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The Election of Edward Romaine as County Executive: For the first time in two decades, Suffolk will have a Republican county executive and a new face in the county’s top elected office after 12 years of Democrat Steve Bellone. Romaine led a Red Wave that saw the GOP pick up seats in the Suffolk Legislature and keep his former position as Brookhaven supervisor in the Republican column with the election of Councilman Daniel Panico. His anti-crime platform and success in turning around Brookhaven’s finances as town supervisor resonated with voters looking to see Suffolk taken in a different direction.
Rex Heuermann Arrested: Long Islanders were stunned when a Massapequa Park architect was charged in the murders of three women whose bodies were found dumped more than a decade ago along a desolate part of Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach. Cracking the case was a team led by District Attorney Raymond Tierney, who made solving the gruesome crimes a priority upon taking office the year before. Tierney, who announced he will be trying suspect Rex Heuermann himself in what is expected to be a sensational trial, pledged not to give up on finding out who’s responsible for the other eight bodies found along the parkway.
Election Law Changes: Republicans cried foul when the Democrats who control state government decided to move all elections to even-numbered years in a ploy they see as favoring the Democrats. Supporters say the plan will increase voter turnout by having federal, state, county, and town elections all on the same day, while opponents argue that local concerns will be drowned if candidates from all levels of government appear on the same ballot. The Democrats, whose voters turn out in greater numbers during state and federal elections, would gain an edge in local elections if these races were held on the same day, critics note. Republicans also decried the Democrats for making a replacement on the Court of Appeals, the state’s highest, so that a ruling can be made that will allow them to redraw Congressional district boundaries. With four Republican congressmen hailing from Long Island, the balance of power in Washington could very well be affected in New York.
Illegal Immigration: With tens of thousands of immigrants amassing in New York City, local officials made moves to block them from being relocated to the suburbs and were promptly sued by Mayor Eric Adams. His proclamation that the migrant crisis “will destroy New York City” put local residents on edge, as did the $12 billion he said it will cost the taxpayers to manage the unprecedented influx of people. The border policy of President Joe Biden has opened the door for millions of migrants to enter the U.S., and their state of choice has been New York, with nearly 130,000 showing up over the last year. Despite cries of “no mas” from Adams, the migrant flow remains unabated, with 16,000 new arrivals each month.
Population Loss: Faced with the highest taxes in the nation, a crime wave, and the prospect of having to support tens of thousands of migrants, New Yorkers voted with their feet in 2022 as 216,778 residents fled for other states. The U.S. Census Bureau named the Empire State, with a population of nearly 20 million, as the worst for outmigration, suffering a net loss of 101,984. Those leaving included retirees and higher wage earners who were replaced by those less able to sustain the state's economy and will rely more on government services. The shift may also cause a loss in the number of representatives New York sends to Washington.
Hotel/Motel Tax Increase: Suffolk County increased its motel/hotel tax to 5.5%, a move designed to generate funds for the massive Midway Convention Center complex in Ronkonkoma. The tax also helps to promote tourism in the county and is a payback, supporters said, for the sales tax monies and other funds devoted over the years to preserve farmland and open space, mostly on the East End, where much of the lodging tax money is collected. Those renting out space with popular apps such as Airbnb and Vrbo are also required to pay the tax and officials pledged to crack down on the rentals.
World War II Soldier Brought Home: It was a hero’s welcome for Army Sgt. Bernard J. Sweeney, Jr., whose remains were returned to U.S. soil after he went missing in action during a World War II battle in Germany 79 years ago. Modern DNA techniques and dogged efforts by the U.S. Defense Department’s POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the missing soldier, who was interred with honor at the Calverton National Cemetery.
New Town Supervisors: The November election brought significant change to local government with six of Suffolk’s 10 towns electing new supervisors, including Republicans Daniel Panico in Brookhaven, Tim Hubbard in Riverhead, and Shelter Island’s Amber Brach-Williams. Taking the other top town posts were Democrats Kathee Burke-Gonzalez in East Hampton, Maria Moore in Southampton, and Al Krupski in Southold.
Santos Circus: Long Island Rep. George Santos dominated the headlines upon taking office the first of the year after many aspects of his bio were found to be fabricated. His tall tales and alleged fiscal improprieties led to criminal charges and his ouster from Congress. A special election for his seat is scheduled for February 13 in a race pitting former Congressman Tom Suozzi against Nassau Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, a veteran of the Israeli Defense forces.
