Media Contact: Randolph Yunker - (516) 571-2490

(Mineola, NY)  Government mailings are an effective way to communicate important information with constituents.  However, according to Assessor Harvey Levinson, many government mailings serve no other purpose than to build name recognition for incumbents or read like obvious campaign brochures.

“I want to assure the hardworking taxpayers of Nassau County that it has been my policy not to abuse my mailing privileges for purposes of self-promotion, political attacks or as a vehicle to garner favor with voters,” stated Assessor Levinson.  “Perception is everything in government and I want to make every effort to ensure that the taxpayers’ monies are being well-spent by the Department of Assessment.”

As a matter of departmental and public policy, Assessor Levinson is calling for legislation that would require the State and County Boards of Election to establish a committee to review and approve any municipal or special taxing district produced mailings of 1000 pieces or more beginning 150 days prior to the date of the special, primary or general election.  In addition, each governmental authority should be required to file a financial disclosure detailing the production and mailing costs of any taxpayer funded mailing during the 150-day period with the County Board of Elections no later than 10 days prior to the special, primary or general election.

“I hope that elected officials at all levels of government will join with me in my call to put an end to taxpayer-funded political mailings,” concluded Assessor Levinson,  “so that the money saved can be put to more productive uses like reducing the property tax burden.”