Bellone: Don't Forget to Flip the Ballot

To the Editor,

There are so many important races on the front of the ballot this year that its easy to forget the importance of flipping the ballot to vote on propositions on the back.

Propositions 4 and 5 are critical to Suffolk County’s future and were placed on the ballot by a bipartisan majority of the Suffolk County Legislature.

Proposition 4 gives voters the opportunity to consolidate government and save taxpayer dollars by merging the offices of Comptroller and Treasurer. Right now, Suffolk County is the only one of 62 counties in New York State to elect these as separate offices, leading to unnecessary political patronage jobs.

Proposition 5 would dedicate $29.4 million to critical water quality programs and hold the line on tax increases by allowing Suffolk County to temporarily utilize funds from a historic surplus in the Assessment Stabilization Reserve Fund. This proposition has the support of the environmental community because it puts resources and focus into solving our water quality crisis.

I encourage you to vote on November 4 and when you do, please don’t forget to flip the ballot and vote Yes on Propositions 4 and 5.

Sincerely,

Steve Bellone

Suffolk County Executive