July 16, 2007

Legislator Ciotti Supports Petition to Force
Nassau Legislature to Consider Five Year Property Assessment Freeze

Nassau County Legislator John J. Ciotti and fellow legislators have started a petition drive to force the legislature’s Majority to hold hearings on a proposed law that would scrap the county’s current program of annual property reassessment. 

Earlier this year, Legislator Ciotti was one of nine legislators to sponsor a new law that would freeze property reassessment for five years.  During this period, a homeowner’s assessed valuation could decrease but never increase.  The Majority in the legislature, which has complete control over what proposed laws are scheduled for a public hearing, has refused to consider the measure.

“Rising property taxes are driving seniors and young people out of this county.  I support this freeze because I want to stop the constant increases, reduce the number of grievances and keep our residents here in Nassau,” said Legislator Ciotti.

Anxious for action, Legislator Ciotti and his colleagues have turned to never-before-utilized sections of the Nassau County government law and the county charter that would require the county legislature to schedule a public hearing on a proposed local law upon the submission of a petition signed by more than 2,000 qualified county voters.   

The legislators and candidates are circulating this petition throughout all nineteen legislative districts in the county to obtain the required signatures.  “The people of Elmont, Valley Stream and Franklin Square have truly embraced this legislation and are showing strong support for this petition.  I would like to see the same enthusiasm from the entire legislature, and I believe we can pass this legislation if given the opportunity for a fair hearing,” said Legislator Ciotti.