LI Advocacy Group Launches Town Hall Series with Executive Bellone

BRENTWOOD, NY — Suffolk youth advocates are taking action to create open dialogue between young people and elected officials.

The District 1 Youth Advisory Board, which advocates for youth in the Brentwood, North Bay Shore and Central Islip area, is kicking off its “Youth Town Halls” series on Friday, featuring County Executive Steve Bellone.

Deputy County Executive Vanessa Baird Streeter, Assistant Deputy County Executive Olga Olsehamy, alongside individuals from Suffolk County Social Services, Department of Health and Economic Development, will also attend.

Joshua Chan, a member of the board, told Patch that each town hall in the series will be an opportunity for all ages — but especially youth — to be heard.

“I feel our elected officials always speak about the issues affecting our residents, which is amazing,” he said. “I also want to see them have more awareness of what's going on in the community.”

By organizing a town hall catered to youth, Chan said that young people would hopefully feel less intimidated to participate and to share their concerns.

According to Suffolk County 2020 census data, 41.7 percent of Suffolk residents are under the age of 35.

“This is the generation that is going to vote the most,” he said.

Overall, Chan said the series will be a chance for young people to express issues they feel are important.

“We want to make sure that young people, especially from Brentwood, that they know that the issues that matter to them, whether it be immigration or systemic racism, systemic poverty, be addressed," he said.

In the future, the board plans to invite local assemblymen, senators, and council members to the town halls.

“A bridge can be built to make sure accountability is being handled correctly between residents and elected officials,” Chan said.

The first of the series will take place at Brentwood High School, Ross Auditorium, on Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

To learn more about the event, click here.

If you wish to participate and ask submit a question prior to the meeting, click here.