Wink: Mangano’s Budget Will ‘Decimate’ Services And Public Safety

Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, D-Roslyn, criticized  County Executive Edward P. Mangano's layoff proposal, saying it will undermine public services without cutting costs.

Mangano has proposed initially laying off at least 400 Nassau County workers, including workforce reductions in police and social services. More layoffs are possible without concessions from public unions, Mangano said.

“Unfortunately, what we’re seeing here is a budget that was passed last month with the election and campaigning in mind,” said Wink, whose district includes Port Washington. “Under closer scrutiny, it just can’t work. The layoffs will decimate the level of services provided by the county, including public safety.”

He added, “People will still be paying very high taxes.”

Mangano says his budget achieves $73.2 million in annual labor-related budget savings. He blamed union leaders for not offering voluntary cuts in their personnel's salaries.

The budget provides that if an additional $75 million in budget savings are not reached by Feb. 1, 2012, additional labor savings/reductions will occur.

"There is still a small window for Nassau’s union presidents to come forward with voluntary concessions that avoid severe layoffs," Mangano said in a statement. "I do not take joy in laying off a single employee or demanding concessions; however, the approved 2012 budget sets a payroll allocation that must be met.”

Wink said that the efforts on behalf of the administration and union are “necessary and vital but they’re unsustainable.” And while layoffs and drastic service cuts loom, “I’m not sure the administration can do anything otherwise,” he said.

“Everyone will suffer as a result,” he added.