Sarah Anker's Priorities for Suffolk County:
Affordability and Fiscal Responsibility
Many residents are faced with serious economic challenges due to the high cost of living in Suffolk County. In the face of this reality, as a former Suffolk County Legislator and former Co-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Sarah Anker focused on holding the line on government spending, stabilizing government services, and working toward continued economic growth of Long Island. In 2011, when she was first elected, Suffolk County had a $500 million deficit, by the time she left office, the county paid down its debt and increased its bond rating.
Prioritizing Public Safety
Sarah will provide a loud and resounding voice in the Democratic majority for law enforcement support. Everyone needs to feel safe in their community and it’s up to the state to protect and support our men and women in law enforcement. Over the past decade, she has been endorsed and supported by Suffolk County Law Enforcement, and as a NYS Senator she will fight for stronger laws that keep criminals off the streets and laws that protect those that protect us.
Fighting the Drug Epidemic
As the former Chairwoman of Suffolk County’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel, Sarah Anker supported drug and substance abuse awareness initiatives that incorporate education and prevention awareness and long-term rehabilitation programs. By working with local advocates, police, and school districts, Sarah sought to incorporate community and legislative action to keep our kids safe and away from drugs. Working with the Suffolk County Police Department and North Shore Youth Council, Sarah created a pilot program for family counseling within schools.
Securing Our Future
Sarah Anker prioritizes keeping our economy strong and making Suffolk County affordable for families. Many young adults find it difficult to stay on Long Island and raise a family due to the lack of housing and job opportunities. In a report by Community Housing Innovation, the organization stated that the young adult workforce on Long Island is in a demographic collapse, with the population between ages 25 to 34 have declined in Suffolk County by 12.74%. Sarah sponsored a bill directing the county’s Office of Affordable Housing to research the development to build housing focusing on young adults. The idea of PYACs, Planned Young Adult Communities came from the concept of Planned Retirement Communities.
Protecting Our Environment and Health
As a Suffolk County Legislator, Sarah supported the preservation of thousands of acres of open space to protect our drinking water, and farmland development rights to safeguard our farmland legacy. She advocated for remediation of toxic sites as well as education programs to encourage residents to “Go Green” by recycling, using less toxic chemicals and being good stewards of our environment.
Supporting Our Veterans and Protecting Our Seniors
As the former Chairwoman of the Seniors and Consumer Protection Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Veterans Committee, Sarah Anker partnered with senior and veteran groups to address their concerns focusing on affordability, health, and resources. She understands that it has become more and more expensive to live in Suffolk County, and she proactively found ways to cut costs for residents by saving on energy and housing.
Partnering With Organizations and Improving Our Quality of Life
In order to maintain healthy, safe, and culture-rich communities for children and families, Sarah Anker worked with federal, state, and county departments, along with not-for-profit organizations and advocacy groups to develop an array of programs including addiction prevention and educational programs at schools, scam alert presentations at senior communities, cancer support programs, veteran resources events, and local business fairs to encourage residents to shop local. She developed multiple neighborhood watch programs working with police and has secured substantial funding and support for historical societies and science organizations.
North Shore Rail Trail aka “Rails to Trails”
The North Shore Rail Trail, aka “Rails to Trails”, project was opened in 2022 after sitting idle for over fifty years. The proposed 10-mile recreational path provides a safe place for residents to walk, jog and bike. Throughout the trail’s design, public outreach has provided residents with opportunities to gauge interest and share concerns. The trail project creates a green transportation alternative that will help facilitate economic development, provides a safer alternative to recreate, reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality, and encourages healthier lifestyles.
