Mangano-Hooper clash could cost millions

There is another storm developing in Nassau County.

A stalemate exists between County Executive Edward Mangano and Earlene Hooper, deputy speaker of the State Assembly, that could cost the county $320 million in revenue.

The problem? Hooper said she wants more equity in how revenues from county sales, hotel, motel and entertainment taxes are distributed to local communities.

But the Mangano administration wants Hooper (D-Hempstead) to support a Senate version of two tax extension bills that would keep distribution at the status quo.

Hooper's made clear that's not going to happen. She's written two bills of her own and sent them to Nassau for its support. But, so far, Nassau's done nothing to address her request for home rule messages. That's a mistake.

Nassau needs the $320 million a year in sales and other tax extensions. This would not be new revenue, just extensions of taxes Nassau's relied on for years.

But Hooper is standing firm, just as another state lawmaker, Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) did in 2007 against Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy.

Back then, Ramos and other state legislators -- weary of Levy's statements about illegal immigrants and attempts to pass legislation to force them out -- threatened to hold back extensions on more than $300 million in sales tax revenues, too.

The assembly's black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian caucus supported the move -- which left Levy no move other than to negotiate, since the measure could not pass without some caucus votes.

Things got ugly. But after one failed compromise, the sides made peace, with both declaring victory as tax revenue flowed once more.

"It was a way to raise consciousness on the issue and it served its purpose," Ramos said.

In an interview, Hooper said she's received not a word, note or call from Mangano, a Republican, on her proposed legislation.

She said she's threatening to block the extensions because constituents in Hempstead and Freeport, the two largest villages in New York State, don't get a fair share of tax revenue.

Hooper has introduced a separate measure to give community representatives a say in whether properties can be removed from tax rolls. In Hempstead Village, for example, a significant percentage of property -- mostly churches and land owned by not-for-profit groups -- is exempt, which puts a squeeze on local revenue.

And the Mangano administration should take note: Hooper said she's got the support of the black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian caucus to block Nassau's extensions.

A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "Hooper is the dean of the [Long Island] delegation and he [Silver] is aware of her concerns." Translation, Nassau shouldn't expect much support from him, either.

Brian Nevin, a spokesman for Mangano, declined a request for comment.

Hooper said she met with Mangano and other officials several weeks ago. She said he was late and that when he left early, she ended the meeting as well.

This is not good, especially after the Mangano administration made the mistake of not speaking to Hooper before seeking Albany's approval for more red light cameras.

"I hold no grudge and I don't take it as a diss if they don't understand the role of the deputy speaker and dean of the delegation," Hooper said. "That is for them to learn."

And so $320 million is left hanging -- where it does not belong for a county already under a fiscal control board.

It takes two to break a stalemate. It's the administration's move.