MEET THE CANDIDATES! Please follow our blog as we profile each of the Republican candidates running for office this election year. Please vote on November 5th. We are the party of the people!
Chris Nuzzi for Suffolk County Legislator!
Chris Nuzzi is currently serving his second term as a Southampton Town Councilman. Born in Southampton Hospital and raised on the east end of Long Island, he has extensive knowledge of local issues and truly appreciates the unique and natural beauty of this area. Since taking office in 2006, Chris has sponsored legislation pertaining to quality of life issues, zoning, green initiatives, and tax relief, to name a few. He was also at the forefront of advocating for, and achieving, the 100% burial of the LIPA transmission lines that were installed along a scenic route from Southampton Village to Bridgehampton.
As an avid boater and fisherman, the condition of our environment is of great importance, and Chris has been dedicated both personally and professionally to maintaining the pristine condition of Long Island's waterways, including advocating for the dredging and maintenance of the Shinnecock Inlet. He also heads up the Great East End Clean-Up, an annual event to remove garbage and debris from roadways, beaches and public areas throughout the Town of Southampton, and a Plastic Bag Education Task Force that promotes the reduction, reuse, and recycling of single-use plastic bags.
Other issues of importance to Chris are affordable housing and sustainable economic development that keeps environmental sensitivities in mind while providing for the needs of Southampton's working families. As the father of a young family, he recognizes the importance of maintaining an affordable housing stock for working families and jobs to allow them the ability to live in the community where they grew up. He spearheaded efforts on the state level to provide an exemption from the 2% Community Preservation Fund Transfer Tax for certain first-time homebuyers, allowing for numerous individuals and families to more easily make their home in the Town of Southampton.
A supporter of small business, Chris has been an avid opponent of the MTA payroll tax. He's also worked to attract and help small businesses to thrive through the formation of a Business Advisory Council, and by streamlining the land use application process.
Chris also lends his support to several community groups and Town committees including, the Sons of Italy, the Southampton Business Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hamptons Collegiate Baseball, Westhampton Rotary Club, Friends of the 106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing, The Parrish Art Museum Business Council, Westhampton Beach High School Business Advisory Board, Shinnecock Marlin & Tuna Club, the Southampton Bocce League, and the Southampton Town Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Business Advisory Council, Project Development Council, and Housing & Quality of Life Task Force.
Chris has a Masters Degree in Public Policy from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He currently resides in Westhampton Beach with his wife Sandy, and their four sons.
