Kevin M. Shea D

BACKGROUND

• Shea, 58, of Baiting Hollow, a registered Democrat, is running on the Democratic Party line for town councilman. This is his first campaign for public office. 
• He is a retired New York City firefighter who responded to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
• Shea is also a master gardener who lives in a geodesic dome he built. He spends part of the year in El Ostional, Nicaragua, where he owns a 46-acre wildlife sanctuary.

ISSUES

• Shea said he’s concerned about rapidly rising property taxes that burden residents. Though some increases, such as health insurance premiums, are mandated, Shea said spending in other areas, including salary raises for elected officials and expensive litigation, could be eliminated.
• Preserving open space is another priority, he said. Shea favors rural over retail and does not support large-scale developments, which threaten the town’s agricultural character and strain infrastructure and resources. Instead, he said the town should identify ways to generate revenue and economic development through agriculture.
• If elected, Shea said he would advocate for more sustainable environmental initiatives ranging from clean water to waste reduction and promoting composting. He also said the town should focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, including bioswales for stormwater runoff and renewable energy.