09/04/2026
Last night, County Executive Romaine gave his annual “State of the County” address and laid out his vision for where Suffolk County is headed. As Minority Leader, I was proud to provide my caucus’ response.
There will always be differences in philosophy and approach between elected leaders; that’s just a part of democracy, but there is something more important than party. Every one of us who has the privilege of serving in government was sent here by the people with the same fundamental responsibility: to make Suffolk County a better place to live, work, raise a family, build a business, and grow old with dignity.
That responsibility is greater than politics. At a time when division dominates so much of our national conversation, local government matters more than ever. Here in Suffolk County, families do not ask whether an idea is Democratic or Republican before they pay their mortgage, open their utility bill, drive to work, send their children to school, or turn on their faucet. They want to know that their government is working for them, and that is exactly what the Suffolk County Legislature Democratic Caucus remains committed to delivering.
Our vision is built around a simple principle: Suffolk County must remain affordable, accessible, safe, transparent, and full of opportunity for everyone who calls it home. The people of Suffolk County expect leadership, and leadership means listening and having the courage to compromise when it serves the public.
Our caucus has introduced and supported proposals we believe can move Suffolk County forward. We will continue pushing those conversations and working with anyone who comes to the table in good faith.
Despite the challenges we face, I remain optimistic. I am optimistic because I believe in Suffolk County. Our differences do not have to become our divisions. When we choose collaboration over conflict, service over politics, substance over performance, and progress over partisanship, there is very little Suffolk County cannot accomplish.
Ed Romaine says that the county is financially stable, and he is pledging to hold the line on taxes.
