Levy, Suozzi Speak to Town of Brookhaven Board to Support Councilman Panico's Proposed Bill

A number of Long Island's top political names came out to show their support of Councilman Daniel Panico's proposed law to limit property tax revenue at Tuesday evening's Town of Brookhaven board meeting.

Panico became councilman earlier this year to fill the seat left vacant from the sudden death of his friend and colleague, Keith Romaine, who died in November 2009 at the age of 36 from complications caused by a virus which attacked his heart.  

Romaine's father, Ed, along with County Leg. John M. Kennedy, former Nassau County Exec. Tom Suozzi and Suffolk County Exec. Steve Levy appeared before the Board to show their support.

Levy gave the Board a better perspective on how he believes the loss of sales tax revenue is more of a problem than property taxes.

"Sales tax revenue is more than half of the $2.6 billion budget for the County, so when we lose sales revenue, it's more pressure on the property tax side," he said. "People do not spend as much in a recession so that has hurt Suffolk County."

Suozzi began his speech before the Board poking good natured fun at Levy's change of party by speaking to "Republicans, Democrats, former Republicans, former Democrats" and with self deprecating humor over his loss in the last Governor's race to Elliot Spitzer before making his point about where the problem with New York State's budget really lies.

"The State of New York is very screwed up," he said. "All local government and working people need to rise up together and say we can't take it anymore to Albany because that is where the problem really is, with Albany."

Kennedy cautioned the Board's expressed concern for their bond agency ratings within New York State.

"Yes bond ratings and good credit matter, but it won't help the 10,638 homes in foreclosure in Suffolk County," he said.

Before Romaine spoke, Councilman Timothy Mazzei told him, "We think of Keith quite often. I am sure he is looking down and smiling to see you here tonight."

In between speaking eloquently and reflectively about his son, Romaine put the entire evening in perspective for the Board.

"At the end you are voting to put this on the ballot as a referendum," he said. "Give people the right to vote on this. Because they are voting with their feet everyday. They vote with their feet to leave this city, this state, because they can't afford to live here. We have to send a signal to them that we as legislators can live within a budget."

More meeting notes ...

Other items on Tuesday's Town Board included a change of zone applications for a property located on Hanrahan Avenue in Farmingville from A residence 1 to J Business; an application by the Portuguese Soccer Club for a change of zone and amendment of Restrictive Covenants on a property in Farmingville from J Business 4 to J Business 2 and a request to remove a "No Parking" sign from the front of a home on Oakdale Avenue and Granny Avenue in Farmingville.