By Hank Russell
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered its State of the County at the Legislative Building in Mineola on March 9. The 22-minute speech focused heavily on public safety and his recent accomplishments.
Blakeman declared Nassau to be “one of the safest counties in America” and credited that to the Nassau police department, its correction officers, sheriffs, the district attorney’s office, probation officers, firefighters and first responders. He has also called for an additional 600 police and correctional officers “with plans to hire more in the coming years.”
He also announced the opening of the Harry Singh Bolla Police Training Village for police officers the training needed when facing dangerous real-world situations. “This shows that “Nassau police are the best trained and best equipped in all of America.”
Blakeman said that the results have paid off. According to the county executive, major crimes fell by 10.4% year over year and dangerous crimes — including rape, murder and sexual assaults — have also gone down. Last month, Nassau police made the largest drug bust in the county’s history.
He also signed a bill preventing protestors from gathering near religious institutions. “Nassau County stands firmly for religious freedom and the safety of all who worship here,” he said.
Under his administration, Blakeman said, more than 1,000 residents have become volunteer firefighters. In addition, he is adding 20 new fire marshals and five new fire communication dispatchers in his budget. “Expanding our staff is the best way to ensure that Nassau County is ready for anything and remains safe.”
On the issue of public safety, Blakeman said Nassau has worked very hard on tackling the opioid crisis. He noted that there has been a 16% drop in overdoses. On the issue of crime, he touted the Rebound on the Road with former NBA star Jayson Williams which helps formerly incarcerated individuals become productive, law-abiding citizens.
Another topic Blakeman touched on was the county’s finances. He said he is saving Nassau taxpayers money by ensuring that none of the county funds are going to support illegal immigrants. He blasted Governor Kathy Hochul for spending $6 billion on migrants. “Your money [going to the state] has gone to those who haven’t done a thing,” he said.
He also emphasized that he did away with his predecessor’s $150 million tax hike and, since taking office, “I have not raised one penny in four years and that won’t happen this year.” He practiced “fiscal conservatism,” which he said has resulted in seven bond upgrades and Comptroller Tom Dinapoli says the county isn’t under any fiscal stress. He also offered early retirement to many county workers, saving the county over $30 million.
He also touted Nassau as a business-friendly environment. Last year, Nassau certified over 700 MWBEs —a 41% increase over the previous administration. He also oversaw the streamlining of the business application process, reducing the approval time from six months to four weeks.
As county executive, he said, he has hired former law enforcement officers working with Child Protective Services to help reduce social workers’ caseloads. As a result, the number of active and overdue cases has declined and workers are “handling lighter caseloads, making them more effective.”
“I am proud to report that the county remains strong and the future remains bright,” Blakeman said. “As your county executive, ensuring the safety of the residents has always been my top priority.”
In her response to Blakeman’s speech, Nassau County Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) said it was “heavy on promises, light on results.”
“Tonight, we heard a polished speech filled with promises,” she said. “But Nassau County residents deserve results, and after five years, the gap between Bruce Blakeman’s rhetoric and reality couldn’t be clearer.”
DeRiggi-Whitton pointed to several key promises the County Executive made when he first ran for office that remain unfulfilled.
“When he ran in 2021, Bruce Blakeman promised to fix Nassau’s broken assessment system,” she said. “Five years later, it’s more broken than ever because he kept assessment rolls frozen, a move that hurts taxpayers while benefiting tax grievance firms that fund his campaigns.”
She also criticized the administration for failing to deliver on promised tax relief.
“He promised tax cuts. Not one has been delivered,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Instead, $385 million in federal pandemic relief meant to help families and small businesses was used to plug budget holes while millions were spent on politically connected lawyers, parades, and galas.”
DeRiggi-Whitton said the administration has also failed to address critical public safety staffing shortages.
“Police staffing is below required levels. 911 operator positions remain dangerously understaffed,” she said. “Those are basic responsibilities of government, and this administration is falling short.”
She also raised concerns about the County Executive’s decision to divert detectives to assist federal immigration enforcement while local staffing shortages persist.
DeRiggi-Whitton further criticized the administration for failing to deploy opioid settlement funding meant to combat addiction.
“More than $100 million in opioid settlement funds are sitting unspent while families continue to lose loved ones to addiction,” she said. “Those funds were meant to save lives — not make a budget look better.”
She also cited a lack of transparency surrounding the County Executive’s controversial armed volunteer deputy program. “Nassau residents deserve transparency, especially when taxpayer dollars and public safety are involved,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.
DeRiggi-Whitton concluded by urging residents to judge the administration by its record.
“Campaign promises are easy,” she said. “Governing requires focus. Nassau residents deserve leadership that is focused on their needs, not personal political ambition.”