Wednesday, 6/10, 7:30 pm only – In Person: Director Nickolas Rossi

(Long Island, NY) An intimate, meditative inquiry into the life and music of beloved singer-songwriter, the late Elliott Smith (1969-2003). By threading his music through the dense, yet often isolating landscapes of the three major cities he lived in — Portland, New York City, Los Angeles — “Heaven Adores You” presents a visual journey and an earnest review of the singer’s prolific songwriting and the impact it continues to have on fans, friends, and fellow musicians. Part of CAC’s Movies That Rock series, the screening on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:30 pm will be followed by a discussion and reception with Director Nickolas Rossi at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington NY. www.CinemaArtsCentre.org 631-423-7611.

Heaven Adores You poster. Photo Credit: Heaven Adores You.

What kind of person was Elliott Smith? Since his death in 2003, many media-makers have attempted to tell the story of his creative “sad-sack” genius, often through the lens of struggle, heartache and addiction.

Director Nickolas Rossi employs a different lens, placing music center-stage, creating a framework for Elliott to narrate the story of his life himself, through the filter of recorded conversations and interviews, with support from friends along the way. With great care, Rossi expertly weaves together 30+ interviews to create an intimate and personal history never seen before.

Elliott Smith. Photo Credit: Heaven Adores You.

FREE for CAC Young Film Fan Members! Members $10 / Public $15. Includes reception. Tickets can be purchased online, www.CinemaArtsCentre.org or at the box office during theater hours.

Elliot Smith on tour circa 1998. Photo Credit: Heaven Adores You.

Since 1973, presenting the best U.S., International, Independent & Repertory films on 3 screens 365 days of the year, in a comfortable ambience including the sculpture garden & The Sky Room Café, the Cinema Arts Centre is located at 423 Park Ave (just south of 25a), Huntington, NY 11743 (25 miles east of New York City). Admission for regular programs $12. Discounts for members, seniors, students & children. CAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. For further information call 631-423-7610. To sign up for weekly email schedule: info@CinemaArtsCentre.org Membership and Schedule: www.cinemaartscentre.org.

The mission of the Cinema Arts Centre is to bring the best in cinematic artistry to Long Island, and use the power of film to expand the awareness and consciousness of our community.

(Long Island, NY) Nassau County Bar Association has appointed financial attorney Leslie Tayne of Melville-based Tayne Law Group, P.C. to Chair of its Attorneys and Accountants Committee. A Nassau County Bar Association member since March 2011 and Vice Chair of its Association’s Attorneys and Accountants Committee since 2013, Tayne assumes her new Chair position onJune 1, 2015 where she will continue to support the Committee’s mission in promoting the exchange of information between attorneys and accountants while building a strong referral network among today’s legal and accounting professionals.

“I am proud to be appointed Chair of Nassau County Bar Association’s Attorneys and Accountants Committee and to be given opportunity to continue playing an integral role in supporting the important working partnership and dynamic between attorneys and accountants that is so essential today for providing clients with quality service and positive outcomes,” says Tayne.

Nassau County Bar Association has appointed financial attorney Leslie Tayne to Chair of its Attorneys and Accountants Committee. Photo Credit: Tayne Law Group.

Since serving as Vice Chair of Nassau County Bar Association’s Attorneys & Accountants Committee, Tayne has written her first book,Life & Debt, released in February 2015, and is currently Treasurer of Jewish Lawyers Association of Nassau County. A recently designated 2015 Super Lawyer, she is a regular volunteer with Nassau County Bar Association’s Mortgage Foreclosure Clinic and is a routine volunteer puppy raiser for the Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown who trains puppies that eventually become service dogs for people in need.

Led by Financial Attorney and Life & Debt Author Leslie H. Tayne, Esq., Tayne Law Group, P.C., headquartered in Melville, NY, is one of the few New York State practices offering a sole concentration in debt resolution and bankruptcy alternatives. Since its establishment in 2001 under its original name, “Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne P.C.,” the firm has expanded with offices now in Manhattan, NY as well as Westchester County’s White Plains and Mount Kisco. Tayne Law Group, P.C. is dedicated to regularly assisting thousands of individuals and businesses with the management and resolution of their unsecured debts.  For more information, please call 631-470-8204 or visit www.TayneLaw.com.

(Long Island, NY) More than 28,000 miles of the state’s streams, including those feeding the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound, will gain federal protections under a final rule signed today by top Obama administration officials. The measure restores Clean Water Act safeguards to small streams and headwaters that have been vulnerable to development and pollution for nearly ten years.

