by Greg Sleter and Cindy True

Wayne Horsley, Democrat

In a legislative district that has seen its share of contentious races in the past, Babylon Republicans have nominated political newcomer, Robert Pflaum, to run against Babylon Town Councilman Wayne Horsley, a Democrat, in the 14th legislative district. The race is viewed as key battle in the war for the majority in the legislature.

Suffolk GOP leaders are seeking to regain the seat in the district, which has been held by Democrat David Bishop for more than a decade. Democrats want to close the gap, and gain an edge in the legislature, which is now made up of a loosely knit group of 11 Republicans and 7 Democrats.

"There are six or seven seats on both sides that are viewed as ‘locked up," said newly elected Babylon Town Republican leader Anthony Pancella. "But this is one of those that is up for grabs."

But Pancella said the seat is important for another reason: Babylon Town residents have no Republican representation in the legislature. "With the exception of small parts of North Babylon and Deer Park which are represented now by (Leg. Alan) Binder and (Leg. Paul) Tonna, there are no Republican legislators from Babylon," said Pancella. "Certainly we deserve to be at the table and we think Pflaum offers voters a good alternative. He’s got the right background, temperment and experience."

Robert Pflaum, Republican

"Whether the person is a Republican or a Democrat is not the most important thing," said Robert Strickoff, the Babylon Democratic Chairman. "What is important is how the legislator works with town officials and county officials on behalf of the taxpayers and the Democratic candidate has shown he can do that."

A resident of Babylon Village for more than a quarter century, Pflaum has spent the past 28 years as a member of the Suffolk County Police Department, where he currently serves as a detective in the third precinct. Not surprisingly, he believes taxes are the major issue with voters in his district.

"This is an issue that impacts young people and older folks who cannot afford to have a home on Long Island," said Pflaum. "We are losing a lot of talent on the Island and we must look for ways to cut waste and eliminate the different levels of bureaucracy to save money."

Horsley, a native Long Islander and member of Babylon High School’s Class of 1968, believes that one of the best ways to reduce the tax burden on residents is to work to encourage a healthy economy. During the campaign, he plans to focus on business development in his district, as well as throughout the county. And, he says, he has the experience to get things done.

He points to his role on the Town Board and his work in promoting businesses along the Route 110 corridor. The town recently broke ground for the Courtyard by Marriott, a first-class hotel, and he has worked to bring in high-tech businesses to the area. He hopes to bring that template of success to the county, he said.

"We have to keep revitalizing the economy so we can keep the cost of living on Long Island down," said Horsley.

A member of the Town Council since 1999, Horsley’s governmental experience includes several years as finance director with the New York State Parks Department, Long Island division.

"I think my time in government is something that will help me this November," said Horsley. "I have a good idea of how government works."

"I think voters are ready for a fresh face and a candidate who has new ideas and is not a career politician," countered Pflaum.

If elected, Pflaum said he would work on environmental issues. His major concerns are maintaining proper levels of sea life, such as clams and crabs, to eliminate the potential of overfishing in the Bay, which could lead to diminished populations of certain species. A self-describe "lover of the Great South Bay." Pflaum said the maintaining a healthy environment is critical to maintaining the quality of life here on Long Island.

Looking ahead to the coming campaign, the married father of two daughters and Navy veteran, plans on a grassroots campaign that will include knocking on a doors throughout the district in an effort to introduce himself to voters and get a feel for those issues that are key to district residents.

Pflaum also knows that despite running for election in a district with no incumbent, and a voter registration numbers that tilt slightly in the favor of Republicans, he faces an uphill battle in his race against Horsley, whose years on the Town Board give him solid name recognition and a higher profile.

The district, which was redrawn in 2001, covers West Babylon, south of the Southern State Parkway, Lindenhurst and North Lindenhurst.

The district also covers the Village of Babylon, which is currently embroiled in a controversial county issue over a potential partnership between the county and the Babylon School District. The county is looking to pay for two thirds of the cost of installing lighting and synthetic athletic fields at the high school. The district would raise money for the additional $400,000 needed, and own the fields outright again in ten years. The sticking point, however, is that in the intervening decade, the fields could be used by athletic teams outside of the school district, and maintenance, security and upkeep would fall on local taxpayers. The proposal has received both praise and criticism within the community and the district has made a commitment that the issue will be put to the public for a vote.

In the meantime, Horsley said that the synthetic fields would be great for kids, but adds, quickly that he does not approve of the partnership.

"I don’t believe it is a wise expenditure and if the school can’t afford it without county monies, the they should forego it."

"It costs too much and benefits too few people," said Pflaum who also did not support the proposal and added it raised parking and security issues. "If the school feels strongly about it, they can do it on their own."

Where the two candidates part company is on the issue of Republic Airport. Horsley is a strong supporter of the airport, but says it’s growth plan is too aggressive and incompatible with the town. He also criticizes the airport for using the DOT as a weapon to stop the construction of a Stew Leonard’s Supermarket across from the airport. While the building is within the airport’s runway protection zone, the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the site for the supermarket saying it would not pose an aviation hazard. The DOT has denied the developer a curb cut on to the property, however, saying it is dangerous.

"Republic is using the DOT as a weapon to stop Stew Leonard’s and is attempting to control land without paying for it," said Horsley a proponent of the supermarket project.

"We have enough retail in the area and don’t need a Stew Leonard’s," said Pflaum. "We need more high paying and high tech jobs in the area."

Pflaum said the issue with Republic is "out of my control," since it is operated by a state agency.

For his part, Pflaum said his experience as a police officer and in the military makes his a qualified candidate and will help him in representing the people of the 14th. "I believe those who have spent their entire lives in politics are more concerned with getting reelected," he said.

The potential to be a part of the County Legislature and working with the diverse personalities that sit on the 18-member board intrigues Horsley, a lifelong resident of Babylon who is married and the father of four children.

"There are always interesting dynamics on the legislature," he said. "Look at me, I am a pro-business Democrat who may end up working with environmentalist Republicans from the East End."