Mangano Swears In, Eliminates Energy Tax

Ed Mangano was sworn in today as Nassau's new county executive in a ceremony at Bethpage High School. Mangano did not waste any time putting into action the promises he made during his campaign, as he signed legislation that will end the Energy Tax on county homeowners.

The Energy Tax, a 2.5 percent charge on home energy resources implemented by former County Executive Tom Suozzi, would have brought in $38 million in revenue for the county in 2010. Mangano said that though the county faces difficult times, he believes money could be had through the elimination of wasteful spending.

The crowd in the auditorium overflowed and the program had to be simulcast in smaller rooms. The crowd applauded after almost anything said throughout the ceremony, peaking during the actual induction of Mangano by Judge Stephen Bucaria.

Politicians and religious leaders spoke with hope of what they thought the next four years will mean for Nassau County.

"It's a great day for Nassau County… when you have someone elected to represent you as county executive who understands [the middle class] because he comes from it, it's a great day for all the people of Nassau County," Senator Charles Schumer said.

"It is my pleasure to share a universal prayer of peace for you, your administration, and more specifically, for peace and prosperity for the Nassau County residents," said Arvind Vora, chairman of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.

Peter Schmitt, the new presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, also spoke highly of the former 17th district legislator. "We've been presented with a unique opportunity and a great responsibility to chart a new direction for Nassau County, and I can't think of a better person to partner up with than our new county executive, Ed Mangano," he said.

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