NIFA Should Allow Us To Finish the Job
In recent days there has been much speculation that the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), a so-called watchdog agency, which sat idle for much of the past decade, will attempt to take control over Nassau’s finances. Yet this watchdog, appointed by Albany politicians, slept silent for the past eight years as the former County Executive mismanaged finances, spent recklessly and gave away indefensible union contracts, which run until 2016 that taxpayers simply cannot afford.
Miraculously NIFA awoke when I, a Republican, became County Executive. I inherited a $286 million deficit – the equivalent of a 43 percent property tax hike – worsened by these labor contracts that promise wage increases which exceed the cost of living standards by hundreds of millions of dollars, guarantee no layoffs, and ensure that employees continue to make no contribution toward health insurance.
Despite inheriting this deficit, the County will end 2010 with a surplus due to my strong financial management practices. In October, the County Legislature adopted my 2011 budget that closes a $343 million deficit without increasing property taxes.
While the problems facing Nassau cannot be addressed in a single year, my budget reforms the way Nassau County does business by cutting $148 million in spending and implements structural reforms to the assessment and sewer systems that bleed our tax dollars while stopping the special interests that have benefited to the tune of $100 million annually. The budget also saves $55 million by eliminating 400 positions and implementing a nonessential employee hiring freeze.
Many have said our unions would refuse to provide concessions, yet I have been successful in bringing them to the table. An agreement will not happen overnight, so my budget contains contingencies to ensure it remains balanced. Any labor savings achieved through these negotiations will mitigate the need for contingencies and assist in out years.
Under the law, NIFA cannot enact a control period unless there is a one-percent deficit or imminent threat thereof. I and the County Legislature ensure this is not the case.
While I respect the role NIFA is supposed to play, it appears it does not respect the choice residents made in who should run their government. While much remains to be done, significant steps have been taken in the short time we have run Nassau County. I demand that NIFA allow us to finish the job – it is what the people elected us to do.
