Suffolk County Executive Romaine touts infrastructure projects, warns of economic headwinds in State of the County address

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, in his second State of the County address, vowed to invest in infrastructure projects, reform how money from an opioid settlement is distributed and repeated his commitment to fund new sewer projects.

In a 30-minute speech Tuesday before lawmakers at the Evans K. Griffing County Center in Riverhead, Romaine, a Republican, struck a bipartisan tone, vowing to work with all 18 legislators on the "challenges ahead" and said the county "got a lot of goals done" in 2024.

The county executive painted Suffolk's finances in a positive light but warned of "uncertain" economic headwinds nationwide on a day when the stock market inched closer to a bear market following the global response to President Donald Trump's tariff policy. 

"We’ve been through tough times before and we got through it and we’ll get through this," he said.

He repeated his earlier commitment to never surpass the state-mandated tax cap, which he said will require "some extraordinary budgeting" going forward.

"And not everyone’s going to be happy," he said.

He highlighted the county’s four bond upgrades in 2024 and said the county will continue to try to pay down debt and settle some of the largest outstanding lawsuits.

On infrastructure, he highlighted the county’s goal to improve traffic on County Road 39 in the Hamptons, known for its so-called "trade parade" gridlock when workers travel to and from the easternmost towns on the South Fork. He pointed to the recent problems with Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays as an example of the infrastructure issues facing the county.

He pitched an "incentive program" to encourage the addition of solar panels on the roofs of industrial buildings.

On public safety, Romaine pointed to the recently created street racing task force aimed at curbing dangerous races and street "takeovers" as one success. He said the county added 220 police officers overall in the department, which will net about 95 new officers factoring in retirements.

He also announced the police department’s highway unit will add nine additional officers with more to come in the summer.

"One of the major concerns of constituents is the fact that sometimes they have to take their life into their own hands when they get on one of our highways," Romaine said.

On the opioid epidemic, Romaine said he needs the legislature’s help to provide more treatment options. He said he’ll ask legislators to reform an opioid fund distribution process, which he said was rolled out "without guidelines." A Newsday investigation published in December found Suffolk and Nassau counties had distributed only a fraction of the millions of dollars available as part of a settlement against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Romaine said money could be earmarked not only to nonprofits but county agencies "that can best handle this," and he asked the county comptroller to compile a booklet for nonprofits to serve as guidance.

"We have to ensure that every dollar that goes to an organization will provide services and then show proof of their work and justify their funding," he said.

He pitched a plan to connect local farmers and school districts in a "farm to school"-type program, which he said could be mutually beneficial, and acknowledged afterward in an interview that it remains at an "idea" stage.

He said the county improved processing applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to low-income families.

Minority Leader Legis. Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), in a previously recorded 15-minute speech, delivered the Democratic response, which ouched on housing affordability, public safety and mental health services.

"The issues confronting Suffolk County transcend political affiliations, from enhancing our infrastructure to ensuring public safety," he said.

He said they will continue "pushing for smart, equitable housing solutions" such as down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. He also talked about a "holistic approach to public safety" that addresses the root cause of crime through investments in mental health services, addiction support and youth programs.

Richberg also talked about the threats of federal cuts, particularly to social services, from the Trump administration and called on the county executive to "find much needed answers."

"We need a plan to secure our most vulnerable because here's the truth, when local leaders lead with vision, Washington follows," he said.