Town of Hempstead Supervisor Rich Guardino and Councilman James Darcy have voiced their opposition to New York City's proposal that would require Long Island commuters to pay a non-resident income tax (commuter tax).

"This ill-conceived tax would be even greater than the commuter tax surcharge abolished by our state lawmakers years ago," commented Guardino. "New York City should not close its projected budget shortfall on the backs of Long Island residents."

Guardino and Darcy are spearheading a petition drive, enlisting the support of commuters in opposition to the tax. "There is strength in numbers and I plan to demonstrate just how strongly residents are united against this tax," stated Darcy.

"Town of Hempstead commuters comprise a vast number of the city's workforce," said the councilman. "These residents already contribute heavily to New York City's economy by shopping, eating at restaurants and frequenting shows and sporting events. What's more, these hard working individuals are already paying their fair share of taxes, and they should not have to subsidize businesses and residents in the city."

"As we all know, taxation without representation was a catalyst for the American Revolution," said Darcy. "Taxing residents who do not

live or vote in New York City clearly constitutes taxation without representation, and it's just plain wrong."

"Instead of resorting to a divisive tax plan, New York City should be developing new and innovative proposals to address its financial troubles," concluded Guardino. "Councilman Darcy and I will fight with residents of my town in vigorously opposing this unfair tax."

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi also vehemently opposed the commuter tax, saying that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is telling the suburbs to "drop dead."

Suozzi also said he can't imagine why the state legislature would support it. "This is one trial balloon that will pop immediately and for good reason. Every municipality in New York is feeling the same economic hurt and we should be working together to find a global solution to our common problems, but this does not include asking our neighbors to shoulder the bulk of our own burdens. Nassau's budget deficit is Nassau's. I wouldn't ask the thousands of workers who commute here from New York City and Suffolk County to pick up our check," he said.

New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano had a humorous approach to his feelings on the commuter tax. "The commuter tax has about as much chance of getting reinstated as the Dodgers coming back to Brooklyn to play baseball next season," he said. "Reinstating the commuter tax is something I won't support because it's repressive and penalizes the people who need the income the most."

Suozzi suggested New York's counties and cities working together to address issues such as unfunded mandates and Medicaid costs. "The way New York's counties and cities can help each other is by coming together and moving forward to address issues that are affecting us all. One problem that will be remedied only with universal cooperation is getting the state to reduce unfunded mandates and assume Medicaid costs. If accepting a dramatically reduced commuter income tax would help persuade the state to assume the costs of unfunded mandates then I am willing to do our part and lead the way toward a cooperative and multi-municipal solution for New York" said Suozzi.