Levy still strong with the public

[BrookhavenDem09]

The Lesko victory was also a victory for Steve Levy and his brand. While these blogs are filled with employees agitated over a potential lag payroll, the vast majority in the private sector out there love that Levy is a leader who seeks to protect their interests.

I was knocking on doors in this area before the election and was overwhelmed with how popular Levy remains with the average taxpayer. There are many people who said they would vote for Lesko simply because he said he would try to be a watchdog in the mold of Levy.

[Unregistered Time]

The Lesko victory was also a victory for Steve Levy and his brand. While these blogs are filled with employees agitated over a potential lag payroll, the vast majority in the private sector out there love that Levy is a leader who seeks to protect their interests.

I was knocking on doors in this area before the election and was overwhelmed with how popular Levy remains with the average taxpayer. There are many people who said they would vote for Lesko simply because he said he would try to be a watchdog in the mold of Levy.


Lets see he is driving his people that work with him away the first sign that someting is wrong,the average taxpayer in November votes so if things are not looking that good start knocking on those same doors and see what they say now

[ddkkssll]

I am a registered Democrat (and do some political campaigning) and County employee. I voted for Levy the first time but never will again. I am shocked at the heavy handed way he treats the county employees. I will campaign and make a contribution for any opponent he has in the future. Win or lose.

[Dearddkkssll]

I am a registered Democrat (and do some political campaigning) and County employee. I voted for Levy the first time but never will again. I am shocked at the heavy handed way he treats the county employees. I will campaign and make a contribution for any opponent he has in the future. Win or lose.

How do you think employees in the private sector are getting "treated" these days?

Do you think secretarys and clerks and receptionists and data entry clerks in the private sector are getting medical benifits, 401k's, secure pensions, union representation, annuities, loan and mortgage programs, 10 holidays paid and 6 weeks paid vacation?

Maybe the problem is you see yourself as a taxpayer and as a county employee and are having trouble with the distinction, therefore, you have a conflict of interest. So try this, pretend you don't work for Suffolk County and only pay taxes to Suffolk county because you're a resident. Now who do you think Steve Levy works for, the members of the CESA, or the other 95% of taxpayers who aren't county employees?

We all see what's been going on over the years with State and Federal taxes, town taxes and the scandals. Not to mention what has happened to your school tax bills over the past 10 budgets (they've doubled.) Imagine what County taxes would be if Steve cared about every county employee heaping praises on him instead of doing his job.

Maybe in the future all you civil servants might try to think and form your opinions outside of the cubicle, have some considerations or at least listen to the input of others, and understand that it's not all about you.

Besides, if you really do feel you're worth so much more, why don't you just quit and go work for someone else?

[YouAreASchmuck!!!]

How do you think employees in the private sector are getting "treated" these days?

Do you think secretarys and clerks and receptionists and data entry clerks in the private sector are getting medical benifits, 401k's, secure pensions, union representation, annuities, loan and mortgage programs, 10 holidays paid and 6 weeks paid vacation?

Maybe the problem is you see yourself as a taxpayer and as a county employee and are having trouble with the distinction, therefore, you have a conflict of interest. So try this, pretend you don't work for Suffolk County and only pay taxes to Suffolk county because you're a resident. Now who do you think Steve Levy works for, the members of the CESA, or the other 95% of taxpayers who aren't county employees?

We all see what's been going on over the years with State and Federal taxes, town taxes and the scandals. Not to mention what has happened to your school tax bills over the past 10 budgets (they've doubled.) Imagine what County taxes would be if Steve cared about every county employee heaping praises on him instead of doing his job.

Maybe in the future all you civil servants might try to think and form your opinions outside of the cubicle, have some considerations or at least listen to the input of others, and understand that it's not all about you.

Besides, if you really do feel you're worth so much more, why don't you just quit and go work for someone else?


Listen....you chose your job...we chose our job......You chose to earn more money with a higher risk....we chose public service...it does not pay as much as your decision,but we chose it for benefits and pension.You keep saying that WE....the Civil Servants should be THANKFUL for the jobs we have.WE ARE....we are proud of the jobs we do for less money than private sector employess.....and we thank you for enticing good people with decent benefits to accept these positions FOR LESS MONEY!!!!!!...We have kept up our side of the bargain....you need to keep up yours!!!!.....If your savior Steve Levy continues to offer less and less......you will end up with less qualified workers and much less motivated workers.Remeber....you get what you pay for!!!!....and if the trend continues your quality of service provided will continue to deteriorate!!!!!!

