Letter: Nassau's cutbacks would hurt many
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano unveils a debt reduction and sewer stabilization plan in Mineola, New York. (May 3, 2012) Credit: Howard Schnapp
Regarding "Mangano asks groups to lobby Dems on cuts" [News, June 6], we have known for years that Nassau County is in a fiscal crisis. Yet what our residents have not heard is the profound cost this will have on every community. It's not about good governance, bonding or even redistricting; it's about the blatant disregard for human lives.
If the county moves forward with plans to eliminate the Youth Board and other critical resources that affect children, families, mentally ill and senior citizens, what does that say about the county's commitment to our residents? Close to 180,000 people are served through networks of community providers: children who are abused, adolescents affected by gangs, families in turmoil, senior citizens who are isolated.
We read each day about the number of deaths due to drugs, and this is the best our government can do? Don't our elected officials have a moral responsibility to ensure the community's well-being?
Our elected leaders must stand up with integrity and leadership and find a solution that preserves and strengthens its residents.
Jamie E. Bogenshutz, Massapequa
Editor's note: The writer is the executive director of YES Community Counseling Center, a nonprofit organization supported in part by the Nassau County Department of Human Services.
