Suffolk County Legislators Have Become An Embarrassment - LTE

Photo from Mr. Sunderman’s time in officeOn Tuesday, September 24th, 2024, the appointment of Rudolph A. Sunderman as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services was approved unanimously by the legislative committee: Fire, Rescue & Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness. What is astonishing of this vote were the accolades forwarded by legislative members towards Mr. Sundermann such as from Mr. Thorne, Donnelly, and Trotta, while ignoring his criminal past. Unknown of Sundermann’s past, Legislator Rebecca Sanin voted positively while Leslie Kennedy voted quietly.

While holding office as a County Legislature, Mr. Sundermann was charged and found guilty of perjury, offering a false instrument for filing, violation of the prohibition on dual office-holding under Suffolk County code, violation of the prohibition against conflicts of interest under general municipal law, and intentional failure to file accurate finances.

I am in full opposition of this unethical vote, not just for the crimes that were committed, but also by the public statement by our then district attorney Sini that “the defendant is a convicted criminal, who is disqualified from holding the position of trust for the sake of Public Safety”. What further infuriates me is the comments made by Suffolk County GOP leader Jessie Garcia that “Rudy is a hero first responder…”

 As a resident of Suffolk County and the Smithtown neighborhood Watch Captain, I am disgusted with the lack of consideration for the citizens of our great County. Also, I could not find any required advertisement for this position, as there are many highly qualified candidates in this field.

Suffolk County Legislators have become an embarrassment, especially since we had a D.A , Prosecutor and a Police Commissioner all arrested, and now voting against “ We The People”. 

Respectfully,

John E. Donegan 

Commack, NY 11725