I was elected to represent my South Shore district, which depends on youth services (especially considering the growing heroin epidemic), needs a robust bus system, and relies on well-trained firefighters.

But the increase did not stand, and so 10 days later, with the clock ticking down to the Nov. 30 budget deadline, legislators on both sides of the aisle joined the administration (can you hear the chorus of angels celebrating such an event?) to increase certain fees in the county clerk’s office, thereby avoiding the drastic cuts. Of course, that wasn’t the end of it; at press time, we still awaited NIFA’s verdict.

Why am I rehashing all this? Because it is irresponsible to every year hold the youth programs, bus riders and volunteer firefighters hostage. We must make it less onerous for responsible developers to launch TOD projects. We must respectfully and convincingly counteract NIMBY negativism that would keep us clinging to aging infrastructure and bleak main streets.

Yes, Nassau’s towns, villages and cities control zoning and a lot of the planning for development. Yes, we live in a complicated patchwork of municipalities driven by party politics. That will not magically disappear. So let’s make the best of what we’ve got. The county cannot throw up its hands and say, “It’s not us!” Let’s continue to partner with the smaller municipalities, and not be afraid to work across party lines. After all, the increased tax base that will come with more housing options, a better retail climate, and a bigger “fun factor” will mean more revenue, and better services for all our residents.

Laura Curran, a Democrat, is a Nassau County legislator, representing the 5th Legislative District.