Consolidation bill in state legislature

[Winston Smith]

Are there any attorneys on here that can shed light on what exactly the issues and controversies are regarding A8501 and S5661?

Our elected village officials don't seem to be going the full disclosure route. All they're saying is that the bill impacts the process by which villages can be consolidated and dissolved, it's bad for the citizens, and we should urge our legislators to vote no.

For example, read this week's mayor's message on Floral Park Village's web page: http://www.fpvillage.org/

I'd really like to know what specifically is bad about the proposed legislation and why. I get the feeling there's a slew of information being conveniently left out of the clarion call to urge our legislators to vote no. I get the distinct sense that the village powers that be are motivated solely by their own self-preservation on this.

Is there anyone here that can provide a plain English version of what the impact of the legislation would be?

[Unregistered999]

Your instincts are very good.

The bill provides a means to eliminate layers of government if they no longer serve the tax payers needs. The tax payers would have a chance to approve or disapprove any changes.

Basically if your mayor does not do a good job then it's off with his head.

[Ron LaValle]

Are there any attorneys on here that can shed light on what exactly the issues and controversies are regarding A8501 and S5661?

Our elected village officials don't seem to be going the full disclosure route. All they're saying is that the bill impacts the process by which villages can be consolidated and dissolved, it's bad for the citizens, and we should urge our legislators to vote no.

For example, read this week's mayor's message on Floral Park Village's web page: http://www.fpvillage.org/

I'd really like to know what specifically is bad about the proposed legislation and why. I get the feeling there's a slew of information being conveniently left out of the clarion call to urge our legislators to vote no. I get the distinct sense that the village powers that be are motivated solely by their own self-preservation on this.

Is there anyone here that can provide a plain English version of what the impact of the legislation would be?


Read my op-ed in the Long Island Advance nest week. In a nutshell, the bill will alllow citizens to do away with villages, special districts (fire, library, water, etc.). To achieve that end one needs only get 10% of the electorate (those who vote) or 5000 people whichever is less to get the issue on the ballot for vote by the whole electorate. This to allow people to save taxes by consolidating these governmental entities. Voters always had this right, but it was much harder to achieve. The bill will be signed by the governor, but will likely be amended to exclude fire districts. John Flanagan and Brian Foley were the only senators on Long Island to vote for the bill.

The impact depends on which village or district you are talking about.

[What's Up?]

Do you have any insight as to why the bill was passed so quickly?

It was introduced on the Friday before Memorial Day, made it through committees, and then passed by both houses in only seven business days.

Since this will have huge ramifications, why was it passed with minimal debate?

I think something is very strange about the whole thing, especially since the state legislature normally moves at glacial speeds.

[Unregistered_Overtaxed]

ok, ok....what happened to consolidating the REAL thieves...the School Districts.

there is more waste and duplication of efforts by having a school district every two miles with administrators who are overpaid, along with their staffs who making amounts that most of us only dream of.

why didn't Cuomo have the onions to go after the real expenses? is he afraid of Butch Weingarten?

this whole thing about the villages and special districts may or may not be warranted in some cases, but grow a pair Andy boy and complete the sweep!

[Unregistered12321]

Do you have any insight as to why the bill was passed so quickly?

It was introduced on the Friday before Memorial Day, made it through committees, and then passed by both houses in only seven business days.

Since this will have huge ramifications, why was it passed with minimal debate?

I think something is very strange about the whole thing, especially since the state legislature normally moves at glacial speeds.

because its a democratic bullshit way of doing business now. while i do agree that money needs to be saved. they want to disband water districts and merge them together. disband certain fire depts and merge( example roslyn fire dept. roslyn highlands, roslyn rescue). actually its a cost effective yet damaging proposition. I will definetly know how to vote when these politicians want re election. boot in the ass. bring back the republicans

[Unregistered8765]

It also might be the only way to get rid of the carting districts in Nassau County. That seems to be a huge issue there.