Edward P. Mangano, the veteran Republican legislator representing Hicksville, was installed for a fourth term last week, during inaugural ceremonies that saw a Democratic-controlled county administration come to power for the first time in decades in Nassau.

Legislator Mangano (17th district), an attorney from Bethpage, has vowed to work with the new administration, as well as the Democratic-majority County Legislature, to help solve the county's ongoing fiscal woes - and for a better Nassau.

In an interview following his Jan. 3 induction, Mangano expressed his hopes for the new term. "I hope that during this term, the county continues to get a better fiscal footing," he said. "I would hope that the county becomes more automated, and more user-friendly. And I would hope that the county, and all of its employees and administrators, work together in a productive manner to increase efficiency and morale."

He is optimistic that the new Democratic County Executive, Thomas Suozzi and his administration, will work with members of the legislature, including the Republican minority, in a bi-partisan manner for the good of the county.

"Presently, everyone that I have come into contact with, has expressed a desire and willingness to work together, toward making Nassau County a better place for all of its residents," Mangano said. "At least the people whom I've spoken to seem excited and ready to work in a cooperative manner, to achieve our common goal, of making Nassau fiscally stable, and responsive to its citizens."

Commenting on the priorities of the legislature, as the county looks to avert a control board, he continued, "It's important that we work together toward solutions to review the administrative proposals, and report to the public the impact of these proposals, and support the proposals that will have a positive impact on both fiscal areas, and on areas of quality of life."

Immediately following his re-election this past November, Mangano had called for the use of innovative technology to streamline operations and cut costs in the county. He plans to push this and other ideas in the new, Democratic-controlled administration. For example, he said he believes that residents should be able to pay parking tickets online. In addition, information about cars that are seized and auctioned off by the county due to violations should be placed online. "So it gives the public access to this information. And at the same time, such technology will result in the savings to taxpayers," he said.

Mangano also believes that employee satisfaction will be key to increasing the efficiency of government. "I'm certain the administration's goal will be to increase efficiency, and in order to do that, we need to listen more to those who are performing job functions, so that they can be completed in a sensible and efficient manner. Employee participation tends to increase job satisfaction, and therefore boost morale, which will definitely benefit the public."

This spirit of cooperation will also be key to bargaining with the county's unions, which represent the workforce, and ensuring that they have a stake in the fiscal recovery process, Mangano noted.

"The workforce is obviously an important part of the puzzle, and their cooperation is necessary in order for Nassau County to, one - recover fiscally, but two, more importantly, deliver the services that residents are accustomed to receiving," he said.

"I believe that before government should turn to the taxpayer for additional funds, they must institute the efficiencies and procedures that we have all discussed over the last term."

Environmental protection initiatives, which earned the legislator commendations from local environmental organizations in previous terms, will also remain a focus, he noted. "I will continue to work toward the preservation of environmentally sensitive land, to continue to work toward preserving open space, maintaining our parks," Mangano said. "I look forward to working with the new commissioners, and County Executive Suozzi in advancing a strong environmental agenda, as well as one that promotes economic growth and job creation, especially in our area."

As he begins his new term, Mangano aims to draw on his experience as a Nassau legislator, to serve as a catalyst for governmental reform.

"Serving as a legislator provides a great opportunity to offer assistance, to advocate ideas. Many times, citizens have come up with ideas that could save Nassau County money and time," he said. "I will continue to advocate those ideas, and work with the administration to institute policies, procedures and legislation that are a betterment to Nassau County."

He added, "I believe that we definitely have brighter times ahead, as long as everyone works toward the common goal of making Nassau County a stable, productive, governing body."