Friday, November 18, 2022: When asked about the significance to him of being honored with the Community Leader of Excellence 2022 award Legislator Esteban shared "Community service is very natural for me, I enjoy speaking with and helping people. Helping others is the core value my mother instilled in me. However, this award is more significate to me because it confirms to me that my outreach approach is resonating with the community and well received. My approach in community work is to be a friend first. Not to assume I have the answers. Often times it is the community who is helping me with their advice and guidance on local matters they know more about than me. Especially in neighborhoods I represent that I might not be too familiar with. Maintaining humility and knowing that first comes a friendship is first for me."
Legislator Esteban represents areas of Commack, East Northport, Elwood, Dix Hills, Deer Park, Huntington South, Brentwood, and North Bay Shore. When asked how to reaches out to so many hamlets he replies "I receive much help form the residents and community. They have become dear friends to me and have invited me into their social networks, events, and in many cases family occasions. These relationships are real and precious to me, they are like extended families. When I go place in my district I am so warmly welcomed and I must say it is very humbling. I go to neighborhoods for outreach any many ask to take photos with me as it is the first time they have close contact with an elected official in a meaningful way."
Legislator Esteban, an attorney, is the first Hispanic ever elected to Suffolk County Legislative District 16 and speaks Spanish fluently. He has traveled to over 39 countries. He is married to Mercedes Esteban and they have seven children. When asked what his approach is with Hispanic community he says: "My approach is the same as with other communities, to be a friend first. My role is not to tell them what to do, how to vote, or anything like that. It is to listen to them, and just be a friend, a companion leader. Often, I am invited to family/social dinners and I enjoy eating with them, sometimes I am invited to dance and we dance! My wife and children often attend community events with me so my work with community has a close familial aspect to it.
Pictured with Misolino Silva, President of the Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce of Long Island; and Board Members and honorees.
6080 Jericho Turnpike, Ste 307, Commack, NY 11725