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Candidates for Town talk about taxes and cost of living Republicans and Democrats don't agree on much. The Town of Oyster Bay parties do, however, agree that taxes are the biggest concern for voters this election season, but how to solve the problem is another issue they differ on. Town Republicans are looking to slow down incoming construction and maintain open spaces while slowing down taxes with a freeze on assessments. The Town Democratic party, on the other hand, believes that bringing in additional business and stores to pay taxes will decrease the burden on homeowners. "The proposed property assessment freeze is just window dressing and a poor management tool," said Alex Sklavos, the Town of Oyster Bay Democratic leader who said that the Republicans are trying to put Nassau County back to how it was before. "The Republicans are just blaming the Democrats for a system that we've been trying to fix" he continued. Four years ago the county reassessed all properties. Currently, Town taxes are 9.142 per $100 of assessed valuation. "The changes in assessment are a hidden tax. Although they tell you your taxes aren't going up, they do and the system needs to be changed," said Jim Picken, Town of Oyster Bay Republican leader. That tax assessment freeze would stop assessments for five years on residential properties until the topsy-turvey real estate market has a chance to right itself. Although Democrats say the Town should be instituting smart growth by allowing room for both new housing and businesses, a moratorium in building has been set by Team Venditto who are making a land grab for more open space. They believe moratorium is putting a hamper on both next generation and golden age housing, as well as residents being able to fix up their homes. "The businesses could bring in additional tax revenue to help with our tax base while new homes would allow residents to stay here. We need a proper mix," said Jay Cherlin, a healthcare administrator and Democrat who is running for a Town board seat. The moratorium is not impeding growth and development is continuing, according to the current board. "There are still many residential and commercial applications that we are saying yes to but our opponents are only picking out the ones we turn down," said the Supervisor. "The Democrats are mistaken in thinking that the moratorium has anything to do with Golden age or next generation housing. By instituting the six month study we want to ensure sensible growth that maintains our quality of life," said Joe Muscarella, Town Councilman. "We have to work on a plan, not just build. We don't want skyscrapers, we need buildings that fit into the character of each neighborhood." According to Muscarella the moratorium is only in place right now in Massapequa south of Merrick Road. Although the majority of taxes go towards schools, the Town board said that although they cannot directly help in their limited roles, they have been trying to alleviate some of the burden by helping the schools fix playgrounds and other repairs as well as offering tax rebates to seniors, firemen and other homeowners. The Republicans prefer to see the high taxes in a more positive light. "It's costly to live here for all of us and our families. Let's face it, not everyone can afford to live here and that's a testament to the success of our residents," said Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker, who said her own children are struggling to remain in the area. "It's two groups that cannot afford to stay here, the elderly and the younger generation on fixed incomes. That's why the Town has been proactive in instituting golden and next generation housing as well as the star and enhanced star programs" she said. As usual, status quo is the rallying call of the Republicans. "Why change what isn't broken?" reasoned Bruce Foley, Massapequa Rebublican leader. "The Town of Oyster Bay is one of the finest communities to live in." The Democratic party feels that change is necessary for the Town board made up of seven council people including the Supervisor, currently all of whom are Republicans. The lone Democrat, Mary McCaffrey, was beat out last year and two Democrats currently on the board (Anthony Macagnone and James Stefanich) switched parties and became Republicans. "The Town Board is stagnant and there is no discussion about anything on the board since they are all on the same team. There should be a sharing of ideas. Status quo equals mediocrity," said Sklavos. "I don't have much use for labels. It's our hard work that concerns the residents, not who is or isn't on the board," said the busy Town Supervisor John Venditto. Other Democrats seeking a town seat are attorney Joe Terino for Town Supervisor, civic leader Carol Gordon for town board, teacher Keith Scalia for town board, businessman Matt Meng for Town Clerk and attorney Marie McCormack for Town Receiver. Republicans also running for reelection are Councilman Anthony Macagnone, Town Clerk Steve Labriola and Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich.
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