Statement by Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia: The Appellate Division’s Decision to Thwart the Will of the People; Allow Career Politicians

“Today, a panel of politically connected judges who were appointed to their positions by Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo put their thumbs on the scales of justice, thwarting the clear will and intention of Suffolk voters who approved term limits by public referendum. 
 
“Today, Kate Browning, the Democrats, and activist justices put career politicians and their special interests ahead of the will and direct vote of the people of Suffolk County.
 
“This galling decision runs counter to the intention of voters who went to the polls and clearly made their feelings known that they wanted to limit the term of office of their county legislators to no more than 12 years.  It is a travesty that cannot be allowed to stand. As a defender of term limits and the vote of the people, the Suffolk County Republican Party is considering all of its legal options. 
 
“Since Suffolk’s term limits law was enacted, 18 legislators have served 12 consecutive years without trying to come back.  After already collecting about $2 million in taxpayer-funded salary and benefits, while neglecting the communities of the Third District for 12 years, Kate Browning is the first to thumb her nose at the voters and fight to exploit what she wrongly sees as a loophole in the law.
 
“We remain undaunted and will successfully thwart at the ballot box the political power grab by Kate Browning and the Democrats. Middle-class families have all fallen victim to the travesty Democratic one-party rule in Washington and Albany.  Our stand is here, with the people of the Third Legislative District and all of Suffolk County.”