Monday, January 5, saw the annual reorganization meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. In addition to adopting the rules and schedules for the year, three new Legislators took their seats at the horseshoe, while Republicans elected a new Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer.
Due to former Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey’s (R-Lindenhurst) term limit, not only was his seat open, but the Legislature needed a new leader.
Hauppauge’s auditorium was standing room-only to welcome the twenty-first Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature, Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville).
Since 2020, Piccirillo has represented the Eighth Legislative District, which includes Bayport, Bohemia, Holbrook, Oakdale, Sayville, and West Sayville within Islip Town, and parts of Holtsville within Brookhaven Town. The area has seen a tectonic rightward shift over the years, seeing its working-class, blue-collar communities go from solidly-blue households to a ruby-red landscape.
Piccirillo earned county-wide recognition for his leadership of the investigative committee that probed the causes of the crippling cyberattack in 2022. He’s also developed a profile as Chair of the Environment, Parks, and Agriculture (EPA) Committee, as well as Chair of the Government Operations, Personnel, and Information Technology Committee.
But first, County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) delivered the traditional address to the Legislature at the start of their year.
“We face great challenges, from sewers to getting our fair share of state and federal funding, to making sure public transportation sees the light of day,” Romaine told the Legislators while reflecting on his own experience with two stints in the Legislature. As Romaine starts his third year in office, he took pleasure in not vetoing a single bill that came from Hauppauge over the last two years. He also reiterated his commitment to not pierce the County’s tax cap, despite increasing pension and medical insurance costs, courtesy of unfunded State and federal mandates.
“I need your help and your guidance to make sure that we control taxes. Not that the state has – it has not. Not that the MTA has. If you ride the Long Island Rail Road, you’ll find that out very quickly.”
Romaine closed by invoking his oft-repeated tongue-in-cheek assessment of government: “all issues of government are issues of money.”
Suffolk County District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca (R-Hauppauge) swore in the Legislators en masse before the Presiding Officer votes began.
Legislator Piccirillo was nominated by Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), who said Piccirillo would be a “fully engaged” Presiding Officer and “fully informed about every piece of legislation” that comes to the horseshoe.
“He is an excellent steward for our parks and championing open space acquisition,” said Mazzarella. “His role has helped us to maintain Suffolk County’s rural feel…we are now on much better footing to defend this county against future cyberattacks.”
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) offered a second to the nomination.
Piccirillo was elected Presiding Officer in a 13-0 vote, earning the vote of all nine Republicans and both Conservatives on the horseshoe, as well as Democratic Legislators Samuel Gonzalez (D-Brentwood) and Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). Legislators Greg Doroski (D-Mattituck), Ann Welker (D-North Sea), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), and Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) abstained from the vote.
He was subsequently sworn into office, accompanied by his mother and brother.
Piccirillo gave his inaugural speech from the center of the horseshoe, stating the Constitution of the United States “limits power, protects individual liberty, and reminds us that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around.”
“Together, we represent communities that expect results, demand accountability, and deserve leadership that puts people before politics,” said Piccirillo, calling for “finding common ground” in supporting law enforcement, being “vigilant stewards” of taxpayer dollars, maintaining an “unwavering commitment” to clean water, and continuing “historic investments” in preserving open space. He added his support for the County’s employees – from social services and public works to crossing guards and human resources – and called Suffolk’s sole-source aquifer not just a “resource”, but a “responsibility.”
“When I first arrived in this legislature, Suffolk County was facing a fiscal crisis. Together, through disciplined leadership and tough decisions, we turned the page. We stabilized our finances, strengthened our bond ratings, eliminated wasteful spending, and ended the red-light camera program that unfairly burdened our residents,” said Piccirillo. “We proved that responsible government is possible, but we also faced harder lessons. This county once suffered from corruption that eroded the public trust. As Presiding Officer, I will insist on transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight. We will ask the hard questions, we will hold hearings, and we will ensure that corruption never again takes root in Suffolk County government.”
Minority Leader Richberg offered his caucus’ congratulations to Presiding Officer Piccirillo.
“We look forward to a constructive and professional conversation with you and your caucus under your leadership, grounded in mutual respect and open communication,” said Richberg. “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.”
Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) hailed Piccirillo’s ascension to Presiding Officer in a social media statement.
“Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo brings deep institutional knowledge and tested leadership to this role,” said Garcia. “His service as Chair of Government Operations and the Environment, Parks, and Agriculture Committee, as well as his leadership of the Select Committee that investigated the cybersecurity breach under Steve Bellone, the previous Democrat administration, demonstrates his command of the issues and the seriousness with which he approaches oversight and governance.”
Garcia also hailed the GOP caucus’ accomplishments since taking control of the horseshoe in 2022.
“Since taking the legislative majority for the first time after 16 years, Republicans have delivered results. The Republican Majority has added more cops, more detectives, and more prosecutors to keep residents safe,” said Garcia. “The GOP has reallocated resources properly, like funding crime fighting tools like Shot Spotter. A safer Suffolk is the foundation of a stronger and more affordable Suffolk.”
Islip GOP Chairman and Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) lauded Piccirillo’s promotion as well.
“Anthony Piccirillo’s election as Presiding Officer is a tremendous moment for Suffolk County and for the Town of Islip,” said Smith. “Anthony has been a trusted friend and partner in government for many years, and his steady leadership, commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and integrity will serve Suffolk County well. He understands that government exists to serve the people, protect our communities, and be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. I have no doubt he will lead the Legislature with accountability, cooperation, and a clear focus on keeping Suffolk County safe, affordable, and moving forward.”
“I think I’ve earned the respect of all my colleagues to lead this body moving into the future,” Piccirillo told The Messenger, referencing his chairmanship of two standing committees, the cyberattack investigation committee, and the Capital Budget Working Group. “I think I’ve been able to show them that not only can I get the job done, but I can work across the aisle and leave partisanship to the side.”
In terms of legislative priorities, the Presiding Officer says that it all starts at the same place: finances.
“If you want to do things, you need the money, and we need to be able to make sure we spend in a judicious manner and we don’t bust the tax cap. And that’s something that I’m very happy to work with the County Executive on,” said Piccirillo. “I think a lot of my colleagues agree with that sentiment, that we can spend money and do projects, but let’s make sure we do it in a way that respects taxpayer dollars.”
Piccirillo’s determination preceded him, even after adjournment.
“Suffolk County has full-time problems and we need a full-time Presiding Officer.”