[SoNowImTheSchmuck?]

Listen....you chose your job...we chose our job......You chose to earn more money with a higher risk....we chose public service...it does not pay as much as your decision,but we chose it for benefits and pension.You keep saying that WE....the Civil Servants should be THANKFUL for the jobs we have.WE ARE....we are proud of the jobs we do for less money than private sector employess.....and we thank you for enticing good people with decent benefits to accept these positions FOR LESS MONEY!!!!!!...We have kept up our side of the bargain....you need to keep up yours!!!!....

And exactly what IS "our" side of the bargian? To continue raising your salary by 5% every year, even though there is NO REASON to do so?



.If your savior Steve Levy continues to offer less and less......you will end up with less qualified workers and much less motivated workers.Remeber....you get what you pay for!!!!....and if the trend continues your quality of service provided will continue to deteriorate!!!!!!

The quality of WHAT SERVICE?

[Unregistered done]

And exactly what IS "our" side of the bargian? To continue raising your salary by 5% every year, even though there is NO REASON to do so?




The quality of WHAT SERVICE?

Look at your county portion of your taxes and then look at the school portion. If you have to raise your taxes $20.00 a year to everybody in Suffolk to save the county then it should be done,Why should I lose 2 weeks pay to bail out everybody else, are they giving up 2 weeks in there job so my car insurance goes down, my grocery bill goes down, my electric bill goes down, etc. All workers in those jobs are not giving up 2 weeks pay for us why should I.

[Unregistered45646]

Listen....you chose your job...we chose our job......You chose to earn more money with a higher risk....we chose public service...it does not pay as much as your decision,but we chose it for benefits and pension.You keep saying that WE....the Civil Servants should be THANKFUL for the jobs we have.WE ARE....we are proud of the jobs we do for less money than private sector employess.....and we thank you for enticing good people with decent benefits to accept these positions FOR LESS MONEY!!!!!!...We have kept up our side of the bargain....you need to keep up yours!!!!.....If your savior Steve Levy continues to offer less and less......you will end up with less qualified workers and much less motivated workers.Remeber....you get what you pay for!!!!....and if the trend continues your quality of service provided will continue to deteriorate!!!!!!


"You chose to earn more money with a higher risk....we chose public service...it does not pay as much as your decision,but we chose it for benefits and pension"

for the most part i'm with you, but please re-look at private sector salaries for comparable work. it is not more. it is less. do not use this argument anymore. maybe years ago this way the case. it no longer is. the private sector and government work has nearly flipped this argument around, except if private, we do not get pensions, our health care is constantly in jeopardy. however, unlike a lot of this chuckleheads that were prefer to see civil servants reduced to "our level" in order to get some perverse satisfaction, i would much rather see us come up to your level.

(and since i'm probably never going to look at this thread again, i just want to make a preemptive comment, when comparing private sector salaries to government sector salaries, it is unfair and unjust to throw in the salaries of a few superearners in the private sector in order to get a skewed average salary. they should be excluded, and if you do that, you'll see that private sector workers earn much lower than what government sector workers seem to think we do.)

[WeHaveAJobToDo]

"You chose to earn more money with a higher risk....we chose public service...it does not pay as much as your decision,but we chose it for benefits and pension"

for the most part i'm with you, but please re-look at private sector salaries for comparable work. it is not more. it is less. do not use this argument anymore. maybe years ago this way the case. it no longer is. the private sector and government work has nearly flipped this argument around, except if private, we do not get pensions, our health care is constantly in jeopardy. however, unlike a lot of this chuckleheads that were prefer to see civil servants reduced to "our level" in order to get some perverse satisfaction, i would much rather see us come up to your level.

(and since i'm probably never going to look at this thread again, i just want to make a preemptive comment, when comparing private sector salaries to government sector salaries, it is unfair and unjust to throw in the salaries of a few superearners in the private sector in order to get a skewed average salary. they should be excluded, and if you do that, you'll see that private sector workers earn much lower than what government sector workers seem to think we do.)


