Why I should be re-elected: Nicolello

The Island Now

Why I should be re-elected as your legislator.

We have accomplished much in the last four years after taking over control of the Legislature. To understand how far we have come we must remember where we were in the beginning of 2010.

The previous administration and then Democrat majority left the county in a mess. In the decade in which they had control, they increased taxes 42.3 percent, passed a Home Energy Tax, and planned 16.5 percent more in increased taxes all while increasing spending over half a billion dollars and increasing the county’s debt by more than $400 million. 

By 2010 the county structural deficit had reached $250 million dollars. The county’s infrastructure was crumbing and vital facilities, such as our sewage treatment plants, were breaking down.

Working with [Nassau] County Executive Ed Mangano, my Republican colleagues and I passed three consecutive no-tax-increase budgets, repealed the Home Energy Tax, and canceled the Democrats planned 16.5 percent tax increase. For the first time in decades we passed budgets that held spending flat. We consolidated departments and created public private partnerships to save millions. 

For example, by partnering with private industry we were able to save $30 million a year on our bus system, while improving service.

Most recently, we reached an agreement with a private developer to invest $229 million to renovate the Nassau Coliseum with no taxpayer monies. The owners of the Barclays Center will create a first class entertainment destination, pay the county millions in rent and assume all costs of operating the arena.

We have accomplished all of this while lowering the structural deficit and reducing the debt from the Suozzi years.

Our plan going forward is simple. Continue holding the line on taxes, continue to develop new and innovate ways to save taxpayer monies and continue the work of reforming county government.

It has been my honor to represent the people of the 9th Legislative District and I ask for the privilege of your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013. 

I am running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines.

Nassau County Legislator

Richard Nicolello

 

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