Hitting the (Debt) Ceiling in Hauppauge

Lawmakers in Washington have less than three weeks to come to terms on a debt ceiling deal, and locals watching the debate from afar said politicians should take their cues from the people who voted them in.

Hauppauge employee John Brengel said arguing over the national debt ceiling is only addressing a symptom of the core problem: overspending.

“They have to prioritize where they spend our money," Brengel said. "I drive a 15-to-20-year-old car. Sure, I’d like a new car. But, I don’t get myself in debt. They should be as responsible as myself.”

The nation’s $14.29 trillion debt limit was reached on May 16, meaning the federal government no longer has the ability to borrow. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner suspended investments in federal retirement funds to have enough capital to operate through Aug. 2.

Thomas Walsh, a Commack resident who works in the financial industry in Hauppauge, agreed that the debt ceiling debate is indicative of more than just that sole issue.

“The government is doing now what the people were doing - overextending themselves on credit instead of cutting back on other things,” Walsh said. "Some of the government projects aren't needed."

The majority of local residents interviewed disapproved of raising the national debt ceiling, and several said that an increase means overspending will continue, jeopardizing the future of the country.

“If they raise it, it’s just like they’re passing it on the future. Like they’re trading off today for tomorrow,” said Brian Maddox, who works in Hauppauge. “I don’t think they should raise it. They should revamp the overall system and make do with what we have.”

"Making do" is a reality many Long Islanders have faced as unemployment hovered at 6.9 percent in Suffolk County in May, according to the New York State Department of Labor.

Lake Ronkonkoma senior Virginia Esposito said she’s been following the debate closely, and she doesn’t blame either political party for the national debt. However, she’s concerned about the options lawmakers are considering.

“They need to be taxing the rich. They can’t be affecting Social Security and welfare,” she said.

“Everything is going to trickle down to us,” said her husband, Frank.

Others didn’t hesitate to pin the blame on the Democrats, particularly President Barack Obama for not fulfilling his campaign promise of change. 

“I said with the Republicans, the Democrats can find things to cut,” Walsh said, suggesting the elected representatives could stand to take a pay cut. 

Small business owner Charles DiSantos of Islip said he didn’t pay much attention to the debt ceiling debate but wished lawmakers could reach a decision and move onto matters affecting the lives of everyday people.

“They need to do more with energy and natural resources, because it would create a lot of jobs and make a lot of money,” DiSantos said.

He worries without government support for small business owners, like himself and Walsh, an economic recovery will be difficult.