Leadership

There is a huge leadership void in America with the local minimum (using a term from Calculus) located in Washington D.C. However a local maximum may exist in Steve Levy, a democrat and Suffolk County, NY executive.

“He has lent his police officers to town building inspectors for raids that have shuttered several dozen overcrowded rooming houses. His Consumer Affairs department has increased arrests of unlicensed contractors — many of whom employ illegal immigrants — to about 300 a year from 70.

Last year, officers at the Suffolk County Jail ran immigration checks on 2,287 inmates, compared with 40 in 2004 (deportation proceedings were started against 376).

...Newsday calls him arguably the most formidable elected official in Long Island history. Immigrants advocates frequently accuse him of bigotry; one spokesman for local day laborers, the Rev. Allan Ramirez, has accused him of “ethnic cleansing.” (Paul Vitello, New York Times, “Suffolk’s Leader Wins a Following on Immigration”, June 13, 2007.)

It seems Mr. Levy is taking a stand against illegal aliens and enjoying overwhelming support.

“...it has also given him a national profile, an 80 percent local approval rating and the closest thing to a guaranteed re-election: endorsements from both the Democratic and the Republican Parties.” (Paul Vitello, New York Times, “Suffolk’s Leader Wins a Following on Immigration”, June 13, 2007.)

I applaud Mr. Levy's efforts and pray he remains courageous and persistent in fighting the fight for his constituents and the nation. Republicans and Democrats take note: it is possible to do the right thing, put your self-interest aside and enjoy job security. Thank you Mr. Levy!

Posted by David as a guest blogger.