Letters

I am deeply honored to be serving my first term as the Suffolk County legislator for the 2nd District for the past year and almost three quarters. The 2nd District is immense — it stretches from Montauk Point to nearly Moriches Inlet, including the Village of West Hampton Dunes, but not Cupsogue County Park, and includes 60 miles of oceanfront beach. There is much beauty within this area, but also many challenges.

Like my predecessors, Bridget Fleming and Jay Schneiderman, I sit on several committees at the legislature: environment, parks and agriculture, veterans, public works, energy and transportation, health, and ways and means. I also sit on the Capital Budget Working Group, and the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Fund Committee, which is the committee that was formed when Suffolk County residents overwhelmingly approved Proposition 2 last November.

I am thrilled to be endorsed by the Sierra Club of Long Island, New York League of Conservation Voters, and the Suffolk County Law Enforcement Coalition, which includes Suffolk County PBA, as well as several other organizations. It is an honor to have the support of each of them.

Recently, the Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation to preserve working waterfront; most notably, this legislation was passed unanimously. At a time when there are many challenges in our world, it was refreshing to work with each of the 17 legislators, some of whom live in districts that do not touch water. There was much communication and many, many collaborators involved in bringing this legislation across the finish line. In County Executive Ed Romaine’s words at the bill signing, “This is a great day for Suffolk County.”

I would ask for your vote on November 4, or during early voting, which begins October 25, to continue my work on the Suffolk County Legislature.

Ann Welker

Suffolk County Legislator

2nd District