(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - On Monday, July 18, the Nassau County Legislature failed to approve a bond ordinance related to proposed amendments to the 2021 Capital Plan. A 13-vote supermajority is required to authorize borrowing; however, the Minority Caucus abstained from the vote because of the omission of several key pedestrian and traffic safety projects in the Capital Plan and bond ordinance.
Following the vote, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) issued the following statement:
“Monday’s outcome was a direct result of the Blakeman administration’s refusal to negotiate,” Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) said. “The proposed capital plan amendment that came before us on Monday failed to adequately address crucial traffic and pedestrian safety issues in multiple communities. Several of these projects have languished for many years despite the pleas of our constituents.”
“The administration’s ‘take it or leave it’ attitude was so absolute that they unilaterally rejected our offer to immediately bond for law enforcement vehicles, bullet-proof vests and ambulances for our first responders while we work toward an agreement on the remainder of the plan. The Minority Caucus will not waver in its commitment to fight for a capital plan that addresses the comprehensive public safety needs of every segment of Nassau County."