I write to clarify the distortion of history contained in the John Rennhack letter of last week.

The fact is that the Democrats took power in Nassau County following the 1999 elections. We are in the fourth year of Democrat control of the legislature and the second year of Democrat control of the executive branch.

During this time, what have they done? Three budgets prepared by, presented by and approved by Democrats. Three years of massive tax increases and three years of spending increases. That is the verifiable record, in other words, John - you could look it up.

Sixty percent increase in property taxes over the last three budgets, all Democrat. An astounding $500 million - that is one-half of a billion dollar increase in county spending.

Let us be clear: The Democrats are - and have been - in solid control of Nassau County for the past years. The Republican Minority criticizes the failings of the party in power - that is what a Minority does. I hope you have noticed, John, that the Democrats are not embracing the Bush budget in Washington, nor are they unveiling their great plans.

Tom Suozzi is doing a better job than his predecessor. I have acknowledged that from day one. That being said and it isn't saying much, I also believe that he is taking the county in the wrong direction on property tax policy.

He campaigned on a platform of cutting government spending (over $100 million). He has increased it .

He campaigned on consolidating and restructuring County government. He has restructured it all right. Creating seven new departments with seven new commissioners, deputy commissioners, staffs, etc.

And now the Democrats want to saddle Nassau County taxpayers with a Storm Water and Sewer Authority. Another layer of government spending, an independent agency with the power to tax and spend, as if the Democrats need any help with that.

We, as Republicans, will continue to press for less government, not more. Caps and cuts on government spending, not more, and we will continue to support those initiatives put forth by the administration that accomplishes those goals - and continue to oppose those who do not.

We, as Republicans, believe that property tax increases are the last, the absolute last step in solving the County fiscal problems. The Democrats, given the record, believe that is the first, and so far, the only step.

That is one of the differences between the two political parties.

I know that given the record of tax and spending by the party in power, the Democrats desperately want to point fingers and look backwards.

And, by the way, John, you may think that our veterans, our children, and our civic groups are not worthy of a political and governmental leader's time, but you are wrong.

It is called a community.

That is what it is all about.

Peter J. Schmitt

Republican Minority Leader

Nassau County Legislature