The East End of Long Island was originally a farming and fishing community, dating back to the 1640s with the colonists, and, for many years prior to that time, for the Shinnecock and Montaukett. The original inhabitants lived off the land and the waters.
Due to myriad reasons, harvesting the bounty of the seas is no longer possible in the manner it once was, but this year we have the opportunity to correct the course of water quality. A eighth of one cent tax on goods and services in Suffolk County would be dedicated to preserving our water quality, not only of our surface waters but also of our drinking water.
This tax would create a continuing funding stream for upgrades to innovative/alternative septic systems to replace the over 350,000 antiquated septic systems in Suffolk County, but would also provide funding for wastewater plants to be expanded or built in locations where this was deemed appropriate.
A vote of yes for Proposition 2 on the back of the ballot this election season is supported by our local residents, environmentalists, the business community, organized labor and also has received bipartisan political support.
Please join your fellow East End community in voting to preserve and protect our water quality. Upgrading septic systems and wastewater infrastructure aids in decreasing the amount of nitrogen entering our waterways, which create or add to harmful algal blooms that have enormous public health implications.
Whether you are voting now through Sunday, November 3, during early voting, or on Election Day, flip the ballot and vote yes for clean water on Proposition 2.
Ann Welker
Suffolk County Legislator
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