The State of Nassau County

NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

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

March 15, 2004

Has the county improved?

County executive Tom Suozzi addressed the residents of Nassau County this past Wednesday. While his speech was upbeat and contained much good news, there were cautionary tones as to the state of Nassau County.

Tom Suozzi inherited a county government that was in a fiscal state of ruins. He was swept into office by the voters who wanted change and new leadership. Since taking office, he has instituted good government initiatives, reduced the county work force by 12%, refinanced the county’s debt and was rewarded by Wall Street who upgraded the county’s credit rating to the A ranks.

These successes could not have been achieved without assistance from Albany. Bipartisan support in both the county legislature and from Nassau’s state delegation made it a reality. People like Senator Dean Skelos worked together with the Suozzi administration to make these good government initiatives a reality. This is what the people of Nassau County have demanded.

When Tom Suozzi came into office, he promised open and honest government. While no administration is free of scandals, the manner in which the Sylver scandal was handled is of some concern. Good government often calls for admitting error sooner rather than later. While we applaud the county executive for taking responsibility for the scandal, the short circuiting of legislative oversight by a straight party line vote is very troubling. Open government must be transparent.

The county’s share of Medicaid costs have contributed to the county’s fiscal woes and must be addressed by the state legislature. The state must reform Medicaid by eliminating the generous benefits, reduce the level of mandated spending and reduce the 25% contribution required by local counties.

Nassau County must be given greater oversight over the public benefit corporation that runs Nassau University Medical Center. If this crisis is not adequately addressed, the hospital may indeed go bankrupt. This will effect our very survival as the county agreed to back the hospital’s bonds for $260 million.

The county executive’s initiative, a “New Suburbia” while interesting, is currently not a viable option considering the cost to fund the very ambitious plan. A much smaller and scaled back initiative paid for with federal grants would be more reasonable given the current financial realities facing Nassau County. Expanding Empire Zones into Nassau is certainly a good start.

The desire to attract more investment and development in the “Nassau County Hub” must be tempered by the related increase in congestion, traffic and over development. Nassau residents do not want Nassau to become another over developed and congested Queens County.

The report issued by the Citizen’s Budget Commission, “Fixing New York State’s Fiscal Practices” states the following, “The high tax burden in New York State is attributable to high local government taxes. Local government taxes in New York are the highest in the nation and are a striking 72% above the national average.” While Medicaid spending and school taxes certainly contribute to the problem, the spending by local government is a major contributing factor. Mr. Suozzi’s double digit property tax hike and his decision to grant double digit raises to members of his administration send a conflicting message as to whether he is really serious about spending.

The issue of affordable housing is an important issue. The ability of residents, businesses to afford high taxes and remain in Nassau is more of a priority. Tax relief must be addressed. Efficiencies and savings must be found to reduce the tax burden. Tom Suozzi’s promise of no new taxes this year and next are positive, reducing taxes should be a priority.

While the county’s financial health has certainly improved, the plan for its recovery must include the patient, the taxpayers of Nassau County.