Hundreds protest Nassau social service cuts

More than 200 social service advocates, parents and children rallied on the steps of the Nassau County Legislature Building Monday to protest looming cuts to more than 40 youth social service agencies.

But their chants of "fighting mad!" and appeals to the board during a subsequent legislative meeting were not enough to get county lawmakers to agree on a way to restore nearly $8 million in funding the groups are set to lose beginning July 5.

"This standoff is really shameful," Gwen O'Shea, executive director of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, told legislators. "Those that are held hostage are the most vulnerable."

The youth groups, were notified two weeks ago by County Executive Edward Mangano that they would lose their funding if the county was unable to secure legislative approval to borrow $41 million to pay overdue property tax refunds.

The 10-member Republican majority supports the borrowing unanimously. But the nine Democrats have repeatedly voted against it since January, saying Mangano needs to create a financial plan that relies less on borrowing.

Monday, the Republican-controlled Rules Committee voted 4-3 along party lines to authorize the borrowing, which Mangano needs to fill a projected deficit of $43 million to $50 million before outside auditors close the books on 2011 this month. County officials acknowledged they have already transferred $43 million from this year's $92 million contingency fund to cover the gap. But they also warned that depleting the contingency fund likely will result in a credit rating downgrade.

Nassau's three police unions urged "every legislator" to approve the $41 million in borrowing. James Carver, president of the Police Benevolent Association, said, "Labor is here, willing to do its share. We can't do our share unless the borrowing is done and we can go forward."

But when an audience member demanded to know more, Carver said the unions were "in negotiations behind closed doors and that's where they stay."

Legis. Dennis Dunne (R-Levittown) appeared in a wheelchair at the legislative meeting. Presiding Officer Peter J. Schmitt (R-Massapequa) made a point of noting that Dunne, who is recovering from leg surgery, was in the chambers and "nobody is holding a gun to his head." The county's correction officers union has alleged in court that Dunne violated the open meetings law two weeks ago by voting unseen from a backroom of the chamber.

At a news conference held before the rally, legislative Democrats blasted Mangano for misspending money they said could have been directed to the youth groups.

Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport) said the county has spent $27 million in police overtime since it decided to close half of its police precincts, $2 million on "politically charged" mailings and $300,000 on county trucks outfitted with Mangano's photo and name.

"We all realize the county is facing a financially difficult time, but you can't say the well is dry then send out eight-page glossy fliers," Abrahams said. Mangano spokesman Brian Nevin responded: "The only money being wasted is that on the salaries of these nine [Democratic] legislators, who ought to be ashamed of themselves for trying to hide their political motivation with fantasy facts."

Agency heads and parents scolded the legislature for not reaching a compromise sooner to avoid the cuts, which leaders of the Coalition of Nassau County Youth Service Agencies estimate could impact some 35,000 children.

"The madness needs to stop," said Joe Johnson, whose daughter attends the Gateway Youth Outreach center in Elmont. "You do not hold kids hostage."

Schmitt called a special legislative meeting for next Monday in a last-ditch effort to get three Democratic votes for the $41 million in borrowing, which requires 13 votes in the 19-member legislature."This is the last week we have to deal with this problem," Schmitt said.