(Photo: Suffolk County Legislature) Newly elected Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (standing center) swears his Oath of Office before Suffolk County Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca, J.S.C. (left) as his Chief Legislative Aide and mother (holding the bible) look on at the Legislature’s annual Organizational Meeting on January 5 in Hauppauge.
By Hank Russell
Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo was elected presiding officer during the legislature’s annual organizational meeting on January 5 in Hauppauge. He was joined by James Mazzarella (R-Moriches), who was elected deputy presiding officer.
Picirillo succeeds Kevin McCaffrey, who was term-limited out.
According to his biography, Piccirillo (R-Holbrook) was elected in 2019. He serves on the Environment, Parks and Agriculture Committee as well as the Veterans and Consumer Affairs Committee. Further, he has also chaired the Capital Budget Working Group since 2022 and was tapped to head the Legislature’s Special Committee to Investigate the 2022 Cyber Attack.
Before starting a career in public service, he spent more than 20 years in the private sector working various service industry jobs. More recently, he was a legislative aide for Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-West Islip).
Among the initiatives Piccirillo introduced were ending the funding of political campaigns with taxpayer dollars, stopping the Red Light Camera Program, budgeting for more law enforcement, implementing the Water Quality Restoration Act, achieving sewers for Oakdale, funding major roadway reconstruction and traffic improvement across the Eighth Legislative District, and earning six bond rating upgrades for Suffolk County.
Piccirillo thanked his colleagues for electing him to this position. He also said he “look[s] forward to finishing the work we started over the last several years.”
“I am confident that we can all look forward to working in partnership to accomplish even more for Suffolk’s residents in the upcoming year,” said Piccirillo. “I am optimistic about our future. I believe in this Legislature. I believe in our County. And I believe that when we lead with integrity, courage, and cooperation, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”
“Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo brings deep institutional knowledge and tested leadership to this role,” he said. “His service as Chair of Government Operations and the Environment, Planning & Agriculture Committees, as well as his leadership of the Select Committee that investigated the cybersecurity breach under Steve Bellone, the previous Democrat administration, demonstrates his command of the issues and the seriousness with which he approaches oversight and governance.”
He added that Mazzarella “has provided steady leadership on critical issues, including Economic Development. Majority Leader Nick Caracappa’s work guiding Public Works, and Legislator Steve Flotteron’s leadership on Public Safety, underscore the depth of experience and professionalism this team brings to the table.”
“Together, this Republican Majority represents continuity, competence, and conviction,” Garia said. “They are true to the ideals that have restored fiscal discipline, strengthened public safety, and renewed confidence in Suffolk County government.”