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PROFILES
For this column I have interviewed Nassau County Republican
Minority Leader, Peter Schmitt.
BACKGROUND
Age 52; married with one daughter. Resident of Massapequa
since 1971 and originally from Franklin Square. Bachelors
Degree in Political Science from Hofstra. 12th District
Legislator since January 1996 and former Commissioner of
Community and Youth Services in Oyster Bay.
O'SHEA & RE-ASSESSMENT
A mess. It should not have been done in three year's time. We
needed extra time to do two things: 1) to confirm data on what
they had on the homes and 2) identify problems such as vacant
lots, veterans exemptions and waterfront properties, which
needed State legislation to correct. This should have been
done first. The net result is an increase in tax grievances.
TO MAJORITY LEADER JUDY JACOBS
You need to wake up! You're a lovely lady and the Presiding
Officer of the entire legislature. Please remember that and
get control of your caucus.
COUNTY FINANCES
It's in good shape based on the backs of the taxpayers. There
have been three massive tax increases: 9% in 2000, 8.9% in
2001 and 19.4% by Suozzi in 2002. This is wrong! Suozzi has
deferred tough decisions and spending has increased by $500
million. Suozzi doesn't know how to cut and NIFA is also
disappointing. They allow his administration to do things in a
haphazard manner and treat him with "kid gloves." I
expect no tax increase in 2003 and that taxpayers will be hit
hard again in 2004. In addition, his signoff on "binding
arbitration" with Gary DellaRaba will be costly.
HOBBIES
Golf, reading spy novels (Tom Clancy), travel and computer
games.
REDISTRICTING
It's being done in a highly partisan manner by the majority.
The map seeking advantages that the Democrats want, slices and
dices communities. Pulling East Massapequa from the 12th and
giving it to the 14th makes no sense as East Massapequa would
be lumped with Levittown, Farmingdale and Plainview. Dems are
supporting their own interests ahead of the people's. This
will eventually go to court.
PATRICK WILLIAMS AND OTB
An absolute disgrace. He's a convicted felon who filed false
instruments. He's now at OTB filing other forms. Suozzi,
Newsday and the Democratic leadership are all at fault here.
MESSAGE TO THE MASSAPEQUA RESIDENTS
It's a great place to live and I want to keep it that way.
There are three things that I am currently working on: 1) the
pumping station upgrade to ensure that sewage doesn't leak out
2) the GEIS impact study for the Massapequa Preserve and the
3)Massapequa Park Downtown Improvement Project.
THE POLITICAL YEAR 2003
It will be a tough year for everyone. A massive tax increase
in addition to re-assessment will be added to school tax
increases and a poor economy. Re-assessment has been an
exercise in people's minds so far. Next year they will get
their tax bills and be shocked. This all could have been
avoided.
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