Preceded by Michael A. LoGrande Spouse(s) Ana Party Democratic Party Political party Democratic | Preceded by Louis T. Howard Name Patrick Halpin Preceded by Philip B. Healey Children two: Christina, Sarah Succeeded by Robert J. Gaffney | |
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Full Name Patrick Goodchild Halpin Born Jan. 18, 1953 (age 71) ( 1953-01-18 ) | ||
Education Old Dominion University | ||
Patrick Goodchild Halpin (born January 18, 1953) was the fifth County Executive of Suffolk County, New York, in office from 1988 to 1991.
Education and career
Halpin grew up on Long Island and attended St. Joseph's School in Babylon. He attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he earned a B.A. degree in political science and economics. After college he was a political campaign volunteer and became a campaign staffer for Tom Downey, who was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1974. He later became a congressional aide for Downey.
Halpin's own political career began at age 26 in 1979, when he was elected to represent the 13th District of the Suffolk County Legislature. On April 20, 1982, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Louis T. Howard to the Suffolk County Legislature. Halpin was the first Democrat in 116 years to be elected to the Assembly from that area. He was re-elected three times and remained in the Assembly until 1987, sitting in the 184th, 185th, 186th and 187th New York State Legislatures. He chaired the Committee on Ethics, and the Subcommittee on the Long Island Marine Resources.
In 1987, Halpin was elected Suffolk County Executive, at age 34 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. He served one term from 1988 to 1991, when he was defeated by Robert J. Gaffney.
Halpin is currently an Executive Vice President at the 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. He has also worked as a lobbyist under the business name Halpin Public Affairs, LLC.