(Long Island, NY) The entire Suffolk County Legislature gave its unanimous support at its meeting Tuesday, December 3 to renaming Suffolk County’s north complex in Hauppauge in honor of the late William J. Lindsay, who died in September after serving 12 years as the County Legislator from the Eight District and eight years as the legislature’s Presiding Officer.
In a clear reflection of the great esteem all the legislators held for Mr. Lindsay, the resolution to approve naming the complex after Mr. Lindsay cosponsored by all 17 legislators before its unanimous passage at the meeting in Riverhead. Mr. Lindsay was the longest serving Presiding Officer in Suffolk County history, and was often elected unanimously.
“We all had the greatest respect for Bill—as a Legislator, Presiding Officer, mentor and great friend,” said the Legislature’s Presiding Officer, Wayne R. Horsley. “It is our great honor and pleasure to name the North Complex in his honor.”
A committee is being formed to work out details of the renaming of the complex. It is chaired by Terrence Pearsall, long-time chief of staff for the late Presiding Officer, and Kevin Harvey, who was a colleague of the late PO’s at the Long Island Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
“Bill was a great man, a great advocate for the working men and women of Suffolk County and a great leader of this legislature,” said Legislator Kara Hahn. “I look forward to working with this committee to find a fitting monument in tribute to Bill Lindsay and his tremendous legacy.”
“P.O. Lindsay was a mentor, a friend and a truly incredible human being,” said Legislator William Spencer, the original sponsor of the legislation renaming the North Complex. “I was honored to sponsor the resolution that dedicates not just the buildings but the entire North County Complex after such a tremendous man. He will be missed but as with other true leaders, his legacy will live on.”
“Bill Lindsay was affectionately known as the ‘Lion of the Legislature’,” said Legislator Lou D’Amaro. “He always made himself available to his colleagues, as both a leader and a friend, so it is befitting that the complex where the legislative building is located will be named in his honor. His personal touch will be missed.”
“William Lindsay led the legislature through difficult financial times with great skill and compassion, all while struggling with his own personal health issues,” said Legislator Jay Schneiderman.
“Bill was a fierce defender of the independence and the work done by the Suffolk County Legislature,” said minority leader Legislator John Kennedy. “I’m glad to lend my support to this resolution.”
“Bill Lindsay was a fierce defender of the integrity of the Legislature as an independent branch of county government,” said Legislator Rob Calarco. “It was my honor to have the opportunity to serve with him.”
“Bill Lindsay put partisanship aside and listened to everyone’s concerns,” said Legislator Lynne Nowick. “”He brought the Suffolk County Legislature into the well-respected, professional and cohesive body it is today. Bill was someone I was proud to call my colleague and, most of all, my friend.”
