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Mangano Hopes To Avoid 'Draconian' Cuts In Nassau County

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - The Nassau County Legislature has given County Executive Ed Mangano the authority to make over $40 million in budget cuts on his own, without legislative consultation.

WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story

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But Mangano, a Republican, is still hopeful that those cuts can be avoided, WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported.

"All we still hope for is that the Democrat minority come to their senses and support the program put forth at the beginning year that would not make these Draconian cuts necessary," Mangano told Xirinachs. "But if they do not come to their senses, then we'll move forward."

Mangano has said he'll slash vital social services unless the Legislature reconsiders his plan to borrow $41 million to pay tax refunds.

He wouldn't specify what cuts he would make, as he was hopeful that he could still reach an agreement with Democrats in the Legislature to avoid making them.

Meanwhile, Newsday reported that the Civil Service Employees Association plans to go to court to block Mangano from enacting employee furloughs or changing any provisions of the union's contract.

The union represents some 6,000 Nassau County employees.

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(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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