“The Long Island Sound, Great Lakes, and Hudson River waters we swim, fish, and boat in are only as clean as the streams that flow into them,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director with Environment New York. “That’s why today’s action is the biggest victory for clean water in a decade.”

By closing a loophole created by Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006, today’s rule returns Clean Water Act protections to streams that feed the drinking water sources for over 11 million New Yorkers and one in three Americans. Millions of acres of wetlands, vital for flood control and filtering pollutants, will also again be shielded under federal law.

The court rulings had put small streams, headwaters and certain wetlands in a perilous legal limbo, allowing polluters and developers to dump into them or destroy them in many cases without a permit. In a four-year period following the decisions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had to drop more than 1500 cases against polluters, according to one analysis by The New York Times.

First proposed in March 2014, the joint rule by EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is backed by robust scientific review and has gained broad support across a wide range of constituencies. Mayors, brewers, kayakers, anglers, small businesses, and farmers, have signaled their support. New Yorkers joined Americans across the country to submit 800,000 comments in favor of the rule last fall.

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) said, “New Yorkers deserve clean water and we know they are critical to our regional economy and communities. In Congress I will continue to lead the fight to protect our environment and ensure clean water for future generations of New Yorkers.”

“For the water in the rivers and lakes in our communities that flow to our drinking water to be clean, the streams and wetlands that feed them need to be clean too,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Protecting our water sources are a critical component of adapting to climate change impacts like drought, sea level rise, stronger storms, and warmer temperatures – which is why EPA and the Army have finalized the Clean Water Rule to protect these important waters, so we can strengthen our economy and provide certainty to American businesses.”

Environment New York, among those pushing for restored stream protections for the better part of the last decade, has gathered more than 67,000 comments from New Yorkers and held almost 100,000 face-to-face conversations about the need to close the loophole in the Clean Water Act in the past year alone.

Despite broad public support for restored clean water protections, oil and gas companies, developers, and other polluters have waged a bitter campaign against them. The U.S. House has passed multiple bills to block or severely weaken the rule, including one measure as recently as two weeks ago.

While today’s action signaled the final chapter in the decade-long fight for small streams and headwaters, advocates warned today that U.S. Senate leaders were more determined than ever to use their authority derail the Clean Water Rule. Last Tuesday, a key subcommittee adopted a measure by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) to thwart the rule. This summer, the Senate is likely to use the Congressional Review Act block the clean water protections, setting up a veto fight with the president.

“Today the administration signed and sealed critical protections for our rivers and streams,” said Leibowitz. “However, we need Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in New York to become a forceful advocate against polluters to make sure these clean water protections get delivered.”

Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentNewYork.org.

(Long Island, NY) The Open Meetings or “Sunshine” laws of New York State and Suffolk County give the public the right to attend meetings of public bodies, listen to the debates and watch the decision-making process in action. The laws also require that notice of the time and place of all meetings be given prior to every meeting.

Following is a list of upcoming meetings that fall under the auspices of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Note: Space may be limited at each of these meetings. Guests are asked to call in advance if they plan to attend.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015, 10:30 a.m.

• Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee* of the Mental Hygiene Services Advisory Board, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board is made up of consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency provider who consider developmental disabilities issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.

Thursday, June 4, 2:00 p.m.

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Mental Hygiene Services Advisory Board, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board includes consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency providers who consider alcohol and substance abuse issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 1:30 p.m.

• Community Mental Hygiene Planning & Advisory Board, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788

The Mental Health Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board is made up of consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency providers who consider mental health issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 631-854-0095.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 9:30 a.m.

• The Board of Health Meeting, Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Administration Building, 3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 200, Great River, NY 11739-9006

The Board of Health, at the request of the commissioner of health services, considers matters relating to the preservation and improvement of public health. In the event that a quorum cannot be achieved at this meeting, the meeting will be canceled.  Members of the public who plan to attend are advised to call 631-854-0100 the day of the meeting to find out if the meeting will take place.

Thursday, June 18, 2015, 9:00 a.m.

• Environmental Quality Board of Review, 360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2C, Yaphank, NY 11980

The Board of Review hears requests for variances and waivers to the county’s requirements for water and sewage disposal for new construction, and for storage of toxic or hazardous materials, as stated in the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. A listing of each month’s scheduled hearings may be obtained in the days prior to the hearing by contacting the Department of Health Services’ Division of Environmental Quality at 852-5800.

