Suffolk County Government In For A 'Revamp': Romaine

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Executive-elect Ed Romaine will make an announcement about his transition team within the next two weeks as he moves forward with plans to "revamp" county government.

He expects it will be made up of about 50 names of prominent people with "expertise in different areas" and will "ask them to take a careful look at county government."

"I am looking to revamp county government and I want their input and advice about what needs to be done," he said.

The team will be tasked with examining what, if anything, can be changed.

"What needs to happen next?" he asked. "I'm going to work very closely, regardless of party, with the Legislature. I am going to forge alliances with all of them. I'm going to show the Legislature the respect it deserves and [the lawmakers] are going to be my partners in government. I am going to include them in everything."

Republicans on Tuesday achieved a super majority with 12 out of 18 seats on the Legislature.

Patch has reached out to the Legislature's majority leader Legis. Kevin McCaffrey.

Romaine hopes not to have political divisions and plans to meet with all the county's elected leaders.

"I've already spoken to the Democratic leader this morning, and I am going to be reaching out to [the party] on a constant basis," he said.

He had made his priorities consolidation, transportation, sewers, and plans to focus on water quality.

Democratic chair Rich Schaffer said he "strongly" supports working with Romaine to accomplish the water quality referendum.

Key positions in the county that need to be filled include the police commissioner post, as well as commissioners for labor and the Department of Public Works.

Joining Romaine at the county level will be Brendan Sweeney, an aide at Brookhaven Town Hall. Sweeney, who worked on Romaine's campaign, will take up a post overseeing intergovernmental relations. Others who could join him include longtime aide, Kevin Molloy.

"I will be reaching out to people," Romaine said.

"My party's been out of power for 20 years," he said. "Many of the good people are in the private sector. They are not going to leave to go back to government, so I better recruit people. A lot of people are there now. It's just not going to be, 'Everyone out.' New people will be coming in, but a lot of people who are doing their jobs will stay."

RELATED STORIES:

• 'Ready To Govern On Day 1': Ed Romaine Talks About Suffolk's Future
• Romaine Will Tap Blue Ribbon Panel In Suffolk Police Commish Search