EDITORIAL REPLY
As broadcast on Cablevision on October 10, 2006
“Art of the Deal”

Media Contact:  Randolph Yunker  (516) 571-2490

October 10, 2006

A recent Cablevision editorial was wrong to praise Donald Trump’s deal with the state Parks Department to build a new restaurant at Jones Beach. New York State’s policy of trading its property tax exemption status to private entrepreneurs shortchanges school districts and must end.

Multi-million dollar deals operating in public parks should be required by law to provide property tax payments to school districts through direct taxation or PILOT agreements.

In the case of Donald Trump, not only is he being granted rights not afforded to other catering facilities operating throughout Nassau County, his operating fees are nominal compared to the millions of dollars the Wantagh School District will be denied in property taxes over the term of the lease.

If state officials wanted to be creative, they could have taken a page from professional sports and generated millions of dollars in a naming rights deal with Mr. Trump. Trump would have never entered into this agreement if it didn’t benefit him financially or help promote his image.

When my staff contacted the Parks Department to request documents to review this and other deals on public land, we were denied. Our second request is still pending.

Does the state have anything to hide? Was special consideration given to Trump after he donated land in Westchester to create a park in his name?

It appears that there is more openness when applying for a local fence variance, then a $40 million dollar deal.

Taxpayers deserve answers.

HARVEY B. LEVINSON
Chairman, Nassau County Board of Assessors