MEDIA RELEASE

JUNE 30, 2008

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

BROWNING SETS STAGE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

The Ball Is Now in the Court of the Sponsoring Organizations

Mastic, NY - The necessary legislation needed to designate Smith Point County Park for a summer youth program passed the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday, June 24. Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Mastic) sponsored the resolution in response to a proposal brought forth by the Mastic/Shirley Chamber of Commerce and the Montauk Highway Merchants Association.

Over the last several weeks, a press report incorrectly stated that Legislator Browning did not support the idea and would not introduce the resolution. Legislator Browning could not move forward because details needed for the event had not been provided to her. In fact, all the information needed for the Suffolk County Parks Department to issue permits for the event has yet to be submitted to Commissioner John Pavacic.

“I’ve been supportive of the summer youth program all along, and it was only the fact that the organizers had not provided essential information that prevented me from proceeding,” stated Browning. “As soon as I was given dates, times, and other important facts, I introduced the needed legislation and was glad to gain the support of the Legislature on it.

Unfortunately, the proposal was brought forth at the last minute, which did not give the parks department the time they need to allocate money in the budget and provide the necessary staffing levels. Commissioner Pavacic has stated that this needed to be brought to his attention in 2007 so that the budget could account for it. The organizers have said they will hire their own security for the program, but the Commissioner has yet to receive any information.

“I will continue to do all I can do for the kids to have a summer program at Smith Point,” said Legislator Browning. “As soon as the organizers provide the parks department with the information on security, number of participants, and how they intend to implement the program, we should be ready to move forward.”

Legislator Browning said background checks will be required for all adult personnel who are non-county employees. This will be used in order to guarantee the safety of children taking part in the program. “Our most basic responsibility as parents and as government officials is to insure the safety of our children,” Browning concluded. “We must be certain we are offering a summer program for our kids in a safe environment and that is what background checks will do.”