New deputy supervisor foregoes salary

On Jan. 18, Town of Brookhaven supervisor Daniel J. Panico announced the appointment of councilman Neil Foley (R-5th District) to serve as deputy supervisor for Town of Brookhaven.

Foley elected not to be compensated the salary for deputy supervisor ($30,000), citing “fiscal responsibility” and a “duty to provide the most for residents.”

“This is an amazing opportunity to further serve the people of the town,” said Foley.

Foley has been the Brookhaven Town councilman for Council District 5 for the past nine years.

He won the town council seat after a special election on Nov. 4, 2014, to replace former councilman and current Suffolk County Justice, the Hon. Timothy P. Mazzei.

As deputy supervisor, Foley will continue to serve on the town board representing the residents of Council District 5, where he has preserved over 100 acres of open-space properties and helped to develop the Overlay District and Patchogue redevelopment plans.

He spearheaded the renovation of 15 parks in CD5 and has been instrumental in the demolition of 24 zombie houses in the district.

“I thank supervisor Panico for giving me the opportunity to serve as deputy supervisor. I look forward to working with him and my colleagues on the town board to maintain the current policies that improve the quality of life for all residents,” said Foley.

While a member of the Brookhaven Town Zoning Board of Appeals, Panico said Foley helped “shape the character of Brookhaven to ensure that development was done so in a responsible manner.”

Foley has been a volunteer and leader for the National Association of Mental Illness and The American Cancer Society.

Foley resides in Blue Point with his wife and four children. Additionally, he is a member of the Patchogue Elks organization. His community involvement includes serving on the board of the Patchogue-Medford Youth Council and holding a significant leadership role as vice president of the Bayport-Blue Point Little League, an organization with over 600 members.