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Suffolk legislature passes bill barring pharmacies from selling tobacco products

Suffolk County Legislature
Apr
9
2019

The Suffolk Legislature approved a local bill Tuesday that would bar pharmacies from selling tobacco products, with lawmakers saying tobacco sales run counter to the stores' role in the protection of public health.
“Selling tobacco products is directly at odds with a pharmacy’s mission as a health-oriented business,” said Legis. William Spencer, a physician who sponsored the measure. He noted that the state pharmacy society backs the move and major chains like CVS have already adopted such policies on their own.| read more ››

Suffolk plastic bag use down by 1.1 billion, report says

William Spencer
Mar
22
2019

Some Suffolk County shoppers were outraged when a 5-cent fee on single-use plastic and paper bags went into effect in January 2018 but officials said the law is working as intended.

Not only were 1.1 billion fewer plastic bags used in the county last year, but the number of bags found polluting shorelines fell steeply compared with 2017, according to a report on the law’s progress that was released Thursday.

“So just think about that and what a difference it makes,” Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport), who sponsored the bill, said Thursday.

Spencer and other government officials, environmental advocates, and retail and education representatives attended a news conference at the legislature building in Hauppauge to present the report.

On Jan. 1,...| read more ››

Huntington Town OKs county study of expanding sewers

Photo Credit: Ed Betz
Sep
24
2017

The Huntington Town Board approved the next step in allowing Suffolk County to fund and conduct a feasibility and design study of extending the Southwest Sewer District into Huntington Station, an effort that officials said could boost revitalization projects.

Suffolk County legislators in December approved $1.25 million from the Start Up New York/Suffolk County program to study installing sewers from the Huntington Long Island Rail Road station to the Walt Whitman Shops, about 2 miles south.
The grant will be used to fund the county study to identify the location of the sewer extension, the infrastructure involved and the cost.

“This approves and accepts that we are a part of the study,” Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said of the...| read more ››

Legislator William Spencer Partners With Long Island Green Homes To Bring Energy Savings to Huntington Residents

Aug
16
2017

All homeowners are welcome and encouraged to attend one of the two sessions offered.

Huntington, NY - August 16, 2017 - Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. has partnered with Long Island Green Homes to offer two home energy presentations for residents in the Town of Huntington during the month of September. The presentations will provide information on how homeowners can receive a FREE energy audit which will specify the areas in their home where the most energy is being wasted and give clear guidance on how homeowners can fix the issues to save money on their bills, and make their home more energy efficient and comfortable year round.

“As the Suffolk County Legislator in the 18th Legislative District,...| read more ››

New surveillance cameras to help fight crime in Suffolk

Jul
10
2017

GREENLAWN -
Suffolk police say a dozen new surveillance cameras have been placed in strategic locations in an effort to fight crime in the county.

Legislator William Spencer says the county is trying to send a very clear message that crime will not be tolerated and adds that cameras are a very good deterrent.

Each precinct will have one or two cameras that will be placed in strategic locations. The cameras are portable, so they will be able to be moved to different areas of concern.

"This is a very exciting moment. We've had some concerns in the community, especially after the Fourth of July. People were out late, they were celebrating and sometimes we'll see...| read more ››

Suffolk lawmakers approve $10M grant for high-tech septic systems

May
16
2017

The Suffolk Legislature on Tuesday unanimously approved a $10 million grant program to help homeowners pay for high-tech septic systems that can cost as much as $17,500, in the first major step in a county program to combat nitrogen levels in local waters.

Lawmakers also approved the hiring of four new employees so the county can begin processing grant applications July 1. Officials hope installations can begin four to six weeks later.

“Today Suffolk County has made history . . . to help solve our water quality crisis on Long Island,” said County Executive Steve Bellone, who proposed the grant effort. “After decades of managing the decline of our water bodies, we are finally turning the tide.”

The grants funded...| read more ››

Suffolk County Health Committee Updated on 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline [LongIsland.com]

Mar
8
2017

Riverhead, NY – With the one year anniversary of the Suffolk County 24/7 Substance Abuse Hotline approaching, Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. invited Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC (Email), Executive Director of LICADD, to come before the Health Committee on Thursday, March 2nd, to provide an update on the program. “The impact of substance abuse continues to devastate individuals, families and communities throughout Suffolk County. It’s imperative that we maintain a dialogue with our partners in our fight against this crisis.” stated Legislator William R. Spencer.

With the highest number of overdose fatalities in New York State, Suffolk County continues to battle the effects of substance abuse. In partnership with Communities of Solution and LICADD, Suffolk County launched this Hotline in...| read more ››

Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Leg. William "Doc" Spencer

Jan
24
2017

Every child has hopes and dreams. Mentoring brings caring adults together with children in need through safe and effective programs.
Huntington Station, NY - January 23, 2017 - Every child has hopes and dreams. Mentoring brings caring adults together with children in need through safe and effective programs. By being a consistent adult presence in a young person’s life, mentors can help a young person navigate challenges, offer advice and share life experiences. Research has shown that children who have caring adults in their lives have a better chance of staying in school, out of gangs and away from drugs. It is for these reasons and more that Suffolk County Legislator William “Doc” Spencer has sponsored a weekly Mentoring...| read more ››

$1.25M Infrastructure Expansion Looks to Revitalize Huntington Station

Jan
9
2017

A $1.25 million plan to expand infrastructure along New York Avenue in Huntington Station is expected to boost economic growth across Suffolk County, local leaders and community organizations announced Monday.

The funds, which were approved by the Suffolk County Legislature in December, will be used to complete a comprehensive report, engineering and design plan for sewers south of the Huntington Train Station.

“Investing in sewers is the foundation of advancing the revitalization and will open the door to a bright future for the community,” Legislator William R. Spencer said in a press release. “With engaged partners in the town and community moving this forward, the sewers will enable Huntington Station to once again reclaim our strong sense of place and...| read more ››

Leg. Spencer and Supervisor Petrone Team-Up to Sponsor Seminar for Local Businesses

Nov
7
2016

Sponsored by Suffolk County Leg. Spencer and Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone the seminar was geared toward local businesses to engage with elected officials, key government agencies and neighboring business professionals throughout the town.
Huntington, NY - November 4, 2016 - The Suffolk County Legislature is using its successful day-long business forum “Charting the Course” and taking the show on the road; bringing a host of government services and programs directly to local business markets. The seminar made its way to downtown Huntington on Wednesday, November 2 at LaunchPad Huntington, 315 Main Street.

Sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer and Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone the seminar was geared toward local businesses to engage with elected officials,...| read more ››

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