Doroski: Stark’s duty to her constituents demands accountability for her actions

On the afternoon of December 3, 2023, then-Legislator-elect Catherine Stark was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. Her arrest came after a call from a family member, who, in a sworn deposition taken later that night, described Stark’s decades-long “abuse of alcohol and prescription medications” as “a constant problem.”

According to the police report, Stark showed clear signs of impairment, including disorientation, droopy eyelids, drowsiness, slurred speech, extreme dry mouth, and behavior consistent with drug intoxication. She failed the standardized field sobriety test. Although she initially refused a blood test, one was conducted nearly 3.5 hours after her arrest. The results revealed the presence of multiple substances: Alprazolam (Xanax) 19.5 mcg/L, Oxycodone 526 mcg/L and Zolpidem (Ambien) 94 mcg/L.

Her oxycodone level alone indicates severe intoxication, approaching overdose territory. The FDA issues a black box warning, its highest-level warning against combining opioids like oxycodone with benzodiazepines like alprazolam due to the risk of life-threatening effects. This combination of opioids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives — at these levels — could not have been responsibly prescribed or recommended by any doctor. Stark’s chemical cocktail was far more dangerous than extreme alcohol intoxication — before she made the decision to get behind the wheel. These facts raise serious concerns about Stark’s judgment, her commitment to public safety, and her capacity to serve with integrity.

What’s worse, nearly two years later, her case is still being delayed by her attorney — adjourned at his request again and again. Stark has managed to serve almost her entire term while avoiding responsibility — and now it looks like their delays are designed to push past Election Day. She’s never apologized or publicly acknowledged her arrest. Although her arrest was
widely reported at the time, there has been no follow-up on the status of her case. She drives around a county taxpayer-funded car and campaigns for re-election as if it never happened.

This isn’t about a medical diagnosis or someone’s private struggles — it’s about public responsibility. It’s about whether someone trusted to write laws and represent our community will follow the law themselves and can be trusted to act responsibly in that role. Public safety and accountability matter. When elected officials are shielded from consequences, it undermines public trust in government and erodes the rule of law. The powerful and politically connected must be held accountable. In any traditional workplace, Stark would have faced serious consequences for her actions. It’s time voters use their voice and do the same here.

I’m raising this issue myself because I believe it’s legitimate and serious. As a member of this community, I believe Stark owes us answers. There is too much at stake for the future of the East End to simply ignore it.

The bottom line: Legislator Stark has not taken responsibility for her actions. She’s put her own political career ahead of public trust and safety. Suffolk County deserves better.

Greg Doroski is the Democratic candidate for county legislator in the First Legislative District. He lives in Mattituck.