Blakeman touts crime drop, new immigrant-based worker program during State of the County address
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman highlighted declining crime, economic and public health improvements and new immigration initiatives during his State of the County address, while Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the county’s financial outlook.
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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered his State of the County address Monday evening, highlighting what he called progress on crime, the economy and public health, while also outlining plans related to immigration and workforce development.
Blakeman said crime across Nassau County has dropped 10% compared to the same time last year. He credited the decrease to the work of the Nassau County Police Department and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“Our partnership with ICE has removed over 200 illegal migrants who committed crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, carjacking and human trafficking,” Blakeman said.
Some residents say they are concerned about how county resources are being used and about the use of taxpayer money for detaining migrants in county facilities.
“I know they are incarcerating them in the Nassau County facilities which I am paying for with my tax money. I don't feel that's an appropriate place for my tax money to go,” said Marvin Finn of Syosset.
During the address, Blakeman also announced he is working with federal officials to launch a guest worker program aimed at helping businesses fill jobs across Nassau County. The program would focus on what he described as “law-abiding” immigrants.
“Our business community needs these workers. We will continue to work to improve their situations in Nassau County by working with federal officials,” Blakeman said.
Blakeman also pointed to economic and public health improvements. He said taxes have not increased, partnerships with health organizations have helped save lives, and overdose deaths have dropped by 16%.
The county executive also said Nassau County is becoming more financially independent.
But some Democratic lawmakers disagree with his assessment of the county’s finances. Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said the county is relying too heavily on its financial reserves.
“You can say you are maintaining your budget and not raising taxes but he is going through 50% of his savings to cover his shortfalls,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I think he's trying to change his image because he's running for governor, which he said he wouldn't do when running for executive."
Blakeman also said the number of minority and women-owned businesses in Nassau County has increased by more than 40% over the past year.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered State of the County address from the Nassau County Legislative Building in Mineola.
See the full address here:
See the Democratic response here:
