I am beyond stunned that Republican legislative leader Peter Schmitt has given himself a hefty pay raise, going from $63,000 to $99,000, while Nassau County struggles to cut expenses. He and his deputy have awarded themselves these increases during a time when Long Island families are struggling to make ends meet, losing jobs and their homes.
In an interview with News 12, Mr. Schmitt showed plenty of chutzpah by suggesting his predecessor ‘worked for free’ and that he has no intention of doing so. With a yearly salary of $67K, Democrat Diane Yatauro certainly did not work pro bono.
Yatauro, the current minority leader, was awarded an increase as well. She has gone on record stating she has no desire for the money and is looking into how she can return it back to the county.
Ironically, it was only three years ago when Mr. Schmitt howled and wailed at a proposal in the county budget (a proposal that hadn’t even been voted on yet) to increase County Executive Suozzi’s salary, the D.A.’s salary, and others.
Someone reading this might wonder what this has to do with Levittown, since Mr. Schmitt is Massapequa’s representative. Look no further than our own legislator (and Mr. Schmitt’s fellow Republican) Dennis Dunne, who had no problem whatsoever voting in favor of his associate’s sizable pay increase.
The Republican Party has been so proud as of late, claiming a comeback against the Democrats and President Obama’s ‘big spending agenda.’ Clearly as long as the big spending is for them, it’s A-OK.
Tom LaSusa
