Mineola, N.Y.- Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, Denna Cohen, President of MADD Long Island; Felicia Schneberg, Nassau County SADD Coordinator; and the Nassau County Police Commissioner James Lawrence, held a press conference today to ask Governor Pataki to veto legislation passed by the State Assembly and Senate that would effectively gut Nassau's DWI Seizure law.

(L to R): County Attorney Lorna Goodman, County Executive Thomas Suozzi, LI MADD President Denna Cohen, and Police Commissioner James Lawrence

"If this legislation becomes law, we will be forced to give back vehicles to motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol," said County Executive Suozzi. "This program has been very successful in achieving the very important goal of saving lives."

The bill (A5418-A), which was passed in the closing hours of the legislative session, would prevent the county from seizing vehicles in 80-85% of all DWI arrests. The measure effectively voids the County's law by providing financing and leasing companies with the opportunity to regain possession of vehicles seized from drunk drivers. Nothing in this bill prevents those same companies from giving the vehicles back to intoxicated drivers.

Nassau County's program has shown success in reducing DWI related casualties: since the program has been in effect there has been a 26% reduction in accidents caused by intoxicated drivers and a 35% reduction in arrests. The program has also generated almost $2 million a year in non-tax revenue.

"The principal goal of our program has always to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We need to continue this life-saving program," said Presiding Officer Jacobs.