Bethpage-Tribune_1989-02-17

              BETHPAGE
Island Trees Plainedge
also serving
Seaford
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Old Bethpage Plainview
VOL. 22 NO. 14 February 17-23, 1989 20 CENTS
Marrone Recieves
Bethpage Rotary
Scholarship Award
Anne Marie Marrone, a senior at
Bethpage High School, is the recipient
of the Bethpage Rotary Club's 1989
Scholarship Award. She has been
described by her guidance counselor,
Pamela Puglisi, as "one of the most
vigorous, enthusiastic, and versatile
students I have ever counseled
mature beyond her years, responsible,
extremely independent and sensitive
to the needs of others. She is a people-oriented
person who is concerned
about social issues as well as academic
challenges."
Anne Marie^s outstanding motiva­tion
and ability have, helped her
achieve a number two position in her
class scholastically while actively
participating in a number of student
activities. Her leadership qualities
have been recognized by her peers,
who have elected her President of the
Senior Class and Vice-President of the
NASSAU COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES;
'iNCREASET
t^;c':.j/^
Anne Marie Marrone, Bethpage
Rotary Club's Scholarship Honoree.
Principal's Cabinet. She also enjoys
playing on the tennis and badminton
teams. But, as editor of the student
newspaper and senior yearbook, Ann
Marie is practicing for her future
career as well as performing school
service.
Anne Marie, who loves writing,
plans on majoring in Business and
Communications at Hofstra. She is
interested in broadcast journalism,
but feels that a double major will
expand her opportunities into
communications-related departments
of major businesses as well. She
selected Hofstra because she wanted
to attend a large local university with
(Continued on Page 4 )
•It UCH TO B
in the photo are, from left to right: Nassau County Executive Thomas S.
Patrick Halpin, Lucille Fattison, President of New York State Association of
Edward Koch.
Nassau County Executive Thomas S.
Gulotta today called on New York State
to avoid shifting more expenses to local
government and property taxpayers. In
comments on the proposed 1989-1990
State Budget, submitted to a joint
hearing conducted by the State Senate
and Assembly Finance Committee,
Gulotta called on the State to "rework
this budget and reconsider its priorities."
"We estimate that, conservatively, the
State Budget would increase local
expenditures in excess of $25 million by
reducing State support for vital pro­grams...
monies which would either have
to be made up by a discontinuance in
vital human services or increased local
expenditures, resulting in increased
property or sales taxes. Quite frankly,
neither one of these alternatives is
acceptable."
Vowing not to increase property
taxes, Gulotta said, "The residents of
Nassau County cannot afford any
further increases in local
expenses...which almost automatically
translates into higher taxes. They have
been patient and understanding...but
there is a limit to their ability to absorb
such increases. As property taxes
continue to increase, property values
decrease. The basic and sole commodity
of most of our middle income taxpayers,
is their home. Therefore, as State
expenses are shifted to local
homeowners through their property tax,
not only are they forced to pay higher
taxes, but they also experience a
dimunition in the value of their life's
investment...the equity in their home.
This cannot be permitted to happen."
"We have tightened our belts and
saved millions of dollars in the County
over the past two years, through greater
efficiencies, cost cutting measures,
improved productivity and job reduc­tions.
Repeatedly those savings for our
taxpayers have been wiped out and
overwhelmed by Stale mandates and a
shift of State expenditures to localities."
"Our families in Nassau have adjusted
their home budgets to cover living
expenses...in some instances, they have
worked extra jobs or extra hours to
achieve needed earnings."
Together, government in Nassau and
our residents have done their part. It
is unfair and unacceptable to us to see
all this hard work unravel as the result
of decreased State funding."
"Some of the budgeta / impacts are:
* $6 million will b.^ lost in the
elimination of long term Medicaid.
* An additional $1,7 million v.il! be
shaved from the State's local assistance
to the County Health Department.
* A loss of an estimated S2.7 million
in the first year as a result of the
elimination of State support for prison­ers
hoiuied in our jail."
Gulotta, Suffolk County Executive
Counties and New York City Mayor
* A loss of $4 million for local sewer
operating assistance,
* A loss of $2.7 million of per capita
aid.
* A 15% reduction in capital improve­ments
in the Medicaid rate applied at
the Nassau County Medical Center."
1 ask you to rework this
budget...reconsider its priori­ties...
rethink methods to save money."
"Do whatever is necessary...but don't
shift more of the burden onto the
shoulders of local government and our
taxpayers and our homeowners. The
weight will be loo much to bear!",
Gulotta concluded.
Domestic
Violence
Hotline
The Nassau County Coalition
Against Domestic Violence, Inc
operates a shelter which provides safe
emergency housing for battered
women and their children. If you are
in a threatening violent relationship
and would like to talk to ana/or need
a safe place to stay, call the CoaIition*s
Hotline at (516) 542-0404, 7 days a
week from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Call
now! A counselor can help you.