Suffolk's Town Officials Gather In Brookhaven To Discuss 'Growing Challenges': Panico

FARMINGVILLE, NY — Brookhaven officials on Friday hosted Suffolk's town officials, along with representatives from the New York Association of Towns, to discuss the growing financial, environmental, and legislative challenges facing local governments.

The discussion focused on Long Island’s looming solid waste disposal challenges, rising health insurance and pension contributions, increasing fuel and equipment costs, State funding opportunities through the Environmental Bond Act, and the impact of unfunded State mandates on local taxpayers.

The group also discussed concerns over state legislation that diminishes home rule and imposes one-size-fits-all policies on local governments.

The meeting also included discussion of a potential Long Island conference to bring town officials together to address shared challenges and strengthen regional advocacy on issues affecting local governments.

Panico said that too often, politicians "see a city-centric State Legislature advancing policies that may work for New York City but simply do not reflect the needs or realities of Long Island and towns throughout New York State."

“Whether it is unfunded mandates, rising costs or attempts to take decision-making authority away from local communities, the burden ultimately falls on our taxpayers," he said. "Long Island’s towns need to work together to protect home rule and make sure our residents have a strong voice in Albany.”

Joining Panico were Town Councilman Neil Manzella; Southampton Supervisor Maria Moore; Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Thomas Lohmann; Southold Supervisor Albert Krupski; Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez; NYAOT Executive Director Christopher Koetzle; and other representatives of the association.