LIers react to NIFA takeover, Mangano lawsuit

In their own words, Long Islanders express their thoughts on Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano's decision to file a lawsuit over the takeover by Nassau County Interim Finance Authority.

Martin Coleman, 64

OCCUPATION: Retired businessman

HOME: Oceanside

VOTED IN 2009 FOR: Edward Mangano

Calls the NIFA takeover "politically motivated" and says fiscal problems are the result of Suozzi administration policies. But "it doesn't look like [Mangano] can fix the problem, either." County "management needs to be stronger and let union workers know they can be let go."

Jason Veny, 29

OCCUPATION: Attorney

HOME: Hempstead

VOTED FOR: Thomas Suozzi

"I approve of NIFA's takeover and think it was done properly. County officials should try to work with NIFA, which, despite its probable push for increased property taxes, is the best chance for the county to get its finances in order."

Arnold Bronstorph, 74

OCCUPATION: Retired court clerk

HOME: Hempstead Village

VOTED FOR: Mangano

Blames county's fiscal problems on Suozzi but says Mangano "should work with [NIFA] instead of wasting time and money suing them. But that doesn't mean control by NIFA will not mean more financial problems and higher property taxes."

Mary Jane Regan, 75

OCCUPATION: Retired teacher

HOME: Rockville Centre

VOTED FOR: Suozzi

NIFA can help the county, "and as soon as somebody says they don't need any help, then you know something is wrong. Mangano and NIFA should collaborate, not fight. [Mangano] needs to be a realist."

Karen Martin, 58

OCCUPATION: Former industrial photographer

HOME: Long Beach

VOTED FOR: Mangano

Opposes the takeover. "Mangano could have fixed the problem on his own, given time." Supports Mangano's lawsuit against NIFA, an agency that she said "could worsen county finances and will almost certainly force higher property taxes."

Albert Granger, 49

OCCUPATION: Dentist; former Glen Cove City Council member

HOME: Glen Cove

VOTED FOR: Suozzi

Backs the takeover. "NIFA did what it was supposed to do, and the county executive's lawsuit is a waste of time and money - an ego trip thing. He [Mangano] should be working with the authority."