Letters: Suffolk's political transition
At Babylon Town hall, keys are passed from current Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone to Richard Schaffer, who will become Babylon Town Supervisor. (Dec. 29, 2011) Credit: Newsday/Ed Betz
Steve Bellone was elected Suffolk County executive while running on a platform that promised reduced spending in county government. Not even two weeks into office, he dismissed the parks commissioner, and Bellone's wife rose from making $106,000 as deputy parks commissioner to acting commissioner ["In Suffolk, not just a family matter," Editorial, Jan. 4]. Tracey Bellone expects to go on maternity leave in March and not return. Nothing like keeping it in the family, as has been the habit of recent local politicians.
In addition, the county executive is seeking a waiver to hire Fred Pollert as his chief fiscal deputy at a salary of $175,000 per year, despite the fact that Pollert is currently receiving a state pension of $132,996 ["Fiscal expert may prove costly," News, Jan. 8].
In a previous letter, I pointed out the futility of voting on Long Island, because when we vote for a candidate, we are also voting for his family and friends. Nepotism, cronyism and double-dipping are alive and well in this administration.
Vincent Grabinsky, North Babylon
Our elected officials continue to treat the general public like veritable tax piñatas. It was bad enough right after Election Day when the lame-duck Suffolk County Legislature approved a tax increase even after many re-elected legislators promised not to during the campaign cycle ["Suffolk legis. trims layoffs, hikes taxes," News, Nov. 10].
Now, with former County Executive Steve Levy finally out of the way, the legislature removed a cap on gas taxes in Suffolk ["Override for 29 Levy vetoes," News, Dec. 31].
The result is we, the taxpaying citizens of Suffolk County, are struck once again by the tax stick, and we are left to dump out more of our hard-earned money -- in the name of what? My hope is that my fellow Huntington residents do not forget this betrayal by the re-elected legislators, as it is only 22 months until the next election for them. I hope there are enough of us left who have withstood the whacking to vote them out.
James E. Martin, Melville
Let's get this straight: Richard Schaffer never left [" 'New' supe a familiar face," News, Jan. 10]. He has been receiving a $5,000 per year salary as counsel to the plumbers examining board -- a sweetheart position giving him full health insurance coverage and partial pension credits. The cost to taxpayers over the last 10 years? Over $200,000!
When are Babylon taxpayers going to wake up and see that they are being fleeced?
There is one reason Schaffer is supervisor again: to maintain a stranglehold over a town that is the chief source of political contributions that keeps him and his colleagues in control, at your expense. That is why there is no special election in February or March to give residents an option to vote on who they truly wish to lead our town. Schaffer plans to run in November.
Why does Babylon not broadcast town board meetings on government access TV? So that this crowd can continue to hide their misdeeds. Any claim that Bellone and Schaffer operate an open government is an absolute lie.
William Matthew Groh, North Babylon
Editor's note: The writer was an unsuccessful candidate on the Republican ticket for Babylon Town Council in November.
