Cuomo honors Mangano's efforts to cut costs

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In an effort of true bipartisanship and good government, Governor Cuomo awarded Nassau County $5 million for the work County Executive Ed Mangano did to consolidate government and save taxpayer dollars.

Nassau County was one of 13 local government agencies recognized by the governor for their consolidation efforts. Of the total of $13 million in prize money, Nassau was awarded a sizable chunk. East Hampton was awarded over $500,000 for its work in “re-engineering town government.”

Specifically, Mangano was commended for converting two of eight police precincts into community policing centers. This consolidation moved more police officers to patrol status. It also cut more than 100 jobs, and will save taxpayers $20 million a year.

While many criticized the plan and voiced concerns about a potential spike in crime, it appears to be working. In fact, Mangano’s office pointed out that crime has decreased 10 percent from a few years ago.

Mangano appreciated being recognized for his efforts. “I commend Governor Cuomo for recognizing my administration’s efforts to reduce the size of government by eliminating duplicative services,” he said.

In addition to the precinct consolidation, Mangano’s office outlined how he has “cut over $290 million is wasteful spending, frozen property taxes for three straight years … and created and retained over 19,000 private sector jobs here in Nassau.”

Mangano was able to cut almost $300 million in waste without affecting services. In fact, the county finished 2012 with a budget surplus. Last weekend, our county pools were able to open early, fully repaired and restored from the damage of Hurricane Sandy.

As taxpayers, we should be proud of our county executive, and applaud him for working tirelessly to cut wasteful spending and not raising our taxes.

In 2009, Mangano ran on the promise of a tax revolt. He defeated then County Executive Tom Suozzi because voters were being taxed out of house and home, and had had enough. Since taking office, Mangano has done nothing but make cuts. He had no choice; he inherited a budget deficit of $133 million. At the first opportunity, he reduced what he inherited by more than $148 million.

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