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Executives’ Association of New York City and SmartCEO Honor New York’s Top Business Deals

(Long Island, NY) Optical industry leader ClearVision Optical was recently honored in the Executives’ Association of New York City’s (EANYC) inaugural Deals of Distinction Awards.  Developed in partnership between EANYC and SmartCEO, the Deals of Distinction program recognizes the area’s most accomplished executives and the transactions and partnerships that have made their organizations better.  ClearVision won in the B2C, large company category for its philanthropic efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI), particularly, for a record breaking clothing drive. The company was recognized at a awards ceremony last week in New York City.

“The 2015 Deals of Distinction finalists are the top deal-makers and connectors in the region,” says Marc Mathios, president of the Executives’ Association of New York City. “They are innovative business leaders who have a unique story to tell about a deal that made a significant impact on their company and its success, and we are honored to recognize them.”

To be considered for the award, ClearVision shared details on its fall 2014 “Hand Me Downs” clothing drive, in which the company donated over 12,000 lbs. (6 tons) of clothing to BBBSLI. This was the biggest clothing drive in the tri-state area, ultimately providing garments to 4,000 people.

“ClearVision collected more than 1,000 bags of clothing totaling 12,153 pounds, representing the largest clothing drive in the history of our Donation Center,” said Jamison Skala, Director of Development of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. “We can’t begin to thank ClearVision and their employees enough for what they’ve provided, and that’s the opportunity for children to believe that their present situation doesn’t have to be their future.”

Upon being selected as a finalist for the award, ClearVision’s executive vice president Peter Friedfeld was invited to a video shoot, in which he discussed how the clothing drive originated and transpired, and the positive results it yielded. Portions of each finalist’s video interview were shown at the awards ceremony. View the video interview here: https://youtu.be/2_9QdlVnhpo
Finalists and winners were chosen by an independent panel of local business leaders and assessed based on details of their deal/partnership and how it positively affected the organizations involved. ClearVision, along with other category winners, will be profiled in the May/June issue of SmartCEO magazine.

For more information on ClearVision Optical, or to learn how to join the ClearVision family, visit www.cvoptical.com or call 1.800.645.3733. Follow, Like or Visit ClearVision Optical on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, YouTube, andInstagram. For more information on the Deals of Distinction program, go to www.smartceo.com/deals-ofdistinction.

About ClearVision Optical
Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is an award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for top brands such as Aspire Eyewear, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Cole Haan, Ellen Tracy, IZOD, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, Op, and Jessica McClintock. ClearVision’s house brands includeClearVision Collection, Junction City, PuriTi, DuraHinge, and Dilli Dalli pediatric eyewear. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York and has more than 250 associates throughout the U.S. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe.

About the Deals of Distinction Awards
The 2015 Executives’ Association of New York City Deals of Distinction program honors innovative business leaders and dealmakers from the Greater New York City region who have a unique story to tell about a business transaction and/or partnership that made a significant impact on the company and its success. Finalists and winners were chosen by an independent panel of local business leaders and assessed based on the details of their deal/partnership, and how it positively affected the organizations involved, the industry or the business community as a whole.

About EANYC
The Executives’ Association of New York City is comprised of leading businesses represented by their owners or principal senior executives. Every member company, admitted only after careful qualification, is the exclusive representative of its specific business category. Members come from all business sectors, including service industries, professions, trades, manufacturing, and associations. Executives’ Association member representatives work to expand business opportunities for each other by meeting weekly to share worthwhile business information and to arrange introductions to key individuals at companies where members would like to do business. The Executives’ Association tries to aid each member firm in growing its business locally, nationally and internationally, in line with its own growth objectives. The Executives’ Association openly welcomes all companies as prospective members, including woman-owned and minority-owned enterprises.

About SmartCEO
SmartCEO’s mission is to educate and inspire the business community through its award winning magazine, connections at C-level events and access to valuable online resources. SmartCEO’s integrated media platforms reach decision makers in the Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas.

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today released the following statement on the New York State Department of Labor’s proposed rules to protect workers who use payroll cards, prepaid debit cards that are used in lieu of paychecks and direct deposits.

“I applaud the Department of Labor for taking action today to ensure payroll cards don’t chip away at New Yorkers’ wages. Payroll cards offer important benefits for many workers. However, as my office found in a report last year, too often, employees who use them are getting cheated or excessively charged when they try to spend their hard-earned paycheck. Today’s proposed rules directly follow the guidance in my Payroll Card Act to keep workers clearly informed about card fees, require informed consent to use the cards, prevent inappropriate fees and allow workers to withdraw wages and verify account balances free of charge at a convenient network of ATMs. I am hopeful that the strong protections contained in the proposed regulations will not be compromised during the comment period, and I am glad to see that New York is delivering for workers this year.”

