NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

April 28, 2008

The Rhetoric of Reform

Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action...

As you enter the steps of the newly renovated Theodore Roosevelt court house, the architectural beauty and ornate designs are stunning. Even so, the focus should not be the building but rather the man it's names after, Teddy Roosevelt. He was a reformer who served the interests of the People. He fought against party bosses and the status quo.

"The government is us, we are the government, you and I".  Teddy Roosevelt  

Several members of the Nassau County legislature ran on the platform of reform, yet the status quo remains. The number one issue is taxes. How can there be liberty when those who profess reform continue to forge the chains of oppressive taxes? Instead of voting to decrease taxes, the last budget contained fee increases. Instead of voting to reduce the country's portion of the sales tax on gas as authorized by the state legislature, there has been no action, no vote. Yet when the issue involves legislature salaries, the legislature through the influence of party bosses were poised to deliver both of their caucuses for a 19-0 vote to take the unprecedented step to amend the charter, the constitution of Nassau County.

It's amazing, every member of the legislature has been elected, a politician and yet there is a lack of political sense and common sense. Most Nassau residents are not opposed to reasonable raises for legislators, however its the effort to amend the charter simply for personal gain that angers Nassau residents. The People should come first. The status quo remains. The only change has been fee increases, a 20% property tax increase, and 60% raises for elected officials. A new proposal calls for a "administrative fee" to be assessed by the Nassau County Traffic & Parking Violations Bureau (TPVB) against motorists when a summons is dismissed. In order to change the status quo, there must be a change in the growth and size of government consistent to what the People can afford.

"The most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice."  Teddy Roosevelt  

For those who seek to amend the charter, consideration should be given to appoint a charter commission which can review  any proposed changes and issue recommendations. As there are several issues to consider such as increasing the amount of public notice prior to legislative action, succession of elected officials, and yes, a pay raise, a charter commission makes sense.  Amending our local constitution should not be taken lightly. Seeking to amend the charter simply for personal gain is wrong.

"Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big."  Teddy Roosevelt

We would ask that the legislature speak loudly by enacting tax relief by a 19-0 vote for the people for whom they serve. Anything less is rhetoric not worthy of those who profess reform.