Dear North Hempstead Resident,
After serving 10 years as your town supervisor, I am stepping down to join the administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo as special advisor to the governor. I have also been appointed by the governor to serve on the Nassau Interim Finance Authority as its chairman.
In the coming months and years ahead, I will be handling storm recovery for the State of New York focusing on Sandy’s impact on Long Island and the resources and policies that are being so dedicated.
In regard to NIFA, I will lead the board that conducts oversight over Nassau County’s Finances. NIFA was established in 2000 by Gov. Pataki to oversee and monitor the budgeting and fiscal operations of the county as a result of the county’s financial turmoil.
While I look forward to these new and challenging roles, I will most certainly miss being the supervisor of this most extraordinary town. There is much ground that my administration has covered over the last 10 years. We brought in 311 and TownStat, created Project Independence, initiated our award winning school recycling program and so much more.
Of most significance, and that of which I am most proud, is my administration’s management of town finances. The great success that we have had and that has been recognized by leaders in the municipal finance world is of critical importance.
In the last 10 years we have seen our bond rating rise to the highest it has ever been and then hold the line during one of the worst recessions in history. We have balanced our budgets while rebuilding infrastructure, adding and improving services, developed award winning programs and improving the quality of life throughout our town.
In fact, we have achieved a net reduction in town debt of over 100 million dollars while building new facilities, acquiring open space and new parks, and investing in numerous environmental and public safety measures on behalf of our community. It is time for me to move on, but I would like to thank and acknowledge all those that have served our Town during my administration. So many have given of themselves in ways that often go unnoticed by the general public, but have, in fact, had a positive impact on our lives.
I also want to thank you, the residents of North Hempstead for allowing me to serve as I have done. I have done my best and hope that I have met the challenge of governing to your satisfaction. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jon Kaiman
