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Steve Bellone Sworn-In Early As Suffolk County Executive

HAUPPAUGE, NY (WCBS 880) - With his wife and one of his two daughters by his side, Steve Bellone took the oath of office on Friday and became the new Suffolk County Executive.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

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Normally, the inauguration takes place on January 1, but because he did not want any overtime spent, Bellone decided to hold the event on a regular work day.

The move kept true to his theme -- having a more efficient government.

"We have to do more with less. Why? Because the alternative is that we will do less with less and that is unacceptable," he said in his speech.

He also said he is tired of hearing about people moving to Colorado or the Carolinas.

"I'm tired of reading headlines about young people leaving Long Island for other parts of our country. This is Suffolk County. This should not be happening here. We have too much going for us, too much to be proud of," said Bellone.

His plan to make the county a high tech leader.

Bellone takes over for Steve Levy, who had flirted with a run for governor in 2010. Bellone's job prior to today was as town supervisor in Babylon.

Do you have any suggestions for Suffolk County? Sound off in the comments section below!

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