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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

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Photo courtesy Office of Ed Romaine

By Ed Romaine

Suffolk County has 109 volunteer fire departments and 28 EMS agencies with more than 13,000 active men and women firefighters and EMS personnel. Each year they respond to thousands of calls, never knowing what they will face as they leave their homes — saving countless lives and protecting homes and businesses in our communities.

But these departments need help. Suffolk County is currently part of an aggressive recruitment and retention drive for new volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. It is easy to take for granted that someone will swiftly come when you dial 911. Over the past two decades, our region’s recruitment has fallen behind, leaving those that remain burdened with extra responsibilities to shoulder.

The government has been working to provide more incentives to those who are interested in becoming a part of their local fire or ambulance department. 

Despite what may appear as a difficult endeavor, it has never been a better time to be a volunteer firefighter or EMS personnel. Through a combination of local, state and county programs, volunteers receive property tax reduction, New York State income tax benefits, free health care checkups, free insurance, college tuition reimbursement and service pensions as well as free equipment and training. 

Recently, the state income tax benefit was expanded, and the service pension was enhanced for EMTs. With rising medical costs, the value of health care and routine checkups has only increased. We will continue to work with state and local governments to expand these benefits wherever possible. 

Firefighters are the heart of our communities. Whether it is in the scope of their official duties or through the many ways they charitably enhance our communities, the fire department is never out of the beat with the community.

Volunteers point to the camaraderie, lifelong friendships and professional development as reasons for joining and staying.

It has never been easier to join your local fire department. A visit to the website suffolksbravest.com will provide all the information you need to start your journey. If you have a passion for serving your community and are willing and able, now is the time to heed the call.

Ed Romaine (R) is the Suffolk County executive.

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PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE Above, from left, Suffolk County Supervisor Ed Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood and Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow help plant a tree in the Village of Port Jefferson last Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Avril Coakley
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine spoke at the event.
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24

By Heidi Sutton

The Village of Port Jefferson hosted its first annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 24. The event, organized by the newly formed Tree Committee members Anne Leahey and Avril Coakley, was attended by local officials and community members.

Port Jefferson Village Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability Rebecca Kassay served as Master of Ceremony and introduced speakers Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow. Former Mayor Sandra Swenk, Leahey and Port Jefferson Village Trustee Bob Juliano also spoke at the event.

Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano read a poem that he wrote for the occasion titled “The Tree Stands Tall” followed by the planting of two native trees — an American Hornbeam (Carbines Carolinians) and a Hackberry tree (Celtis Occidentalis) in the Maple Street parking lot.  All attendees were given a native tree or shrub sapling to plant in their own yards.

Reached after the event, Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Kassay said, “As Port Jefferson Village’s first Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability, I’ve been honored to bring together and galvanize our community’s tree enthusiasts. Last year, I helped to form the Village’s first Tree Committee with a group of residents who shared the goal of making PJV a “Tree City, USA” under the Arbor Day Foundation canopy. We have successfully worked towards this goal, including creating a budget line for tree plantings, and an annual Arbor Day event. Their work to plant trees this year will serve their neighbors for decades to come. Many thanks to all who came out to celebrate the planting of two new trees in the Village, our young poet laureate of the event, and the distribution of native tree and shrub saplings.”

Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and the NYS Urban Forestry Council, Port Jefferson Village is now one step closer to achieving a Tree City USA designation.

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By Emma Gutmann

For World Water Day on March 22, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced the start of the 2024 funding cycle for the county’s Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program. Under this annual program, grants are provided to eligible projects designed to protect and restore the county’s groundwater and surface water resources.

The Drinking Water Protection Program was originally approved by the electorate in 1987 and has been modified over time to bring in other issues such as land stewardship. WQPRP funding is drawn from revenues generated by the 0.25% sales tax, as detailed in Article XII of the Suffolk County Charter. This article is designated to the program for environmental protection, property tax mitigation and sewer district tax rate stabilization. 

With 11.75% of the total revenues generated each year under the 1/4% Drinking Water Protection Program, WQPRP grants funding to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for projects that fit under one of the following umbrella categories: (1) habitat restoration, reclamation and connectivity (2) non-point-source abatement and control and pollution prevention initiatives (3) no-discharge zone implementation (4) land stewardship initiatives or (5) education and outreach. 

Proposers have until June 7 to apply for an award, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, toward planning, engineering and construction costs. Applications from last year will roll over without further action. 

