News Roundup

Dec
6
2011

Suffolk County Executive-Elect Steve Bellone's comments on Governor Cuomo's agreement with the State Legislature on his economic stimulus plan and middle class taxpayer relief:

"Governor Cuomo's jobs plan recognizes that the best approach for state and local governments to balance their budgets is through economic growth. By providing relief to middle class taxpayers, the plan will help businesses large and small here in Suffolk County...read more ››

Dec
3
2011
Newly-elected Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone listens to thew concerns of Suffolk farmers and fisherman

Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone sat scribbling notes in a legal pad yesterday morning in a Cooperative Extension meeting room on Griffing Avenue, as he listened to two dozen farmers and fishermen talk about what's important to sustain the East End's oldest industries.

"I believe the East End is critically important for our regional economy, that it is an extraordinary and special place in our county and in our region,"...read more ››

Dec
1
2011

As part of his transition into a new seat, Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone held one of the first of many small business roundtable discussions in Kings Park Monday. There, business leaders told him that without county-funded infrastructure improvements, small businesses won't thrive in Suffolk County.

Over 20 business leaders from communities like Kings Park, Smithtown, Bay Shore and Copiague came to the Kings Park VFW to...read more ››

Dec
1
2011

Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone has chosen corporate fraud attorney Regina Calcaterra, who as a child lived in homeless shelters and foster homes in the county, as his chief deputy.

Calcaterra, 44, co-director of Bellone's transition team and an unsuccessful candidate for state senate last year, would be the first woman to hold the top post. She accepted the job earlier this week.

Bellone said Calcaterra will earn...read more ››

Nov
28
2011
hoto by John Dunn | Newly elected Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, right, greets Chamber of Commerce members from across Suffolk County at a small business roundtable Monday at the VFW in Kings Park.

Small-business growth in many Suffolk communities won't happen without significant, county-supported infrastructure improvements, chambers of commerce leaders told County Executive-elect Steve Bellone Monday night.

More than two dozen chamber representatives attended a roundtable discussion at a VFW hall in Kings Park, part of the Bellone transition team's topical listening tour.

Monday...

(Click on the link below to...read more ››

Nov
22
2011
Photo credit: Newsday/Danielle Finkelstein | Steve Bellone leads a community forum on diversity issues in Brentwood. (Nov. 22, 2011)

At a meeting of Suffolk minority leaders Tuesday night who represent a wide range of interest groups, County Executive-elect Steve Bellone promised them they'd not be forgotten by his administration.

"I believe in not only celebrating our diversity but seizing upon it as the greatest asset we have," Bellone told the crowd inside the Long Island Portuguese American Center in Brentwood. "I want...

(Click on link below to read...read more ››

Nov
21
2011
Photo credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara | Steve Bellone speaks to supporters. (Nov. 8, 2011)

The slow-moving county permitting process poses a significant roadblock to economic growth in Suffolk, delaying construction projects and hampering job creation, business leaders told County Executive-elect Steve Bellone Monday.

About 40 people -- representing local companies and trade groups -- attended a Melville forum hosted by Bellone and the Long Island Association.

Participants...

(Click on link below to read...read more ››

Nov
18
2011

Democrats and their allies maintained their 12-6 majority over Republicans in the Suffolk County Legislature as Democrats William Spencer, Rob Calarco and Legis. Sarah Anker all won tight races, according to final election returns.

County election officials said yesterday that Spencer beat Republican Elizabeth Black 50.8 percent to 49.1 percent.

Spencer will succeed Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor), who reached his term limit...read more ››

Nov
17
2011

Names Calcaterra, Martinez Co-Transition Directors; Announces Meetings on Economy and Diversity

Hauppauge - Suffolk County Executive-elect Steve Bellone today invited all Suffolk County residents to serve on his transition team as he announced his process to ensure he can hit the ground running when he takes office on January 1. All Suffolk County residents can share their ideas and get updates through Bellone’s new...read more ››

Nov
17
2011

Democrat Dr. William Spencer has won the election to the Suffolk County Legislature’s 18th District over Republican Elizabeth Black by 267 votes after increasing his lead in absentee ballots.

Election officials say that final results have Spencer receiving 8,200 votes, or 50.82 percent, to Black’s 7,933, or 49.14 percent. Spencer increased his lead by 88 votes with the absentees. On election night, unofficial results showed Spencer...read more ››