Bellmore-Merrick leaders look ahead to 2012

Only a couple of weeks into the New Year, local leaders have already set their priorities for 2012. Elected, civic and business leaders from across the Merricks and Bellmores recently spoke with the Herald and shared what they plan to focus on in the coming year.

New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican from Merrick who represents Bellmore and Merrick, said that his top focus for 2012 is to approve a state spending plan that closes New York’s budget deficit without raising taxes. “Long Islanders pay some of the nation’s highest taxes, and are feeling the effects of the current economy,” Fuschillo said. “They can’t afford to pay more. Last year we worked in a bipartisan manner to close a $10 billion budget deficit by cutting state spending, reducing state operation expenditures and making government operate more efficiently.”

Fuschillo added that mandate relief for local school districts and governments will also be a priority. “This is critical to help reduce costs for schools and local governments and provide additional tax relief for residents,” he said.

Another focus, Fuschillo said, will be on stimulating the economy by adding more jobs by way of a statewide transportation plan. “Infrastructure projects are invaluable economic development tools,” he said. “The state should also continue to explore public-private partnerships as a way to finance and deliver infrastructure projects and create jobs.”

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat from Merrick who represents Bellmore and Merrick, said that he will focus on helping his constituents maintain a high quality of life, despite hard economic times. “A priority for me, in this fiscal crisis, is fighting to protect our quality of life and public safety in the face of these unprecedented budget cuts,” Denenberg said.

He said he will also “oppose [county] borrowing for operating expenses, because that mortgages our future,” and that “creating jobs and commercial and residential opportunities to expand our revenue base” will be critical, as well.