Mount Sinai, NY- January 15, 2015 - Legislator Sarah Anker (D- Mt. Sinai, 6th Legislative District) is pleased to announce her appointment as Chairwoman of the Suffolk County’s Education and Information Technology Committee for 2015. The Committee has jurisdiction over Suffolk County Community College’s budgetary matters, as well as monitoring issues pertaining to local schools. In addition, the committee has jurisdiction over Suffolk County’s Department of Information Technology, telecommunications, and other matters relating to office systems and service issues.
“As a mother of three with two kids in college, and a former school board member, I know how valuable a good education is in attaining future career goals,” said Legislator Anker. “As Chair of the Education and Information Technology Committee, I’m utilizing the county’s resources as much as possible to support and promote our educational institutions through our technology services.”
With safety as the utmost priority for our schools, Legislator Anker sponsored legislation to create the SAVE (School Active Violence Emergency) Hotline, which provides a panic button- type program for our school districts, increasing safety for all schools, preschools and colleges in Suffolk County. Additionally, Legislator Anker collaborated with Suffolk’s Health, Information Technology and Police Departments to create Suffolk County’s first anti-bullying website.
“Long Island is experiencing a brain drain,” said Legislator Anker. Our kids are leaving Long Island and we must find ways to help reduce the youth exodus, which greatly impacts the future of our economy. I will continue to work on ways to reduce the financial burden by connecting job opportunities to our young adults and supporting attainable-quality housing.”
Legislator Anker sponsored legislation to create Suffolk County’s Jobs Opportunity Board (JOB) which brought together college administrators and regional business associations to discuss ways to connect graduating college seniors with local job opportunities. Complementing the JOB’s committee, Legislator Anker sponsored legislation to direct the Planning Department’s Division of Affordable Housing to focus on affordable housing for our young adults through the creation of PYACs, Planned Young Adult Communities.
“By using our resources to the fullest extent, while keeping an eye on reduced cost burden to the public, we can provide opportunities for our residents that truly benefit our communities and support future economic growth,” said Legislator Anker.
Legislator Anker will also serve on the Environment, Planning and Agriculture Committee and the Veterans and Seniors Committee for 2015.
“I’m currently working to preserve two very important parcels including: a five acre parcel on Landing Road in Miller Place, that connects to Suffolk County’s Cordwood Park; and 15 acres in Mt. Sinai adjacent to Old Post Road, which is the remaining acreage of the Little Portion Friary,” said Legislator Anker. “Preservation of open space is vital in protecting our ground water as well as protecting the character of our communities.”