Huntington, NY- Assemblyman Steve Stern (D- 10th AD) welcomed Speaker Carl E. Heastie to the 10th Assembly District to address issues critical to our community including water quality, infrastructure and public safety.

The first stop was Huntington Harbor to discuss the need for investments in water quality initiatives. Currently, up to 70% percent of Suffolk County is un-sewered, meaning households and businesses pump their waste directly into the ground. Investments in sewer infrastructure and next generation septic systems will protect the water we drink, and the health and beauty of the Long Island Sound.

The second stop was the Tri Community CYA in Huntington. Speaker Heastie and Assemblyman Stern met with Tri CYA Regional Director Debbie Rimler, and discussed the importance of public safety for both protecting our quality of life, as well as for the future of economic development in the area. While well known as one of the safest communities in the nation, there are hot spots of crime activity, including concerns about the gang MS-13. To better understand local challenges with MS-13, Assemblyman Stern and Speaker Heastie also met with District Attorney Tim Sini, Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart and Second Precinct Inspector Christopher Hatton.

“These state wide tours are a great reminder of the incredible beauty of New York, but also of the unique challenges that face our communities,” Speaker Heastie said. “Investments in things like water and sewer infrastructure and public safety programs will help places like Suffolk County flourish – improving the quality of life, and protecting the environment for generations to come.”

“We all know that Suffolk County is a wonderful place to live and raise our families,” Assemblyman Stern said. “And it is our responsibility to ensure it stays that way for our children and our grandchildren. Investments in our water quality infrastructure will protect the water we drink and our precious environment. Investments in public safety and working with our local law enforcement to curb gang violence will keep our families safe. I thank Speaker Heastie for visiting our Long Island neighborhoods to experience our natural beauty, our vibrancy and diversity and to further understand the challenges that we face as a growing suburban community. I look forward to working with Speaker Heastie and with my colleagues in the Assembly on these issues that are so important to our residents.”