New Suffolk County laws ax treasurer’s post, target toxic toys
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, flanked by Comptroller John Kennedy, right, speaks about the approved plan to expedite the merger of the comptroller and treasurer's offices, Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Credit: Johnny Milano
New Suffolk County laws that go into effect on New Year’s Day include a measure eliminating the elected county treasurer’s office and another requiring the county to notify retail stores about a new ban on toys containing certain toxic chemicals.
The treasurer’s responsibilities, which include writing and distributing checks, will be moved to Comptroller John M. Kennedy’s office.
Kennedy said the elected treasurer position and four appointed positions in that office will cease to exist. Treasurer Barry Paul will return to a job in County Executive Steve Bellone’s office.
Voters in 2014 approved the merger of the county treasurer’s job with the elected comptroller’s.
The county also will start notifying stores about a “toxic toy” ban. Starting in July, stores will not be able to sell toys and other children’s products containing lead, mercury, antimony, arsenic, cadmium and cobalt.
The legislation, which passed unanimously, said the chemicals are carcinogenic.
Industry officials who opposed the ban said the toys on store shelves are safe.
County inspectors will start on Dec. 1, randomly checking toys for the chemicals. Stores still selling toys that test positive will be subject to county fines.
David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.
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