Tom Suozzi, Nassau County Executive joined the John Gambling Show 12.02.08

Tom Suozzi Nassau County Executive joined the John Gambling Show to discuss the Property Tax Cap and educational cost-cutting measures - will this hurt the school system on Long Island?

County Executive Suozzi said that Nassau County has 217 school districts with less than 1000 students - he believes that it just doesn't make sense to have so many districts for  so few students. His idea is to consolidate the school operation into one or two districts - an proposition that will save money and provide better education to students. He said that during this critical economic time, Nassau County's higher taxes and school system that costs more than anywhere in America desperately needs the Property Tax Cap. He said increasing state aid, increase poperty taxes are the only two other options - and one it won't happen and two, it will not work.

Suozzi added that there is a misundersatnding about special education - it's not just education for children who are challenged with a mentally or physical disability. It is more about extra help with reading or math, even a mild disability which prevents them from performing up to the standards to their peers. He said that better education for the kids is still the focus, but keeping costs down is what needs to be done. He said the bottom line is: there is no other choice anymore - the NY Budget is facing serious cuts and it will affect many areas.

Finally, when asked about his interest in the freshly vacated Senate seat held by Hillary Clinton, Tom Suozzi said that his focus is the people of Nassau County and working  closely with Governor Paterson on whatever he needs right now.

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Property Tax Cap And School Cuts