A shouting match erupted on the floor of the Nassau County Legislature Monday when Republican Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt announced that he would limit questioning on a budget issue to 15 minutes – six of which was allocated to Democrats.
Schmitt announced at the outset of the meeting his decision to enforce a rule that limited questioning regarding $12 million in revenue from a red-light camera program which was approved in 2008 but had not been allocated.
He said his intent was to limit partisan “dickering.”
The Legislature, he said, would have 15 minutes to discuss the issue. As the minority, Democrats were allotted six minutes out of that time.
“I have no idea who is the showman of the day,” said Schmitt. “I’m not going to have one or two members on either side of the aisle regurgitate everything that’s been said about this issue within the past two and a half years.”
“That rule is called inhibiting free speech in my mind,” said Democrat Judith Jacobs of Woodbury. “For the last 12 years nobody has ever limited what people could say.”
“Your absolutely right,” said Schmitt. “In the last 12 years we used to sit here go for hours on end and we used to go home at 11 and 12 o’clock at night. It was a show and I’m not going to have it.”
Citing legislative rules, Schmitt initiated the time limit which allowed him to set or alter the terms of debate and discussion.
“This has been beaten to death. This has been here for over a year,” said Schmidt. “Everybody knows what the problem is.”
Diane Yatuaro, the Democratic minority leader from Glen Cove, said when Democrats had the majority in the Legislature, they never stopped people from asking questions.
“I’m not the one turning off microphones,” responded Schmitt. “I’m not going down this road.”
“I turned off the mics because there was an issue of people talking when others were,” said Yatuaro.
“It was just conveniently when the Republicans were talking,” Schmitt quipped.
“We will not be quieted – ever!” shouted Yatauro.
Yatuaro said she doesn’t sit on all the committees, so she needed to hear more regarding the bill on Monday.
“Read the transcripts,” said Schmitt. “Bring yourself up to date. Do what we are supposed to do as legislators.”
The Democrats will be looking for legal remedies because this will not stand in this caucus,” Yatuaro said.
“Who are you to judge who can speak? … that’s ridiculous!” Yatuaro said.
“Stop with this nonsense,” said Schmitt as he pounded the gavel.
“This is not nonsense. How dare you silence us!” yelled Yatuaro.
After allowing a five-minute break, Schmitt relented and allowed Democrats to ask more questions without imposing a time limit.
The measure was eventually approved by a unanimous vote.
Reach reporter Rich Jacques by e-mail at rjacques@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x203. Follow Rich Jacques on Twitter at twitter.com/richjacques.
