Bio
Born in Brooklyn, NY, to a teenage mother and raised in foster care, Raheem’s life experience has shaped his deep commitment to public service. After reuniting with his identical twin brother in Albany, he moved to Suffolk County at the age of 13 and has called the East End home for 20+ years. Today, he is a proud father of six and grandfather of three, driven by the belief that every voice matters and every community deserves representation. His life experiences have instilled in him a deep understanding of the challenges many families face—fueling his passion for policy solutions that uplift working families, small businesses, and underserved communities
Experience
With experience across federal, state, and local campaigns, Raheem has worked to empower communities through voter education, grassroots organizing, and policy reform. As Founder & CEO of TUC Media, he has created a platform dedicated to informing voters about policies that impact their daily lives. His role as a policy analyst allows him to assess local and state legislation, working alongside community organizations and government officials to develop data-driven solutions that improve public access to essential resources. Raheem also serves as Publisher of The Messenger Papers, covering Suffolk County legislative matters and policy decisions. He was previously contributing to South Shore Press. His investigative work provides in-depth insights into laws, budgets, and community initiatives that shape the future of Suffolk County.
Campaign Phone
6312636863
The basic problem is supply and demand. When government layers on mandates, fees, and delays, the cost of building rises — and so does the price of housing. If Suffolk County wants affordable homes, it must first get out of its own way. Streamlining permits, reducing unnecessary fees, and investing in infrastructure like sewers will open the door for more housing in places that make sense — near jobs and transit. Accessory apartments and downtown redevelopment can provide options without changing the character of neighborhoods. The key is to let private builders do what they do best, while the County focuses on removing barriers instead of creating them.
We should remember that good intentions don’t guarantee good results. Blanket bans and heavy-handed rules often create higher costs with little effect. A smarter approach is to focus on outcomes: reduce nitrogen where it threatens water quality, and create efficient ways to handle waste before it becomes a crisis. That means investing in sewer and septic upgrades where they matter most, encouraging recycling markets that can actually sell what we collect, and using rail to move waste off the Island at lower cost. Innovation, not regulation, will move us forward. The County’s role should be to set clear priorities and enforce accountability, not micromanage every household or small business.
Government should not operate like a public-relations firm. Residents deserve plain facts, not polished talking points. I would publish clear, accessible updates on what the County is doing, how much it costs, and what results are expected — not just when there’s a ribbon-cutting. That means using digital tools, community forums, and regular reports that show both progress and setbacks. More importantly, communication must be two-way. Seeking input means not just listening to loud voices, but inviting all residents to weigh in before decisions are made. Transparency and accountability work only when the public gets the full picture, not just the headlines.
The first principle is to separate “wants” from “needs.” Too often, federal dollars create programs that expand spending far beyond what taxpayers can sustain once the money disappears. The County’s role should be to protect core services — public safety, clean water, and infrastructure — while cutting or restructuring programs that are nonessential. We cannot spend every dollar twice. If Washington reduces aid, Suffolk must adapt by tightening budgets, prioritizing high-impact services, and demanding measurable results from every department. Fiscal discipline, not wishful thinking, is what prevents a shortfall from becoming a crisis.
Predictions a century out should be taken with caution, but preparation does not mean panic. The County’s job is not to issue dramatic forecasts but to focus on practical steps that protect taxpayers today and tomorrow. That begins with investing in infrastructure we already know is at risk — roads, storm drains, and wastewater systems in vulnerable areas. It also means protecting our bays and beaches with proven tools like dredging, living shorelines, and shellfish restoration that strengthen natural defenses while boosting the local economy.
We should avoid costly, symbolic measures that make headlines but deliver little benefit. Instead, the Legislature must prioritize projects with measurable impact, ensure funds are audited, and partner with towns to target resources where they matter most. Rising seas or not, stronger infrastructure and cleaner water are investments Suffolk residents will see the value of right now.
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