John M. Kennedy, Candidate for Suffolk County Executive, blamed the current County Executive, Steve Bellone, for failing to keep Amazon in New York City by campaigning for a Democratic majority in the state Senate that would vote to stifle economic development.

On February 14, 2019, Amazon announced that, because of fierce opposition by members of the City Council and the state Legislature, it will not bring its HQ2 location to the Long Island City section of Queens. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio — both Democrats — attempted to keep Amazon in New York City, but their efforts were thwarted by state Senators in their own party.

“Steve Bellone campaigned for six months to bring a Democratic majority to the New York State Senate,” Mr. Kennedy said. “Mr. Bellone accomplished that goal and they failed to authorize Amazon’s proposed headquarters. This was necessary for the region and it would have brought in 25,000 jobs, which would have benefitted those in New York City and Long Island. Lo and behold, as no surprise, Mr. Bellone’s allies were unwilling to do what’s necessary to improve the local economy.”