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County Announces Deficit Reduction Plan, 200 Layoffs

A weekly look-in at the news of Nassau County.

An additional 200 Nassau County workers will be losing their jobs following an announcement by County Executive Ed Mangano Monday morning.

Reacting to a report from County Comptroller George Maragos which stated that the county ended fiscal 2011 with a $45 million projected deficit, Mangano announced that as part of his latest plan to reduce the shortfall while not raising property taxes approximately 200 positions would be eliminated.

Mangano also announced that in order to close the projected deficit the plan will also:

  • Slash capital improvement projects.
  • Cancel non-mandated contracts and departmental purchases.
  • Cancel evening hours at the Nassau County Department of Social Services and Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.

Much of the blame for Monday's announcement was placed on both parties in the Nassau Legislature, which have refused to work together on the deficit for several months.

Republicans are seeking to borrow funds to cover the shortfall but are in need of a super-majority, requiring at least one Democrat to change sides. However, Democrats have allegedly blocked the borrowing until a better deal is made regarding the county's redistricting process.

"We have two political parties that are in a standoff," CSEA President Jerry Laricchiuta said. "One won't let the other one borrow money [and] the other one won't do so until there's redistricting lines, so you have very bad politics running a government that's already in trouble."

Nassau Announces Deal to Keep Small Business Here

Nassau County has announced an deal that it says will keep a small but growing company from moving out of state and relocating from Mineola to Hicksville.

County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency announced Wednesday a financial compact with Litigation Settlement Administration Corp.

Click here to read more about the deal.

RFP Issued for Bicycle Concession at Cedar Creek, Eisenhower Park

County Executive Mangano issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) Wednesday seeking the establishment of a bicycle rental concession at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford and at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow

Click here to read more about the RFP.

'Reach for the Stars' Teen Talent Finals Rescheduled for July 30

Mangano announced earlier this week that the 2012 'Reach for the Stars' Teen Talent Finals has been rescheduled for Monday, July 30. The finals will be held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The 'Reach for the Stars' competition is a showcase of the county's most talented young stars between the ages of 13 and 19. Finalists were narrowed down to 21 contestants from an audition field of 64 after displaying their skillful talents as solo vocalists.

County to Upgrade NICE Bus Fleet with Federal Assistance

Mangano announced Thursday that the county and Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) have purchased 45 new buses to upgrade the system's oldest and most unreliable buses. The purchase is in large part made possible by Federal Transit Administration funds earmarked for supporting mass transit capital purchases.

The new Orion Model VII buses are scheduled to be delivered no later than the end of 2012, though they could go into service as early as this fall, according to a release. The buses being replaced are at least 12 years old and have more than 500,000 miles on the road. The overall fleet size will remain at approximately 300 buses.

County Executive Brick 26 Challenge Announced

Mangano announced Thursday that the County Executive Brick 26 Challenge will take place in Eisenhower Park on Saturday, Aug. 4. The unique walk/endurance run event will kick off at 8 a.m. The County Executive Brick 26 Challenge is aimed at raising money to support our local veterans, Semper4Soliders, Honor Flight and for the construction of a new monument.

The County Executive Brick 26 Challenge, which is appropriately named for the weight of the five bricks that participants carry throughout the 10K race course in a backpack, is designed to test participants with a variety of obstacle courses along the route. 

There are four different courses that are designed for many levels, from the walker to the ultra-athlete.

