What was the Biggest Issue that Affected Your Vote?

In local elections community issues are at the forefront of many people's minds. While the presidential races garner more top headlines, the local elections are closest to the day-to-day lives of the people in the towns and villages Patch covers. We asked some voters what their hot button issues were when they voted.

On Tuesday morning, Bob Nathan said that he liked and respected Angie Carpenter but some of the things she did during her campaign made him vote for Steven Bellone.

"When Carpenter attacked Bellone unjustly about his raising taxes (Babylon Town taxes are amongst the lowest on Long Island and the taxes she referred to were school taxes, which Bellone has no control over) that made me swing to Bellone," he said. "Unjust criticism of an opponent speaks to character."

Nathan cited Bellone's record in town government as a positve on his side.

"I felt that he might be a bit more pro-active than Carpenter," he said. "Either candidate might have worked but Bellone looked more happy and impressive to me."

Ron Masone tweeted that the issue that will affect his vote is a candidate's stance on education.

"We cannot keep making cuts to education," he said.

Port Jefferson resident, Kathy O’Sullivan said that the biggest reason for casting her ballot was the high regard she has for many of the candidates like Kara Hahn, Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, John Rouse and Mark Lesko.

"I know them personally and have all faith in their ability and dedication to the job," she said. "I know them all as very hard and responsive workers."

Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant said that there are practical and personal characteristics to the candidates that ger her vote.

"Knowledge of how govt works, integrity and a person who will get the job done," she said.

Craig den Hartog who works as a Horticultural Consultant at Emerald Magic Lawn Care said he's thinking of the big picture when it comes to his vote.

"Think globally, vote locally," he said.

Like many others, Laura Hill Timpanaro said that "jobs, taxes and education were the biggest factors in deciding my vote."

"I feel it is a time for leaders who can execute big ideas that will benefit all of the members of the community, drive costs down, attract businesses and save educational programs," she said.

Add to the conversation. On Election Day, what issue was at the top of your mind when your cast your ballot? Tell us in the comments.