Hauppauge, NY - January 4, 2017 - Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory was reelected to a fourth term as Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer at the Legislature’s organizational meeting Jan. 3 in Hauppauge. He represents the 15th Legislative District. County Legislator Rob Calarco was reelected Deputy Presiding Officer. He represents the Seventh Legislative District.

“I am humbled to have been asked by my colleagues to serve a fourth term as this Legislature’s Presiding Officer,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “It has been a great honor for me to lead what I consider to be one of the best governing bodies in this country. I look forward to another successful year of ensuring our residents’ safety, providing greater transparency, holding the line on general fund property taxes, supporting education, growing our economy, and facilitating projects that create opportunities for our young people. I also offer my congratulations to my colleague Rob Calarco on his reelection to the position of Deputy Presiding Officer for a second term. He brings great insight to the leadership team, and I look forward to working with him again in service to the residents of Suffolk County.”

Pictured: Deputy Presiding Officer Rob Calarco, left, is congratulated by Hon. Derrick J. Robinson after Calarco’s reelection to the leadership position at the Suffolk County Legislature’s organizational meeting Jan. 3.

Legislator Calarco said he is honored by the support of his colleagues for the second year in a row.

“I am truly humbled by the support my fellow legislators have shown me,” he said. “This body is truly impressive for its commitment to open discussion, the opportunity for all to be heard and all ideas to receive a public vetting. I look forward to working with Presiding Officer Gregory and the entire Legislature to achieve the common goal of doing the best we can for the residents of Suffolk County.”

Presiding Officer Gregory also recognized four legislators in particular—Steve Stern, Lou D’Amaro, Kate Browning and Tom Barraga. They are starting their final years as legislators, because of term limits.

“They have all had distinguished careers as county legislators, and I am certain they will continue their exemplary work in their final year,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “I and every resident of Suffolk County thank you for your years of dedicated service.”

Also at the organizational meeting, the Suffolk County Legislature approved the reappointments of George Nolan as Counsel to the Legislature, Jason Richberg as Clerk to the Legislature, and Amy Ellis as Chief Deputy Clerk to the Legislature.