A one-hour State of the County speech delivered by S.C. Exec. Steve Levy provided a realistic but optimistic look at the County's finances, calling for everyone to roll up their sleeves and work together to get through these tough economic times.

But, while the speech provided the kind of steady leadership important in times of crisis, it lacked specificity, said some county lawmakers, and provided little that they have not already heard. Levy's speech addressed many of the cost saving measures his administration has already taken, which included taking Suffolk Police off of state-owned highways and redeploying them into patrol posts; implementing early retirement programs and freezing salary step increases for all exempt employees.

"I think what he was trying to do was lay out a tone for our County about how serious the situation is, and the details will come about later," said Leg. Wayne Horsley who attended the event. "But I would have liked to have seen more plans laid out."

"The details of just how he plans to approach this financial crisis were not there," said Leg. DuWayne Gregory.