Mangano: Let's Set The Record Straight

Says North Hempstead public meeting was political theatre designed

to spread fear instead of accurate information

 

Responding to false criticism leveled at his administration’s proposal to consolidate police administrative functions between the 2nd and 6th Precincts by local and state Democrats, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano had a simple message for his critics:

“If you want to know more about this proposal, don’t turn to fear tactics and lies,” said Mangano. “They can begin by returning the phone calls placed to Minority Leader Yatauro and Legislator Bosworth.”

At a public hearing in North Hempstead Town Hall today, State Sen. Craig Johnson, Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Minority Leader Diane Yatauro and Legislators Wayne Wink, Judy Jacobs, Judy Bosworth and David Denenberg all falsely criticized County Executive Mangano for not issuing information on his proposal to consolidate duplicative police administrative functions and will save taxpayers millions of dollars.

“Not one of these officials cared enough to call me or return my call to obtain the details of the plan,” said Mangano. “This administrative consolidation proposal will have no impact on patrols, will not compromise public safety and does not impact response time.  Unfortunately, self-serving individuals such as Sen. Johnson have turned this into a political football during a reelection campaign; shame on the Senator for preying on people’s fear for political gain.”

At the request of County Executive Mangano and Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey attended today’s meeting and reassured attendees that their communities will remain among the safest in the nation.

"Keeping residents safe is my number one priority.  I will not allow public safety to be compromised, no officers will be taken off the streets, patrols cars will continue in their same neighborhoods, and the 6th Precinct building will remain open for the public. Only administrative back office operations will be consolidated," said Mangano. 

Mangano has spoken to Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, who hosted the community meeting about the proposal and is eager to continue to discuss the plan with his office. The proposal comes at a time when Mangano is looking to close a budget gap of $286 million left behind by the prior administration.

“Tough times require tough decisions, and I am prepared to make those decisions,” said Mangano. “However, this decision is not too tough since it will not sacrifice public safety. This proposal not only protects the streets, but also the taxpayers’ wallets. Instead of using this issue for political gain, we must all work together to fix Nassau County.”

Mangano’s proposed administrative consolidation will result in the 2nd & 6th precinct staff together handling 1,315 major cases annually, LESS than the 1,347 handled by the 1st Precinct, LESS than the 1,743 handled by the 3rd Precinct, and LESS than the 1,333 handled by the 5th Precinct.