All I have to say is this......I worked in the private sector for 15 years....I saw the writing on the wall.......for years private employers have been reducing the salaries of their employees and increasing their own fat paychecks.....the company I worked for had a pension plan but closed it ....paid every tenured employee a minuscule amount and then told us to invest in our own 401k.
I was thinking about MY future and My families future.I began taking Civil Service tests....I paid 100 dollars for the test....I had to use all whopping 6 days of sick time.....and my 3 vacation days to take a physical,agility and pshycolgical test.I did this because I saw the private sector killing their employees just to make a buck more for themselves.......There is no reason YOU COULD NOT HAVE DONE THE SAME THING!!!!!!!!Don't bash US because you didn't have the same idea!!!!!

[Unregistered456465]

All I have to say is this......I worked in the private sector for 15 years....I saw the writing on the wall.......for years private employers have been reducing the salaries of their employees and increasing their own fat paychecks.....the company I worked for had a pension plan but closed it ....paid every tenured employee a minuscule amount and then told us to invest in our own 401k.
I was thinking about MY future and My families future.I began taking Civil Service tests....I paid 100 dollars for the test....I had to use all whopping 6 days of sick time.....and my 3 vacation days to take a physical,agility and pshycolgical test.I did this because I saw the private sector killing their employees just to make a buck more for themselves.......There is no reason YOU COULD NOT HAVE DONE THE SAME THING!!!!!!!!Don't bash US because you didn't have the same idea!!!!!



...ummm, I don't think this was bashing you...

[Sorry!@12]

...ummm, I don't think this was bashing you...



I should have deleted the last line.....I am still upset with the other who loves Levy!!!!!

[Unregistered4654]

I should have deleted the last line.....I am still upset with the other who loves Levy!!!!!


haha... no problem, levy has that effect.... (and if you noticed, i ended out checking this thread again).

have a great weekend, be safe, and don't let levy get you down!

[misinformaitonagain]

How do you think employees in the private sector are getting "treated" these days?

Do you think secretarys and clerks and receptionists and data entry clerks in the private sector are getting medical benifits, 401k's, secure pensions, union representation, annuities, loan and mortgage programs, 10 holidays paid and 6 weeks paid vacation?

Maybe the problem is you see yourself as a taxpayer and as a county employee and are having trouble with the distinction, therefore, you have a conflict of interest. So try this, pretend you don't work for Suffolk County and only pay taxes to Suffolk county because you're a resident. Now who do you think Steve Levy works for, the members of the CESA, or the other 95% of taxpayers who aren't county employees?

We all see what's been going on over the years with State and Federal taxes, town taxes and the scandals. Not to mention what has happened to your school tax bills over the past 10 budgets (they've doubled.) Imagine what County taxes would be if Steve cared about every county employee heaping praises on him instead of doing his job.

Maybe in the future all you civil servants might try to think and form your opinions outside of the cubicle, have some considerations or at least listen to the input of others, and understand that it's not all about you.

Besides, if you really do feel you're worth so much more, why don't you just quit and go work for someone else?

I have been with the county for 19 years, I almost have 6 weeks vacation, I do not pay into a 401k so I don't have one, there are no annuities, and the loans come from the money we pay into our pensions. And we do not belong to the CSEA. You should at least make an effort to know what you are talking about before you run your mouth. I have a college education that I paid for and have taken exams for any promotion I have received. Nothing was given to me or any of my co workers. We work for it and we earn it. And pay our taxes.

[Another county Worker]

How do you think employees in the private sector are getting "treated" these days?

Do you think secretarys and clerks and receptionists and data entry clerks in the private sector are getting medical benifits, 401k's, secure pensions, union representation, annuities, loan and mortgage programs, 10 holidays paid and 6 weeks paid vacation?

Maybe the problem is you see yourself as a taxpayer and as a county employee and are having trouble with the distinction, therefore, you have a conflict of interest. So try this, pretend you don't work for Suffolk County and only pay taxes to Suffolk county because you're a resident. Now who do you think Steve Levy works for, the members of the CESA, or the other 95% of taxpayers who aren't county employees?

