(MINEOLA, N.Y.) – Siela A. Bynoe, now in her fifth full term of service to Nassau County and the residents of the Second District, was appointed Alternate Deputy Minority Leader of the Democratic caucus on Monday, Jan. 8 – marking a historic moment for both Bynoe and the legislative body.
Upon being designated by Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove), Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe became the first Black woman in the 29-year history of the Legislature to serve in a leadership role of either caucus. She will serve in leadership alongside Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton and Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview), who was named Deputy Minority Leader.
“During the last decade, advocating for the residents of the Second Legislative District has been my life’s highest honor and greatest privilege. I am deeply grateful to Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton for entrusting me with this responsibility within our caucus,” Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe said. “I am looking forward utilizing my professional and lived experiences to be of service to my colleagues and work collaboratively toward bringing our collective priorities to fruition.”
Since taking office after her victory in a February 2014 special election, Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Bynoe has earned a reputation as diligent and innovative lawmaker who builds bipartisan consensus for initiatives that benefit Nassau County residents.
These include implementing policies directing the use of Nassau’s Mobile Crisis Team for responses to mental health crisis calls; bolstering the County’s infrastructure; protecting the environment; and promoting government transparency. She has additionally leveraged her professional experience as the past Deputy Director of the North Hempstead Housing Authority and Executive Director of the Huntington Housing Authority to guide her advocacy for optimal outcomes related to Nassau County affordable housing policies and programs.