Message from Brian Sullivan, COBA President

Dear COBA Members:  

This past week, a Newsday writer named Lane Filler wrote an article entitled "Behind the Wage Freeze Ruling" in the Talking Point editorial section commenting on the recent NIFA decision by Judge Joanna Seybert in Federal Court. In his article Mr. Filler extolled the value of NIFA and its authority to declare a control period as "manna" (a gift from God) for a County Executive who has to negotiate new contracts with all five Nassau Unions." He also wrote that "NIFA's power to declare a control period is a key "cudgel" (weapon) in demanding bargains the county can afford. In relation to contract negotiations and the Longevity issue Mr. Filler also wrote that "once again, it might be the much-reviled state control board that has the sole power to bail out its detractors in county government."

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Obviously incensed at such an ignorant opinion, I wrote a letter to the Editor of Newsday in response. As you all may have guessed, Newsday did not respond to my inquiries or my letter and certainly did not print it. We all have known that Newsday considers itself a part of Nassau County's Government and bristles at any opposition to their opinion. But if Newsday won't print the truth, we must get the truth out there. Initially, and through social media, I plan to have my opinion heard and I urge each and every one of you to do the same. Please repost my response to Mr. Filler's article via Twitter, post it to Facebook and any other medium you desire. I don't care if you tack it up on the wall of every gin mill on Long Island. Nassau's workers did their part over and over. Its time for Nassau County, NIFA and Newsday to get the hint.

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