How do state and local governments work in New York? LESSON 3

What is Local Government? Lowest level of government in each state Responsible for the day-to-day running of a ward, district, county or city Local authorities are usually elected Responsibilities often include –the provision of public transportation –public recreational facilities –the monitoring and enforcing of many environmental regulations –raising/lowering taxes (especially property taxes)

Purposes of Local Government EDUCATION – school districts are a form of local government with elected boards FIRE PROTECTION – Fire departments are typically operated by local governments LAW ENFORCEMENT – police departments serve the people HEALTH – local health departments oversee immunization & disease control RECORDS – keepers of deeds, marriage licenses, motor vehicle/boating licensing SANITATION – provide trash and snow removal, water & sewer services; road & park maintenance

How do state and local governments fit into the federal system? SIMILARITIES IN LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT  Democratic form  Popular, competitive elections  Staffed by both appointed and elected officials  Separation of powers  Written constitutions  Bicameral legislatures (except Nebraska)  Revenue through taxation  Court systems

How do state and local governments fit into the federal system? DIFFERENCES FOUND IN STATE AND LOCAL SYSTEMS  People vote for officials and on major issues (ex: budgets)  Direct election for executive branch officials  indirect election for President/Vice President on federal level  Party leaders have great influence over key legislative positions  Direct election for judges

Who are the key leaders in our state and local governments? GOVERNOR Andrew Cuomo LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Bob Duffy ATTORNEY GENERAL Eric Schneiderman COMPTROLLER Thomas DiNapoli SPEAKER OF ASSEMBLY Sheldon Silver SENATE MAJORITY COALITION Dean Skelos & Jeff Klein YOUR ASSEMBLYMAN Tom McKevitt YOUR STATE SENATOR Kemp Hannon

Town Governments Suffolk County –Town of Babylon –Town of Brookhaven –Town of East Hampton –Town of Huntington –Town of Islip –Town of Riverhead –Town of Shelter Island –Town of Smithtown –Town of Southampton –Town of Southold Nassau County –City of Glen Cove –Town of Hempstead –City of Long Beach –Town of North Hempstead –Town of Oyster Bay Town Governments Suffolk County –Town of Babylon –Town of Brookhaven –Town of East Hampton –Town of Huntington –Town of Islip –Town of Riverhead –Town of Shelter Island –Town of Smithtown –Town of Southampton –Town of Southold Nassau County –City of Glen Cove –Town of Hempstead –City of Long Beach –Town of North Hempstead –Town of Oyster Bay

Town of Hempstead

Town Governments Supervisor Town Board (Council Members) Town Clerk Receiver of Taxes

Nassau County Government County Executive: Edward Mangano –Four-year term (elected 2009) –Chief administrator –Responsible for Law enforcement Planning Consumer protection Roads Parks and recreation facilities Preparation of the budget

Nassau County Government District Attorney: Kathleen Rice –investigates and prosecutes violations of criminal statutes (laws) County Comptroller: George Maragos –Monitors the county budget and financial operations –“Chief Accountant” for Nassau County

Nassau County Government County Clerk: Maureen O’Connell –Assists county and state courts with legal documents –Maintains a record of real estate transactions County Assessor: James Davis (acting) –No longer an elected position –Establishes a value for land and improvements –Serves as the basis for property taxes –Assessment roll includes 423,000 properties in Nassau County with land value of $264 billion

Nassau County Government County Legislature –Forms policies and creates laws –19 legislative districts in Nassau County –Local representatives serving Island Trees community 14 th LD: Joseph Belesi 15 th LD: Dennis Dunne

New York State 3 branches of government –Executive Branch Governor Cuomo Comptroller DiNapoli Attorney General Schneiderman

Who can become the Chief Executive of New York State? GOVERNOR: The Chief Executive of a State –Must meet specific age, citizenship, and residency requirements –Most live in residences provided to them by the state or a state foundation –Chosen by popular vote –Only a plurality is needed for an election  except in Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi (50% or more) NEW YORK STATE REQUIREMENTS 30 years of age United States citizen Resident for 5 years preceding election GEORGE CLINTON New York’s First Governor ( )

Who can become the Chief Executive of their state? –GOVERNOR’S ADMINISTRATION: Consists of several other elected officials LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Bob Duffy ATTORNEY GENERAL: Eric Schneiderman COMPTROLLER: Thomas DiNapoli Each of these are elected positions

What does the Governor do, anyway? –POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR  Issue executive orders  Make appointments to other state offices  Prepare the state budget  Veto legislation and exercise item veto over particular items in bills  Command the state national guard  Grant pardons or reduce a criminal’s jail sentence  Help establish the legislature’s agenda

New York’s Legislature –Legislative Branch New York State Senate – Senator Kemp Hannon - District 6Kemp Hannon New York State Assembly –Tom McKevitt - 17th DistrictTom McKevitt New York State Congressional DelegationNew York State Congressional Delegation –Pete King, 3rd DistrictPeteKing, NYS SENATE: “Upper House” 62 Legislative Districts 2-year terms 25-years-old minimum NYS SENATE: “Upper House” 62 Legislative Districts 2-year terms 25-years-old minimum NYS ASSEMBLY: “Lower House” 150 Legislative Districts 2-year terms 21-years-old minimum NYS ASSEMBLY: “Lower House” 150 Legislative Districts 2-year terms 21-years-old minimum

–Judicial Branch New York State Unified Court System Court of Appeals