By Patrick Donachie
Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi is filling out his staff prior to taking his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as he continues to seek space for a Queens office.
Suozzi won the race to succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-Melville) in representing New York’s 3rd Congressional District. The majority of the district is located in Suffolk and Nassau counties in Long Island, but it does include parts of Bay Terrace, Whitestone, Glen Oaks and Floral Park. He faced Republican challenger state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola).
Mike Florio has been named Suozzi’s chief of staff after serving as Suozzi’s campaign manager. He has 14 years of experience in Washington. Suozzi also announced Diane Shust would be his legislative director. Shust is currently the chief of staff for Congressman Jim McDermott (D-West Virginia). Additionally, Suozzi appointed Cindy Rogers as district director.
“This is a professional, qualified staff with both local and Washington experience and a commitment to public service,” Suozzi said.
Suozzi has said he would be opening a district office within Queens, in addition to a Long Island office. On a conference call after the election, he suggested he might try to find an available storefront on Northern Boulevard, near the Nassau County border.
Suozzi will be sworn in Jan. 3, 2017.
Reach reporter Patrick Donachie by e-mail at pdona
