Growing up, most of us probably viewed politics as something our parents talked about or even argued about at dinner or a family function. Some of us grew up with shows like School House Rock and the "I'm Just a bill sitting on Capitol Hill" song, but how many of us know what our local government bodies are responsible for?
I've lived in Suffolk my entire adult life. Like many, I was unaware of the basic county government setup; it always helps to get back to the basics, so let's do that.
The Suffolk County Legislature is the governing body of Suffolk County with 18 legislative districts, each represented by an elected legislator who serves a two-year term. Some folks are shocked that a Suffolk County Legislator's salary is over $85,000 a year. Whether that's a lot or not, I'll leave it up to you to decide.
To run for Suffolk County Legislature, candidates must fulfill specific criteria, which include being a resident of Suffolk County for one year preceding the election, being at least 18 years old, and collecting a specific number of signatures from registered voters in their district to qualify for the ballot. Candidates must abide by all campaign finance and disclosure regulations established by the New York State Board of Elections.
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The Legislature has the authority to enact local laws involving zoning and land use to public safety and environmental regulations. Oversight is also one of the most critical roles the Legislature plays as they oversee the operations of county departments and agencies, such as the Department of Health Services, the Police Department, and the Department of Social Services.
The Legislature also has the authority to confirm appointments made by the County Executive to various boards and commissions like the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation, Suffolk County Disabilities Advisory Board, Suffolk County Food Policy Council, and Suffolk County Planning Commission. Legislators are expected to advocate for the interests of their constituents. This advocacy involves securing funding for local projects, addressing community concerns, and promoting policies that will benefit the community. Legislators may investigate issues affecting the county and its residents, including public safety, health, and welfare matters. According to the County Legislature website, in a statement by presiding officer Kevin J. McCaffrey, “Suffolk's County Legislators are working every day to maintain a balance between providing residents an affordable tax rate while concurrently offering superior municipal services and protecting our environment– especially the surface waters and drinking waters."
For more information or to contact the Suffolk County Legislature, visit their website at www.scnylegislature.us. You can also call them at (631) 853-4070. Stay up-to-date with their latest news and updates by following them on social media at @SuffolkCoLeg on Twitter and Suffolk County Legislature on Facebook. The Suffolk County Legislature William H. Rogers Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788.