25th Annual Salute to Veterans Concert Announced

Mangano announced Wednesday that Eisenhower Park's Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre will host the 25th Annual Salute to Veterans program starring the USO Liberty Bells and Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops on Saturday, Aug. 4. The 25th Annual Salute to Veterans Concert is dedicated to the men and women of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines. Ceremonies honoring armed services past and present will begin at 6:45 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Tony July 28, 2012 at 04:03 pm
I never stated we should cut school taxes as I do feel that education is important for our leadership of tomorrow. We vote to educate and put the tax on ourselves as we should with property taxes. Let the people vote for service cuts. All services cost money. No one wants to pay for it .In the 1930 and 40s people purchased houses here for $15,000.00 dollars and sold the same houses for $500,000.00 you have to have some nerve to complain as there were very little property tax increases along the way. Most people approaching retirement want to hold the line so they can cash out and leave the next generation of county taxpayer’s to hold the burden of their expense that they neglected to pay for as they lived here reaping the services and cashing out on high property values and neglected tax hikes. We are left to pay for it. Repairing the neglected, replacing the broken, and updating the outdated because it was not done when it should have been done. Does it not make sense to raise taxes every year so each and every property owner shares the expense of the cost of service that they use daily? Should they not share cost of management in the county? A 1/8 of percent tax hike every year will not hurt anyone. We do not need a large surplus but we don’t need a tremendous deficit. Its a shame people will not pay an extra $25 a year to the county to put our heads above water and bring this county back to the #1 status it is supposed to be at. $25 a year is 7 cents a day.
Rob July 28, 2012 at 04:05 pm
The word deficit means interest payment so dont let these weasels try and smooth talk you...they arent doing a dam thing about paying down the debt and without paying down the debt the deficit (interest payments) will continue to grow so focus on the debt mr. politican man then you get my vote
Rob July 28, 2012 at 04:08 pm
Move out of New York State before its too late!
Bev Macuk July 28, 2012 at 04:36 pm
.Let the election of the teenager to the school board be the first sign of the revolt of the voter. Stop blaming unions-several made concessions-what are the politicians giving back? One is fund raising for the whole country while Nassau "burns".
ed July 28, 2012 at 04:37 pm
Nassau county = Corrupt Al Damato run hypocrites!
fred Conrad July 28, 2012 at 05:27 pm
Stop paying cops 175 grand a yr to cheat on their spouses
Arguendo July 28, 2012 at 05:30 pm
The PW Garbage District fee is local, not county. Could pickups be reduced to twice weekly (inclusive of weekly recycling)? Yeah.
MTR July 28, 2012 at 07:37 pm
Keep cutting Mangano you are doing a great job reducing the size of county Govt. that is why we elected you. You will be re elected by a landslide when you finally Balance the budget.
Rob July 28, 2012 at 08:42 pm
reducing the deficit with a band aid solution wont work when you factor in emergency spending till the end of the year. Mangano is to soft and not tackling the debt at all...keep cheerleading Mangano and his staff and watch the debt grow and grow. I'm sure your childrens children won't mind eating the back yard grass for food one day, Im sure they wont be thanking Mangano
tony July 28, 2012 at 08:47 pm
It is a shame that only a few of the comments put the blame where it belongs
POLITICS and PATRONAGE Our elected officals only want to be re-elected and reward their froends and family members with no-show jobs. From that comes all the other problems that Nassau county has had over the past 30 years
Nassau Taxpayer July 28, 2012 at 08:49 pm
Gulotta left the county almost $5B in debt, with crumbling infrastructure.
It was over then, and nothing has changed. Same @#$%& different republican.
John E. Capobianco July 28, 2012 at 09:29 pm
@Mary, your school taxes stay here. What you are thinking about is the $3,000,000,000.00 that Long Island sends to NY State but doesn't get back. Long Island has 17% of the Public School Students but receives only 12% of the state aid for education. NYC gets 49% of its budget from the state, Farmingdale only 25%, Great Neck only 5%, Wyandanch 80%. Long Island is the Cash Cow for NY State.
jonathan winant July 28, 2012 at 09:47 pm
What can I say except that over the years (many) the County has been run by terrible people. Had this been a private business many would be forced out of their jobs in politics. Some might even faced criminal charges for what they did to so many residents.
Maybe it's not too late. Mangano inherited a mess and he tried to correct matters how much time does he need or better yet how long will we give him?
MAY July 28, 2012 at 09:57 pm
I think it is too late. We will wind up like that city in Alabama that is broke and has empty city buildings and garbage piling up. So sad that it could happen here. I don't know why anyone runs for County Exec. They definitely work hard for no gratification because no matter what they do they will not please anyone. I don't blame manganous for closing precincts and wanting to reopen contracts. I am union and I don't blame him. It has to be done and there is no alternative. People should stop blaming mangano and blame NIFA. They are the ones who have to approve everything and they have not approved any of his alternatives and so when he proposes more cuts they approve that. The man is between a rock and a hard place.
Nassau Taxpayer July 28, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Gulotta left the county almost $5B in debt, with crumbling infrastructure.
That's not NIFA's fault, and indeed, it's EXACTLY WHY NIFA IS ON THE CASE.
MAY July 29, 2012 at 01:03 am
Ed, it depends. Does a high school need 2 assistant principals? Yes. It is tough because one has to do scheduling, sports and club events, teacher observations, payroll paperwork, incident forms for students and staff, curriculum planning and enforcement, meeting with district administrators from all departments to make sure that the curriculum is executed properly, changes are made and to provide staff development opportunities, meet with vendors and representatives from curiculum companies regarding all of the aformentioned things, meet with department chairpeople, oversee report card comments and grades, and just about every other administrative thing you could imagine while the other one has to deal with students, discipline, and parents. That is a full time job. They must also deal with the students who are from the district that attend other schools as well as make sure that those students are placed properly. They must also hold meetings with students, teachers, staff, guidance counselors regarding at risk students, students who are behavior problems etc as well as when a suspension needs to be handed down. There is so much more that the principal must do on top of this. As for the teacher assistants, in most cases yet. You have to pick a bone with the state and the federal government on that one. That is because of the special education ratios that must be strictly followed due to the law. You can thank inclusion for that one.
