Last week, the City of Glen Cove lost a valued asset with the passing of Randy Austin, the city assessor, who succumbed to cancer after a long-suffering battle.

Although his was an unpopular office because it affected every property owner's pocket book, he worked tirelessly and professionally. During the recent city-wide reassessment, he participated in the numerous conferences with taxpayers, taking a "hands-on" approach, rather than waiting for the results of the revaluation, involving many long hours.

While I fought on behalf of my clients for assessment reductions, he was equal to the task of defending the assessment roll where it was warranted.

Often, he resolved matters which ordinarily would be handled by the city attorney.

He will be sorely missed.

Sandy Pomerantz