Pols' new year promises to aid businesses

Two Suffolk County legislators, two town supervisors, a member of Congress and a state official made some promises yesterday for the new year: relief from government zoning regulations, lower municipal spending, and improved infastructure.

The promises came at an annual meeting and legislative breakfast sponsored by the Hauppauge Industrial Association, one of the region's largest business organizations.

The HIA heard from Smithtown Supervisor Pat Vecchio and new Islip Supervisor Tom Croci, Legis. Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) and Legis. JohnKennedy (R-Nesconset), Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and state Housing Commissioner Darryl Towns, all of whom said they would work for a better year for business.

The promises could not come soon enough, said HIA founder Jack Kulka, a Hauppauge developer.

"We are in an economic malaise," Kulka said at the meeting's outset. "There are hopeful signs, but the banks are still not lending to the extent they should be. There is a great need for economic revival on Long Island."

The officeholders said they would try to help bring that about. They reviewed Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's 2011 legislative record -- on-time budget, property tax cap -- and promised more this year.

Kennedy spoke about keeping companies on Long Island and urged local businesses to call him if they heard from officials in Texas, Colorado or Florida.

Stern noted that 70 percent of Suffolk is "unsewered," and said no economic development could take place until more of the county has such services. "We've been talking about this for decades," Stern said. "But I don't remember the last time we had a big push for it." He said a public-private partnership was necessary to raise the money for sewer services.

Croci said he must deal with a $26-million budget deficit. "I believe the way out of our problems is to build our way out," he said. He got "a flutter" of calls from companies in his first few days in office, he said, all seeking to expand. The calls suggested renewed confidence in the economy, he added.

Vecchio said Smithtown will be "lifting restrictions" regarding the height of buildings in the Hauppauge Industrial Park. "You will be able to go wide, long and high," Vecchio said.

The loudest applause of the day was reserved for the congressman. Israel said he will be pushing his "Made in the USA" bill to require gift shops at national parks sell only items made in this country. He held up a calendar and a teddy bear made in China and sold at national parks.