Mangano to use $20M for public safety projects

April 1, 2010
By SID CASSESE

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said this week that he is shifting about $20 million in this year's capital budget to projects - including a new 911 call center - that are necessary for public safety and to create jobs.

"Millions of dollars will be reallocated based on the county's needs," Mangano said. "Many of these projects cannot wait another year to begin. So despite the county facing tough financial times, my administration has found a way to get this work done."

In the shifts, Mangano is tapping funds that went unused in previous projects, along with money for some proposed information technology updates.

Mangano said he was postponing a road project in his own hometown, Bethpage, and shifting the $1.5 million in funding to a new 911 call center. Mangano is expected to announce Thursday a total shift of $7 million to the call center project.

The current center was overwhelmed two weekends ago during a storm, and Mangano has vowed that won't happen again. "We decided that it is more important to have residents get through when calling on 911," he said.

In addition, Mangano said more than $5 million will go toward a countywide green energy initiative; $5 million will be spent on a variety of building repairs and other road improvements; $1.5 million will be added to upgrading county buildings; $1 million will be reallocated for various county park infrastructure improvements, and $500,000 in improvements will be made to the county jail.

The proposed changes are expected to come up the next time the legislature's committees meet on April 7.

Legis. David Denenberg (D-Merrick) said that what he knows of Mangano's priority shifts don't bother him. "I think we Democrats are in agreement with much of his changes," he said. "I just hope he doesn't change a critical item like the Jackson Avenue road repairs in Syosset. That would create a problem for bonding."

Although the Republicans have an 11-8 majority in the legislature, a supermajority of 13 is needed to pass bond issues.

But Democratic Minority Leader Diane Yatauro of Glen Cove was more critical.

"Unlike prior years, this administration has not reached out to the minority caucus for input in finalizing the capital plan . . . I hope Mr. Mangano . . . [is] not playing politics with vital community projects. Democrats as well as Republicans need to discuss the funding for 'all' proposed community projects."

By By SID CASSESE
Posted Thursday, April 1, 2010

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