Nassau budget hearing turns raucous
Late Nassau County Legis. and Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt. (Oct. 12, 2011) Credit: Howard Schnapp
Nassau County budget hearings turned raucous Friday when Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) shut down public comments about Nassau's plan to switch its bus service to a private operator.
Dozens of demonstrators cat-called and booed, demanding to be heard even though Schmitt closed the hearing. Some even went to the microphone and began speaking, continuing to give their thoughts about the plan even though Schmitt walked out, accompanied by a majority his Republican caucus.
Republicans who remained were Denise Ford of Long Beach; John Ciotti of North Valley Stream; Norma Gonsalves of East Meadow and Joe Belesi of Farmingdale. Howard Kopel of Lawrence initially left with Schmitt but returned to the room.
"The only ones who stayed are the ones in tight races," observed Deputy Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead).
Fran Becker (R-Lynbrook), whose re-election is not considerd at risk, also remained in the room.
The election is Nov. 8.
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