Gonsalves, Kraus vie for L.D. 13

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Q: What are your thoughts on the state of the county’s finances?
Gonsalves: In just three years, my colleagues and I have cut spending by $290 million, consolidated departments to reduce waste and payroll, and stabilized the county’s debt. We have delivered three no-tax-increase budgets and have the fourth under committee consideration now. I shall continue to work diligently until we can restore Nassau’s fiscal health and return Nassau to an affordable place to live, work and raise a family.

Kraus: The county’s finances are an abomination. We have been borrowing relentlessly for the last four years and accumulated unprecedented levels of debt. Our bond rating has been lowered numerous times. We have a financial oversight board in place because it’s apparent that the county is not able to control it’s own finances. We need to take a long, hard, realistic look in the mirror and evaluate where the county is headed. We need to stop treating the symptoms of this crisis and focus on a cure for the underlying “disease” so the future of the county is healthy. This includes curtailing unnecessary spending, finding creative means of generating revenue and producing annual budgets that are reasonable for both the taxpayers and the services the county provides to them.

During your time in office, what do you feel are your biggest accomplishments?

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