(Hauppauge, NY-January 28, 2013) On January 24th, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone hosted an interfaith breakfast with religious leaders from throughout Suffolk County. The gathering served as a commemoration of the National Day of Prayer which took place on January 22nd in Washington D.C. and provided an opportunity for the County Executive to meet with Suffolk County’s religious leaders at the start of the new year.
Over 25 leaders came together to fellowship with County Executive Bellone. Bellone spoke about his economic vision for the County and the importance of establishing and cultivating relationships with religious leaders. Bellone stated, “We are fortunate to live in a County that has a diverse population. I believe that it is this diversity that makes Suffolk County a desirable place to live and thrive. You as religious leaders are an important component of that diversity as you promote inclusiveness and tolerance for all.”
Bellone also invited Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioner, Risco Mention-Lewis and Lt. Bob Donohue to address the leaders and apprise them of the work of the Suffolk County Police Department in implementing strategies to break the cycle of recidivism and engaging community leaders to work collaboratively with the police department and precincts.
Bellone concluded the gathering with an opportunity for questions from the clergy and promised to keep the lines of communication open with Suffolk County’s religious leaders.
