Tax Relief (Continued)

• Expanded tax exemptions to spouses and unremarried surviving spouses of veterans.
• Commenced a sales tax enforcement action against Poospatuck Indian Reservation Smoke Shops to recoup lost revenue.
• Supported tax abatements for residential real property owned by senior citizens.
• Reduced County general fund property taxes.
• Established a blue ribbon commission to evaluate school district expenses and make recommendations to reduce spending.
• Supplemented the existing Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to benefit more Suffolk residents.
• Established the Homeowners’ Tax Reform Commission.
• Expanded volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers real property tax exemptions.
• Expanded veterans’ alternative real property tax exemption.
• Supported amending the Real Property Tax Law for eligible reservists.
• Supported enactment of the “Reverse Mortgages to Help America’s Seniors Act”.
• Extended the first time homeowner County property tax exemption.
• Established a Cold War Veterans property tax exemption.

Health & Safety

• Established an automated calling policy prior to mosquito spraying in Suffolk County (Res. 936-10)
• Prohibited all registered sex offenders from residing within a ¼ mile of the residence or workplace of their victims (Res. 1073-09)
• Appropriated funding for a new Heroin Treatment Program for Young Adults (Res. 415–10)
• Banned the use of trans fats in Suffolk County eating establishments.
• Required the posting of calorie counts on chain restaurant menu boards.
• Established a health plan for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
• Prevented sex offenders from being housed at general population emergency shelters.
• Supported enactment of the 9/11 Heroes Health Improvement Act of 2007.
• Appropriated funding to add more uniformed officers to the County police force.
• Supported strengthening penalties for individuals who commit sexual offenses against children.
• Established a new program in the Office of Women’s Services for mitigating domestic violence.
• Supported tougher vehicle assault and manslaughter laws.
• Donated decommissioned body armor vests to the United States Department of Defense to protect our citizen-soldiers.
• Supported establishing a procedure for the civil commitment of sexually violent predators.
• Established a “Safe Communities Initiative” Task Force to study the expanded use of security camera systems to deter crime and assist law enforcement efforts in high-crime areas.
• Prohibited all registered sex offenders from residing near schools, day care centers and playgrounds.
• Established the Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated (“STOP-DWI”) as a Division within the Probation Department.
• Prohibited the sale of Dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors within Suffolk County.
• Established a policy requiring the use of mercury-free vaccines in County Health Centers.
• Implemented a comprehensive mosquito control and wetlands plan.

Quality of Life

• Promoted the development of residential dwellings for first time homebuyers (Res. 32-09)
• Supported the reduction of beach fees at County parks (Res. 480-10)
• Required verification of certificates of occupancy and/or rental permits for housing used by the Department of Social Services.
• Promoted development of residential dwellings for first time homebuyers.
• Appropriated funds in connection with the reconstruction of Pulaski Road between Woodbury Road and Depot Road.
• Supported establishing an Energy Efficient Work Schedule Pilot Program.
• Supported Memorial Day Observance program funding for Veterans Organizations.
• Exempted deployed and mobilized active duty military personnel from County parks daily fees.
• Authorized the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation to identify dog parks.
• Established a Tuition Assistance Program for Children of Fallen First Responders.
• Supported the Combating Autism Act of 2005.
• Supported authorization of a County registry for domestic partners.
• Enhanced zoning and building code enforcement by Suffolk County towns and villages.

Protecting Our Environment

• Initiated a study to determine the feasibility of installing sewers in the residential areas of Deer Park and North Babylon (Res. 781-09)
• Supported additional parking for "Clean Pass" vehicles at County facilities.
• Prohibited the application of nitrogen fertilizer during certain months to protect the groundwater.
• Established a plastic bag at-store recycling program.
• Encouraged purchase of hybrid, fuel efficient, alternative fuel and “clean fuel” and electric motor vehicles by supporting tax exemptions.
• Preserved thousands of acres for open space including acquisition of the Mohlenhoff property in the Town of Huntington.
• Required the use of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Program for County construction projects.
• Created a County Department of Environment and Energy.
• Promoted Energy-Efficient Environmentally-Friendly Dredge Projects.
• Purchased over thirty-hybrid/electric vehicles for the County fleet.

Government Reform

• Supported the creation of a "Project Sunlight" program in Suffolk County to increase government transparency.
• Created an independent non-partisan redistricting commission.
• Supported budget reforms for increased transparency and accountability.
• Mandated County contractor compliance with Federal immigration law.
• Strengthened requirements for fiscal impact and revenue impact statements prior to legislative votes
• Created a County Department of Information Technology.
• Encouraged and facilitated participation by minority group members and women with respect to Suffolk County contracts.