Nassau County Legislature Sworn In

A ceremony was held Monday morning to induct 19 members into the Nassau County Legislature. The ceremony was the eighth of its kind for the county.

Democrat Dave Denenberg and Republican Norma Gonsalves, both of whom represent portions of Bellmore, were among those sworn in for a new term. 

"In 2010, I will continue my efforts with environmental issues and clean energy," Gonsalves said.  "I will continue to work to conserve open space as a whole."

Gonsalves, who was first elected in 1997, returns to the majority party and said the legislature's top priority was to restore fiscal responsiblity to the county. 

"In order to do that we cannot fill the caucus with more taxes and fees," Gonsalves said.  "We have to make sacrifices and sometimes that leads to cutting staff. We have to be very careful when we do that."

"I am honored for the opportunity to continue to serve my constituents in the 19th Legislative District as I focus on a wide variety of issues in the communities that I represent," added Denenberg. "As part of the new Minority Caucus on the Nassau County Legislature, I will be working together in a bipartisan spirit with my colleagues to help the County navigate through these difficult economic times. We must do our best to keep our County on firm financial footing while also addressing the concerns of our hard-pressed taxpayers."

The newly appointed Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, welcomed a crowd of more than 1,000 people at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Mangano wished the dais of legislators luck as they entered their new positions, but also said that the legislature must work as a cohesive unit in order to overcome the financial issues that have plagued Nassau County.

"We want to restore the fiscal health of Nassau County" Mangano said. "Only with the collective efforts of the people in this room, will we overcome our troubles."

Mangano was not the only political figure to speak about the wavering economy. Senator Charles Schumer took the podium and spoke about the importance of economic growth and said he promises to do everything he can to help the Nassau County legislators along.

"These are difficult times for individuals, families and local governments," Schumer said. "One of the greatest challenges we face is keeping the quality of service up while keeping costs and taxes down."

Congressman Peter T. King then swore the republican legislators into office, including Peter J. Schmitt as the county's new presiding officer and its new majority leader. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli then inducted the democratic legislators.

Schmitt sent a specific message during his inaugural speech — that overspending and raising taxes will not continue.

"The Republican majority has been presented with a unique responsibility to solve spending issues," Schmitt said. "And these issues will not include more tax increases or fee increases. Those days are over."

Schmitt also spoke of the future of Nassau County under the new majority and promised positive change.

"The Republican majority will carefully and slowly unravel the upward spiral in spending," he said. "What we should be asking ourselves is 'Can we afford it?' High taxes have been driving families out [of Nassau] and stunting business growth. We will institute rule changes to ensure transparency. ... We want to serve rather than steer."

Democrat Diane Yatauro, who took over as legislative minority leader, added that she feels there are many challenges facing Nassau County, but the the legislature will do what is necessary to find solutions.

"The work can be overwhelming but we will work hard to find the right answers," Yatauro said. "We will listen and do business in a cooperative spirit. May 2010 be a better year for our country and us all." Yatauro concluded by thanking former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi  for his years of hard work and dedication.

After the ceremony, the new legislature headed to the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building at 1550 Franklin Ave. in Mineola for the first public meeting of the new administration.