Patch Profiles: Timothy P. Mazzei

The ability to effectively multi-task is an art reserved for truly dedicated and focused individuals, and it is a skill that Timothy Mazzei has mastered. Whether this practicing attorney is prosecuting in criminal cases or carrying out his duties of Town of Brookhaven Councilman, Mazzei takes pride in keeping his community a safe and pleasant place to live.

Mazzei was appointed Councilman of Brookhaven's 5th District on June 3, 2003. He is also a partner at Mazzei and Blair Attorneys at Law and served in the Suffolk County District Attorney's office for nine and half years as an Assistant District Attorney and Bureau Chief of the Homicide Division. The councilman welcomes the challenge of wearing different hats and in fact feels the two areas are relative.  

"I believe being a lawyer helps in politics," said the lifelong resident of Blue Point, one of the areas over which he presides. "I think that's why you see a lot of lawyers involved in politics, so in that sense it has helped me."

Mazzei has over 20 years of legal experience and has been a partner at his firm for the last 13 years where he handles criminal and personal injury cases. The councilman is a member of the Suffolk County and New York State Bar Associations as well as the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. 

During his seven years as a Councilman, Mazzei has accomplished a variety of things, including keeping taxes relatively low, maintaining a balanced budget, refurbishing a number of parks, and clearing the way for the laying of dry sewer lines in East Patchogue. His efforts to beautify Brookhaven have also led to proposed legislation that will demolish the Plaza Theater, a much reviled building that has stood stagnant and empty for more than 20 years.    

"We are in the process of having the building condemned so we can get it knocked down," said Mazzei. "It is a total eye soar for the people of East Patchogue and I'll be proud when that gets knocked down."

The Republican councilman earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Tampa and graduated from Pace University School of Law in 1979. Prior to his journey into the political realm, Mazzei built and operated a small Italian restaurant in Blue Point. He was also a member of the Bayport-Blue Point High School Board of Education.

Mazzei married to his wife Bernadette 11 years ago and has two children, Mark and Angelina. While he is completely devoted to his career, Mazzei is very much a family first husband and father.

"My family life is my life," said Mazzei, 54, who manages to keep a healthy balance between the personal with the professional. "My wife is very cooperative with the time-consuming aspect of the job so it's worked very well."