Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy must sometimes feel like he is a child watching the Emperor parade before the masses in his new clothes. Levy comes up with honest policies based in Native good judgment that fly in the face of acquired concepts readily accepted by those unwilling to examine their preconceived assumptions. Case in point: His recent proposal to establish a county policy that ensures a fair and equal system for companies doing business with the County.

Suffolk enters into agreements with approximately 10,000 contractors for goods and services each year, and it has been estimated that this provision will apply to approximately 60 percent of those companies funded 100 percent with county dollars. The law will also apply to subcontractors working on county jobs.

There is an inherent moral equity to this proposal that has been twisted by opponents including the Long Island Business Association. They accuse Levy of "going after" illegal immigrants and portend economic disaster if the measure is enacted. Some call for "justice" for those who have entered this country and now try to ply a meager living here.They believe this, and similar measures the County Executive has taken over the past several years are punitive.

From our vantage point, we believe these opponents are unwilling or unable to see the issues parading before them just as many could not see a naked Emperor march through the streets.

With this move Levy continues to refuse to accept the message from Washington that little or nothing can be done about the proliferation of illegal immigrants overtaking many communities and burdening them unfairly. He rejects the concept that it is only those immigrants who deserve justice and he maintains a vigilance to his sworn oath to protect those who have placed him in office.

Any company which routinely hires illegal immigrants paying them below market wages off the books can provide their services to consumers at a much lower rate than the law-abiding companies. To turn a blind eye to this reality and allow them to win county contracts is unjust.

Any company which routinely takes advantage of these illegal immigrants by paying them less than what is offered in the free market is engaging in economic exploitation. To ignore this reality is unjust.

Any company that is allowed to continue these illegal practices should be exposed. To award them with contracts to do business with the County is unjust.

We applaud the move and urge the Suffolk County legislature to pass the measure and enact it into law. And, we would encourage not only Nassau County but all Towns, Villages, School Districts and other municipal entities to follow suit. It's a policy that is based in a child's simple honesty and a community's obligation to justice.