We are all aware of the fiscal problems facing Nassau County and Nassau County Interim Finance Authority’s intervention in the county’s finances, our County Executive Mangano is fighting to find alternative ways to save a lot of money and make NIFA happy.
Right now, there are many key issues on the table that will in all probability, negatively affect many of us in New Hyde Park/Garden City Park/Herricks areas and we must all be ready to step up and make out voices heard loud and clear.
The one issue that we can have no debate on is the closing of our police precincts and the second issue is the removal of our POP (Problem Oriented Policing Unit) Officers.
Right now, although it is not confirmed, the 6th Precinct may be on the chopping block and then other “rumors” indicate it might also include the 3rd Precinct.
Looking to eliminate the POP Units countywide is one of the most ridiculous cuts this county can not afford to endure.
The idea of closing any precinct is unwarranted and the necessary monies to keep them open must be found by our elected leaders. The POP officers are as integral to the communities as are our schools,businesses and houses of worship.
The POP officers interact with our schools, local governments, civic associations, business owners along with various state, county and town departments and their absence in every community across this county would prove to be disastrous and the end of the good quality of life that we all are enjoying presently in Nassau County.
Without the POP Officers to act on key issues in each community, the taxpayers and citizens will be overlooked and their issues will not be addressed by anyone in government, due to all the cuts that are planned. We must have representation within our communities and the POP Officers are our first line of defense.
I am urging all Civic groups, schools, organizations, business owners and our Legislatures and yes, the taxpayers to write, call or do something to get our message out loud and clear. We want our police precincts left alone and in tact and more importantly, we will not accept the dismissal of our POP Officers on any level of discussion.
Tell NIFA to find the necessary money somewhere else but not on the backs of the citizens of Nassau or the POP Officers.
Stop the insanity and leave our precincts and POP Officers to function and protect us as they have done for decades.
Ellen La Regina
New Hyde Park