Sewer Tax Vote Misses Ballot: A plan by County Executive Steve Bellone to create a countywide sewer district and increase the sales tax an eighth of a cent for private cesspool and sewer construction did not make it on the November ballot for a public vote. Suffolk legislators balked at Bellone’s split of the tax monies–75% for private septic systems and 25% for sewers. Incoming county Executive Edward Romaine has announced a plan flipping the split which he hopes to put to the voters in November.
Tierney Turns Up the Pressure: Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney, frequently joined by local officials and residents impacted by the crime wave sweeping across the state, made numerous appearances to point up the flaws in the state’s criminal justice system. From defunding the police and cashless bail to the weak laws on fentanyl, Tierney took many opportunities to call for changes in Washington and Albany.
Sunrise Wind: Work began on the Sunrise Wind plan to construct an array of 90 windmills towering 700 feet high off Montauk Point to feed the Long Island power grid. Brookhaven Town is expected to receive $130 million and Suffolk $40 million in fees to allow a cable, 124 miles from its source, to come ashore at Smith Point Park and travel up William Floyd Parkway on its way to a LIPA station in Holtsville.
Foley Nursing Home Sold: After sitting idle for more than a decade, the 170,000 square-foot John J. Foley Nursing Home was sold by its current owner, NYU Langone Health, to Manhattan real estate investment firm Empire Equities Capital for $7.6 million. The county had sold the 264-bed complex for $15 million in 2016 to help bail out its budget. The new owner is looking to operate an in-house drug treatment facility at the site.
Suffolk Cyber Attack: Though it occurred in 2022, the cyberattack that caused the shutdown of the county’s computer system continued to make headlines throughout 2023. County Executive Steve Bellone’s decision to pull the plug on the system rather than accede to the $2.5 million ransom demanded by the cyberthieves kicked off months of finger-pointing and the creation of a special committee by the Suffolk Legislature to figure out how the hack occurred and make recommendations on shoring up the county network.
Disguised Vape Law Approved: Outraged by the disguising of vape devices as highlighters, pens, and other innocuous items to fool parents and teachers, Suffolk legislators approved a ban on camouflaged vapes. Accusing manufacturers of targeting children and worried about kids getting hooked on nicotine, the ban was unanimously approved during the legislature’s last meeting of the year.
State Fishing License Plan Scotched: Following intense opposition, particularly from Long Islanders who would be most impacted, state officials gave up on their plan to require a saltwater fishing license for those dropping a line.
Shark Attacks: Beachgoers thought twice about dipping their toes this summer as five shark bites were reported at South Shore ocean beaches. Quogue Village Beach, Fire Island Pines, Kismet Beach, and Robert Moses State Park had swimmers encountering the toothed Dennison of the sea, with no fatalities reported. The incidents caused officials to close ocean beaches and intensify surveillance efforts. The summer also experienced a higher-than-normal rate of whale deaths.
PBA Leadership Change: Long-time Suffolk PBA President Noel DiGerolamo left his office for the last time, turning over the reins of the influential police union to Lou Civello. Also taking the “Last Walk” was Vice President Lou Tutone, who saw John Hnat take over his role.
Lanternfly Threat to LI Agriculture: The spotted lanternfly, known for its bright red wings and ability to destroy crops, began inching closer to eastern Long Island's agricultural assets, raising concerns among state and local farm officials. While the invasive insect has not yet been detected at the East End’s celebrated vineyards, cornfields, and other crops, sightings in Nassau and Suffolk counties indicate its presence is expanding eastward.
Smith Point Bridge: Residents were awed by the design of a new bridge to carry William Floyd Parkway over Moriches Bay to Smith Point. The new span will have a 55-foot vertical clearance for boats to pass under without requiring a drawbridge. With construction slated to begin in 2024, the new bridge will feature wider shoulders and a pedestrian multi-use path, as well as an observation platform.
Long Island Giving: Residents once again proved their generosity and concern for their neighbors with strong support for the area’s needy. Many local organizations staffed by volunteers distributed thousands of turkeys and other foodstuff, toys, diapers, and personal care items.