Tom Suozzi
From dKosopedia
Tom Suozzi, a liberal democrat, was first elected to county executive of Nassau County, New York in 2001 and has since won reelection in 2004.
From his campaign website, the following is noted on his tenure as the Nassau County Executive [1]:
Days before Suozzi was first inaugurated in January, 2002, The Maxwell School of Public Affairs at Syracuse University, rated Nassau as the "worst run" county in the nation. Nassau County, with a population of over 1.3 million, is larger than seven states; and its $2.4 billion budget is greater than 16 states. The County Executive directs a government of over 8,500 employees.
A highly effective manager, Suozzi's business-like approach to government resulted in what Smith's Ratings and Research Review, an independent investor watchdog group, called ". one of the top three turnaround stories in the nation"
Suozzi fired 'do-nothing' employees, eliminated wasteful contracts, cut the work force to the smallest in 30 years, initiated smart government reforms that saved $100 million, achieved historic labor concessions, dramatically reduced borrowing and crafted three consecutive no-tax increase balanced budgets.
Under Suozzi's innovative leadership, Nassau County's bond rating has been upgraded 11 times in less than three years, more than any other municipality in the nation. Nassau County is now rated in the "A" ranks by Moody's, Fitch's and Standard and Poor's for the first time in over 12 years.
In November 2005, Suozzi was overwhelming elected to a second term as Nassau County Executive and the New York Post said "There was good reason for Suozzi's impressive victory: He inherited a bankrupt county and has turned things around." The Buffalo News reported last year that "under Suozzi, Nassau emerged from its budget crisis as a role model for how to fix a county."
Also on the website, Suozzi is a leader in the reform of the state legislature [2]:
Suozzi is the statewide leader of the effort to reform Albany's dysfunctional State Legislature. He is the founder of FixAlbany.com, a political committee created to change New York State government and keep Albany legislators accountable for their actions, especially as they relate to local property taxes.
Newspaper editorials throughout the State have lauded Suozzi's FixAlbany.com crusade. Newsday issued a call to "Support Suozzi's Challenge." The Buffalo News praised him for "Going After Albany," and The New York Times labeled his campaign "Thomas Suozzi's Excellent Idea.
And, as President of the New York State County Executives Association, Suozzi successfully lobbied the State Legislature and the Governor to pass a Medicaid cap that will save New York taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Suozzi is a Certified Public Accountant, Lawyer and former 8 year Mayor of the City of Glen Cove in Nassau County, New York. He ran for Governor in 2006, but lost the primary to Eliot Spitzer, see New York gubernatorial election, 2006.
Related Links
External Links
- Tom Suozzi bio (campaign website)
![[Main Page]](../../../../upload/banner-blue-135.jpg)