Suffolk County Democrats
Suffolk County Executive-Elect Steve Bellone's comments on Governor Cuomo's agreement with the State Legislature on his economic stimulus plan and middle class taxpayer relief:| read more ››
Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone sat scribbling notes in a legal pad yesterday morning in a Cooperative Extension meeting room on Griffing Avenue, as he listened to two dozen farmers and fishermen talk about what's important to sustain the East End's oldest industries.| read more ››
As part of his transition into a new seat, Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone held one of the first of many small business roundtable discussions in Kings Park Monday. There, business leaders told him that without county-funded infrastructure improvements, small businesses won't thrive in Suffolk County.| read more ››
Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone has chosen corporate fraud attorney Regina Calcaterra, who as a child lived in homeless shelters and foster homes in the county, as his chief deputy.
Calcaterra, 44, co-director of Bellone's transition team and an unsuccessful candidate for state senate last year, would be the first woman to hold the top post. She accepted the job earlier this week.| read more ››
Small-business growth in many Suffolk communities won't happen without significant, county-supported infrastructure improvements, chambers of commerce leaders told County Executive-elect Steve Bellone Monday night.
More than two dozen chamber representatives attended a roundtable discussion at a VFW hall in Kings Park, part of the Bellone transition team's topical listening tour.| read more ››
At a meeting of Suffolk minority leaders Tuesday night who represent a wide range of interest groups, County Executive-elect Steve Bellone promised them they'd not be forgotten by his administration.
"I believe in not only celebrating our diversity but seizing upon it as the greatest asset we have," Bellone told the crowd inside the Long Island Portuguese American Center in Brentwood.| read more ››
The slow-moving county permitting process poses a significant roadblock to economic growth in Suffolk, delaying construction projects and hampering job creation, business leaders told County Executive-elect Steve Bellone Monday.
About 40 people -- representing local companies and trade groups -- attended a Melville forum hosted by Bellone and the Long Island Association.| read more ››
Democrats and their allies maintained their 12-6 majority over Republicans in the Suffolk County Legislature as Democrats William Spencer, Rob Calarco and Legis. Sarah Anker all won tight races, according to final election returns.
County election officials said yesterday that Spencer beat Republican Elizabeth Black 50.8 percent to 49.1 percent.
Spencer will succeed Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor), who reached his term limit and could not seek re-election.
Spencer called his victory "decisive," but said "it also tells me we are living in a community that is divided politically, and I plan to be a legislator for the entire community."
Election officials had not tabulated final numbers in the two other legislative contests, but GOP officials effectively conceded by withdrawing...| read more ››
Names Calcaterra, Martinez Co-Transition Directors; Announces Meetings on Economy and Diversity
Hauppauge - Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone today invited all Suffolk County residents to serve on his transition team as he announced his process to ensure he can hit the ground running when he takes office on January 1. All Suffolk County residents can share their ideas and get updates through Bellone’s new transition website, www.suffolkcountyworksforyou.com.
“Travelling our county, I understand that most good ideas come from outside government,” Bellone said. “That is why I want each and every Suffolk County resident to serve on my transition team. I welcome your ideas to help me do more with less and make our county an economic powerhouse.”
Bellone named...| read more ››
Democrat Dr. William Spencer has won the election to the Suffolk County Legislature’s 18th District over Republican Elizabeth Black by 267 votes after increasing his lead in absentee ballots.
Election officials say that final results have Spencer receiving 8,200 votes, or 50.82 percent, to Black’s 7,933, or 49.14 percent. Spencer increased his lead by 88 votes with the absentees. On election night, unofficial results showed Spencer ahead by 179 votes — 7,885 to 7,706 for Black.
Spencer called the election a “long, hard fought” battle and praised Black for running a “well organized campaign.” He will succeed Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor) who is term-limited and could not seek re-election.
“I feel the victory was decisive,” Spencer said. “But it...| read more ››