Two weeks ago Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano decided to merge the Nassau County Homeless Housing and the Office of Community Development.
In these difficult times, the decision makes sense. Making sure that families have a decent and safe place to live is an important function of county government.
But the county executive is right to look for ways to provide these services at lower cost to the taxpayer.
What remains a mystery is why Mangano replaced Connie Lassandro, the director of homeless services, a qualified professional with years of experience someone who is still in training.
In fact he replaced 11 employees of homeless services.
Mangano’s spokesman, Brian Nevin, offered the following explanation: “After a thorough review and evaluating the services, we felt a change was needed. We believe it’s important to consolidate whenever we can in tough economic times.”
Nevin did not explain what led to the “feeling” that a change was needed or what it is that Lassandro and her crew could have done better.
If there was indeed a thorough review, there should be a written report that explains the reasoning for putting 11 people out of work.
Democratic legislators say the move could cause the county to lose federal funds.
Both Homeless Housing and office of Community Development are funded by $50 million in state and federal grants. To remain eligible for the grants, Democratic legislations say the office must be run by someone with at least eight to 10 years of experience.
Nevin said the hatchet job (our words, not his) will not affect state funding.
But even if it doesn’t, the move doesn’t pass the smell test. This looks and smells like a political purge.
We agree with Nassau County legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), who said, “To dismiss 11 qualified professionals without cause is shameful.”
What Mangano did may be legal. It may also be the way things have always been done in Nassau County by both parties.
But, barring a better explanation from Mangano, what happened is not fair and it is definitely not good government.
A Blank Slate Editorial
