Steve Bellone

Suffolk County Executive

Not often do you associate Democrats with policies intended to reduce the size of government to save already overburdened taxpayers from waste. Perhaps that’s why Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone cruised to re-election to his second term two years ago. Or it could be his measures to improve water quality in Suffolk County by championing programs to reduce nitrogen pollution caused by its countless antiquated and leaky septic tanks, and replacing them with onsite wastewater treatment systems. Long Island’s precious waterways and vulnerable aquifers present constant challenges to elected officials, which makes such initiatives that much more important. Bellone has remained committed to adhering to the state’s tax cap and increasing economic development and community revitalization programs throughout the county to keep young people on Long Island. And with the help of Legis. DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville), the presiding officer of the county legislature that is in the control of Bellone’s Democratic allies, the county exec is able to get much of his agenda approved with relative ease. That means mostly smooth sailing for Bellone, adding to the power of the top-elected official in the geographically larger of Long Island’s two suburban counties. Sure, he’s faced a few bumps in the road along the way, such as his former police chief pleading guilty to beating a handcuffed suspect, but he’s since rebounded and is back to doing the people’s business.