The S.C. Legislature is reviewing locations for a new office for newly elected S.C. Leg. DuWayne Gregory. Gregory said that he and his staff have been out looking for new office space and are also making recommendations to the committee, which will make the final decision. Currently, the offices for Gregory, who represents the 15th L.D., are on Albany Avenue in Amityville. He said he is looking for space either in the Village, North Amityville or Copiague.

"I just felt that it was time for me to establish my own identity as the lawmaker from this district," said Gregory, who replaced former S.C. Leg. Elie Mystal in a special election in late July. Mystal had stepped down months earlier.

In related matters, Gregory was appointed Chair of the Suffolk County Legislature's Budget and Finance Committee. The committee has jurisdiction over the county's operating budget.

"I am elated that the Presiding Officer has the confidence in me to be chairman of this important committee," said Gregory. "We have rough fiscal waters ahead of us that we have to navigate as we lead into discussions for the 2009 budget.

Suffolk has a $16 billion operating budget and a projected $120-$150 million deficit for 2009.

"We will all have to tighten our belts a little to keep Suffolk County on a solid financial footing," said the lawmaker.