Guest column: With Proposition 2, Suffolk’s future is in your hands 

On Election Day, voters will cast their votes for president, U.S. Senate, Congress and state legislators. In Suffolk County, voters also have a once-in-a-generation chance to safeguard the future of Suffolk County’s surface and groundwater in Proposition 2.

The proposition allows Suffolk County to begin the process of updating our wastewater infrastructure for the 21st century. Whether it is sewering our downtowns or supporting neighbors installing I/A systems to combat nitrogen pollution, the successful passage of Proposition 2 gives us the tools we need.

Passage of Prop 2 establishes Suffolk’s eligibility for state and federal funding. Recouping as many tax dollars from New York state is important to operate Suffolk County.

Proposition 2 also continues the highly successful Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program (SCDWPP), which has preserved thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land, stabilized sewer rates and supported clean water efforts.

We don’t have to look far to see the need for improved wastewater infrastructure. Harmful algal blooms, brown tides, rust tides, mahogany tides and hypoxia fill our summer headlines and cause many beach closures each season.

We know, though, that with sewers, smart zoning and open space preservation, the damage is reversible. The obstacles we face are steep but not insurmountable.

Building sewage infrastructure creates jobs and helps small businesses and downtowns flourish. Advancing our downtowns creates permanent jobs in our communities and expands housing options for young people starting out and older folks looking to downsize. Our legacy fishing industry and emerging aquaculture industry will be able to expand employment and production as the environment improves.

It’s no exaggeration to say that passage of Proposition 2 is the most important measure voters have had on the ballot in generations. Its passage will strengthen our environment and protect the way of life that is a cornerstone of Suffolk County. This is not a political issue; it affects every present—and future—resident of Suffolk County and beyond.

Remember to vote on Nov. 5 or take advantage of early voting. For more information on voting, please visit: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.

Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Executive