Nassau County projects, protecting aquifers, Robert Trotta visit to Hicksville clinic, 9/11

Nassau needs new financial system

On Monday, the Nassau County Legislature is expected to vote on funding for several capital projects. Among them will be a $12 million bond request in support of a new financial system for the county. The current financial system, installed in 1999, is at the end of its functional life and cannot be updated.

In 2022, my office, with the support of county administration and all departments, spearheaded Nassau Forward, a multiyear initiative to replace the county’s antiquated financial system with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that includes modern accounting, management and reporting functions. We have invested more than 9,000 hours and $1.3 million in the project so far.

As a capital (major infrastructure) project, borrowing for Nassau Forward requires legislative approval each year. We currently need a two-thirds majority vote to approve a bond that will fund the project through 2025.

This is not a partisan issue. This project is vital to Nassau’s financial and operational stability.

Continued reliance on the current financial system puts the county at risk for a catastrophic, crippling technological failure.

With a $4.4 billion budget, Nassau County owes it to our taxpayers to provide reliable infrastructure and tools to manage the county’s finances. On Monday, we need the county Legislature to vote yes on the bond issue in support of the ERP financial system for the county.

— Elaine Phillips, Mineola

The writer is Nassau County comptroller.

Protecting aquifer is a team effort

The Suffolk County Water Authority is already taking significant steps to protect our aquifer [“Conserve our precious water,” Editorial, Sept. 6]. As Suffolk’s largest water supplier, we are committed to promoting responsible water use and educating customers year-round.

In 2020, SCWA introduced a tiered rate structure that charges heavy water users more and banned open-loop geothermal systems, which can consume millions of gallons annually.

Our odd/even lawn watering schedule is also crucial, reducing demand during peak summer months.

We’ve further incentivized conservation by offering rebates for smart sprinkler controllers and low-flow showerheads and continue educating the public through TV, digital ads and news conferences. These campaigns have helped shift water usage habits.

Despite this summer being one of the hottest on record, SCWA did not see the high demand that usually strains the system, indicating our efforts are working.

However, water conservation requires a collective effort. Water providers, governmental agencies, advocates and the media must collaborate to instill lasting change in Long Island’s water use culture. It’s essential that everyone takes part to protect our aquifer for future generations.

— Jeff Szabo, Oakdale

The writer is Suffolk County Water Authority CEO.

My visit to Hicksville clinic was uneventful

Family & Children’s Association CEO Jeffrey Reynolds recently mischaracterized my visit to his Hicksville facility as “combative,” accusing me of “bullying” staff [“Nonprofit: Trotta visit ‘bullying,’ ” News, Sept. 14]. He appears uncomfortable with scrutiny and resorted to personal attacks.

First, Reynolds’ assertion that I introduced myself as a “politician” when arriving at the addiction treatment clinic is false. I approached the desk and identified myself by name and title.

I quietly spoke with the two representatives at the reception desk, inquired about the services the organization provides and asked them how they feel about their boss making $400,000 a year. They said they couldn’t comment. I took pamphlets to read and sat down while taking a phone call.

Second, Reynolds’ suggestion that I disrupted the organization’s operation is ridiculous.

Only one person was in the large waiting room. Nothing about my presence or my actions would have impacted any patient or the ability to receive services.

The entire visit, prompted by complaints to me by two former employees, took roughly two minutes. My aim was to perform my due diligence on behalf of Suffolk taxpayers, something more elected representatives should do.

— Robert Trotta, Fort Salonga

The writer, a Republican from Fort Salonga, is Suffolk County legislator for the 13th District.

Hiding 9/11 from kids is not a wise idea

A reader was spot on in her Musing “Next generations must recall 9/11” [Opinion, Sept. 16]. Many times, I’ve heard parents saying about 9/11, “No, no — it’s too scary for a child.”

Meanwhile, they allow them to play dangerous video games. I suppose that is not scary. Students should also be taught true American history — the real one, not what they hear on the street or playground.

— Enrica Bilello, Bellmore