Politics & Government

Area Officials Attend Forum Aimed at Reducing Public Services Costs

The June 27 discussion at the Village of Hempstead Public Library focused on the PAYGo NY program.

A number of area officials recently participated in a round table discussion to lend their support to a broadening movement to keep taxes affordable.

The June 27 discussion at the Village of Hempstead Public Library focused on the PAYGo NY program, an initiative aimed at protecting taxpayers and the essential services they rely on by utilizing innovative, local strategies to address unfunded mandates and the rising cost of public services.

Created by Mike Hein, Ulster County's first County Executive, the PayGo NY program means constantly evaluating government's actions, assets and financial position in order to develop new and innovative ways to ensure that essential services are protected, according to www.paygony.com

Taking his program on the road throughout the state to help garner support for and spread the word about PAYGo NY, Hein says it can work for every government.

It’s not about a bigger government or a smaller government, it’s always about a better government, says Hein on his website. 

“I believe we should not have to chose between fiscal responsibility and top quality public services like schools, police and firefighters to protect taxpayers and deliver services to those most in need," said Hein. "Government has the obligation to do both."

The Town of North Hempstead formed the Office of Inter-municipal Coordination in 2006 in an effort to help governments and municipal corporations work together to provide taxpayers with a high level of services at reduced costs.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, on hand at for the event, approved of the program.

"PAYGo is a substantial program that will benefit the overall economy as well as ultimately improve the quality of government," said Kaiman, in a press release.

Other elected officials who participated in the discussion included Nassau County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, and Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne Hall, among others.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here