According to the Suffolk County Press Office, 10 to 15 projects are approved every year, each serving to “maintain the ecosystem services that our natural aquatic environment provides.” This perennial attention to water quality is essential considering the county is enveloped by the South Shore Estuary Reserve, the Peconic Estuary and the Long Island Sound and replete with rivers, streams, tributaries, lakes and ponds.

One notable 2022 grant recipient was the Town of Brookhaven Cedar Beach Habitat Restoration. With the help of WQPRP funding, invasive plants were removed from coastal dunes and forest areas and replaced with a native plant species. This undertaking set out to harmonize the ecosystem through reduced erosion and improved nutrient/pollutant removal. The blueprint also proposed underground wildlife tunnels to provide diamondback terrapin turtles with a safer passage to their nesting grounds than treacherous Harbor Beach Road in Mount Sinai.

The WQPRP Review Committee evaluates projects with a mix of multiple choice and written responses, and also takes into account whether the project is of present priority and/or involves construction or site improvement components.

Online attendance at the Proposers Conference at 11 a.m. on April 16 will garner candidates points toward the scoring of their application. The standout projects will be recommended to the county Legislature for approval.

Although there is a wide range of eligible applicants, the priority project types for this year include wastewater treatment improvements, green stormwater infrastructure implementation, nature/nature-based infrastructure for coastal resilience, fertilizer use mitigation and habitat restoration, reclamation and connectivity. 

Projects must have a thorough work plan and budget, as well as proof of the funds that Suffolk County would be matching. The project also must be ready to commence within a year of assuming the grant and completed within three years of the agreement between the applicant and the county.

“This program is an effective tool in our ongoing work to clean and protect Suffolk County waters,” Romaine said. “It is unique in the way it brings towns, villages and the not-for-profit environmental community together with the county to work on projects that make an impact locally and regionally.”

The Suffolk County Press Office adds that everyone’s small contribution toward protecting and restoring our local fresh and saltwater systems is “crucial for preserving and benefiting the environmental, economic, aesthetic and recreational advantages afforded to our community by our unique aquatic environment.”

Information on policies, eligibility and classifying water bodies and their quality can be found by searching “WQPRP” at www.suffolkcountyny.gov, along with an application. 

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Pixabay photo

County Urges Residents to Take Necessary Safety Measures

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on April 5 that Suffolk County Parks will be open and available for residents to enhance their viewing experience of the upcoming solar eclipse. The rare occurrence is expected to take place on Monday, April 8 beginning at approximately 2:10 p.m. with the maximum eclipse hitting in the range of 3:15-3:30 p.m.

“Suffolk County is home to thousands of acres of pristine parkland throughout the region, providing our residents from western Suffolk to the east end with a unique and scenic opportunity to experience the upcoming solar eclipse,” said Romaine.  “I encourage the public to take advantage of the various amenities our County has to offer in a safe and enjoyable manner.”

The following parks will be open free to residents with the following amenities and viewing options:

  • Smith Point County Park, Shirley: offers unique spot for beachfront eclipse viewing, allowing visitors to watch from either the parking lot or while sitting in the sand along the shore.
  • Gardiner Park, Bayshore: has a large open field that is perfect for an eclipse picnic.
  • Raynor Park, Lake Ronkonkoma: offers open space by the soccer fields.
  • Southaven County Park, Yaphank: access to a large ballfield that is perfect for looking skyward.
  • West Hills County Park, Huntington: has a viewing field by the picnic areas and dog park.
  • Montauk County Park, Montauk: allows residents to experience the eclipse from the Eastern most point of Suffolk County.

The region is outside the path of totality, which means that viewers will see about 90% coverage.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services reminds residents that there is no time during the eclipse when it is safe to look at the sun with the naked eye. Proper eye protection must be worn throughout the eclipse.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, looking at the sun without proper eye protection for even a short time can harm your eyes and risk permanently damaging your retina. Sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not enough to protect your vision if you look at the sun. Homemade filters will not protect your eyes.

To safely watch the eclipse, residents are advised to wear eclipse glasses with certified solar filters or hand-held solar viewers made by a reputable company.

In addition, do not use solar eclipse glasses to look through cameras, binoculars or telescopes – these devices concentrate the sun’s rays and damage the solar filter, allowing the sun’s rays to damage the retina.

For a listing of reputable companies and guidance on using eclipse glasses, visit the American Astronomical Society website: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters.

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine speaks at a press conference to call on bail reform. Photo courtesy Ed Romaine flickr page

By Samantha Rutt

A chilling crime has shaken communities across Suffolk County as police discovered scattered human remains in Babylon and Bethpage, leaving residents horrified and demanding justice. 

