Politics & Government

Mangano Blasts Yatauro's Budget Plan

County executive critiques minority leader's suggestions.

I recently read with great interest a letter from Minority Leader Diane Yatauro regarding my budget. In an effort to set the record straight, I am obligated to reply to her false criticisms. Simply put, Legislator Yatauro has distorted the reforms included in my budget. In fact, it is her irresponsibility and hypocritical actions that brought this county to the brink of bankruptcy.

Distortion Number 1: Sewer Fees for School Districts and Not for Profits:

Diane Yatauro' s leadership left a $28 million deficit in the Nassau County Sewer District Fund – growing to $60 million by 2015. There are two choices to address the deficit:

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Have Nassau act like every other sewer provider in New York State by charging not-for-profit organizations, like hospitals, for the costs associated with sewerage treatment or raise property taxes on homeowners and employers to pay for the sewage treatment of not-for-profit organizations. To me, there is only one choice! No property tax increase. Yatauro would raise your property taxes, something she is all too familiar with doing.

Distortion Number 2: County Guarantee

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Nassau is the only county in the United States that has such a guarantee. Diane Yatauro has cozied up with the special interests for far too long, resulting in $1.2 billion in debt and $364 million in outstanding liabilities – all of which will be paid through the form of higher property taxes. The Mangano plan will end the debt once and for all to prevent any further impact associated with this system to your county property tax bill.

Yatauro's solution: keep raising taxes to fund the special interests.

The 2011 budget ends this wasteful practice. The impact to school districts will be minimal and there is no impact until 2013-2014 school year. I have offered to assist school districts in implementing cost sharing measures that will save all taxpayers dollars. Rather than join me in solutions, some school officials have decided to oppose me in an effort to hide their abuse of our tax dollars. For example:

Does Jericho Superintendent need to earn $402,963 in salary and other benefits?

Does this same superintendent need to drive a luxury Infiniti sedan paid for by property taxes?

Do 21 other Jericho administrators need annual salaries in excess of $150,000?

Why hasn't this same school district taken the opportunity to join the Long Island Purchasing Council to reduce costs? Why haven' t they taken steps to reduce their legal costs by utilizing the county attorney? There are many ways to save money and the truth is that school districts have refused to explore them since it' s is easier to simply come back to the taxpayer.

Real leaders work together to solve problems. I am happy to inform you that many elected officials on both sides of the aisle have come together to develop solutions to protect Nassau taxpayers. Please join me in calling on Diane Yatauro to join us in supporting solutions by supporting the 2011 budget. The budget cleans up her mess and provides our children with a brighter future.

Facts About the 2011 Budget:

Nassau County is facing an unprecedented $343 million deficit in 2011 – the largest in our history and the equivalent of a 43 percent property tax hike. I have made the tough decisions necessary to balance our budget without placing an additional burden on the backs of homeowners and employers while maintaining services. My budget does not increase property taxes by a single dollar. In fact, the budget I submitted to the Legislature cuts a record $148 million in spending and reduces the workforce to the lowest level since the 1950s.

A "NO" vote on my budget could mean:

  • higher property taxes;
  • the elimination of $1.25 million in aid to villages;
  • cuts to youth programs;
  • elimination of senior programs; and
  • a reduction in public safety and other critical services.

I ask that you consider supporting my budget. It's now time to put politics aside, act in a bipartisan fashion, and put the taxpayers first! I invite you contact your county legislator to ask them to work with me to fix our county.


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