Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman took center stage in 2024 where he rolled out a series of initiatives that garnered him attention both at home and across the nation.
Here’s what Blakeman was up to this past year:
Blakeman touted the 2025 budget for Nassau County, which he says freezes county property taxes for a third straight year.
Concerns about the budget were raised by some throughout the year, arguing that it could threaten the county’s long-term financial stability. Blakeman argued that it underscored his administration’s “ongoing commitment to prioritizing your safety and well-being while protecting your wallet,”
After a back-and-forth with the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, the county’s financial oversight group, Nassau County submitted an amended budget to address noncompliance issues, and the financial watchdog’s Chairman Richard Kessel said they were pleased as it now meets those requirements.
Blakeman signed an executive order in February prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing on female sports teams that play at Nassau County facilities. This was later codified by Republicans, who hold a near super-majority, in the county Legislature.
The law does not prevent transgender men and boys from competing on male teams.
The law applies equally to private and public school teams, recreational leagues of all ages, charity events, and even competitive professional and amateur adult teams with their own rules on participation who play at county facilities.
State Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberties Union sued Nassau County and Blakeman in July in a move to overturn the county law.
Blakeman also touted his prioritization of amplifying the police presence despite Nassau County being named the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report. His 2025 budget calls for funding of classes to train 120 new police officers as well as hiring 38 new public safety and social services employees.
In addition to greater funding for police, this year Blakeman introduced the Provisional Special Deputy program.
The plan aims to deputize gun-owning property owners in Nassau to become provisional special deputy sheriffs, who would assist Nassau police in times of emergency.
Applicants must be 21 to 72 years old, a citizen of the United States and Nassau, consent to a full background check, and drug testing, they must also have a doctor’s letter saying they are fit for duty and a valid pistol license.
The emergency special deputy group, which has colloquially been called “Blakeman’s militia” by those who oppose it, would be deployed during declared emergencies. Blakeman said this could include a protest that escalates to a riot.
Blakeman said the special deputy sheriffs’ responsibilities would be limited to guarding buildings and infrastructure. They would not be patrolling officers.
Some residents throughout Nassau expressed concerns that enforcement of the decision could potentially be used by the citizen sheriff group he founded.
The county executive also highlighted his 2025 Capital Plan. Blakeman argues that the plan will bring significant investment in infrastructure, public safety, and modernization throughout the county.
He maintained that these projects would save taxpayers “millions for generations to come”
This year, Blakeman also signed the Mask Transparency Act, which prohibits individuals from wearing a face mask that conceals parts of their face or disguises their voice for the purpose of concealing their identity. Masks are prohibited in both public spaces and private businesses and properties where the owner prohibits them.
The law also allows police to ask an individual to remove a face mask during traffic stops and when suspected of criminal activity.
Face masks for the purpose of health are not prohibited under the law nor are religious face coverings or those used to celebrate holidays peacefully.
Punishment for a face mask conviction is either a maximum fine of $1,000 or a maximum of one year in jail. Multiple individuals have already been charged with the crime.
The law was challenged in federal court by residents saying it discriminated against individuals with disabilities, but it was ultimately upheld.
