Nassau County Legislature Sworn In

A ceremony was held Monday morning to induct 19 members into the Nassau County Legislature. The ceremony was the eighth of its kind for the county.

The newly appointed Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano welcomed a crowd of more than 1,000 people at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Mangano wished the dais of legislators luck as they entered their new positions, but also said that the legislature must work as a cohesive unit in order to overcome the financial issues that have plagued Nassau County in recent years.

"We want to restore the fiscal health of Nassau County," Mangano said. "Only with the collective efforts of the people in this room, will we overcome our troubles."

Mangano was not the only political figure to speak about the wavering economy. Senator Charles Schumer took the podium and spoke about the importance of economic growth and said he promises to do everything he can to help the Nassau County legislators. "These are difficult times for individuals, families and local governments," Schumer said. "One of the greatest challenges we face is keeping the quality of service up while keeping costs and taxes down."

After Schumer's conclusion, Congressman Peter T. King swore the Republican legislators into office, including Peter J. Schmitt as the county's new presiding officer and its new majority leader. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli then inducted the Democratic legislators.

Schmitt sent a specific message during his inaugural speech — that overspending and raising taxes will not continue. "The Republican majority has been presented with a unique responsibility to solve spending issues," Schmitt said. "And these issues will not include more tax increases or fee increases. Those days are over."

Democrat Diane Yatauro, who took over as legislative minority leader, said that she feels there are many challenges facing Nassau County, but that the legislature will do what is necessary to find solutions.

"The work can be overwhelming but we will work hard to find the right answers," Yatauro said. "We will listen and do business in a cooperative spirit. May 2010 be a better year for our country and us all." Yatauro concluded by thanking former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi for his years of hard work and dedication.

Schmitt concluded by speaking about the future of Nassau County under the new majority and promised positive change. "The republican majority will carefully and slowly unravel the upward spiral in spending," he said. "What we should be asking ourselves is 'Can we afford it?' High taxes have been driving families out [of Nassau] and stunting business growth. We will institute rule changes to ensure transparency. ... We want to serve rather than steer."

After the ceremony, the new legislature headed to the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building at 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola for the first public meeting of the new administration.