From the desk of Senator Charles Fuschillo: March 21, 2012

The announcement on the suspension of the N&Y Professional Service Line driving school’s license following allegations of fraud is yet another example of why we need greater oversight of the bus industry.

This scam, in which the school’s owners are charged with helping drivers cheat on the written commercial driver license exam for bus drivers, highlights the continuing problem of individuals trying to get behind the wheel of a bus without the proper qualifications.

From the desk of Senator Kemp Hannon: March 21, 2012

Providing transformative relief to millions of taxpayers, creating tens of thousands of new jobs, and ensuring a stronger, more prosperous future for many years to come are the cornerstone of the Senate’s ‘2012 New Jobs – New York’ plan. Nassau County residents will greatly benefit should this plan become law.

In 2011, I and my colleagues successfully reduced state spending, cut income taxes (bringing middle class rates to the lowest level in 58 years), rolled back the MTA Payroll Tax, and provided a 2 percent cap on local property taxes, all of which were particularly onerous for Nassau residents.

Letter: Moby Pharmacist Supports Ekstrand

March 20th is Election Day in Farmingdale Village. I have a significant bias toward Ralph Ekstrand, having been his friend and business partner for more than 30 years.

I feel it is important as a village resident to share some of the attributes that make Ralph the best choice for mayor. He has values that most politicians can only dream of. He is humble, trustworthy, dedicated, hardworking-a good man, father and husband. Many have seen these characteristics in Ralph the last four years as a village trustee. He will bring the same energy to his mayoral-ship.

Letter: Georgiana Sena For Mayor

I am so pleased Georgiana Sena is running for Mayor of Farmingdale. She has been an advocate for the Village residents for years, especially devoting her time, energy and expense to write the Eye on the Village, a Village publication which informs the residents what is really going on in Village government.

Letter: Georgiana Sena for Mayor

I am so pleased Georgiana Sena is running for Mayor of Farmingdale. She has been an advocate for the Village residents for years, especially devoting her time, energy and expense to write the Eye on the Village, a Village publication which informs the residents what is really going on in Village government.

Letter: In Support of Ekstrand and Party

I have been a resident of the Village of Farmingdale on Conklin Street for over 60 years. My wife was born here. We have seen many changes. Some good and some not so good, but change will happen.

There was a time when the Village of Farmingdale and its downtown was very vibrant; not so much any more. Main Street has been going downhill at an ever-increasing rate of speed.

From the desk of Senator Charles Fuschillo: February 29, 2012

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo. Jr. recently voted in favor of “Tiffany’s Law,” which would ensure that individuals with prior convictions of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated are treated as repeat offenders, regardless of the vehicle type. The New York State Senate recently passed the legislation.

“Drunk drivers endanger other people’s lives and safety, no matter what type of motor vehicle they operate. They shouldn’t be able to escape prosecution as a repeat offender just because they operated two different types of motor vehicles. This legislation would ensure that someone previously convicted of operating any type of motor vehicle while intoxicated is treated as a repeat offender if they commit another alcohol offense,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee.

What Every Long Islander Should Know: February 29, 2012

Farmingdale Gets Smart About Water

The Village of Farmingdale has a problem. And is smart enough to do something about it. The rest of Long Island should take note.

Farmingdale’s problem is water. It’s gotten too expensive. Plus, the village lacks the infrastructure to accommodate future needs.

From the Desk of The Nassau County Executive: February 22, 2012

Nassau’s New Community Policing Plan

Earlier this month, along with Police Commissioner Thomas Dale, I submitted to the County Legislature a Community Policing (COP) Plan that reassigns 48 police officers from desk jobs to community policing positions. This plan includes the transformation of four current precincts into new Community Policing Centers to be located throughout the county, with a police presence maintained at all current locations. These Centers will have police officers posted 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will have community rooms for residents to visit and for the police to host neighborhood meetings.

Keeping the families and senior citizens of Nassau County safe is my number one priority and this plan improves public safety, while increasing accountability and protecting our residents’ wallets.

From the desk of Assemblyman David McDonough: February 22, 2012

2011 was the year the state Legislature was finally able to come together, put politics aside, and pass some of the most taxpayer-and business-friendly legislation in decades. Despite these accomplishments, however, from the property tax cap, a reduction in state spending, repeal of the MTA payroll tax, and a reformed tax code, there remains one piece of the people’s business left undone: Medicaid.

With an annual tab of nearly $54 billion, nearly a third of the total state budget, Medicaid continues to be one of the top cost-drivers in New York State. There are currently 4.9 million enrollees in our state, with every indication that this number will only continue to rise. Twenty-five percent of our state population is eligible to receive 33 percent of our state’s spending in 2012. That statistic alone is a bruising example of how poorly the Medicaid system is administered. What’s worse, New York currently spends $1 billion per week on Medicaid, with costs skyrocketing annually.