In June 2014, Attorney General Schneiderman issued a report, “Pinched by Plastic,” which contained the results of a year-long inquiry into the payroll card practices of nearly forty national employers. Based on the report, in February, Attorney General Scheiderman introduced the Payroll Cards Act, legislation regulating the use of payroll cards to increase protections for workers, clarify ambiguities in the law, and ensure that payroll cards offer a convenient and beneficial method for workers to access their pay. The bill has received bipartisan support and is sponsored by Republican Senator Patrick Gallivan and Democratic Assemblyman Joe Morelle.  In March, Attorney General Schneiderman’s office also submitted comments to the federal Consumer Fraud Protection Board regarding proposed federal regulations which addressed certain aspects of payroll card use.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Schneiderman published an op-ed in am New York calling on the legislature to pass the Payroll Cards Act this session, or in the absence of action by the legislature, for the Department of Labor to issue regulations to protect workers.

Fedlaire Aristide Allegedly Tried to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars From Wells Fargo By Submitting False Documents For Short Sale

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the arrest of Fedlaire Aristide, 47, of Freeport, N.Y., for allegedly attempting to defraud Wells Fargo in a short sale scam that would have cost the bank hundreds of thousands of dollars. Aristide, who is not a licensed real estate broker or agent, is also charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a Brooklyn couple who he conned into giving him money towards the purchase of the same home, located in Brooklyn, which Aristide did not own and never acquired. If convicted, the defendant faces up to seven years in prison.

“We have zero tolerance for anyone who steals from hard-working New Yorkers, especially those who use the promise of homeownership to do so,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will continue to pursue justice against anyone who attempts to profit from mortgage fraud.”

According to the Attorney General’s indictment and statements made by prosecutors at arraignment, Aristide allegedly submitted, or aided in the submission, of false and forged documents to Wells Fargo in an effort to defraud the bank into approving a short sale – a process in which a bank agrees to modify and reduce an existing residential mortgage loan – of a Brooklyn home. The submitted documents contained contracts of sale and other supporting documents normally relied upon to show a legitimate offer and sale of property. Aristide used these documents to mislead the bank and attempted to steal money. A short sale would have allowed Aristide to purchase the home at a price far below what was owed, giving Aristide a windfall profit. In essence, if the short sale were approved, the bank would have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on the property and Aristide would have made tens of thousands of dollars by using or accessing the equity in the home.

Additionally, the indictment alleges that Aristide also conned a Brooklyn couple into giving him thousands of dollars towards the purchase of the same Brooklyn home. Aristide falsely represented that, after he acquired the home at a short sale, he would sell them the home. When the bank rejected Aristide’s short sale offers, Aristide kept the money and refused to return it.

The defendant is charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a Class D felony), Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a class D felony), Forgery in the Second (a class D felony), Attempted Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree (a class D felony), Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (a class E felony) and a violation of Real Property Law section 442-e (a misdemeanor).

Aristide was arraigned today on the indictment before Supreme Court Judge Elizabeth A. Foley in Kings County Supreme Court. Bail was set at $10,000 bond or cash.

The charges against the defendant are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Attorney General Schneiderman thanked the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General and Special Agent in Charge Steven Perez for their assistance Penna for their assistance in the investigation of the case.

The case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Gabriel Tapalaga of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau, with the assistance of Legal Analyst Bradley Rutty. The Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Gary T. Fishman and Deputy Bureau Chiefs Stephanie Swenton and Meryl Lutsky. The Division of Criminal Justice is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.

The Attorney General’s investigation was conducted by Investigator Steven Broomer, Supervising Investigator Michael Ward and Deputy Chief John McManus. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella.

Partnership Helps Expand The Plaza’s Offerings to Teens and Pre-Teens

(Long Island, NY) The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center and Patchogue Roe Family YMCA are happy to announce the launch of the 2015 Patchogue Roe YMCA Culture Camp, which is exclusive to teens and pre-teens, that have completed grade 5, 6, 7 or 8.  It is the first time the organizations are partnering on such an initiative and the camp – which will offer workshops in animation, music videos, and documentary filmmaking – helps expand The Plaza’s unique offerings to a younger demographic.

