Kevin Gorman, Democratic candidate for the Nassau County Legislature in the 14th District, has called for an aggressive new financial plan for "A Better Nassau," beginning with a repeal of the real estate transfer tax and an overhaul of the county's assessment system.

According to Gorman, the $300 million budget deficit facing the county is the result of fiscal mismanagement and years of tax and spend, borrow and spend policy that is "leading the county toward bankruptcy." He said the blame lays "squarely on the shoulders of County Executive Thomas Gulotta and the Republican majority in the Nassau Legislature including Legislator Sal Pontillo who has served since its beginning as the vice chairman of its finance committee."

Gorman said, "We're the only county in New York with a deficit. Everybody else is looking at surpluses and deciding how to spend them. We have a $2.8 billion debt that is probably going to top $3 billion by the end of the year and a bond rating that is going through the cellar. We can no longer afford to live in a Republican dream world."

The Gorman plan calls for:

* an end to expensive, no-bid contracts and sweetheart lease deals.

* a line-by-line justification of "non-union exempt employees" (patronage jobs) and non-emergency county vehicles.

* the establishment of a Fiscal Oversight Board with teeth.

* no new taxes before we cut the fat out of the budget.

* repeal of the 1 percent real estate transfer tax.

* better long-term financial planning

* an overhaul of the present property tax assessment system.

* start returning the sales tax revenue to the villages.

Gorman is a lifelong Nassau resident with a strong background in public and civic affairs. He is a financial planning expert and former bank executive. A committed community leader, he is a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and an award-winning youth leader. He lives in Wantagh and is a member of the Levittown Community Council, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, the Seaford Historical Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Election day is Nov. 2.