The Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Jan. 29 at Castle Senior Living in Plainview.

The meeting started with Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler and guest speaker Nassau County Comptroller Howard S. Weitzman each presenting chamber president John Casal with a citation in recognition of the chamber's accomplishments.

"The local chambers of commerce do so much for the communities in the Town of Oyster Bay," said Eisler. "There is so much done on a volunteer basis and this citation is the Town of Oyster Bay's way of saying thank you for all you do in the community and we are asking you to keep up the good work."

Casal next introduced the guest speaker, Comptroller Howard Weitzman, whom Casal referred to as "The Financial Watchdog of Nassau County."

Weitzman first thanked the standing-room-only crowd for their attendance during a lunchtime meeting and then explained his role in Nassau County's financial matters. "I am an independently elected official and am a separate entity from the county executive and the legislature," said Weitzman. "I am not responsible for the budget. The county executive prepares the budget and the legislature votes on it. I only make comments on it."

Weitzman explained to the members in attendance the fiscal problems that Nassau County is facing and what caused the current situation.

"Some people wonder 'how can one of the richest counties in the United States have a fiscal problem'," said Weitzman. "Fifteen percent of Nassau County's population are millionaires and we still have financial problems. That is because there is a structural deficit in Nassau County- we spend more than we take in."

The first step toward solving some of the financial problems in Nassau County came soon after County Executive Thomas Suozzi was elected, according to Weitzman. "Tom Suozzi realized that a reduction of Nassau County employees would help alleviate some of the problem," said Weitzman. "Suozzi has already cut 1,000 employees and another 500 will be let go by this summer."

Weitzman explained that technology is taking over for many of the people that were let go. "You can't cut 1,500 employees and have everything operate the same, but we have updated the technology to help alleviate the cutbacks," said Weitzman.

When Weitzman was first elected he said there were many problems in the county. "There is over $40 million not collected in parking tickets from the Parking Violation Bureau," he said. "There are 12 locations in Nassau County to pay for your New York City parking violation, but there is only one location in Nassau to pay a Nassau County Parking violation. This has to change."

Although there were many problems with the county, Weitzman said that there is a lot to look forward to. "We didn't have a functioning government before," he said. "We are not doing really well and we have many things going for us. The reason houses are so expensive in Nassau County is because people want to live here. It is a great place to live."

During the question and answer period of the meeting, many expressed their concern over Nassau's current situation. Weitzman emphasized that residents need to hold their elected officials accountable. "If people are not getting the job done, don't re-elect them," said Weitzman. "I like government to be as transparent as possible so you see it, understand it and question it."

John Casal then spoke regarding chamber news. He asked for volunteers for the many new initiatives that the chamber is undertaking. "We need volunteers and we need more members," said Casal. "It is very important for us to grow as a group."

Casal also said to look out for the chamber's newsletter, which should be mailed before February's meeting.

According to Casal, Plainview and Old Bethpage are lacking a "welcome" sign when first entering the community. He has been working with Senator Kemp Hannon on a grant to get the funds to get that sign in place. Casal and attorney David Dender are currently working on the paperwork.

Casal is also trying to raise funds to hang street pole banners to recognize all of Plainview and Old Bethpage's main streets, since there is no specific "Main Street."

Casal thanked the many people who have helped him and the chamber over the last few months and also those who donated door prizes, which were raffled off at the end of the meeting.

The next meeting of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce will be on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at Chestnut Grove in Plainview. For more information please call 937-JOIN (5646) or visit www.plainview-oldbethpage.com.