On Election Day we have a choice to elect some new representatives to local government who will make changes to reduce excessive taxes. A recent Siena College poll stated that 83% of respondents saw the high cost of living as the No. 1 top issue. Not surprisingly, New York has the highest tax burden in the U.S., accounting for a whopping 12.47% of personal income.
The NIFA Control Board monitoring Nassau County finances published the exhaustive Grant-Thornton Fiscal Sustainability report in September 2011. This report offered Nassau County recommendations to reduce costs and/or improve operations in all county departments.
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and the rest of the Legislature has failed to show us how or if they implemented many of these NIFA recommendations. The weary taxpayers need answers from the county Legislature since the Grant-Thornton Report has been collecting dust for over 12 years.
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena has cut taxes for two years. Why is the Nassau Legislature not following suit? They’ve had a 12-year report to act upon. Sadly, the political mailings don’t show any evidence of cost-cutting and operational efficiency. Change might be needed in November.
Joe Campbell
Port Washington
