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Bellone Calls for Rebuilding in Suffolk State of the County Address

Ralph C Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has just delivered his State of the County Address. The main theme for Bellone’s speech focused on rebuilding efforts following the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy. “The state of our county is that we are rebuilding,” Bellone stated. “This is a county that has faced challenges before and always emerged stronger.” Despite the fact that Hurricane Sandy took place four months ago, Suffolk Countyi s still waiting on federal aid to arrive.

Bellone also focused on the cash flow problems which are being faced by Suffolk County. Currently there is a negative balance, which is only making rebuilding efforts more challenging. The county pays more in bills than it creates in revenue, even after cutting the jobs of more than 700 of its employees. “Despite all the changes that we have made to make our government smaller and more efficient, we still have a significant structural deficit. While we’ve made great progress, we still have a long way to go.”

Other topics Bellone covered during his hour long speech included reminiscences on his first term in office, praise for other country workers, and his plan to sell the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility in Yaphank along with 230 acres of empty land. The plan is very controversial, but might help the county close the massive gap in its balance sheet. Unfortunately it would also represent the loss of around 200 local jobs. Around that many nursing home patients would also abruptly find themselves without a place to stay. As such, union workers have announced plans to head to court to contest the move.

ralph@longisland.com

Appears In: Business News