The current economic crisis calls for standing tall and making tough decisions, and that goes for families at home, and their elected officials in office. In New York State, the financial situation means there will be less money for state services and funds to local entities such as counties and towns, school districts and state agencies. Unless those cuts are made, the state will fall deeper into crisis, which is something the public and the lawmakers and governor cannot allow to happen.

Those cuts impact us locally, and that is no exception with our counties. Nassau faces a deficit of $150 million, while Suffolk's is slightly lower but no less painful at $130 million and counting.

The simplest thing to do is cut services, lay off workers and limp along until the economy picks up. But simple is not always the best. At this time we need vibrant, creative and bold leadership to come up with alternatives. Already N.C. Leg. Tom Suozzi has proposed things such as a four-day work week and payroll lags. Workers in both counties must also consider sharing the pain by postponing any raises, picking up a greater portion of their health care costs and other cost savings. Taxpayers are always generous in the good times, and public employees should recognize that, and be willing to help out when times are bad.

In Nassau, reserve, rainy day funds have been depleted, so the financial plight is greater than in Suffolk's where there is enough to close the gap this year. But, under its charter, Suffolk County lawmakers must first raise county property taxes 2.5 percent to make that money available. One lawmaker has proposed doing just that, and putting those extra tax monies into a locked box to help stabilize taxes next year.

These and other ideas are what will get us through. And while one single approach is no certain cure, the combined efforts of everyone doing the heavy lifting to raise Long Island above the malaise of a national economic crisis is the most effective approach.