historic property restoration. These bipartisan initiatives prove we can achieve meaningful results when we put politics aside.
CV: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in office?
AP: Government moves slowly. It’s a lot of “hurry up and wait.”
When I started, the county was nearly bankrupt. During COVID-19, we received $300 million in federal aid from the Trump administration and $600 million from the Biden administration. With that $1 billion, we stabilized our finances, built reserves, reduced debt, and funded projects with cash. This fiscal responsibility led to two bond upgrades in the past two years, saving taxpayers money.
Public safety is another priority. Since 2021, we’ve hired 400 new officers, including detectives and sheriffs, and ensured they have the resources they need.
CV: How would you define your leadership style?
AP: I’m collaborative but principled. I’ll work with anyone if it’s in the best interest of my constituents. At the same time, I’m clear about where I stand on core issues like lowering taxes and reducing government overreach.
I’m upfront with my colleagues—they always know where I stand on a vote.
CV: How do you balance campaigning and governing?
AP: Balancing the two is tough. During the week, I’m in the office. At night, I’m attending fundraisers or community events. I don’t accept Super PAC or special interest money, so my campaigns rely on small donations from regular people. This independence allows me to vote based on what’s right for my constituents, not outside influences.
CV: What legacy do you hope to leave in your political career?
AP: I want to be remembered as someone who kept their word, stood by their principles, and served their constituents faithfully.
I’ll serve for as long as I can, but when my time in public office ends, I’m comfortable returning to the private sector. Right now, I’m focused on doing the best job I can, one day at a time.