Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi emphasized taxes, school spending and quality of life in his annual State of the County address Tuesday night.

Suozzi announced an effort to create a county-wide office to reduce school expenses by having districts share certain services. Doing that, he says, will help decrease property taxes. The creation of the office is part of a larger theme of consolidating government to save taxpayers money, Suozzi says.

Minority Leader Peter Schmitt gave the Republican response to Suozzi's speech on News 12 Long Island. He says the only way to cut taxes is to cut spending, not to create a new bureaucracy, as he says Suozzi would do. ?Where's the savings if you have to hire all these managers and people?? Schmitt asked.

The Nassau executive is the chairman of a state commission on property tax relief. His commission will make recommendations to the state in May that would cap school property taxes and address unfunded mandates.

Suozzi cited the consolidation of sewer districts, not raising taxes and Nassau?s use of renewable energy as some of his administration?s accomplishments over the past year. Suozzi touted the county?s low crime rate and positive health statistics as well.

Suozzi briefly mentioned the scandal surrounding Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

?We as Americans have a system of government premised on the fact that the individuals that serve us are subject to failure. But that same system is designed to ensure that no matter the setback, we as a people will be able to change course and continue to move forward. And we shall move forward,? Suozzi says. To watch the full State of the County address, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.