The Interview: From Dinosaurs to Hagar, Tom Cilmi Tells All
When Tom Cilmi has something on his mind, he speaks up.
His channel of choice is often social media, which is surprising for an elected official: Many of his ilk still eye the web’s open platform with suspicion, if not outright terror, at the thought of engaging the public in an open conversation. But, when you’re the guy who likes to remind other electeds of the public’s growing appetite for transparency in government today, it’s a strategy that is not only fitting, it’s necessary.
An NYIT grad, the Hon. Tom Cilmi has been representing the Tenth Legislative District, which encompasses Islip, East Islip, Central Islip, Islip Terrace, Hauppauge, Great River, Oakdale, Bohemia, Brentwood, Ronkonkoma, Bay Shore and Islandia since 2010. You can find him out and about in the district, tirelessly attending community events like parades and ribbon cuttings — in short, exactly what you’d expect a member of the Suffolk County Legislature to be doing, right?
Well, not so fast. A Gemini by birthright, the other side of his personality may be found working on his music and musing on what life would be like if he were Sammy Hagar. Oh yes, there’s more….
FMC: What are the 3 best things you’ve done in your life?
TC: That’s a really tough question. Marrying my wife Anna. Having my first child, Stefanie — and my second child, Tommy. If we exclude family, I’d have to say owning a business, getting elected and being a Legislator. Skiing in Aspen and scuba diving in the Caribbean would be on a somewhat longer list.
FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?
TC: Not enrolling in college immediately after high school! That taught me what life might be like if I never went to college. I worked in a factory assembling circuit boards … the same circuit boards, one after another, day after day, week after week. It was mindless and excruciatingly boring. I enrolled in college the next semester.
… Public service is incredibly rewarding. I love going to work every day.
FMC: When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?
TC: I wanted to be an archaeologist and dig for dinosaur bones. I thought dinosaurs were very cool.
FMC: What happened to make you lose your interest in dinosaurs?
TC: Haha! I still love dinosaurs, but my interest in digging for dinosaurs gave way to an interest in chemistry. I had a lab in my basement … beakers, test tubes, flasks, a Bunsen Burner … it really was quite a scene. That eventually gave way to a drum set, then a guitar, then my belief that I was going to be a rock star for a living, hence me not going to college right away.
FMC: Why do you do what you do?
TC: From having a direct impact on public policy to helping folks, with the myriad of challenges people face, public service is incredibly rewarding. I love going to work every day.
FMC: What’s your guilty pleasure?
TC: It would be a toss-up between Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion and Fettuccine Alfredo
FMC: What gives you hope for the future?
TC: I speak to many students. Whenever I speak with a student or students who are bright, energetic and engaged –and there are many — I am hopeful.
FMC: What’s your idea of happiness?
TC: Faith, family, friends and the knowledge that I’m making a difference in my community and the world.
FMC: Coke or Pepsi?
TC: Neither. I don’t drink soda, or beer for that matter. Give me a glass of water any day.
FMC: Who was the most influential person in your life?
TC: My mom. She raised me and my brother as a single parent and taught me respect, work ethic, love and integrity.
FMC: Favorite restaurant?
TC: Mannino’s in Oakdale. The stuffed veal chop is amazing!
FMC: Last book read?
TC: Cyber War, by Richard A. Clark
FMC: Where do you get your news?
TC: Wall Street Journal, Newsday, Fox News, Facebook, Twitter
FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?
TC: It’s an eclectic group, but in no particular order: Jesus, Carrie Underwood, Newt Gingrich, Rosa Parks and Warren Buffett.
FMC: What would you talk about at dinner with that group of people?
TC: I was assuming I would dine with each individually!After all, there’s so many good restaurants to visit.
With Jesus I would obviously discuss faith. I’d ask him why he carried the Cross. Seems like if he was going to be crucified, let someone else carry it. What did He have to lose, right? Also, and more seriously, how far astray have we come, even in religion, from His teachings? I’d ask Carrie Underwood what it was like being catapulted to stardom, how she’s managed to keep a level head. We’d talk about music and I think I’d just enjoy her company, but that’s just a hunch. I’d ask Newt how he developed the Contract with America and ask him what a modern-day Contract might look like. I’d talk to him about his Congressional campaigns and about his time as the Speaker of the House. I’d ask Rosa Parks where she got the courage to do what she did and what she thinks about where we are as a society today. I’d talk to Buffett about the economy, about the trappings of being one of the wealthiest men in America. I’d ask him which of his business ventures he’s most proud of. Needless to say, I wouldn’t leave the table without a stock tip or two.
FMC: Favorite drink?
TC: Mudslide in the summer. Baileys all other times.
FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
TC: People think I’m conservative all the time. I’m a Gemini, so I have a very conservative side, and a not-so-conservative side, which comes out more and more these days and usually involves music.
FMC: Define leadership and tell us, who is your favorite leader and why?
TC: As a quantitative measure, leadership simply defined is the ability to inspire and motivate followers. As a qualitative measure, leadership should be used as a positive force. There have been many great leaders throughout time, some of whom I’ve already mentioned.
In relatively modern times, Ronald Reagan and Dr. Martin Luther King would be two of my favorites for leading positive change in America and in the world.
In present day and in the context of Long Island, I would count Dr. Jeff Reynolds among our greatest leaders for his contributions in fighting substance abuse and addiction.
FMC: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
TC: Getting folks to understand the correlation between personal responsibility and economics.
FMC: What’s your choice of super hero superpowers?
TC: Having lightning speed would be helpful.
FMC: What’s your idea of success?
TC: In a word, happiness. But there’s a quote, attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, that I keep with me at all times:
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden path or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to be successful.
By that definition, I strive every day to be successful.
FMC: What’s the best business advice anyone ever gave you?
TC: Work hard but more importantly, work smart. Treat those who work for you with respect and appreciation, and treat customers the way you expect to be treated.
FMC: What’s the biggest challenge facing your industry right now?
TC: Dwindling fiscal resources.
FMC: What’s the single biggest problem facing Long Island right now?
TC: High taxes coupled with a deteriorating quality of life.
FMC: If you weren’t you, who would you want to be?
TC: Hmmm …. Another tough question… I think it would be fun to be Sammy Hagar. Rock star, chef, business owner, philanthropist. Cabo Wabo looks like a blast!
FMC: What’s your current state of mind?
TC: Content, but not satisfied. Cautiously optimistic.