Suffolk County Water Authority CEO Jeff Szabo takes a seat on the Babylon Village Board

The new face on the Babylon Village board of trustees is a familiar one to Suffolk County residents.

Jeff Szabo, chief executive of the Suffolk County Water Authority and a former Suffolk County deputy executive, has been appointed village trustee. Szabo takes over the seat that had been held by Sean Goodwin, who died unexpectedly Sept. 2 after serving as trustee for about eight months.

Mayor Mary Adams appointed Szabo at the end of October and he began serving on the five-member board last month. In an email, Adams said she had interviewed “a few” other candidates but found that Szabo shared her vision for the village and its residents.

“Jeff operates out of service and realizes the work involved that he will have to do and he is excited about doing it,” Adams wrote. “Jeff is a team player and myself and the Village Board are looking forward in working with him.”

Szabo, who has lived in the village for almost 20 years, said he was driven to take the position out of a love for his community and desire to serve.

“I know it sounds like a cliché but I believe in government and I believe government can do the right thing,” he told Newsday. “I think government at the local level really can impact people’s lives.”

Szabo said he has been meeting with business and community leaders and estimates he has already knocked on 300 resident doors to introduce himself.

“I’m learning the ropes,” he said. “There’s a lot to love here. If I can listen to folks and take all of that and work to make the village even stronger, I’m really excited about that opportunity.”

Szabo has been leading the water authority for 16 years. Prior to that, he served as deputy county executive under Steve Levy.

Adams pointed to Szabo’s experience in both positions as advantages in his new role, saying he “understands government, budgets, working in the best interests of the public, and how important protecting quality of life is. The same is true as in his current leadership role as the CEO of the SCWA. Jeff listens to people and is a problem-solver.”

Adams said Szabo would take over Goodwin’s charges, including the Conklin House, chairing the Drive Safe, Drive Respectful Committee, and acting as a liaison to the village in working with the Beautification Society, Historical Society and Pride Committee.

Szabo would have to run for election in March to complete the year left on the term. He could then run in March 2027 for a full four-year term. Trustees earn $7,500 per year, according to Adams. 

By Denise M. Bonilla

denise.bonilla@newsday.comdenisebonilla

Denise Bonilla has worked at Newsday since 2003 and covers the Town of Babylon, including the villages of Lindenhurst and Amityville.