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

Dear Members of the Clergy:

The facts are undeniable.

It has come to my attention that a Reverend Paul L. Dunbar from Baldwin has spread a rumor that I intend to approach legislators and ask that the property "tax exemption for the clergy be taken away and given to Auxiliary Police" volunteers.

THIS RUMOR IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE!

While I have proposed that Auxiliary Police volunteers receive the same property tax exemption as volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, at no time have I ever proposed or considered proposing the elimination of the property tax exemption for clergy members.

The Reverend’s communication is calling on all members of the Clergy to “organize and call (me) to demand that (I) do not take this exemption away” in an attempt to “influence the voting of congregation members.”

These clearly calculated statements are not only irresponsible; they raise serious concerns as to the hidden agendas of those who have started this lie.

As the chief administrator of all of Nassau County’s property tax exemptions that have saved tens of thousands of homeowners millions of dollars off their property taxes each year, I want to assure you that I will continue to work each day to fight for additional property tax savings initiatives that will help reduce a family’s overall tax bill.

Sincerely,

HARVEY B. LEVINSON
Chairman, Board of Assessors