Leah M. Sullivan D

BACKGROUND

• Sullivan, 52, of Mattituck, a registered Democrat, is making her first bid for elected office. She is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines. She was a real estate agent for two years. 
• She was senior legislative aide to Congressman Tim Bishop for 12 years and was previously executive director of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce. She is manager of The Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck. 
• Sullivan is a member of the Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association.

ISSUES

• Sullivan said she would have an open-door policy on speaking with residents about their taxes and be fair and equitable in providing service.
• She would work to educate residents about all the information available on the web site. "I would tell them don’t be scared about asking questions about your home’s valuation," she said. "If nothing has changed on your property or structure, there’s no fear of your taxes being raised."
• Sullivan said she would educate residents on exemptions that are available to them, such as those for volunteer firefighters, veterans and seniors. She also would apply her real estate knowledge when calculating a home or property’s market value.