From William Floyd High School to the White House
That is the professional path of success for Long Island's own Lee Zeldin. The former Congressman has been picked by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next United States Environmental Protective Agency Administrator (EPA), joining the 47th President's Cabinet.
In response to his appointment, Zeldin said, “It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”
Charles Horn served in Iraq with Zeldin in the Judge Advocate General Corp. (JAG) where they became friends and colleagues. Horn is now a partner at Horn Wright Law Firm on Long Island and is a Lt. Col. in the New York Army National Guard. Horne told the South Shore Press that he was not surprised at all that Zeldin got the call from Trump, “Not surprised at all. He absolutely deserves it.”
Horn added, “I think Lee is a brilliant guy. The EPA has been such a hot-button issue as far as overreach over the last four years. That he (Trump) would want someone who is not only intelligent, but understands the need for the EPA and to be able to effectuate the regulations in a way that is not overreaching or which strangles the economy” is not surprising.
Horn pointed out that the skills needed in the military and JAG will serve Zeldin well at the EPA. “The military is a large operation that deals with many competing interests in order to get mission completion. If you're going to bring a guy in to walk that tightrope, it's a guy like him. He's a problem solver. And, that's what we need in government.”
When asked if there was any defining story or moment while serving together, Horn said, “In our jobs in Iraq, there was a need for knowledge, but there was also a need for practicality and dealing with Lee, he was someone who took very complicated subjects and he was able to adopt a very practical approach. And, I think that's one of the reasons why he was tapped for EPA because that's what's required.”
On whether Zeldin will run for Governor of New York again Horn said, “I hope so. Not since Pataki and has anyone (Republican) really had a chance and he definitively had a puncher's chance in there when he ran.”
Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Don Clavin Jr., also a friend of Zeldin for 20 years, had nothing but praise saying, “I'm so happy for him. He’s got a wonderful family. His daughters are roughly the same age as mine, and I have a son too, so we were always joking about our kids growing up, driving and everything. He'll be a great asset in DC.”
“I think he connected with a lot of people, not only when he served in the (State) Senate, when he was in Congress, but when he ran for governor. And, I think a lot of people saw him as a very independent thinker,” Clavin said.
Clavin said, “And, I can say to you, he's a really solid individual who has been very engaging his entire career of everybody in the public. I think that we're looking to create business and protect the environment as well. I think he's going to be a wonderful addition for New York, but particularly for Long Island.”
“To think of all the issues we have facing us, that department, it can be a tremendous asset to all the concerns we have in this region. It's great news for Long Island as far as I'm concerned. He understands Long Island, so he understands issues of the environment and water,” added Clavin.
“I read that story about the water contamination in the Navy. Think about having somebody from this region to advocate, to hold people accountable for polluting the water in this area that is so vital to us. In Hempstead, we have spent $120 million on 1-4 dioxide pollution,” said Clavin.
Clavin spoke about Zeldin knowing the issues of Long Island and New York, “The ability to potentially lobby for assistance for the residents and the taxpayers for clean water and purification, it's a great thing. I couldn't be more excited for him personally, but I'm really excited for New York and Long Island in particular.”
In an interview with Fox News Weekend right after his appointment was announced, Zeldin said in answer to a question about what he will do at the EPA, “One of the biggest issues for so many Americans was the economy, and the president was talking about unleashing economic prosperity. Through the EPA, we have the ability to pursue energy dominance, to be able to make the United States the artificial intelligence capital of the world, to bring back American jobs to the auto industry.”
“President Trump cares about conserving the environment. His desire to ensure clean access to clean air, clean water, it is a top priority. So, I'm excited to get the work to implement President Trump's economic agenda, and I think the American people are so hungry for it, it's one of the big reasons why they're sending him back to the White House,” Zeldin added.
Present-elect Trump said in his appointment statement, “As the 45th & 47th President of the United States, I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Congressman from New York, Lee Zeldin, will be appointed to serve as The Administrator of The United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA). Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”
“I have known Lee Zeldin for a long time, and have watched him handle, brilliantly, some extremely difficult and complex situations. I am very proud to have him in the Trump Administration, where he will quickly prove to be a great contributor!, Trump added.”
New York State Conservative Party Chairman, Gerry Kassar said, “Absolutely great news! He’s been a good friend for many years. Excellent choice all around. Lee is highly qualified and will bring a balanced approach to a key agency that affects all aspects of American life. As a member of the President’s cabinet, he will be a first-rate advisor to the President and the department heads.“
New York State Senator Rob Ort (R) said, “With Lee Zeldin at the helm of the EPA, America will have another strong New Yorker leading the way in the cabinet of the incoming Trump administration. Protecting our resources and restoring American energy dominance are the top priorities and Lee will see it done.”
Zeldin and Ort both served New Yorkers as state senators and both served overseas in combat the armed forces.