In 3rd L.D., the choice is Ciotti

The two candidates running for the 3rd District seat in the Nassau County Legislature both know the challenges residents are facing. Republican incumbent John Ciotti, an original member of the Legislature, and Democratic challenger Nina Petraro Bastardi understand that something must be done about the county’s property taxes, which are among the highest in the nation.

Ciotti, despite laboring in the minority for the past decade, has not been afraid to speak up when he feels legislation will harm his constituents. Most recently he has blasted the new county energy tax on electricity, oil, natural gas, propane and firewood, though it’s not something people are likely to notice on their bills. Ciotti not only voted against the law, but has led a petition drive to repeal it. He says the new tax is particularly burdensome for senior citizens who are on fixed incomes, and shouldn’t be forced to turn down the heat or turn off the lights because they can’t afford the extra expense.

Because repealing the tax would create a $40 million budget gap, Ciotti says that the county’s property assessment system needs to be fixed. More than $100 million in refunds are paid out each year. Though he doesn’t say what should be done to fix the system, Ciotti wants assessments frozen for the next five years to eliminate the errors that come with yearly re-assessments and to give county leaders time to figure out a way to solve the problem.

Petraro Bastardi, 27, has seen her friends move away from Long Island because they can’t afford to stay here. She decided to do something about it by running for county legislator. She would bring a voice to a group that isn’t well represented in local government. We have no doubt that she would bring a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to the job, and she already has a good understanding of the issues affecting the residents of the district, which includes Elmont, North Valley Stream and parts of Franklin Square, Valley Stream and West Hempstead.

However, our endorsement goes to Ciotti, who we feel has done a good job representing his constituents and addressing their concerns. In the past two years, he has brought a lot of money back to his district for street beautification projects in Elmont, North Valley Stream and Franklin Square. Ciotti promises that if he is re-elected, he will come through with even more funding to improve local neighborhoods, and that’s a promise he must make good on.

We support Ciotti’s re-election because we believe he has the best interests of his constituents in mind.