Hispanic Community's Reaction to Levy Announcement Mixed

Leaders of Patchogue’s Hispanic community had a mixed response to Suffolk County Executive .

Levy and the Hispanic community across Suffolk County have had a tense relationship given the county executive's position on the issue of how illegal immigrants should be handled by governmental agencies.

In addition, following the of Ecuadorean immigrant Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue, the Long Island Press quoted Levy as saying that the murder would of been a one-day story in the media had it occurred in Nassau County.

Joselo Lucero, brother to Marcelo Lucero, said that he was glad that Levy decided not to continue working in the position.

“I hope that the next candidate has more respect and be more in communication with my community,” Joselo Lucero said.

According to Lucero, this hispanic community has had several issues with Levy while in office.

“He attacked my community for many years," Lucero said of Levy. "There definitely has to be some way to stop that."

However, Angel Borja of the Fundacion Lucero de America organization, which is not affiliated with the Lucero family, said that he and the organization are neutral regarding Levy's announcement not to seek a third term.

“I know he’s a little controversial, and maybe the community may be happy, but now we have to see who is coming [next],” Borja said.

Borja said the organization is more focused on helping the Hispanic community of Patchogue, and is otherwise not currently involved in politics. He said that Levy visited Fundacion in 2010, during which he explained his actions and the way government operates.

“When we asked him about the purpose of his actions, he had an explanation,” Borja said.

Borja said that Levy told them that with parents of Italian and Jewish heritage that he was ultimately an immigrant as well.

“In the meantime, our goal is working with the community,” Borja said.