Less Is More: Why Some Want To Eliminate Some Local Government Districts

Okay, so just like everybody else, I’m not too keen on paying taxes, especially the high taxes associated with living on Long Island. Yet, there is a part of me that can almost comfortably justify the dollars taxed, if I could note that it was going to a noteworthy cause, such as preserving our environment, modernizing our neighborhoods and ensuring continued safety and a suburban lifestyle.

But, I am not alone in feeling that I’m NOT getting what I’m being charged and paying for. And, now a recent study substantiates these claims. According to the research, we (Long Islanders) pay up to 50 percent more taxes than those living in part of Northern Virginia yet are less satisfied with the service our hard earned dollars are buying.

And, according to officials the “problem” lies within several (hundred) units of local government, school districts and special districts. In fact, experts suggest that this vast majority of independent representation doesn’t necessarily mean better representation and they are urging individuals to take a stand and demand a change. In fact, they on to suggest that locals would benefit by a form of government that seems to be working for areas similar to Long Island, such as Fairfax and Louden Virginia, both which have centralized control of local government, schools and fire departments. Additionally they note that in comparison to these two Northern Virginia counties, Long Island districts employ more administrative staff per student and nearly 70 percent more per student for transportation. The Island even spends more money per student on construction costs, and that despite that fact that the Virginia school districts being currently in the midst of a building boon, and they also pay more in teacher salaries as well.

As far as safety, the Virginia counties taught their own centralized professional fire department, with 58 station in the two counties in comparison to Long Island’s 381. And, despite the larger local volunteer fire force, we still pay more in terms of equipment and operating costing; excluding the pay for personnel, about twice as much.

And, Long Islander’s also reported being more dissatisfied with the local governments than their Virginia counterparts; hence the push by some official to eliminate more than 400 local government districts.