Ed July 29, 2012 at 01:08 am
Tony seems to feel that we should be willing to accept a 1/8 percent tax hike every year to pay off the county's debt. He feels that we should all be happy to pay our school taxes to educate the children.
These kids that we are educating will not be able to afford to live on Long Island once they graduate. They will move out to somewhere with lower taxes. Once we raise taxes and balance the budget, the unions will demand even higher wages and benefits every year. We will then be in the same boat that we are in now. It's a never ending cycle of greed.
Mac July 29, 2012 at 01:43 am
Ed does each school have two assistant principals or is that an exaggeration. I know that every school in Levittown does not have two assistants. Does every class k-5 have a teacher assistant or is that an exaggeration? Here in Levittown I believe it is the k classes and special Ed classes. There is waste no doubt but blatantly lying or exaggerating does not prove your point. Another common misconception is that public workers do not pay health insurance. That just isn't true. What needs to be done is an adjustment on how much they pay into health insurance and pension contributions need to be at a higher rate or a longer amount of time with retirement age moved up. Too many retire and live longer than they worked we can no longer support this system.
JOE July 29, 2012 at 02:13 am
There is only one solution for nassau county. FIRE all the politicians. They are all crooks. Republicans and democrats . I have been living in Nassau county for the last 50 years and this Nassau has become a county of discgrace and incompetence. I would bet money the Islanders leaving . Why ?because the politicans can not take their heads out of their %sses long enough to get something done to replace the crumbling coliseum. It is pathetic. It is just as bad to be a crooked politician as it is to be an honest politician who does not have the nerve to stand up against the circus that exists in Nassau. Dont blame the Unions , Most of those people are fellow residents that are just looking for a decent standard of living like everybody else. We only have ourselves to blame for either failing to vote or voting for the same clowns every year. Why do we have seperate water districts and garbage districts ? for more political favors and more politically appointed chiefs for each district. The same with all the parks in Nassau county. We anly need 1 agency to handle the water, 1 for the parks , and 1 for the Sanitation. Can' t do that . It would mean that a few politicians would have to get layoff slips.
Blaise Datsun July 29, 2012 at 07:28 am
We need to get all the savages, gangs and drug dealers, tire slashers, graffiti losers and scummy politicians out of this county. Terrace Ave and the rest of those "apartments" in Hempstead, would be a good place to start. Cut the executives salaries and staff and hire a SWAT team to demolish these ratholes.
Tony S July 29, 2012 at 08:01 pm
Dorothy this has been going on for years.
Don't you remember Tom Gulotta? How about Joseph M. Margiotta who ran the Nassau County, New York Republican Party, until his 1983 convictions on federal charges. Tom Souzzi left Nassau straddled with long term debt and Ed is on target to do the same. If you're proposing a New Coliseum that's fine as long as it's not at taxpayer expense (that includes not giving away our taxpayer owned property at Mitchel Field). The Coliseum has been a net loss to taxpayers since it was built because of Al D'amato giving away proceeds of long term contracts to out of state businesses.
Tony S July 29, 2012 at 08:08 pm
Sad for you perhaps. Sorry to burst your bubble MAY but the school districts on Long Island need to be consolidated and costs reined in. Compensation for you and Nassau's police are way out of with an economy that is in decline. Your once lucrative compensation packages can no longer be sustained by the taxpayers.
Nassau Taxpayer July 29, 2012 at 08:26 pm
Pothole -- still selling Nassau, piece by piece
Lifeisgood July 30, 2012 at 01:51 pm
@ May. Most schools dont need two AP,s. The AP secretary is the one organizing the days events, writing memos and even speaking to the parents. All at a fraction of what the AP gets paid. Give credit where credit is due, whithout the secretaries most APs will be useless.
MAY July 30, 2012 at 05:01 pm
Lifeisgood no the secretaries do not organize thr day to day activities in my school and they certainly are not allowed to speak to parents about the progress of the students. Heck the teachers don't even do that it is the AP so I did give credit where it is due. All the secretary does is answer phones and take messages. Oh and make copies and do mailings. So there is a need for two especially in a school with over 1500 kids so you are wrong on this one. Unless you are a secretary and if you are doing all that you are doing too much and also things that you shouldn't be Doing
Joe July 30, 2012 at 05:05 pm
I hope all incumbents hear the foot steps coming for them. Its great to see people venting their frustrations with most forms of local government. In the words of Bob "OBI" Matherson. "Get out of New York before its too late". Where is the oversight with the special senior citizen tax reductions. They tried hiding the homes, but that didn't work. The answer; There is none! $13,000 off you tax bill while your working children live within the house. BS! Flush the toilet in TOBAY.
Frank July 30, 2012 at 09:39 pm
Why not let go the droves of lawyers, legal aides, and do nothing politicians, that honestly make too much money of the cuff, sitting smugly in their leather chairs at the county seat, instead of the cops?
Mike July 31, 2012 at 09:17 pm
If all the unions in Nassau County are causing all these financial problems why is Mangano and crew always attacking the CSEA? Never the PBA or the other three Unions? Look at the books which unions lare really costing the taxpayers money? Its not the CSEA? His cuts are not fair. He attacks the weak to look strong. Put The Man into Mangano and cut the Cops! Or put the Walk in Walker and get out!
eleanor August 16, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Amen, mike
eleanor August 16, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Amen, Mike!

