Letter: Blame Game Must Stop

Friday, 04 February 2011 00:00

I am writing in response to County Legislator Diane Yatauro’s column entitled “Mangano Continues to Mislead Taxpayers” (The Roslyn News, Jan. 27). This was certainly a well-written and informative article that I appreciated, albeit a bit too political for my taste.

It is clear to me that the current administration and specifically County Executive Edward P. Mangano, has been finger pointing at former County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi ever since he got into office approximately 13 months ago. As a result, I am disappointed in him and his administration. While I am not terribly entrenched in politics, I am an experienced business manager who truly understands that Nassau needs a leader who can provide the “business management and leadership” skills that our County so desperately needs and deserves. Whether in business or in politics, there is no place and frankly, no value, in continuing a game of “finger pointing” and “blame.”

As one of Nassau County’s “overtaxed taxpayers,” it is both frustrating and disappointing to see this persistent waste of energy blaming the former administration. Perhaps I expected it for a month or two after Mr. Suozzi left office, but at some point, an incumbent needs to stand up and take responsibility.  Enough is enough already. I experienced finger pointing in business for three decades and I firmly believe that no good comes from it. It merely is an attempt to pass the hot potato. Well Mr. Mangano, although the issues still exist, the potato is no longer hot and as they say, the buck stops with you.

This is not about politics and partisanship. It’s about sound business management. Respectfully, I suggest our leaders stop focusing on petty political bickering and instead focus now on solving the huge issues that continue to plague Nassau County.  If we cannot come together and find common sense solutions, we will find that all our folks, both young and old, will leave us in their exodus in greater and greater numbers.

Nassau County is a fabulous place to live and I dearly want my children to be able to enjoy it throughout their lifetime—-or I will surely miss them.

Jeffrey B Schwartzberg