Lead county lawmakers get double-digit raises

A surprising bill introduced by Republicans in the county Legislature on Monday gave lead lawmakers significant pay raises, and Democrats, who voted unanimously against the measure, were quick to protest the controversial action the next morning.

“If this is what the Republicans do after just three weeks in charge, what can we expect three months from now?” said Legislator Judy Jacobs, a Democrat from Woodbury. “They obviously have their eyes on their own wallets rather than the taxpayers.”

The bill — which did not appear on the Legislature's Monday agenda –– left some residents shocked to see legislators voting on a pay increase while the county cries poverty. The measure passed in a party-line vote, 11-8.

Majority Leader Peter Schmitt, Deputy Majority Leader John Ciotti and Minority Leader Diane Yatauro all received pay raises, though Yatauro voted against the measure and said she would donate her extra salary to charity. Schmitt's compensation would increase from $67,500 to $99,500, Ciotti's would jump from $62,500 to $84,500 and Yatauro's would increase from $63,500 to $90,500.

Schmitt defended the raises, explaining that the Legislature’s presiding officers had seen no change in pay in the body’s 14-year history. “The stipends for Nassau County legislative leaders have not been increased since 1996 for what are full-time positions,” he said. “The funds are available in the legislative budget and will not impact the county budget in any way.”

County Executive Ed Mangano, who served as a Republican county lawmaker when Schmitt was the minority leader, does not have the authority to veto the measure. According to his press secretary, “The Nassau County Legislature is a separate branch of government, and as such abides by its own rules of procedure.”

But, Mangano added, “My administration will continue to lead by example through reducing the cost of government, and it is our hope that our colleagues follow suit.”