The shock has escalated into outrage as local officials and law enforcement point fingers at Albany’s bail laws, which they claim have allowed suspects to walk free without posting bail.

County Executive Ed Romaine (R) minced no words in expressing his frustration, stating, “The failure of Albany’s bail laws has resulted in those charged with dismembering and placing body parts in our communities to walk free without posting any bail.” Romaine’s sentiments echoed the feelings of many Suffolk County residents who consider the current bail system is failing to protect the community.

In response to the recent crime, New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) swiftly introduced new legislation (S.8751) to address the shortcomings of the bail system. The proposed bill aims to make body dismemberment and concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible offense, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Palumbo condemned the current bail laws, stating, “Nobody with an ounce of sensibility would say it’s a good idea to let someone charged with the sickening act of human dismemberment leave jail and roam the streets.” Durso agreed, vowing to fight for change to ensure the safety of Suffolk County residents.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney (R) also weighed in on the issue, responding to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) statements on bail reform in relation to the recent tragic discoveries. Tierney accused the governor of being “completely clueless or deceitful” about the criminal justice system and defended the efforts of law enforcement in the face of what he called “a broken bail system.”

Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) added his voice to the chorus of criticism, expressing dismay over the release of suspects involved in the recent case where human remains were found. Flood denounced the lack of “humanity and morals” in the criminal justice system, attributing the problems to the flaws in bail reform laws.

The collective outcry from local officials emphasizes the need for action to address the failures of New York State’s bail laws. As communities continue to grapple with the consequences of these shortcomings, residents are looking to Albany for solutions that prioritize public safety and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Gov. Hochul responds

In a recent interview with PIX11, Hochul addressed concerns about bail reform, acknowledging the frustrations of law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of allowing judges to consider the whole body of evidence when making bail decisions and expressed her commitment to keeping people safe.

Hochul responded to additional comments made by Tierney, who suggested the need to reinstate the dangerousness clause and emphasized the law needs to be looked over. 

“The standard changed just a few months ago — less than a year ago — and instead of the standard of dangerousness, we ask the judges now to look at a whole body of evidence,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the community remains on edge as law enforcement continues to investigate the disturbing crime that has left a deep impact on the residents of the respective areas. As the investigation unfolds, residents are hopeful that meaningful change will come.

“Now, this is a very unique circumstance in Suffolk County,” Hochul said. “I know the Suffolk County Police Department is working hard to get to the bottom of this as is the DA. … They’re doing their job and I respect that. But the bail laws I thought went too far in the wrong direction. I’m bringing them back, and we’re going to continue to make sure that we keep people safe.”

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Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine and family at his inauguration ceremony at Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School on Jan. 1. Photos courtesy Ed Romaine’s Office

By Steve Levy

Steve Levy. Nicole Rochelle Photography

Newly sworn in Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine [R] gave a rousing inaugural speech to kick off his incoming administration. His success will be ours.

Incoming executives at the town and county levels today have the good fortune of taking the helm when local governments are flush with money, thanks to hundreds of millions of dollars given nearly unconditionally from the federal government to localities during COVID-19. 

But Romaine wisely noted that in the year prior to COVID, Suffolk was ranked as the most fiscally stressed county in the state. His predecessor inherited a balanced budget — contrary to the claims that there was a deficit — and a record high-bond rating, but faced an economic storm due to a crippling recession. The national economic downturn, coupled with a huge police contract and use of one shots such as selling the fully paid-off H. Lee Dennison Building only to lease it back, led to numerous rating agency downgrades that Romaine has referenced.

As noted by local economist Martin Cantor, the county’s likely fiscal Armageddon was avoided thanks to the feds pumping in over $500 million in grants. Moreover, the supercharging of the economy with $6 trillion in federal checks sent to the public caused hyperinflation and unprecedented spending that brought in hundreds of millions in unanticipated sales tax dollars to the county coffers. 

Those one shots will run out, so implementing efficiencies is essential.

Romaine wisely stressed the building of sewers, supporting economic development and cleaning our environment. Good priorities, but let’s hope these measures could be pursued without seeking a sales tax increase when so many hundreds of millions of dollars are available in the present budget due to COVID surpluses. 

The best thing to spend one-shot revenues on is a one-time, nonrecurring expenditure such as constructing a sewer. That’s preferable to adding positions or programs that will have to be supported every year thereafter. 

The executive chose wisely in placing my former chief deputy county executive, Kevin Law, and Islip supervisor, Angie Carpenter, to guide his transition.

