Leadership

Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey

Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey

The Presiding Officer is a statutory role in the County Legislature. The entire body of 18 legislators vote to select the Presiding Officer. If a tie vote occurs, it is the role of the Suffolk County Clerk to break the tie with a selection of the Presiding Officer. The Clerk can select either of the members that tied, or any other member of the body. The Presiding Officer is the official head of the Legislative branch in Suffolk County. He is responsible for setting the calendar of dates for meetings, creating the composition of committees and the members on them, appointing of individuals to various boards and commissions, and being the representative of the Legislative Branch in Suffolk County. Despite being the representative of all 18 legislators, the Presiding Officer also answers to his own district that elected him.

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron

Deputy Presiding Officer Steven J. Flotteron

The role of the Deputy Presiding Officer is statutory in nature. It, along with the Presiding Officer, are the only roles that the entire body of the Legislature vote on to select. The Deputy Presiding Officer is usually selected from amongst the members of the majority caucus, though there have been times where a coalition of majority and minority members of the caucuses unite to appoint a Deputy Presiding Officer. The role of the Deputy Presiding Officer is primarily to be available to preside over the meeting, in the absence of the Presiding Officer.

Legislator Nick Caracappa

Majority Leader Nick Caracappa

The Majority Leader for the Suffolk County Legislature serves as the caucus head of the majority party coalition in the Suffolk County Legislature. This individual is selected from among the members of the caucus that possesses more than 9 members. The Majority Leader’s job is to be a representative of the majority caucus’ position on various issues present in Suffolk County. Some Boards & Commissions created by the County Legislature entitle the Majority Leader the opportunity to appoint individuals to serve as a representative.

Legislator Jason Richberg

Minority Leader Jason Richberg

The Minority leader serves as the caucus head of the minority party coalition in the Suffolk County Legislature. This individual is selected from among the members of the caucus that possesses less than 9 members. The job of the Minority Leader is to articulate the positions of the minority caucus on various issues that come up in Suffolk County. Their job is to be the loyal opposition to the government in power. Some Boards & Commissions created by the County Legislature entitle the Minority Leader the opportunity to appoint individuals to serve as a representative.