Port Resident Tackles Assessment Reform

Property tax assessment reform was a centerpiece of County Executive Ed Mangano's successful campaign that unseated Tom Suozzi. Less than a week into office, Mangano signaled his commitment to reform by naming veteran Port Washington lawyer Patrick J. Foye to head the Assessment Review Team (ART).

"Pat is the perfect man for the job," said County Executive Ed Mangano, citing Foye's "keen insight" into the assessment system. The ART team is tasked with a review of freezing the tax roll for 2010 and making recommendations on changing the assessment schedule.

In his first steps toward change in Nassau, the County Executive last week directed county lawyers to insist on a three percent interest rate on commercial refunds, down from four percent and has called for a moratorium on filing of new commercial cases for 120 days. 

Currently a partner at Uniondale-based Rivkin Radler LLP, Foye's resume is long on real estate, zoning and land-use expertise. Before joining Rivkin Radler, Foye served as the downstate head of economic development under former Gov. Eliot Spitzer. He also led real estate acquisitions at Apartment Investment Management Company (AIMCO), a publicly-traded real estate company, and has been a partner at M&A power-house firm Skadden Arps.

Long Island credentials include time as CEO of the United Way of Long Island and roles on the boards of the Long Island Power Authority, the Long Island Association and the LIA Health Alliance. 

Port Washington Superintendent of Schools Dr. Geoffrey N. Gordon cited Foye as an "exemplary volunteer" during his time as a member of the Board of Education. Fellow school board trustee Rob Seiden echoed the sentiment noting Foye's tenure was marked by "integrity, acumen, caring, creative thinking and an excellent ability to listen to others views."

Foye also now serves as director emeritus of the Port Washington Library Foundation after a six-year board stint. Library Director Nancy Curtin noted that Foye's "invaluable advice and direction" resulted in his receiving the Foundation's 2009 Community Leadership Award.

Calling the system facing Nassau County an "assessment apocalypse," Foye elaborated in an interview saying "the total cost of the broken system is $250 million a year."

Foye assembled ART members earlier this week for a kick-off meeting. The group of residential and commercial property owners is slated to submit a report of their recommendations by June 30, 2010.