Letter to the Editor: Dunne Responds to Irwin's Challenge on Sewer System

Editor's Note: Recently, Ethan Irwin, the Democratic challenger for the Nassau County Legislature's 15th District seat, wrote a challenging Legis. Dennis Dunne's record on the privatization of the county's sewer system. Patch asked Legis. Dunne for a response.

I have not cast a vote to privatize the county's sewer system. I have worked very hard to improve the conditions of our sewer plants, particularly the Cedar Creek sewage plant. Upon gaining the Majority on the legislature in 2010, my first act was to hold a hearing on the matter and expose the years of neglect at this plant.  The county has since reorganized the staffing structure of the plants and dedicated millions of capital fund dollars to upgrade and properly maintain the plants.

The concept of privatizing the county's sewage plants is not a proposal that is currently before this legislature. If it is to be considered, I and the legislature will undertake careful review of the proposal, as well as public opinion, to determine if such a transition would benefit the taxpayers and sustain the level of service provided.