Letter: Candidates ignore tax-cutting idea
Candidates for state Senate District 7 Jack Martins, left, and Adam Haber speak at a candidates forum co-sponsored by The League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset and the Shelter Rock Forum of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014. Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
At a debate, people lined up to question Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and his Democratic opponent, businessman Adam Haber ["Candidates square off at forum," News, Oct. 8]. The candidates agreed that New York has burdensome taxes.
I believe that the high taxes are a result of salaries and benefits meted out to public sector employees. Public sector salaries, benefits and pensions continue to rise because of the Triborough Amendment, which is not a bridge, it's a mandate. It was added to the Taylor Law, which spells out the rights of public employee unions, in 1982.
The Triborough Amendment says the terms of a union contract stay in effect after it has expired. Public sector employees continue to get benefits and longevity "step" increases during contract negotiations. This places management, meaning the taxpayer, at a disadvantage in the negotiation because the union has little incentive to agree to a new contract.
When asked whether they would sponsor or support a bill to repeal the Triborough Amendment, both candidates at this forum said no.
Unfortunately, both gentlemen lament our heavy taxation, but neither is willing to do what's needed to alleviate the people's tax burden.
Laurann Pandelakis, Manhasset
Editor's note: The writer is a member of Long Islanders for Educational Reform, which advocates for lower taxes.