We all see what's been going on over the years with State and Federal taxes, town taxes and the scandals. Not to mention what has happened to your school tax bills over the past 10 budgets (they've doubled.) Imagine what County taxes would be if Steve cared about every county employee heaping praises on him instead of doing his job.

Maybe in the future all you civil servants might try to think and form your opinions outside of the cubicle, have some considerations or at least listen to the input of others, and understand that it's not all about you.

Besides, if you really do feel you're worth so much more, why don't you just quit and go work for someone else?

Ok I just pictured my non county boss threatening to lay me off or better yet reduce my hard earned salary, with no future increase in sight. I just heard him say my job isn't important enough to consider, when it comes to a cost of living increase's or merit award for excellence in customer/client service,after he's already given himself a nice cushy raise. Guess what HE can look forward to at boss's day? A Great Big KICK-IN-ASS because that's what he deserves whether he's your boss or mine.
Nobody deserves to be threatened with their job for the "better good of the taxpaying private sector" Sure you can gripe all you want. Your job is safe from the clutches of the fiscal wrangling of the county Executive. and I worked in the private sector. The pay was generally higher. I took a 20% paycut to work in civil service because, Yes the benefits made up for the shortfall in salary. Well, I guess that was a mistake! They lure you in with low salary and "guaranteed Self-insured benefits" and than make you fight not only for every dollar you make but your job as well. Nice you have to take a test and be on a list for 3 years waiting to be called fkor this

[Another county Worker]

How do you think employees in the private sector are getting "treated" these days?

Do you think secretarys and clerks and receptionists and data entry clerks in the private sector are getting medical benifits, 401k's, secure pensions, union representation, annuities, loan and mortgage programs, 10 holidays paid and 6 weeks paid vacation?

Maybe the problem is you see yourself as a taxpayer and as a county employee and are having trouble with the distinction, therefore, you have a conflict of interest. So try this, pretend you don't work for Suffolk County and only pay taxes to Suffolk county because you're a resident. Now who do you think Steve Levy works for, the members of the CESA, or the other 95% of taxpayers who aren't county employees?

We all see what's been going on over the years with State and Federal taxes, town taxes and the scandals. Not to mention what has happened to your school tax bills over the past 10 budgets (they've doubled.) Imagine what County taxes would be if Steve cared about every county employee heaping praises on him instead of doing his job.

Maybe in the future all you civil servants might try to think and form your opinions outside of the cubicle, have some considerations or at least listen to the input of others, and understand that it's not all about you.

Besides, if you really do feel you're worth so much more, why don't you just quit and go work for someone else?

Ok I just pictured my non county boss threatening to lay me off or better yet reduce my hard earned salary, with no future increase in sight. I just heard him say my job isn't important enough to consider, when it comes to a cost of living increase's or merit award for excellence in customer/client service,after he's already given himself a nice cushy raise. Guess what HE can look forward to at boss's day? A Great Big KICK-IN-ASS because that's what he deserves whether he's your boss or mine.
Nobody deserves to be threatened with their job for the "better good of the taxpaying private sector" Sure you can gripe all you want. Your job is safe from the clutches of the fiscal wrangling of the county Executive. and I worked in the private sector. The pay was generally higher. I took a 20% paycut to work in civil service because, Yes the benefits made up for the shortfall in salary. Well, I guess that was a mistake! They lure you in with low salary and "guaranteed Self-insured benefits" and than make you fight not only for every dollar you make but your job as well. Nice you have to take a test and be on a list for 3 years waiting to be called for this

[urmisinfrmedandaliar]

How do you think employees in the private sector are getting "treated" these days?

Do you think secretarys and clerks and receptionists and data entry clerks in the private sector are getting medical benifits, 401k's, secure pensions, union representation, annuities, loan and mortgage programs, 10 holidays paid and 6 weeks paid vacation?

Maybe the problem is you see yourself as a taxpayer and as a county employee and are having trouble with the distinction, therefore, you have a conflict of interest. So try this, pretend you don't work for Suffolk County and only pay taxes to Suffolk county because you're a resident. Now who do you think Steve Levy works for, the members of the CESA, or the other 95% of taxpayers who aren't county employees?

