The commissioners of the Great Neck Park District have heard the trumpeting of Nassau County in its bid to take over special districts such as sewer districts, water districts, libraries and parks and have decided to make their own clarion call instead of waiting passively and defensively. They are taking an active stance in preparing to fight for local control of the Great Neck park system.

Board Chairperson Ruth Tamarin said, "Education of our constituents about the issues is the first step" as she welcomed a group of stalwart park users who serve on advisory boards or who represent user groups to a special meeting last Thursday night at Great Neck House. According to Ms. Tamarin, the push for the elimination of special districts is "picking up speed." Recently, Newsday sent a reporter to conduct an investigation of the park district by requesting certain documents, and interviewing commissioners, staff and residents. Some of their questions mirrored the same questions raised in the Nassau County district attorney's lengthy and costly examination of the park district in which no action was taken.

Ms. Tamarin acknowledged that everyone is for seizing control of the runaway property taxes, but the question is whether or not the elimination/consolidation of special districts would have a significant impact on your tax bill. Moves to address the issues are afoot on various levels of government.

A press statement from County Executive Tom Suozzi's office stated that the special taxing districts are responsible for duplicating, overlapping services, multi-layered administrative costs and are so "convoluted, conflicting, confusing, confounding" that it is hard to know how many there are.

But Ms. Tamarin says, "These things don't apply to us. We don't have layers of bureaucracy; don't duplicate services and the parks are supported by park district residents only which amounts to 4.1 percent of our total property taxes on private homes."

Commissioner Robert Lincoln reminded the assemblage that when the district was going through the lengthy studies and community meetings regarding the renovation of the Parkwood Complex, a national consultant recommended making the main pool smaller, based on the population, an idea that was soundly rejected by pool users. The decision was also made to nix the suggestion of an indoor pool even though there were a number of residents who supported the concept because the commissioners thought it would duplicate the services of the Town of North Hempstead's Denton Avenue pool. He said, "This is a very local operation. We are here to serve Great Neck and we are proud of the process we have for open discussions of issues."

Commissioner Ivar Segalowitz stressed the fact that the park district commissioners are readily accessible to residents saying, "We're only a phone call away...would you rather have some bureaucrat in Mineola making decisions?" He went on to say that if one wants to get an idea of how the county would take care of parks just pay a visit to Manhasset Valley Park. "It's in shambles ... the county is looking to divest itself of the park along with others."

Mr. Lincoln further noted, before opening comments to the public, that he recently analyzed his own tax bill. Based on the park district's budget increase for this year, 2/10 of 1 percent, his park tax should have gone up 87 cents; instead it went up $16. He said, "Who got my 15 bucks?" He thinks that there should be a serious investigation of such discrepancies. The tax levy was supposed to have raised taxes 6.5 percent this year and yet he reports that his went up 13 percent.

The majority of the attendees who spoke were in favor of taking action to "nip such a move against the park district in the bud."

Bill Doppley, president of the Lakeville Civic Association said, "We can all sit here and complain about things and the board listens. You can't say that about the county or the town."

Jean Pierce suggested that park advocates start gathering signatures on a petition in protest of such a move, adding that summertime is a great time to garner such support with all the outdoor activities going on. Others enthusiastically agreed.

Elizabeth Allen stated, "I can't think of a better representative body than those representing the park...we have the best system...any rationale for a change eludes me."

David Zielenziger rose to say that there was nothing wrong in the county's looking at consolidation. He said, "The studies are just beginning...you do a fine job, but we should welcome taking a look at improving efficiency."

Gordon Shalla echoed his remarks saying that the peninsula with its many villages has "a lot of redundancy of resources." He also added that the credibility of the board was "unassailable" but that there was no harm in looking at the county's suggestions.

Mr. Lincoln stepped in to say that the county and the town have pushed the concept of municipalities sharing resources, giving the impression that such arrangements are not in place and that the idea is a new one. In actuality cooperative agreements go on all the time among the various local entities. He gave a number of examples of cooperative arrangements. Starting in July, the school district and the park district will be sharing information and security services to make the parks safer for kids. The park district, which has the equipment for making park cards, makes identity cards for other entities in return for other swapped services. The park district already uses the New York State purchasing list which gives the benefit of reduced costs for mass buying. He said, "It's frustrating to read in the media about wastefulness in local governments when we know that these things are in place."

(The Great Neck Village Officials Association worked long and hard to hammer out intermunicipal agreements that would provide liability protection for municipalities if they shared equipment and other resources.)

The suggestion was made that residents who are concerned about these developments should get in touch with their elected officials in New York State.

In fact, Senator Craig Johnson was recently tapped to co-chair the Senate Democratic Conference's newly established Suburban Caucus with its number one stated priority to break the cycle of escalating property taxes. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is also looking into reforms to reduce property taxes and is known for his accessibility.

Nassau County has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide a cost-benefit analysis, feasibility study and implementation plan for the consolidation of government services. The Nassau County Legislature has appropriated $500,000 for this purpose in addition to a $250,000 grant from the Hagedorn Foundation.

Questions were raised about the legal implications of a county takeover of taxing entities such as the park district. Would the county do so by eminent domain and be required to actually purchase the park system and its assets? Since the Great Neck park system was formed in 1916 by grassroots action, would such a take over require a public referendum? How much of a saving to an individual home owner or condo owner would be the tipping point for giving up local control? At this point there are many more questions than answers.

Ms. Tamarin concluded with, "This information is not meant to distress you, but we do want to warn you about what the future may hold...let the politicians know that you're concerned."