In response to the recent "State of the County" address given by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and that of the recent consolidation of special districts, we agree of the opinion that while the county executive feels that eliminating special districts would provide tax relief, those who manage these special districts believe that such a move would not provide any reduction at all and service would suffer greatly.

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) is an organization that represents 21 water suppliers that fall under the term "special districts." As commissioner-run water suppliers, these districts provide local and responsive service to their constituents and allow their residents a voice in keeping their tax dollars within their community.

These districts believe in the concept of local control of the water supply and the provision of water to the community. They believe in the concept of local boards that are comprised of community residents elected by the community governing local water supply policies. The commissioners are sensitive to the heavy burden that is placed on our residents when it comes to real property taxes, other taxes, and fees that are collected to support all layers of government, but they do not believe that our water supply should be treated as a political football as we all attempt to sort out this local cost of living crisis.

For years, many communities have benefited from maintaining local control over their water supply. Commissioners representing their community have worked hard to make certain that consumers receive a safe supply of potable water and have strived to keep costs down. Maintaining local control means always having someone sensitive to the needs, concerns, and complaints of residents and the commercial entities they serve. Water related problems and needs are addressed by the employees of your local water district who answer to you and to your elected representatives.

Right now every dollar you pay in water rates and water district real property taxes is dedicated to capital improvements and to the operation and maintenance of the local water district. It does not go into a general county or town fund where it can be diverted for other needs or programs that are not as critical as your water supply.

Increasing property taxes in Nassau County is on everyone's mind, but eliminating and /or consolidating services is not the answer. The majority of the tax a resident pays goes to local schools. When looking at a typical "general" tax bill in Nassau County it can be very confusing for many, but the simplest of observations will note that the Nassau County costs are spread out on nine lines and make up most of that bill. The towns or villages account for about a quarter of the bill and special districts, such as fire and/or water, will cost the homeowner about 4 percent, less than a cup of coffee and a newspaper each day. Additionally, I believe that the alleged reduction in your taxes by eliminating water and fire districts is inflated. You cannot totally eliminate the savings since you will still need a supply of water and fire protection to survive. So the County believes that they can reduce the tax burden in Nassau, by focusing on such a small piece of the budget and closing their eyes to line items that are under their control, which make up the majority of the taxes collected.

Not less than 18 months ago, the attorney general issued a report "Making Government Work - Intergovernmental Cooperation, Partnering and Consolidation in New York State." In this report it stated that "Obviously, consolidating the many towns, villages, cities, counties and districts into a single entity is neither desirable nor workable." The report also stated that "Those who serve in local government often work long hours at little pay. They serve because they want the best for their communities and they want government to be responsible to the citizens they serve. One size of government does not fit all, and when those in elective office are serving their neighbors and friends, government tends to be more responsive."

What we believe will help control costs are cooperative agreements between local municipalities and by sharing information between local districts and not by diverting your hard-earned money to support a county shortfall.

Every one of these 21 commissioner-run districts believes this system is worth preserving and protecting and every resident should have faith that the local water districts will keep working every day in their community, now and in the future.

Karl M. Schweitzer

President, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association