We all see what's been going on over the years with State and Federal taxes, town taxes and the scandals. Not to mention what has happened to your school tax bills over the past 10 budgets (they've doubled.) Imagine what County taxes would be if Steve cared about every county employee heaping praises on him instead of doing his job.


Yeah the county portion of your tax bill would have went up 10 bucks. Stop the levy BS, you lying spin machine!

[WhoIsMisinformed]

I have been with the county for 19 years, I almost have 6 weeks vacation, I do not pay into a 401k so I don't have one, there are no annuities, and the loans come from the money we pay into our pensions. And we do not belong to the CSEA. You should at least make an effort to know what you are talking about before you run your mouth. I have a college education that I paid for and have taken exams for any promotion I have received. Nothing was given to me or any of my co workers. We work for it and we earn it. And pay our taxes.

19 years, almost 6 weeks vacation. Now how many private sector employees do you know of, in a similar position, have that? An annuity in case you weren't aware (which it seems you aren't) is a pension with a guaranteed defined benifit. (Ex: you'll get X dollars per pension credit upon retirement, regardless of markey conditions.)

Everybody who works for a living earns a living. That's not in question, what is in question is why you think you're entitled to everything your union is demanding.

I notice you never did answer anything about who Levy works for, the state of our County budget as compared to everything else, or the fact that in reality you're the cat's meow when it comes to people working a comparable position in the private sector. Instead you want to quibble about your union's call letters.

I'll take that to mean you have no defense against most of what I point out. And what you did defend was lame.

[BOHICA]

Who really cares what you think is lame.

I should be compensated at the same level as my counterparts in Nassau, NYC, Westchester, Bergen County, etc.

We are WAY behind these other municipalities for the same work. That's why we should be paid more/have better benefits.

Don't think it hasn't been noticed that when things were good, you laughed at us for working for less - Now you want us to suffer when you do. Can't have it both ways, Skippy.

[Allisfairinbudgettalks]

Who really cares what you think is lame.

I guess logic and reason are thrown out the window when they don't support your adgenda?


I should be compensated at the same level as my counterparts in Nassau, NYC, Westchester, Bergen County, etc.

Not by a long shot. Market conditions, incl. the laws of supply & demand ought to play a part.


We are WAY behind these other municipalities for the same work. That's why we should be paid more/have better benefits.

And a receptionist for a law firm is paid more, and gets a bigger Christmas bonus than a receptionist working for a dentist. Same work. Same hours. Welcome to reality my dear, life isn't fair.


Don't think it hasn't been noticed that when things were good, you laughed at us for working for less - Now you want us to suffer when you do. Can't have it both ways, Skippy.

Yes I can and I do. That's why you're bitching. You think in BAD times you're going to improve your conditions? LOL!

[UpYourslameA$$]

I guess logic and reason are thrown out the window when they don't support your adgenda?



Not by a long shot. Market conditions, incl. the laws of supply & demand ought to play a part.



And a receptionist for a law firm is paid more, and gets a bigger Christmas bonus than a receptionist working for a dentist. Same work. Same hours. Welcome to reality my dear, life isn't fair.



Yes I can and I do. That's why you're bitching. You think in BAD times you're going to improve your conditions? LOL!



Your last statement showed your true colors.....you truly are an A$$HOLE!!!!....TROLL!!!!!!

[misinformedagain]

19 years, almost 6 weeks vacation. Now how many private sector employees do you know of, in a similar position, have that? An annuity in case you weren't aware (which it seems you aren't) is a pension with a guaranteed defined benifit. (Ex: you'll get X dollars per pension credit upon retirement, regardless of markey conditions.)

Everybody who works for a living earns a living. That's not in question, what is in question is why you think you're entitled to everything your union is demanding.

I notice you never did answer anything about who Levy works for, the state of our County budget as compared to everything else, or the fact that in reality you're the cat's meow when it comes to people working a comparable position in the private sector. Instead you want to quibble about your union's call letters.

I'll take that to mean you have no defense against most of what I point out. And what you did defend was lame.


Your an idiot. Why do you think the general public is not responsible for their share of the financial burden. I assume you live in Suffolk County, you befit from all its services, I will bet you were happy to see the county roads clear of snow on your way to work. You sure as hell didn't clear them. And yet you befit from every job county workers preform. A friend of mine is a CPA in the private sector, he received a 10k bonus this past Christmas. So don't come crying about how bad it is in the private sector. If you have a lousy job and are so unhappy with Suffolk County employees move to another County.

