Senator John J. Flanagan was first elected in 2002 and was subsequently reelected in 2004, 2006 and 2008 to represent the Second Senate District, which includes the entire Town of Smithtown and portions of the Town of Brookhaven and the Town of Huntington. Senator Flanagan has tackled many issues during his candidacy but has most aggressively fought for the issue of tax burden relief on Long Island. He served as the ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee, was active in implementing the STAR Rebate Program and has authored legislation that grants firefighters and emergency workers an expanded real property tax exemption on their homes. Flanagan currently serves as the Ranking Republican Member of the Education Committee.