North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth today delivered her third State of the Town address, which focused on many quality of life issues for Town residents, such as development of downtowns, park improvements, infrastructure projects that will reduce the nitrogen content in the Town’s surrounding bays and harbors and more accessible parking. The Supervisor spoke before a crowd of hundreds of local government officials, dignitaries and residents. The speech was part of a luncheon program hosted by the League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset, which has hosted this event for 36 years.
“There is nothing more important to me than serving our residents, enhancing our quality of life and running the government in an open and transparent manner,” Supervisor Bosworth said. “I believe that every law we pass, every initiative we put forth and every issue we might oppose is rooted in the belief that we are here to serve the residents of North Hempstead.”
Supervisor Bosworth delivered her speech before a backdrop of snow-covered hills and fairways at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links golf course in Port Washington. The address began with the pledge of allegiance, led by the members of the Town’s Veterans Advisory Committee, which was formed in June 2014.
The 35-minute speech focused on many of the accomplishments of her first term in office, as well as her specific goals and priorities for 2016 and beyond. She pointed to the Town’s strong financial standing, excellent bond rating and lower debt as a firm foundation for the Town.
Last fall Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the Town’s stable fiscal outlook, citing the Town’s conservative financial management practices and the reduction of debt by a total of more than $30 million over the past two years.
“The entire budget process, from beginning draft to final version and vote, was entirely transparent and collaborative,” she said. “I am very proud to report that, for the second consecutive year, there was unanimous, bi-partisan approval of the budget before Election Day. The 2016 budget is fiscally conservative and stays under the State-mandated .73 percent tax cap, which presents a continuing challenge to our Town and all municipalities. And next year, with a zero percent cap, we will face an even greater challenge. With the help of our strong financial team I’m confident that we’re up to that challenge.”
