Political Insider - Issue VI 9/10/2001
By featured writer Marty Schwartz
For this column I have interviewed Republican/Conservative candidate for
Nassau County Executive, financier Bruce Bent.
BACKGROUND
Age 64; married with two children and almost two grandchildren. Chief
Executive Officer of a money fund. Bachelors Degree in Economics from St.
John's. Resident of Plandome (North Hempstead) since 1975.
RESTRUCTURING NASSAU's DEBT
What NIFA has been to the County is it. There is no way to restructure the
debt. It's got to be paid sometime in the future.
THE POLICE
Tighter controls of expenses and overtime are needed. Non police work should
be performed by civilians. People should come in at a competitive rate when
hired.
THE MEDICAL CENTER
I like Dick Turan, the new Executive Director. He has hired a top CPA firm to
review the financial situation. He's going in the right direction.
SALES TAX
We must ultimately reduce it. It's regressive taxation but unfortunately
needed.
KEY ISSUES FOR THE COUNTY EXEC RACE
There are 3 that I will mention.
(1)Career politicians are more concerned
about the next election then serving government. Pandering to special
interest groups must be reduced.
(2)We must find ways to deliver services at
the lowest cost to the taxpayer.
(3)Not to impose national issues on local politics (i.e; choice, death
penalty). We should base this campaign on local issues.
TO GOVERNOR PATAKI
We should balance our books and increase our services. We need your help on
binding arbitration legislation and chargebacks of certiorari cases to the
taxing entity.We are greatful for NIFA, which is a positive influence.
ASSESSMENT
The courts say we have to re-assess. What's been done has been unfair. People
should be taxed on market value. It's just that simple. People will still
continue to appeal their taxes.
STRATEGY IN DEALING WITH A DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURE
I will have no problem. I'm here to represent the people of Nassau regardless
of the way they vote. If people are here to serve Nassau, working with them
will be easy. I promise that the media will be kept up-to-date and informed.
POSITIVES OF NASSAU COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The Park system is outstanding even though more maintenance is needed. The
beaches are beautiful and snow removal is adequate. The Police do an
outstanding job and the Fire Marshal's Office is helpful in dealing with the
local volunteer fire departments.
