Robert J. Gaffney Suffolk County Executive Robert J. Gaffney was elected Suffolk County's sixth County Executive in 1991 and re-elected with overwhelming support in both 1995 and 1999. The County Executive has earned a reputation as a skilled administrator, and has helped shape a leaner, more efficient County government. County Executive Gaffney has worked hard to restore fiscal stability to Suffolk County. In 2000, Suffolk became the only downstate suburban County where shoppers can purchase clothing tax-free all year round. A former FBI Special Agent, County Executive Gaffney has made law enforcement issues and the modernization of the Suffolk County Police Department top priorities. Under his leadership, incidents of major crime in Suffolk County's Police District are down by more than 67 percent since 1992. Creating a strong economy that balances high-tech industry with a healthy tourism economy, and preserving Suffolk's status as the leading agricultural county in the State, have been a major focus of the County Executive's administrations. More than 30,000 jobs have been created in Suffolk County since he took office and global leaders in technology, including Computer Associates and Symbol Technologies, have decided to expand their world headquarters here in Suffolk County. Another major initiative of the County Executive's came to fruition three years ago when the Long Island Ducks brought minor league baseball to the beautiful new Citibank Ballpark in Central Islip. As an avid environmentalist, County Executive Gaffney has played a leadership role in the preservation of Suffolk County's Pine Barrens Watershed, and has spearheaded efforts to increase the County's investment in preservation of open space and working farmland. He is a member of The Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. Prior to his election as Suffolk County Executive, Mr. Gaffney served as a member of the New York State Assembly, from 1985-1991, representing the Fourth District. He began his career as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he served from 1969 until 1973. The County Executive is a graduate of Fordham University and Fordham University Law School. The County Executive resides in Miller Place with his wife, Joanne. The Gaffneys have two daughters. back to our guests ... Print-Version