Eliminate the Treasurer

Voters will decide on Tuesday whether Suffolk will continue to have both a county treasurer and a county comptroller. Both are elected positions. This should settle a lengthy dispute between Angie Carpenter, the longtime treasurer, and County Executive Steve Bellone. Mr. Bellone has sought to eliminate the treasurer’s post to streamline government and reduce the cost to taxpayers by as much as $800,000 a year in departmental salaries and related expenses. If approved, the comptroller would assume the duties of the treasurer, which for the most part are paying the bills. It’s a good idea.

Ms. Carpenter’s time in office ends on Dec. 31, 2017, because of term limits. If the proposal were approved, the post would be eliminated at that point. She has said a treasurer is important to provide checks and balances. However, the County Legislature could follow the lead of most other New York counties and appoint less highly salaried personnel to serve that role, while the comptroller provides oversight.

At a time when Suffolk faces continual struggles on spending and residents bemoan high taxes, every dollar that can be saved matters. Vote yes.