John Panicola is not your typical politician however, and is not your conventional Republican.A Marine, bartender and current Adelphi student, Panicola got involved because he feels that politics shouldn't have such a significant divide between generations and that a new voice can aid in improving the town's politics.
"At times party seems to take precedent over the issues," said John Panicola. "I'm looking for votes because I'm trying to get involved with the youth, the disenfranchised, or those never involved in the political scheme."
On the Town Board there are four Democrats and one Republican.
The Working Families Party, a center-left leaning third party could serve as a perfect fit for the young veteran and his aforementioned hybrid politics.
"They stand for workers rights, veterans benefits, affordable housing, equality and a lot of the things that are needed in the Town of Huntington" said Panicola. "To switch my affiliation is a possibility, to either a Democrat or the Working Families Party line itself."
Keep in mind the vast economic and social differences that range across Huntington's over 200 Thousand residents; Panicola is pushing to bridge the gap across an economically diverse community to make housing affordable for families across the spectrum.
To prove his loyalty and validate his intentions to his community Panicola also is a proponent of term limits.
Often in local politics the incumbent sits near unbeatable at election time and they eventually hold elected power in local communities for decades at a time.
Term limits should inspire individuals in our communities to get more involved to keep new blood to constantly flowing through the town and village halls of Long Island.
"With a collective mindset and the right bi-partisanship we can definitely come to a common ground to serve everyone," said Panicola.
Hopefully this can serve as a spark not just in Huntington, but across the Long Island within both political parties in the upcoming election season.
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