Suffolk's new legislators settle into office with focus on affordability and infrastructure

Three newly sworn-in Suffolk County legislators — RJ Renna, Sal Formica and Greg Doroski — said they will prioritize affordability, public safety and county infrastructure as they begin their terms following the Jan. 5 organizational meeting.

Three new members joined the Suffolk County Legislature last week and were sworn in alongside 15 incumbents. The newcomers — RJ Renna, Sal Formica and Greg Doroski — said affordability, public safety and county infrastructure will be priorities as they settle into office. The shift follows November elections that left Republicans with an 11-7 majority and brought changes in the legislature's leadership. Voters approved a referendum changing term lengths after the state's move of local elections to even years, and the Suffolk Democratic Committee has said it may challenge that referendum's legality. Key details: - The three newcomers described a busy first week of meetings, setting up offices and preparing for the year ahead. Renna is 34 and will keep his outside job in marketing while serving on the legislature. - Republicans hold an 11-7 majority; Anthony Piccirillo was sworn in as presiding officer and James Mazzarella as deputy presiding officer. Legislator pay figures were reported in the county budget. - All legislators are serving three-year terms after a November referendum that adjusts term lengths tied to the change in election timing; a possible legal challenge to that referendum has been announced. - County Executive Edward P. Romaine addressed the body, said he will meet individually with each legislator, and emphasized fiscal challenges and adherence to the state tax cap when preparing the county budget. - Formica highlighted sewer projects in his district, including a Route 25A project in Kings Park estimated at more than $104 million. Renna mentioned local infrastructure needs such as dredging and streetscape work in Babylon and an amphitheater project in Lindenhurst. - Doroski noted priorities of preserving open space and farmland and protecting water quality, and he asked for more regular meetings on the East End when the legislative calendar was considered. Summary: The new legislators will join the existing body in overseeing county finances, adopting local laws and advocating for district needs while operating under a Republican majority. The reported priorities include affordability, public safety and infrastructure projects, and the referendum on term lengths could face a legal challenge that may affect when some members next stand for election.