“We’re so pleased that the YMCA was able to partner with us on the Culture Camp,” said Plaza Cinema President, Campbell Dalglish.  “We truly feel we can offer Long Island teens and pre-teens something that no other summer camp can, with our renowned industry staff, our Cinema and facilities, and our innovative programming.”

The Culture Camp, which is divided into three separate weeks, will offer the following:

Animation Workshop: Stop Motion (July 6-10, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM)
In five morning sessions, three hours each, students will work with a professional animator and an editor in stop motion and pixilation techniques used in popular children stories such as ParaNorman,The Night Before Christmas, and The Boxtrolls.  Working in teams, students will create their own personal animation films that are posted on a website for viewing.  Campers will learn story structure and character development in a dramatic “green screened” location, as well as the technical skills used in the creation of a stop motion film.

Music Video Workshop: Using Green Screen (July 27-31, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM)
In five morning sessions, three hours each, students work with a professional film director and an editor in the creation of a music video using a favorite or popular song.  Working in teams, students will create their own personal music videos that will be posted on a website for viewing.  Campers will learn story structure and character development in a dramatic location, as well as the technical skills used in the creation of a music video.

Documentary workshops (August 17-21, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM)
In five morning sessions, three hours each, students work with a professional film documentarian and an editor in the creation of a short documentary segment that can be filmed locally on the grounds of The Plaza and the neighboring community garden.  Working in teams, students will interview each other about significant experiences in their lives, creating their own personal documentaries that will be posted on a website for viewing.  Campers will learn story structure and the skills of personal interviews, creating voice over, and stringing them together with b-roll in the creation of a personal documentary.

“We are so excited to offer Culture Camp as an enhancement to our already well rounded camp program,” said Tina Norbut, Childcare/Camp Director at Patchogue Family YMCA. “By allowing our campers to combine the magic of film making with the fun of our day camp program, children will have the opportunity to have the best summer of their lives at the Patchogue Roe YMCA!”

To find out about coast and to sign up for the Culture Camp, please contact Tina.Norbut@ymcali.org.  For more information about the Culture Camp, its faculty, and its programming, please visit www.plazamac.org. 

For more information regarding The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center, please call 631.438.0083 or email obergc@plazamac.org.

About the Plaza Media Arts Center, a 501 (c) (3) Organization
The Plaza Cinema and Media Arts Center is a movie theater in Patchogue, NY, located one block south of Main Street at 20 Terry Street.  Since it’s origin in 2010, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has provided current quality films, series, and showcases; ballet, opera, and theater in cinema; classes, workshops, and film discussions; and live events, including stand-up comedy and music.  The Plaza’s exclusive Blue Velvet Lounge boasts fine wine and local craft beer, as well as fresh popcorn and other concession items.  For more information, please visit www.plazamac.org or call 631.438.0083.

Legislators McCaffrey, Lindsay Introduce Bipartisan Law to Move Up Merger Date by Two Years

(Long Island, NY) Today, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was joined by Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy and members of the Suffolk County Legislature, to announce a plan to expedite the merger of the Comptroller and Treasurer’s office which was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum last year by Suffolk County voters.  Originally proposed by County Executive Bellone in 2013, the plan calls to move the merger date to January 2016, two years ahead of the schedule set forth by the referendum.

The referendum called for the elimination of 5 positions which would save taxpayers approximately $767,000 annually.  Incredibly, the savings called for in the merger have already been achieved under Treasurer Barry Paul more than two years ahead of schedule.  Since being appointed by County Executive Bellone in March, Treasurer Paul has worked closely with Comptroller Kennedy on ways to reduce and streamline the office in order to benefit taxpayers.  With staff reductions and other efficiencies, annual savings of more than $1.5 million have already been achieved with additional opportunities for savings identified.

Legislator Jay Schneiderman, Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, Interim Treasurer Barry Paul, County Executive Steve Bellone, Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator William Lindsay, III, Legislator Rob Calarco. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

“I have always felt that merging these offices was sound public policy to save taxpayer dollars,” Suffolk County Executive Bellone said.  “This is a common-sense plan which respects the will of the voters to merge these offices and save taxpayer dollars.  I am glad to partner on this initiative with Comptroller Kennedy.”

