Suffolk Legislature picks Republican Anthony Piccirillo for presiding officer
Suffolk Legis. Anthony Piccirillo was elected to his fourth term in November to represent a district that covers Sayville, Oakdale, Holbrook, Bayport and Bohemia. Credit: Howard Schnapp
Legis. Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) was sworn in as the 21st presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Monday while vowing to work alongside fellow lawmakers "to ensure that every district has the resources it needs to meet the challenges ahead."
Piccirillo, 42, in remarks before a standing-room auditorium in Hauppauge, committed to supporting law enforcement and public safety initiatives, protecting the environment and working to keep Suffolk affordable "to ensure the next generation can afford to pursue their American dream right here at home."
Legis. James Mazzarella (R-Moriches) was sworn in as deputy presiding officer as the Republicans, who own an 11-7 majority, restructured the legislature's leadership.
"I will strive to be communicative to all legislators and be sure they receive the support they need to properly represent their districts and Suffolk County as a whole," Mazzarella, 59, said.
Piccirillo's nomination as presiding officer received 13 votes in favor; five Democrats abstained.
Legis. Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), the minority leader, said the caucus position "reflects a thoughtful and deliberate posture."
"It is our hope that you will represent all of us in your capacity, and we look forward not only to having a seat at the table in words, but in action and engaging in meaningful dialogue going forward so this legislature can work collaboratively for the betterment of all Suffolk County," he said.
Legis. Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) remains as majority leader and Legis. Steven Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) becomes the majority whip. Flotteron previously served as deputy presiding officer under Kevin McCaffrey, whose term ended at the end of December.
Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia said the leadership team has experience "running the biggest and most critical committees."
Piccirillo, 42, was elected to his fourth term in November to represent the 8th District, which covers Sayville, Oakdale, Holbrook, Bayport and Bohemia.
"Anthony is someone who is very strong on procedure and running a meeting," Garcia told Newsday, adding that he’s "detail oriented," has "great command over procedures and rules" and is "battle tested."
Piccirillo previously served as chairman of two committees: Government Operations and Environment, and Parks and Agriculture. He also chaired a bipartisan cybersecurity committee formed in 2022 in response to the ransomware attack that crippled some county functions and led to the theft of county data. In 2024, he served as chairman of the legislature’s capital budget working group. He was also most recently majority whip.
Mazzarella, a union leader, who represents the 3rd District that includes Mastic, Shirley, Center Moriches and Moriches, was first elected in 2021. He most recently served as chairman of the Economic Development, Planning and Housing Committee and the Labor and Consumer Affairs Committee.
In an interview, Piccirillo said the top position in the legislature wasn't something he envisioned when he was first elected in 2019.
"I rose in seniority quicker than I thought I was going to," he said.
He said he intends to work with both caucuses and said he has a "very good relationship" with the minority leader.
He added that while he is unsure of the reasoning behind the decision of some Democrats to abstain on his vote, he said he doesn't hold grudges and "it's time to move forward together as a legislature."
Legis. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Legis. Samuel Gonzalez (D-Brentwood) both voted yes on his appointment.
Richberg said in an interview the Democrats "want to be brought to the table" and added the legislature "does best when it works together."
Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.
Out East: Mecox Bay Dairy, Kent Animal Shelter, Custer Institute & Observatory and local champagnes NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us "Out East," and shows us different spots you can visit this winter.
Out East: Mecox Bay Dairy, Kent Animal Shelter, Custer Institute & Observatory and local champagnes NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us "Out East," and shows us different spots you can visit this winter.
