Anton Newspapers asked Republican incumbent Joseph Belesi and Democratic challenger Eva Pearson to respond to the following questions.
Joseph Belesi
How should the county solve its budget crisis? Should the police unions and the Civil Service Employees Association make contract concessions? Should county services be cut? Should there be a tax increase? Should the County eliminate its guarantee to refund other taxing districts’ (including school districts) share of property taxes paid in error due to County assessment errors?
Since taking back the Majority on the Legislature nearly two years ago, my Republican colleagues and I have been working tirelessly to improve the budgetary crisis left for us by the prior administration. We have repealed the 2.5 percent Home Energy Tax and eliminated 16.5 percent in property tax hikes, which has lifted a $485 million tax burden off the shoulders of county taxpayers. We have cut $171 million in spending and reduced the county workforce by 1200. However we realize our job is not done, and we plan to continue making the tough decisions necessary to further remedy the county’s finances. Most importantly, we need to do this without burdening Nassau taxpayers, which my colleagues and I have repeatedly committed to by not raising taxes.
Labor unions have worked with county administration in the past and I’m confident that if we all work together we can find a resolution that pleases everyone, without significantly impacting county services.
We are also working to help fix the broken property tax assessment system, which accrues approximately $100 million in new debt annually. My colleagues and I have frozen property assessments for four years, revised the rules of the Assessment Review Commission to expedite the settlement of grievances, and introduced new programs, which already saved $28 million in 2011. In addition, we repealed the county guarantee to pay tax refunds on behalf of other municipalities. Starting in 2013/2014 school year, each municipality will have to pay back their respective refunds. We recognize that this system is complicated and will take time to remedy, but we are making significant progress.
Has there been anything learned from Hurricane Irene as far as emergency management?
Yes certainly – we have learned that the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management is made up of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals who did an incredible job of preparing and assisting residents throughout the hurricane and its aftermath. OEM was in constant communication with County officials and law enforcement through the tropical storm, and I am very proud and grateful for all their efforts. I am however disappointed in the response, or lack thereof, residents received from LIPA and hope that the utility learned from its failures so such failures will not occur in the future.
What type of development would you like to see for the county’s 77-acres known as the “Hub,” including the Coliseum?
Residents spoke loud and clear on August 1 when they voted against publicly funding the renovation of the Coliseum so we now know that any future development proposal should be privately funded. While it would be great to see the Islanders stay on Long Island, I certainly hope to see a project that creates construction and permanent jobs, and one that will showcase all that our great county has to offer.
