Democrats have branded the recent announcement by the county executive stating, without specifics, that he will be making $110 million in cuts from his budget as "another pitiful example of irresponsible and unaccountable budgetary practices."

Coming on the heels of the repeal of the transfer tax, Minority Leader Judy Jacobs said that this latest announcement was another in a long list of unsubstantiated moves, that included no explanation and no impact statement.

Democrats are calling for a budgetary summit of county and state officials so that they can tackle the huge deficit and fiscal crisis currently facing Nassau County.

"So far this has been like a soap opera unfolding, but while a story in a soap opera can take years to unfold, Nassau County doesn't have the luxury of that time," said Jacobs.

Democrats are taking the lead in calling for a summit that will bring together County Executive Thomas Gulotta, Republican and Democratic legislators, New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Nassau County Comptroller Fred Parola, Independent Legislative Budget Review Director Tim Sullivan and other affected parties.

"Finger pointing is over and it's time for everyone to step up to the plate," said Jacobs. "We must attack the problems facing Nassau County head on, with no delays."

"With just 30 days left, the clock is ticking," said Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury).

"We are inheriting a mess," Legislator Barbara Johnson said, "but we will not be overwhelmed by it. Instead we are focusing our attention on bringing all parties together to represent responsible government, which is what the voters were clamoring for on Election Day."

Calling Gulotta's latest announcement "vague," Jacobs and her fellow legislators Roger Corbin (D-Westbry), Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck), Barbara Johnson (D-Port Washington) and Michael Zapson (D-Long Beach), say that the county executive is asking for a "major leap of faith."

"Mr. Gulotta is asking us to take a leap of faith," said Jacobs, "but no one should be expected to jump that far. We want to see his specific fiscal recovery plan."

Jacobs said that with Gulotta's track record, they find little credibility in his vague "good news" announcement.

"After all the phony budgeting Tom Gulotta has employed in the past, why should we believe him now?" asked Legislator Altmann.

The minority caucus said they believe Mr. Gulotta's plan is lacking in two areas - specifies and impact.

"We demand to see specifics, as to the content of these cuts and specifics on the impact," said Legislator Corbin.

Jacobs said that she was also greatly disappointed that despite Gulotta's recent call for bipartisan government, he did not practice what he has been preaching. Democrats learned about his plan for the $110 million in cuts after it was announced to the press, Jacobs said.

"He claims that he wants us to work together in a bipartisan manner, but what he's given us today is not a very good job description," said Legislator Zapson.