I recently had the chance to voice our region’s concerns to the New York State Senate Minority Delegation. And believe me, between unfunded mandates from Albany, rising healthcare and pension costs, and a lack of state funding, there are many actionable steps Albany can take.
I was pleased, however, to showcase the progress we have made both this year and during my first term. It is that progress that contributes to my vision of a safer and more affordable Suffolk—a blueprint for other leaders across the state.
Bond Rating Upgrades
The clearest reflection of the positive budgeting changes implemented in Suffolk is our improved bond ratings from both Fitch Ratings and S&P. Both agencies currently rate the County at “AA-” and have upgraded Suffolk’s outstanding bonds.
Similarly, both ratings agencies have assigned Suffolk County a positive outlook going forward. Supporting this assessment are the County’s large reserve funds, conservative budgeting practices and estimates, and its sizable tax base.
Infrastructure
Suffolk County maintains 1,150 lane miles of highways, 110 bridges (including the wearing surfaces of 39 New York State bridges), 194 culverts, 57 spillways, 31 bulkheads, and four bascule (movable) bridges. The County also oversees 80 priority navigational channels and manages approximately 650 traffic signals. These responsibilities include permitting and regulatory compliance required by state and federal agencies to ensure transportation safety.
This past year, our Department of Public Works worked with regulators in real time when the aging Smith Point Bridge was temporarily reduced to a three-ton weight limit by the State DOT. By coordinating with the state, we were able to keep one lane open at 15 tons, allowing emergency vehicles continued access to the beach.
Through executive action, I fast-tracked both the retrofitting of the existing bridge and the construction of a new one. A 2021 press release under my predecessor stated that a new Smith Point Bridge would be completed in 2024. Unfortunately, that project was never initiated. Delaying maintenance only increases costs, as demonstrated by the need to retrofit the current structure.
Sewering
Thanks to voters who approved the referendum authorized by the Suffolk County Clean Water Act, the County now has a dedicated revenue stream to support several ambitious sewer projects.
Voters in Oakdale and Great River approved the Great River Sewer Expansion with 89 percent support. The project will connect 400 homes to the Southwest Sewer District, with connection costs covered by state and federal grants.
Earlier this year, the Forge River Sewage Treatment Plant connected nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in the Forge River Watershed to the system.
Across Long Island, major wastewater projects are underway that serve the dual goals of economic development and the reduction of nitrogen in surface and groundwater.
Social Services
How many harrowing stories have we heard on the nightly news of children trafficked, abused, or worse in our county? Too many.
My office spearheaded Operation Safe and Lasting Return, a multi-agency effort to locate and return trafficked children and adolescents. By examining the most severe cases, we identified major gaps in communication between departments, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, and addressed those deficiencies through new technology and improved processes.
We unveiled these changes at our annual child protection conference, attended by hundreds of social workers, law enforcement officers, and educators.
In other areas of Social Services, including the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we increased the percentage of applications processed in a timely manner to 95.5 percent, up from 59 percent in January 2024.
We accomplished this without any budgetary increases.
Together, through common-sense policies, we can continue improving the delivery of essential government services without straining our finances.
Public Safety
Over the past two years, I have increased the number of police officers and detectives in the Suffolk County Police Department to help keep our communities safe.
Working with the Legislature, I enacted laws to stop illegal street takeovers, prevent the sale of illegal vaping products, and protect neighborhood quality of life—key priorities of my administration.
These issues have real victims and serious consequences. Earlier this year, a street takeover blocked emergency responders, delaying an ambulance’s arrival to a critical call and putting lives at risk. Likewise, flavored vaping products are actively marketed to children, increasing health risks among young people.
Together with our partners in government and community leadership, I remain committed to making Suffolk safer and more affordable.
Thank you for your continued support. I wish you happy holidays and a happy New Year.