Hauppauge's Lauren DeVietro Named Suffolk County Democratic Committee "Volunteer of the Week"

BOHEMIA – Lauren DeVietro, 17, of Hauppauge, was today named the Suffolk County Democratic Committee’s volunteer of the week for her efforts to reelect Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan, Councilwoman Renee Ortiz and Gene Parrington and make Steve Bellone the next County Executive.  Lauren has been helping the Democratic Party since June, talking to voters, knocking on doors, making phone calls, entering data and helping out with events.  Now between schoolwork and college applications, she manages to fit in at least five-hours a week at headquarters.

“My favorite event was the Brentwood Office opening earlier this month,” Lauren said of her campaign memories.  “It was great to see all of the candidates again – they really know me and how hard I am working to get them elected – and it makes it easier when I am talking to voters to tell a more personal story along with what all of them will do to represent us in office.”

Lauren remembers being interested in politics from a young age and decided to get involved after a representative from Steve Bellone’s campaign came to speak at her high school.

“I remember seeing commercials for Al Gore and George Bush while watching Nickelodeon when I was younger,” she recalled, “and talking with Meg after she came to my class encouraged me to help out.  I live in Smithtown and it’s more of a Republican area – we’re the only ones with Bellone signs on our street – so I have been helping out in Islip and at headquarters in Bohemia.” 

“I really like canvasing, going to door to door,” she continued.  “It makes it more personal when you talk to people and persuade them.  I have cousins that live in Babylon, and every time I go there I see what Steve Bellone has accomplished.” 

“Local government has more of an affect on you and its important to get involved, to know who the candidates are and how they are going to impact you and your families and everyone around you.  I’m happy I got involved.” 

Lauren is interested in becoming a teacher and has her sites set on Geneseo or Boston College. 

The Suffolk County Democratic Committee has built an unprecedented grassroots field operation that has already knocked on over 200,000 doors and made over 250,000 phone calls to voters across the county.  In September, Governor Andrew Cuomo came to support Steve Bellone’s campaign, telling a crowd of more than 600 in Huntington, “Steve Bellone knows how to make government work because he’s done it. He’s proven that he can make government efficient and make the government effective. He respected the taxpayers and reduced the debt and reduced taxes. These times are tough and Steve’s direction is the way up.”