Politics & Government

Democrats Criticize Mangano Budget Proposal

Minority Leader Diane Yatauro says budget "a blueprint for disaster."

Nassau County Democratic lawmakers held a press conference on Monday at the Legislature's headquarters to express their concerns over County Executive Ed Mangano's 2011 budget proposal. "It is a blueprint for disaster," said Democratic Minority Leader Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove).

Despite the Mangano budget proposal touting no property tax increase, Democrats say the proposal has over $60 million in fee increases, and is full of "pie in the sky initiatives" that require state approval, such as the proposed shifting of assessment settlements to the towns, villages and school districts. "Experience has shown us that the majority of [Mangano's] requests will not be approved," Yatauro said.

In addition to asking for $60 million in labor concessions, Mangano's budget plan relies heavily on borrowing, approximately half a billion dollars by some Democrats' estimates. The Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) recently issued a report criticizing the county for its ballooning deficit and continued borrowing.

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"The County Executive promised the people of Nassau County less debt, less spending, and no taxes," Legislator Robert Troiano (D-Westbury) said. "Instead what we've gotten is more spending, more debt, more fees and more money out of our pocket."

With approximately $343 million in borrowing in the budget proposal, the interest would come to over half a billion. "That's a record in Nassau County even in the [former County Executive Thomas] Gulotta era," said Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick).  "We're out-Gulottaing Gulotta."

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The county Legislature must adopt a budget by Oct. 31.


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