[10Kbonusesweallget]

Your an idiot. Why do you think the general public is not responsible for their share of the financial burden.

Of course the public is responsible for their fair share. The operative word here is FAIR. There isn't a cop, or a plumber, or a County clerk, or a carpet installer, or a corrections officer or a soda jerk who doesn't think she or he should get paid more. Better benifits. More time off. But just having a sense of entitlement isn't enough.


I assume you live in Suffolk County, you befit from all its services, I will bet you were happy to see the county roads clear of snow on your way to work. You sure as hell didn't clear them. And yet you befit from every job county workers preform.

This statement could be used to justify anything. It's pretty worthless. Fact is, I see county roads around me in disrepair, while the county focuses mainly on large, subsidized projects in Brookhaven.


A friend of mine is a CPA in the private sector, he received a 10k bonus this past Christmas. So don't come crying about how bad it is in the private sector.

That's nice. A friend of mine works for AIG and got 10 million. So lets give the store away to a workforce that could be replaced tomorrow. How many other friends to you have employed in the private sector get 10k bonuses? This is your EXAMPLE?


If you have a lousy job and are so unhappy with Suffolk County employees move to another County.

If your County job treats you like crap then you move to another County.

[enoughalready]

Of course the public is responsible for their fair share. The operative word here is FAIR. There isn't a cop, or a plumber, or a County clerk, or a carpet installer, or a corrections officer or a soda jerk who doesn't think she or he should get paid more. Better benifits. More time off. But just having a sense of entitlement isn't enough.



This statement could be used to justify anything. It's pretty worthless. Fact is, I see county roads around me in disrepair, while the county focuses mainly on large, subsidized projects in Brookhaven.



That's nice. A friend of mine works for AIG and got 10 million. So lets give the store away to a workforce that could be replaced tomorrow. How many other friends to you have employed in the private sector get 10k bonuses? This is your EXAMPLE?



If your County job treats you like crap then you move to another County.



Give it a rest....No one should be threatened by their employer with their job...and to do it so publicly is unconscionable. If you were to be laid off I am sure it would not be on News 12.

[HellHathNoLiberty]

"You chose to earn more money with a higher risk....we chose public service...it does not pay as much as your decision,but we chose it for benefits and pension"

for the most part i'm with you, but please re-look at private sector salaries for comparable work. it is not more. it is less. do not use this argument anymore. maybe years ago this way the case. it no longer is. the private sector and government work has nearly flipped this argument around, except if private, we do not get pensions, our health care is constantly in jeopardy. however, unlike a lot of this chuckleheads that were prefer to see civil servants reduced to "our level" in order to get some perverse satisfaction, i would much rather see us come up to your level.

(and since i'm probably never going to look at this thread again, i just want to make a preemptive comment, when comparing private sector salaries to government sector salaries, it is unfair and unjust to throw in the salaries of a few superearners in the private sector in order to get a skewed average salary. they should be excluded, and if you do that, you'll see that private sector workers earn much lower than what government sector workers seem to think we do.)

No offense but it's also somewhat biased to include a few high earners in the public sector to skew their average salary.

There are very few positions in the County that you yourself would even consider because they simply do not pay well enough; the PD perhaps being an exception.

I will tell you truthfully that the future of the American worker does not lie with any employer. In the future, with salaries and benefits decreasing across the board, while simultaneously federal and state tax liabilities increase, more and more will seek self employment in an effort to ensure the higher income necessary for a family.

If the jobs are not to be found locally, they will either relocate to areas which promise a better quality of life, or they will create internet businesses and work from home.

You know, while we're here... I've come to the conclusion lately that Americans do not need a Federal gov at all. The purpose of the Federal gov is three fold:

1) to ensure national defense
2) to prevent civil war as states as seperate but equal soveriegns mitigate dispute
3) to serve as the guarantor of our "rights" through a Rep form of government.

Outside of these three areas, Americans have little use for their national gov... As it exists, it has far overstepped its intended bounds. As a result, in terms of quality of life, we all have less. And just I thought I'd mention this because it appears that taxes are central to this issue.