35 Police Officers MIA

Bellone/D’Amaro Fail to Keep Police Staffing Promise

Today, James Martin, Republican candidate for Suffolk County Legislature’s 17th district, expressed deep disappointment over the news that the county is only hiring 40 new police officers after the 2.6% police district tax.

“We were promised 75 new police officers for approving the 2.6% police district tax.  Now we learn that only 40 are being hired.  Talk about false advertising.  This is a prime example of our county officials saying one thing and doing another.  It is time for a change,” said Martin.

Late last week Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that he will be approving the hiring of 40 new police officers which is 35 short of promises made.  Suffolk County taxpayers were hit with a 2.6 percent police district tax to pay for 75 new police officers.  Bellone is proposing another tax hike next year to pay for 50 new police officers.

“We are paying the higher taxes.  Where are the police officers we were promised?” questioned Martin.  “Why isn’t our legislator Lou D’Amaro complaining about this bait and switch?”

Martin knows why D’Amaro is being silent on the issue, because the incumbent has also participated in bait and switch politics.  D’Amaro voted against the legislative pay hike, but then took the extra money.

“Haven’t we had enough of politicians saying one thing and then doing the opposite?  As the next county legislator, I will stand by my word and first on the agenda is to stop the hidden taxes,” said Martin.

On a different campaign matter, last week Lou D’Amaro skipped the important Greater Huntington Civic-Elwood Tax Association ‘meet the candidates night.’  Democrat Suffolk County legislator Steve Stern attended and he is running unopposed.

“Unlike the incumbent I don’t plan on hiding from the voters,” said Martin.

Voters can find more information on his by visiting www.JimMartin2013.com