“I applaud Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, County Executive Bellone and the members of the Legislature for moving forward in a decisive and effective manner to implement the will of the electorate in consolidating the offices of Comptroller and Treasurer, as adopted in the November 2014 referendum,” Comptroller Kennedy said.  “Our residents have stated that they want to see their County government operate efficiently, effectively and at the least possible cost.  This agreement on the part of the Executive and Legislature does just that, by accelerating the cost savings to be accomplished with the advent of the departure of the former Treasurer, but more importantly, allows for the unification of common core functions, such as revenue and expenditure accounting, administration of the lodging tax program and streamlining of a variety of functions.”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was joined by Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy and members of the Suffolk County Legislature, to announce a plan to expedite the merger of the Comptroller and Treasurer’s office. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

“I have been following County Executive Bellone’s mandate to make the Treasurer’s Office as efficient as possible,” Treasurer Barry Paul said.  “I am confident in this timeline and the work we are doing to save taxpayer dollars.”

Legislators Kevin McCaffrey and William Lindsay III have introduced a local law subject to permissive referendum to move forward the timeline to merge the offices of Comptroller and Treasurer by two years.  This plan will improve the process by eliminating the need to hold an additional election this November for the remaining two years of the Treasurer’s Office as well as the confusion of having to submit separate budget requests for the offices.  Last November, 62% of Suffolk County voters supported a referendum to merge the offices at the end of 2017.

“I am pleased to join with  County Executive Bellone and my colleagues on the Legislature in a bipartisan effort to expedite the consolidation of the offices of the Treasurer and Comptroller,” Legislator McCaffrey said. “The electorate has spoken loud and clear on their wishes to consolidate government and make it more efficient. I look forward to continuing to work together to find innovative solutions and make the difficult discussions necessary to make Suffolk County a more affordable place to live.”

The referendum called for the elimination of 5 positions which would save taxpayers approximately $767,000 annually. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

“This consolidation will provide immediate hard cost savings and unprecedented soft cost savings by reducing duplicative financial management roles,” said Lindsay III. “Suffolk County voters provided us with a clear message last November that they want us to merge these two offices as efficiently as possible. I am extremely proud that, together, we have created a bipartisan initiative that will expedite this merger, accelerate our savings, and provide our residents with better services.”

The plan calls for immediately reducing the size of the merged office by eight positions, saving $1.01 million per year.  Under the leadership of Treasurer Paul, the Treasurer’s Office is already down by five positions since the beginning of 2015, including the mandated positions of Assistant to the County Treasurer and Exempt Secretary which are unfilled.  Once merged, the three positions of Treasurer and two Deputy Treasurer which are currently filled, would be abolished.

Under Treasurer Paul, the department has made tremendous progress in addressing a backlog of providing tax refunds in a timely manner to taxpayers by identifying process improvements and devoting staff to resolve the backlog. The April 1 backlog of 11,830 Tax Refunds has been reduced by more than 1/3, to 7,810 as of May 14.  Based on the current trend, the entire backlog is expected to be eliminated by the end of July, which will save Suffolk taxpayers more than $1 million in reduced interest costs on an annualized basis. The merged office will ensure that these and additional advanced workflow automation  improvements continue so that Suffolk County taxpayers continue to receive timely refunds and taxpayers don’t end up footing the bill for interest payments.

The merged office will save an additional $150,000-200,000 by hosting MUNIS in the County’s IT system and will save additional funds down the road by combining systems.  Expediting the merger by 2 years will make those savings happen quicker.

Through additional improvements in information technology, an additional three positions will be eliminated through attrition, saving an additional $135,000 per year.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory was honored by Long Island Head Start at its 49^th Anniversary Gala with the “Special Recognition Award” on May 20 at Captain Bill’s Bayview House in Bay Shore.

Long Island Head Start is a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide the skills necessary for families to break the cycle of poverty and to provide high quality, comprehensive child development and family support services through the involvement of parents, communities and staff. The Head Start program provides services to over 1,675 children and their families.   In addition to the 22 sites located across Suffolk County, this organization has four Early Head Start program sites that offer high quality services to pregnant women and infants.

“Over the years Presiding Officer Gregory has been instrumental in supporting Long Island Head Start by attending both center and special events including our Legislative Luncheon and Gala fundraisers,” said Debrah Garcia, CEO and Executive Director of Long Island Head Start. “He has donated much of his time providing resources to the Long Island Head Start Wyandanch and Amityville centers. He has also visited various centers and joined in activities such as reading to the children and enjoying outdoor playtime. His dedication is truly evident and it is an honor and a pleasure to work with him. We truly appreciate Presiding Officer Gregory and his support to Long Island Head Start throughout the years.”

“It is an honor and privilege to receive this recognition from Long Island Head Start,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “I applaud the efforts of this great organization and look forward to continuing to work alongside them as an advocate for children and families on Long Island for years to come.”