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For this column I have
interviewed Republican candidate for Suffolk County Executive, Ed
Romaine.
BACKGROUND
Age 56; two children. Long-time resident of Center Moriches and
originally from Queens. Suffolk County Clerk since 1989 and formerly a
Suffolk County Legislator (1985-1989) and a Teacher (1968-1980). Masters
Degree in History from Long Island University as well as an
undergraduate degree in history and political science from Adelphi
University. Part-time teacher at Dowling College.
VISION FOR SUFFOLK
COUNTY (next 4 years, if elected) I
want a Suffolk County that controls its development. Downtowns need to
be revitalized, and public-private partnerships should make more
affordable housing available. I expect to see 500 such homes built each
year. Farmland needs to be preserved, especially on the East End, and
there must be investment into Suffolk’s infrastructure. We need to add
lane capacity to County Road 39 in Southampton, and it would be helpful
to have a monorail system between MacArthur Airport and the Rononkoma
train station. We need a 3-year capital program that will clean up the
storm drains, which have been pumping run-off into our waterways.
Property taxes need to remain stable. Finally, government needs to be
more accessible and must be available 24/7 to the people. With
interactive information technology, we can make this happen.
SUCCESSES AS COUNTY
CLERK & AS A LEGISLATOR As
Clerk I helped to revamp the office through computerization and the
Clerk’s office can be found on the web. Court Minutes can be found on
our web page from 1984 to the present and our forms have also been
computerized in addition to the indexing of deeds and mortgages. I
successfully brought in over $2 million in grant funding for technology.
As a legislator, I helped to pass the Clean Water Act for Suffolk
County, which included funding for those houses with contaminated wells.
I sponsored and co-sponsored various recycling bills. I also urged the
formation of a 7th Police Precinct District, which reduced
the load of the six other districts.
COUNTY FINANCES (in
general) We are in
much better shape than indicated for two reasons. The sales tax revenue
has been much better and New York State closed the gap by re-imposing
the clothing tax. We have a very solid budget process and it works.
Eventually I would like to see park fees reduced for Suffolk residents
with the development of a Park District.
POLICE CONTRACT
We have binding arbitration and negotiations
must be done fairly.
MUSIC ENJOYED,
FAVORITE AUTHOR, POLITICIAN AND MOVIES Slow
jazz, Robert Caro, John McCain, Doctor Zhivago and A Man for All Seasons
TO DEMOCRATIC
OPPONENTS LEVY & CUNNINGHAM I
look forward to a race dealing with the issues and not a race dealing
with unfair character assassinations. Issues
and ideals are the key. In addition, Steve Levy and I will stand on our
records. I do not know very much about Bill Cunningham because he has no
record in Suffolk County
THE GAFFNEY
ADMINISTRATION Bob
Gaffney is a low-key individual and has promoted fiscal stability over
the past 12 years in office. That is why he has been so successful. Bob
is a decent and honorable human being.
MINOR PARTIES
ENDORSEMENTS Very
simply, thank you! Frank MacKay (I) and Chuck Pohanka (WF) are people I
enjoy working with. Pat Curcio (C) is one of the most remarkable leaders
I have worked with. The loyalty of Pat’s people to Pat is well known
throughout New York State.
ILLEGAL ALIENS
There are people who come to work hard and
endure tough obstacles while trying to obtain economic well being for
their families. However, this country’s immigration laws must be
obeyed. I am amazed at the
INS and IRS for their laxity. If the federal government carried out its
responsibilities, we would not be facing the kinds of hiring situations
that exist in Farmingville. I will press our United States Senators and
members of Congress to seek a meaningful solution. Meanwhile the present
situation could be ameliorated by not-for-profit organizations, which do
not deal with taxpayer dollars.
SUFFOLK LEGISLATURE
I have worked well with the Legislators in the past and expect to
continue to do so by respecting their role as lawmakers. As County
Executive, I will propose legislation and expect them to respect my
role. Together, we will give Suffolk’s residents legislation based on
true representative government.
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