Hopefully, the team can share with the executive the success we had in 2004 in creating a workforce housing department that provided grants for municipalities willing to build up their housing stock in downtown corridors. It was remarkably successful, as witnessed with Patchogue’s renaissance, and dovetails nicely with Romaine’s housing policies.

It’s also hoped that the new executive can implement efficiencies by reconstituting the Long Island Purchasing Consortium, which was discontinued after my tenure. It brought together the two counties, as well as towns, fire departments and schools to coordinate their high-volume purchases. Having different jurisdictions buy 1,000 cars at one time gets you a much better discount than buying 10 at a time.

We’re also happy to see the search for a qualified police commissioner. We cannot have a repeat of a rogue police leader being allowed to dismantle the FBI task force I created. Kicking out the feds led to a slowdown in the Gilgo Beach search and a reconstituting of MS-13 throughout the county — which led to the murders of dozens of Suffolk youth. 

And to build on his goal to further protect our children, the new executive can reinstate my policy of requiring automatic backfills for vacancies in Child Protective Services.

Finally, it is hoped the new executive will be an ardent advocate for Suffolk residents. There was a dire need to push back against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s [D] contentious plans to overrule local zoning, impose an MTA tax on Suffolk businesses and enact congestion pricing fees. Hopefully, Romaine will lead that charge. He can start by replacing Suffolk’s present representative on the MTA board who, remarkably, voted in favor of congestion pricing that will crush Suffolk commuters.

As noted above, there’s a lot of breathing room for executives when so much federal money is sitting in reserves. But that luxury will be short lived. Hopefully, Romaine’s intentions to pursue structural efficiencies will come to fruition.

Steve Levy served as Suffolk County executive from 2004-11.

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Pictured from left, Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Vince Calvosa, Martin Dettling, Anthony Bartone, Paolo Pironi, Ken Abrami and Rob Cartelli

The Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI), the region’s largest advocacy association for the homebuilding and remodeling industries in New York State, recently announced the induction of their new officers for 2024. According to a press release, the LIBI represents over 700 builders, remodelers, and associate members and acts to advance the interests of the industry by regularly communicating with local and state government, engaging in community outreach, and working to expand its member’s business networks.

Newly sworn in Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine delivered opening remarks that focused on emphasizing the importance of LIBI and promising to work with the organization during his term. “Let’s cut the red tape,” County Executive Romaine said, “I want to make it a little bit easier for this industry to work in Suffolk County.”

Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey inducted the new officers at the group’s first board meeting and dinner of the year. The new executive officers for LIBI are as follows: President Martin Dettling of the Albanese Organization, Chairman Vincent Calvosa of the Calvosa Organization, Vice President Anthony Bartone of Terwilliger & Bartone Properties, Associate Vice President Robert Cartelli of Outstanding Plumbing & Heating, Treasurer Jon Weiss of B2K Development, Secretary Ken Abrami of TRITEC Real Estate, and 2nd Vice President Paolo Pironi of Pironi Homes.

“I have seen the economic engine that this industry creates for our downtowns first hand,” added Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey.

“Martin Dettling brings a tremendous amount of skill, success and industry knowledge to the table and myself and the rest of the LIBI members look forward to working under his leadership to advance the interests of the homebuilding and remodeling industries on Long Island and across the state,” said LIBI CEO Mike Florio.

“I am honored to serve as President of such a dynamic and influential organization,” said newly inducted LIBI President Martin Dettling of the Albanese Organization. “I am dedicated to advancing this association through growth and collaboration in order to reinforce Long Island’s homebuilding and remodeling industry.”

“I was honored to serve as President this past year, and I am excited to see what President Dettling has planned for LIBI in 2024 and support him in his endeavors” said Former President, now Chairman, of LIBI Vincent Calvosa of the Calvosa Organization.

Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer inducted the new officers for the Long Island Builders Institute’s charitable partner, Long Island Home Builders Care. The charity’s new officers are as follows: President Jay Ratto of J Ratto Landscaping, Vice President Alan Kennemer of Express Kitchen, Treasurer Grant Havasy of Blue & Gold Homes, and Secretary Dave Bloom of Pine Aire Truck Services.

“Without Long Island Home Builders Care, we in Babylon would not have been able to sufficiently supply enough food and school supplies to families in need,” said Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer.

About Long Island Builders Institute

Since 1941, Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) has been the voice of the building industry on Long Island. They are a not-for-profit trade association representing all facets of the building industry, including over 730 members including builders, remodelers, developers, suppliers, tradespeople, and professionals. To learn more, please visit www.libi.org.

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