Cherie Angeloni and staff representing the New York Sports Club at the business showcase At the Chamber of Commerce’s “back-to-business” kick-off luncheon on September 28 at the Garden City Hotel, County Executive Tom Suozzi revealed the five causes of “too high” property taxes. Mr. Suozzi returned for the fifth consecutive season to update Chamber members and guests on the county’s ongoing challenges.

Even though he has not raised taxes for two consecutive years - with no plan for increases this year - Mr. Suozzi believes tremendous challenges still remain. The five causes of too high taxes he said are 1) Unfunded state mandates; 2) Mismanagement: dysfunctional state legislature; 3) Too much management - too many special taxing districts 4) Nassau sends $3 billion to state that does not come back. Average school support in state is 40% while Nassau receives only 17% due to formula used by state and 5) No county growth. The population has remained constant for about 10 years.

Members of the dais included, from left: Althea Robinson, executive director; Russell Matthews, vice president; Tom Suozzi; Roger Eltringham, vice president; Paul Cronin; and Jerry Unger, immediate past president

Participating in the business showcase prior to the luncheon was Jeffrey Karasky of GevityTom Suozzi received a framed certificate of appreciation from Chamber vice president, Russell Matthews. Anthony Libertella, Chamber president with special guest, Dr. Robert Feirson, superintendent, Garden City Public Schools Peter Bee, Village trustee and deputy mayor (left) with John Pittoni (Pittoni, Bonchonsky &Zzino, LLP), past Chamber directorRoss Mongiardo, president of the Chamber Foundation, invited guests to attend the Foundation’s fundraiser, “A Day at the Races” at Belmont Park on October 21Agnes DiChiara (Roslyn Bank) two-time past chamber president, with Jerry Unger, immediate past presidentRoger Eltringham, Chamber vice president; Paul Cronin, secretary/treasurer; and Jerry Unger, immediate past president From left: Louis DeMars, CPA and Holly DeMars; Michael Ventre, Chamber director; Jeffrey Karasyk and Tom SuozziFino Cilano, assistant superintendent of schools; Dr. Robert Feirsen, superintendent; Kathleen Petronis, Chamber director and Pat Mezeul, both of Commerce BankHarvey Levinson, Nassau County assessor; Anthony Albanese of the Albanese Organization and Roger Eltringham of Allianceplus, Chamber vice presidentHolly and Louis DeMars, CPA with Jennifer Winge at the business showcase Mark Brosnan and Maureen Clancy, past Chamber presidentCarolyn Singer exhibited her “Gift Basket Delights” at the business showcase.Gayle Naftaly, Ken Krieger, chamber director (Commerce Bank) and Peter Papagianakis Roger Eltringham, Chamber vice president; Stephanie Cullum, director, with John Simone Craig Vella and Jeff Cusick of Best Buy at the business showcase (Photos by John Ellis Kordes)