Patrick G. Halpin

Patrick Goodchild Halpin (1953- ) was the fifth County Executive of Suffolk County, New York. Elected in 1987, he served one term from 1988 through 1991, when he was defeated by Robert J. Gaffney.

He received a B.A. degree from Old Dominion University, majoring in political science and economics. His political career began at age 26 in 1979, when he was elected to represent the 13th District of the Suffolk County Legislature. In 1982, Halpin won the New York State Assembly seat for the 9th District, becoming the first Democrat in 116 years to be elected to the Assembly from that area. During his three terms in office, he chaired the Standing Committee on Ethics and the Long Island Marine Resources subcommittee.

At the age of 34, Halpin was elected Suffolk County Executive, the youngest in the county's history. His achievements include instituting the drug education program DARE; an anti-domestic violence program; a homeless housing initiative; and a nationally-recognized open space and environmental program.

Halpin is currently an Executive Vice President at the ( [http://www.studentachievement.org] ) Institute for Student Achievement, located in Lake Success on Long Island. The Institute works in partnership with schools to help low-performing students stay in school, graduate and go on to college, work, other post-secondary education or job training. He has been with the organization since 1994.

Halpin also hosts Cablevision's "Meet the Leaders", a public affairs talk show. A life-long resident of Suffolk County, he lives in Village of Babylon with his wife, Debra, and their daughters, Christina and Sarah.

External links

* [http://www.studentachievement.org/halpin.htm Institute for Student Achievement]