County Executive’s Column - June 4, 2010

Support My Plan to Fix Our Tax Assessment System

When I took office on January 1, 2010, I knew Nassau County was in bad shape. What I didn’t realize was just how bad things actually were. From overtaxed residents, to a looming $286 million deficit caused by government waste and our broken property tax assessment system, Nassau County was in rough shape.

Letter: Arizona’s Immigration Law is a Step in The Right Direction

(This letter is in response to a column printed in the May 21, 2010 issue of the Farmingdale Observer, entitled “Arizona’s Draconian Immigration Law Reverberates Everywhere.”)

I was compelled to respond to the article that appeared in your May 21 Farmingdale Observer edition entitled, “Arizona’s Draconian Immigration Law Reverberates Everywhere”, written by Maryann Sinclair Slutsky, the campaign director of the Long Island WINS, a campaign promoting policy solutions to local immigration issues.

From the Desk of Mayor Butch Starkie ack Martins

Happy Spring Farmingdale

I wanted to write this week to thank Deputy Mayor Pat Christiansen and all the volunteers of the Beautification Committee who came out the past two Saturdays and worked to enhance our Village with all the flowers and hanging baskets. It looks great and will only get better as things grow and fill in.

Letter: The Truth About Arizona’s Immigration Law

(This letter is in response to a letter printed in the May 21, 2010 issue of the Farmingdale Observer, entitled “Arizona’s Draconian Immigration Law Reverberates Everywhere.”)

Bob Krentz was a rancher.  He was the most recent in a long line of family farmers that spans over 100 years.  While checking the water levels, as he did every evening, Bob found a man lying on the ground.  The man complained of being sick and asked for help.  Bob quickly called for helicopter evac to bring the sickly man medical attention.  As Bob turned his back to get supplies from his ATV, the man shot him in his side.  The man was an illegal immigrant, trying to cross the border through the cover of darkness.

Obituary - Harry Ebert Stickler

Harry Ebert Stickler died on May 5, 2010. He was born in Lansford, PA, and had been a longtime resident of Seaford. He was predeceased in 2003 by his wife Jane. He is survived by his children, James and Harry Jr. Arrangements were made by the Arthur F. White Funeral Home. Graveside service and interment took place at the Skyview Memorial Park, Tamaqua, PA.

Race to the Top Legislative Reforms

Statement of Timothy G. Kremer, Executive Director, New York State School Boards Association

The New York State School Boards Association is cautiously optimistic about a proposal to include student achievement data in teacher evaluations.

At first glance, the proposal seems to strike a balance, with 40 percent of a teacher’s evaluation being based on student performance data and 60 percent based on locally defined criteria. If enacted, the proposal could give administrators and school boards new tools to measure student achievement, make decisions about teacher effectiveness, and chart a path toward professional development.

Letter: Remember Kaitlyn Through Happiness, Not Sadness

I’ve been following the story of Kaitlyn Krokowski and feel it’s time to address it. I’m a psychic medium and perhaps with my input, it will help the family and friends of Kaitlyn to understand the point of view from a metaphysical side.

Letter: Commending County Legislator Belesi

I would like to commend Legislator Joseph Belesi and his staff for the recent letter updating the voters on the current activities occurring in his office. I think this is starting a new trend in politics. He remembers the voters after he is elected. He does not forget us after he is elected.

Gloria Seher

 

Letter; Recommending Options for Friends, Family to Grieve

(This letter is in response to an article in the May 7, 2010 issue of the Observer, entitled “Friends and Family of Kaitlyn Krokowski Fight to Keep Her Memorial.”)

What Every Long Islander Should Know - May 7, 2010

Better Education for Less

It’s school budget time, and wrath is in the air. Politicians are raging, taxpayers fuming, students protesting. The frustration is easy to understand. School budget votes in our region are a lose-lose proposition. Vote against the budget, and the ones we hurt are the children. Vote in favor, and we perpetuate the ruinous tax spiral that is devastating families and crippling our economy.