July 16, 2007

Legislator Gonsalves Supports Petition to Urge
Nassau Legislature to Consider Five Year Property Assessment Freeze

Nassau County Legislator Norma L. Gonsalves and the other members of the Republican caucus have started a petition drive to urge the legislature’s Democratic Majority to hold hearings on a Republican proposal that would scrap the county’s current program of annual property reassessment. 

Earlier this year, the nine Republican members of the Nassau County Legislature sponsored a new law that would freeze property reassessment for five years.  During this period, a homeowner’s assessed valuation could decrease but never increase.  The Democrat Majority, which has complete control over what proposed laws are scheduled for a public hearing, has refused to consider the measure.

“The number one complaint in our district is property taxes.  The burden has become too high and something must be done about it.  Backing this measure will give residents a sense of predictability when planning their budget,” said Legislator Gonsalves.

Anxious for action, Legislator Gonsalves and her fellow Republican legislators have turned to provisions of the Nassau County charter and government law that would require the county legislature to schedule a public hearing on a proposed local law upon the submission of a petition signed by more than 2,000 qualified county voters.   

The legislators and candidates are circulating this petition throughout all nineteen legislative districts in the county to obtain the required signatures.  “The majority of residents are demanding some relief of debt caused by the annual increase in property taxes. Increases due to annual reassessment must stop.” said Legislator Gonsalves.