Babylon Democrats News

Bellone: Long Island’s Water Quality Is No. 1 Priority Of My Administration

Jan
23
2014

In the wake of a new study on Long Island’s water pollution, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone says improving the water quality is his new No. 1 goal.

“I consider this issue the most important priority of my administration,” Bellone said during a news conference in Hauppauge Thursday.

According to the report, nitrogen levels in the Island’s ground and surface water have become so critically high that it is impacting drinking water, recreational waterways, and reducing wetlands. Wetlands act as Long Island’s last line of natural defense against disasters such as Superstorm Sandy.

Stony Brook professor Chris Gobler told 1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera that the new water study is alarming. “Certainly in our coastal waters too much nitrogen is leading...| read more ››

Bellone eyes added sewers to fight pollution

Jan
23
2014

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone Thursday announced a campaign to clean up nitrogen-polluted waters that could include building sewer systems and advanced wastewater-treatment plants.

Bellone said nitrogen flowing into aquifers and local waterways from septic systems and cesspools, as well as fertilizer runoff, hurts water quality and damages coastal areas that serve as storm buffers.

"We have been polluting this precious resource in a way that has had devastating impacts on our surface waters, shows negative declines in the quality of our drinking water and puts us at enhanced risks for future storms," he said. "For the health of our region today and for the sake of future generations, we must reverse these trends."

Bellone made the announcement in Hauppauge...| read more ››

Long Island Federation of Labor Endorses Supervisor Rich Schaffer

Nov
4
2013

The Town of Babylon Democratic Committee has announced that Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer has been endorsed for re-election by the Long Island Federation of Labor, citing his strong record on labor issues and commitment to the area's working families. The endorsement was announced by Federation President John R. Durso and Executive Director Roger Clayman.

“I would like to thank the Long Island Federation of Labor for their support in my bid for re-election as Babylon Town Supervisor,” said Schaffer. “I am proud to run on my record of creating good paying jobs for our area and protecting our middle class residents to make Long Island more affordable for future generations to come.”

The endorsement of the Long...| read more ››

Schaffer Endorsed by Suffolk Police Unions

Nov
1
2013

The Town of Babylon Democratic Committee is proud to announce that Rich Schaffer has been endorsed for re-election for Babylon Town Supervisor by the Coalition of Suffolk Police Unions, including the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association and the Suffolk County Detectives Association.

“It is a true honor to be endorsed by all five of Suffolk County's police unions,” said Supervisor Schaffer. “I'm proud of their support and hope that I will have the opportunity to continue working with them to protect our residents and make sure our streets are clean.”

During his time in office, Supervisor Schaffer has maintained an excellent relationship with the Suffolk County Police Department. Working hand in hand with law enforcement, Supervisor Schaffer has...| read more ››

Supervisor Schaffer Endorsed by Sierra Club

Oct
26
2013

The Town of Babylon Democratic Committee is proud to announce that Supervisor Rich Schaffer has been endorsed for re-election by the Sierra Club Long Island Group.

“I am honored to have the support of the Sierra Club as I look to continue the work that my team has started in the Town of Babylon,” said Supervisor Schaffer. “I'm proud of our record of implementing progressive, common-sense policies to protect the health of our residents and enhance their quality of life.”

While in office, Supervisor Schaffer has made a strong commitment to numerous environmental initiatives, including the restoration of open space, promotion of clean-energy, maintaining the Town's successful green homes program and conducting numerous specialized recycling drives. As Supervisor, Schaffer...| read more ››

Babylon Dems Support Supervising Judge Horowitz for District Court

Oct
18
2013

The Town of Babylon Democratic Committee has announced their support of Supervising Judge Richard Horowitz for the First District Court of Suffolk County. Horowitz was recently appointed Supervising Judge by the Chief Administrative Judge of New York State and has served in the District Court of Suffolk County since 2007. As Supervising Judge, Richard Horowitz oversees the daily operations of six court houses and twenty four judges throughout Suffolk County.

“Judge Horowitz brings an extensive resume of well-rounded judicial experience to the Suffolk County District Court and has treated every case that has come before him fairly and thoughtfully. I hope that you'll join me in supporting Supervising Judge Horowitz for District Court,” said Committee Chairman Robert Stricoff....| read more ››

New York League of Conservation Voters Endorses Rich Schaffer For Town Supervisor

Sep
26
2013

The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, has announced its endorsement of Rich Schaffer for Town of Babylon Supervisor.

Schaffer was elected to be town supervisor in a special election in 2012, a post he previously held from 1992 until 2001. In office, he has helped to restore open space and flood-prone properties in Ketcham’s and Santapogue creeks; in the future, he hopes to introduce more bike lanes into the area.

“Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer’s years of protecting our natural resources make him an exceptional steward of our environment,” said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. “We are proud to stand with him as he continues...| read more ››

Babylon Dems Begin Drive to Victory with Successful Fall Fundraiser

Sep
20
2013

The Town of Babylon Democratic Committee recently held their fall fundraiser at Colonial Springs Golf Club in Farmingdale with over 200 supporters in attendance. Entitled “Driving Rich to Victory,” this year's event celebrated the party's ticket of Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Councilman Tony Martinez, Town Clerk Carol Quirk and Suffolk County Legislature candidate Tom Dolan, collectively known as the “Schaffer Team.”

The golf-themed event was a departure from the more formal black-tie fundraisers of past years and featured a more laid back, fun atmosphere. Taking advantage of Colonial Springs' driving range and putting green, guests took part in contests for prizes such golf clubs, apparel and barbeque equipment. Supporters met the candidates and spoke about local issues and the upcoming campaign....| read more ››

Babylon Dems: Vote Judge John Kelly for Family Court

Sep
17
2013

The Town of Babylon Democratic Committee has announced their support for Judge John Kelly for Suffolk County Family Court. Judge Kelly has been a Suffolk County Family Court Judge since January 2004.

“For nearly ten years, Judge Kelly has provided an honest and impartial approach to the Suffolk County court system,” said Committee Chairman Robert Stricoff. “Judge Kelly's impressive resume of over 25 years of judicial experience is proof of his dedication to seeing that every case that comes in front of him is treated fairly under the law. I am proud to support John Kelly for Suffolk County Family Court Judge.”

Kelly, a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook and New York Law School, began practicing law in 1986...| read more ››

Black, Hispanic leaders launch Suffolk political effort

Aug
13
2013

Black and Hispanic leaders vowed to unite for diverse political representation in Suffolk County as they launched a political effort within the Democratic Party Monday.

The newly formed Black and Hispanic Democratic Committee appointed co-chairs to represent the two minority groups and to hold seats in the Democratic committee that decides where to throw the weight of the party in local races.

It's time for black and Latino Democrats to realize that they have common issues at stake, said Assemb. Philip Ramos (D-Brentwood), who spearheaded the group's establishment.

"There is absolutely no difference in the African-American agenda and the Latino agenda," Ramos told more than 30 people meeting in Brentwood. "We ride down, in many cases, the same neglected streets....| read more ››