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For
this column I have interviewed Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes, Donald X.
Clavin, Jr.
BACKGROUND
Age 34 and soon to be married. Lifelong resident of Valley Stream. Law
Degree from Hofstra and an undergraduate degree in History from Canisius
College (Buffalo). Formerly an attorney in private practice and Tax
Receiver since February 2001.
FUNCTIONS OF THE TAX RECEIVER'S OFFICE
Our motto is "We don't set-em, we get-em." The law sets the
boundaries for our functions and how we operate. We collect $2 billion
each year in taxes for the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County, Fire
Districts, Water Districts, all school taxes including the Long Beach
School District. We collect and distribute monies accordingly (free of
charge). There are 55 employees in my department.
TO COUNTY EXECUTIVE SUOZZI
You have a tough task. Please keep the taxpayers in your mind. Try to
avoid raising costs in these tough economic times.
MINOR PARTIES
They are here and are not going anywhere. They have such an important
impact at all political/governmental levels today. In 2001, I received the
Conservative and Independence endorsements. I look forward to working with
them again.
TAXES & TAXPAYERS (in general)
The common theme amongst taxpayers is that taxes are too high and people
are generally angry. Taxpayers are very concerned about re-assessment.
Nassau taxpayers are amazed that 63% of all property taxes go to schools,
23% to the County and 10% to the Town. In sum, taxpayers want the
governments to stop raising taxes-period!
HOBBIES
Golf, running and jogging, and reading political/historical books.
THE POLITICAL YEAR 2003
A long year for every candidate from the top to the bottom. Winners will
be based on how each candidate is perceived by the voters after taxpayers
open up their tax bills. The political situation here and abroad will
enter into the picture. Our slate in Hempstead Town will do well.
Regarding the legislature, it's too early to tell. It could go either way.
ON CHARLIE O'SHEA
Re-assessment has been difficult with the timeline that the judge has set.
In the end, the voters will see the effort you put forth and it will be
rewarded.
SUCCESSES AS TAX RECEIVER
There are 3 main accomplishments that I am proud of: (1) Enhancing
services in addition to extending office hours and having satellite
offices, which help alleviate congestion. Enhancements have been made
without the hiring of additional staff.
(2) Changing legislation to protect those taxpayers that satisfy
mortgages, who were left uninformed by their lending institutions about
how to pay their taxes. (3) Showing people how to save dollars on their
taxes based on programs in place. This has been especially helpful to
senior citizens and the disabled.
PERSONAL GOALS
To get married in June 2003 and win reelection by continuing to provide
great services to the residents in a fiscally responsive manner.
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