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Pictured presenting the $50,000 in state bullet aid are (L to R) Assemblyman Brian Curran, Mrs. Ellen Weisenberg, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Superintendent Dr. Melissa Burak, Superintendent and Board of Education member Alicemarie Bresnihan
Louise Strauss June 14, 2013 at 03:24 pm
That’s very nice that school districts that have the highest school taxes and costs, areRead More receiving additional money. The problem is that our state is in dire financial trouble and we can’t afford it. Upstate NY is a distressed disaster. How much more taxes are we going to pay?. Hear those feet marching out of state. Try fighting for drilling so we have jobs and revenue.
Jason June 16, 2013 at 09:47 am
.......there they go again whitewashing a dilemma they don't want to touch......unconscionableRead More salaries and pensions paid by the taxpayer for incompetence? Not to mention 13 week vacations as well as numerous 1/2 days and weather shortened days. A $50000 band aid we end up paying indirectly anyway only increases taxes further down the road. They are either that stupid or they think we are!
Brian June 17, 2013 at 12:56 am
Jason.. break out your 3 pointed hat!
Michael Ganci (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 11:06 am
You should post this on our map!Read More http://malverne-lynbrook.patch.com/groups/summer/p/holding-a-yard-sale-in-malverne-west-hempstead-or-lynbrook-add-it-to-our-map
Denise June 13, 2013 at 11:52 am
I did, thank you!!!!
Miguel Biaggi June 14, 2013 at 01:41 pm
Leo Prestopino (Owner) and Miguel Biaggi (Manager)
Miguel Biaggi June 14, 2013 at 01:55 pm
Most of these rumors we mentioned previously are coming from our competitors as well. We guaranteeRead More that ALL MEMBERSHIPS we sell will be SATISFIED. Leo Prestopino and Miguel Biaggi
Jason June 16, 2013 at 09:49 am
From your voice to Gods ears.We hope your right ;) Good Luck!
Michael Ganci (Editor) June 11, 2013 at 07:52 am
Mary, if you add a photo by clicking edit above, we can repost this on Patch. Thanks! MG