Bio
Dave Chan has built a life of public service. The son of Cuban and Chinese parents, Dave worked as a NYP police detective for 22 years. After moving to Oakdale, he served as police investigator at MacArthur Airport for eight years, where he was the union vice president. Dave has used his experience in community policing to save the Vanderbilt Mansion from destruction by criminals and vandals. When the Town failed to protect the property, he became a founding member of the Idle Hour Neighborhood Watch Group. He and the other members patrolled the former Dowling College grounds nightly, boarded up windows, and installed cameras at their own expense. As a former president of the Oakdale Civic Association and board member of the Idle Hour Beach Club, he championed efforts to improve quality of life, support neighbors, and enhance recreational opportunities for families.
Experience
Retired NYPD, Oakdale Civic President
Campaign Phone
631-560-5103
My priorities are to make town government more accessible and transparent, support thriving local businesses, and create safer neighborhoods through resident–law enforcement collaboration. I’ll hold weekly “office hours” in different neighborhoods so residents can speak directly with their representative, and push for a user-friendly town website so people can find agendas, track projects, and submit concerns. I’ll support small businesses by removing barriers and promoting partnerships that bring jobs and vibrancy back to our downtowns. With 30 years in law enforcement and civic leadership, I know that open communication builds trust. By fostering partnerships between residents and police, we can reduce crime, ensure fair treatment for all, and make Islip a place where families feel heard, supported, and safe.
The Great South Bay is vital to our environment, economy, and way of life. The Town must take a leadership role in reducing nitrogen runoff, modernizing infrastructure, and engaging residents. I support working with other levels of government to upgrade septic systems, improve stormwater management, and invest in green infrastructure that filters runoff before it reaches the Bay. Just as important is educating and motivating residents to do their part by reducing fertilizer use, maintaining septic systems, and using native plants. Protecting the Bay requires government action and community partnership. We can and must preserve this natural treasure, keep beaches open, and ensure clean water for generations to come.
Equality must guide every government decision. All residents deserve fair treatment, equal access to services, and a voice in shaping their community. As a police officer and civic leader, I’ve seen how open communication builds trust. I’ll make Town government more accessible by holding neighborhood office hours, improving transparency online, and making meetings easier to navigate. I’ll also encourage dialogue between residents and law enforcement and ensure that underrepresented voices are included in planning and policy. Equality is the foundation of good government. By promoting fairness, accountability, and respect, we can strengthen trust and create a town that serves everyone.
Yes. Thoughtful mixed-use development and affordable housing can strengthen communities, support local businesses, and help young people and seniors stay in the neighborhoods they love. Vibrant downtowns depend on residents who can live, work, and shop locally. Allowing appropriately scaled mixed development can revitalize commercial areas, create walkable communities, and boost economic activity. I also support exploring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to give seniors flexibility to age in place and help young adults find affordable rentals. We must balance community character, infrastructure, and affordability, but smart planning can achieve these goals responsibly.
The Dowling campus is a historic community asset that must be preserved, secured, and revitalized—not left to deteriorate. When the Town failed to protect it, I co-founded the Idle Hour Neighborhood Watch to patrol nightly, board up windows, and install cameras at our own expense. I strongly support preserving its historic character, investing in maintenance and security, and developing a revitalization plan that benefits the community. With proper stewardship, the property can again be a source of pride and opportunity for Oakdale and the entire Town of Islip.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
