Politics & Government

Town to Mull Questionable Pay Hikes Tuesday; Bosworth Unusually Silent

Town to hold public hearing Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Manhasset

If media attention is any indication of what to expect Tuesday night at a North Hempstead public hearing regarding proposed pay hikes for elected officials, significant opinion and participation is anticipated from residents.

The pay hike proposal, introduced by appointed interim Supervisor John Riordan last month, is calling for a 37.5 percent increase for town board members to $55,000. Other proposed salaries would be $138,000 for the supervisor position; $115,000 for the Receiver of Taxes; and $105,000 for the Town Clerk.

The extra pay would come from the town's contingency fund, normally used to cover unforseen expenses.

Last month, Riordan said the proposal seeks to make North Hempstead elected officials salaries comparable with neighboring towns such as Huntington, Hempstead and Oyster Bay.

Town Supervisor-elect Judi Bosworth has chosen to fly under the radar of scrutiny in what some are calling a less-than-accountable North Hempstead political process regarding the raises. 

Bosworth has made herself scarce in recent weeks, starkly contrasting her Patch media blitz and blog campaign in the months prior to the Nov. 5 election. 

After answering every Patch question in a timely manor before winning the supervisor race, Bosworth has not responded to a single Patch question regarding the pay issue which would grant her a supervisor salary increase of $5,000 over the pay she agreed to receive when running for office.

Media outlets across Long Island have covered the pay raise proposal extensively since last month, questioning the process of town officials — some elected, some not. 

According to a Newsday editorial: "Someone who answers to voters should submit a proposal to increase salaries and someone who will benefit in a few weeks should vote on it." 

The public hearing is set for 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

What do you think? Are you for or against the process by which North Hempstead officials are going about the pay raise issue?


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