Why do we have a County Executive? To me, the Suffolk County Executive's Office is more than just a political position – it is a commitment to help Suffolk County remain a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family. The County Executive's Office was formed in 1960 with the adoption of the Suffolk County Charter.
Today, Suffolk County is one of thirteen counties in New York State that operates under a County Executive form of government. Before this, the county was governed by a Board of Supervisors. Our first county executive was H. Lee Dennison, whom our County Government building is named in honor of. He was elected in 1960 and served until 1970. The new system consolidated power in the hands of one elected official, the County Executive, who has the authority to appoint department heads and propose budgets. The change was a way to streamline decision-making and hold one individual accountable for the county's successes and failures.
Our current Suffolk County Executive is Steve Bellone, now serving his 3rd term in the position. The County Executive, elected every four years, is the highest elected official in the county government, overseeing all county departments. Some of these departments include Budget and Finance (they handle money), Economic Development and Planning (they try to make our economy stronger), Health Services, Public Works (they keep our roads and buildings in good shape), Social Services (helping people in need), Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (keep people safe in emergencies), Information Technology (they make sure our technology is working), Personnel (they help with hiring and stuff like that), Purchasing (buying things for the county), and Veterans Services (assisting our veterans and their families).
The County Executive plays a big role in managing the county's finances, working with the county legislature to create and implement the county's budget, and ultimately determining how our tax dollars are spent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Suffolk County was $78.9 billion in 2019, representing a 1.9% increase from the previous year. The county's GDP growth rate was higher than the national average of 1.7%; to some, this is seen as an indicator that the Executive's Office has been successful in promoting economic growth in the area.
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By being informed about the County Executive's work, we can play a more active role in shaping the future of our community. To get more involved, consider attending county meetings, and participating in public hearings, to voice your opinion on important issues that affect you.
The Suffolk County Executive's Office has a community outreach program to foster strong relationships with the communities. To reach out to the community, they host public events, conduct town hall meetings, and engage with residents through social media platforms. The office provides various channels for the community to reach out to them, including a dedicated phone line (631-853-4000), an email address County.Executive@suffolkcountyny.gov, and a mailing address (H. Lee Dennison Building, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788).