Is What’s Good for Albany Also Good for Nassau?
By David Diamond, Anthony Chouloute and Joseph Giovinazzo
Nassau News Staff Writers
While Nassau residents agree that Thomas Suozzi's efforts in his term as county executive have resurrected Nassau, they question whether his decision is right for both him and the county.
Chris Talbot, 42, expresses the public's indecision about Suozzi running for governor. "I can't imagine Suozzi could possibly do anything for Nassau County in Albany."
That is an area of concern, particularly when Suozzi said at his press conference in Glen Cove that he is focused on attempting to solve problems such as Medicaid fraud and getting more money invested into New York City public schools. What concerns Nassau residents is the absence of an agenda focused on more improvements to Nassau County.
"I think it's a bad move," Joe Morgan, 55, said about Suozzi eyeing Albany. "It reduces his commitment to Nassau, and who has he groomed to take his place?"
There is evidence behind Morgan's worries. Before Suozzi was inaugurated in January 2002, the Maxwell School of Public Affairs at Syracuse University rated Nassau as the "worst run" county in the nation. A highlight of Suozzi's work includes saving $100 million of the county's money by cutting the work force to its smallest in 30 years. In addition, Suozzi created three consecutive no-tax increase balanced budgets, leading watchdog groups like Smith's Ratings and Research Review to call Nassau County "one of the top three turnaround stories in the nation."
Suozzi has been very active in sharing his vision for a "new suburbia" in which he announced community goals and projects that may now be put on hold or scrapped entirely with the executive's campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor.
Still, still residents remain hopeful that perhaps Suozzi will not simply forget about the county.
"It's possible,.every one has their favorite area. He should form an alliance with the future county executive," Morgan said.
Carol Overton, 51, a county employee since 1976, is confident that Suozzi will still do what is best for the county, as opposed to the current Republican governor.
"He can give more money to the county," she said. "Pataki looked out for New York City. Democrats will look out for Nassau County."
At the Carle Place Diner on Old Country Road, Jerry Marsch, a 34-year-old waiter, knows a thing or two about the politics of Nassau County. Suozzi, he says, is “just playing the game to move on." He likes the chances of Suozzi’s opponent, Attorney General Elliot Spitzer. "I think he's more qualified for the job."
