As many of you already know, the Nassau County Legislature began hearings this week to examine County Executive Thomas Gulotta's proposed budget for fiscal year 2001 and on his proposed four-year economic plan that was mandated by NIFA, the state oversight board.

In the initial stages of this examination process, we are being careful not to rush judgment, but there are several key components in both documents that appear to lack definition and, subsequently, warrant further review and clarification.

The most notable of these questionable initiatives is the layoff of county employees. The budget itself does not include a detailed itemization of the positions that would be eliminated, nor does it indicate what and how county services would be impacted by these cuts. With that in mind, how can a dollar value be assigned to this proposed saving?

Furthermore, there are real concerns as to whether the renegotiated contacts of the police and correction officer unions will correlate into a saving of $20 million, as stated in the proposed budget. The contracts have not been finalized and, subsequently, very little is known in terms of concessions being made by the union.

Even more questions exist regarding the proposed consolidation of county departments, because the budget lacks an in-depth analysis of such an endeavor. Will the resulting departments be able to adequately provide their newly designated services? Will the savings generated by this move match those projected in the budget and four-year plan?

This tendency towards ambiguity also lends itself to the county executive's four-year economic plan. The extended plan lists a spending reduction equaling $75 million, but lacks substantive documentation as to what the actual reductions will be. Additionally, the plan relies heavily on two proposals that will require state legislation: the elimination of revenue sharing with local municipalities, and making school districts and towns responsible for their share of contested tax assessment repayments. The prospect of either finding acceptance in Albany is shaky at best.

As the Legislature continues to work through the 2001 budget and extended economic plan in the coming weeks, it is my hope that we will validate these initiatives or move for more credible alternatives. The county is mandated, as per its agreement with the state, to present a budget and four-year plan to NIFA in mid-October. The oversight board will examine the documents to ensure that they are responsible economic instruments, but that is where their obligation ends. They are not bound to the constituency of Nassau County, or to the quality of life on Long Island. They have only been charged with watching the "bottom line;" we have to handle the rest.

That is why proposals, such as the elimination of the MTA/LI Bus subsidy, which would effectively eliminate public bus transportation in Nassau County, must be addressed by the Legislature. As the County Legislature, we must protect the economic interests of the county in addition to maintaining the most essential of services for our constituents. I feel it would be irresponsible to strip this county to its bare essentials in one year in a desperate attempt to remedy 10 years of expenditures outpacing revenues.

As always, I am interested in hearing from county residents and invite anyone who would like to make some input on the matter to contact my office at 571-6216.