Letter: Needs or Wants?

This is a time when it is difficult for people to not be worried about the economy. We all seem to be watching the unemployment numbers, struggling to pay for home heating oil, gas for our vehicles, and keeping up with our rising school and property taxes. It is a time when many of us are fearful about how much higher the basic cost of living will rise and maybe even how much longer we will be able to live in our homes.

Lavine: Assembly Toughens Law On Texting While Driving

‘Bill Creates Safer Roads by Making Texting A Primary Offense’

Charles D. Lavine (D-Glen Cove) announced the Assembly passed legislation he supported that would make the use of portable electronic devices while driving a primary offense (A.8106). Such devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with mobile data access, laptops, pagers, two-way messaging devices and electronic games.

Montesano Passes Legislation to Honor Vets

Assemblyman Michael A. Montesano (R,C,I-Glen Head) successfully passed Assembly bill 5165, which designates the Northern State Parkway as the “Purple Heart Way” to honor local military veterans who have served so valiantly for their country. The portion of the highway that has been renamed starts at the Nassau County line in the village of Lake Success, Town of North Hempstead and ends in Hauppauge in the towns of Islip and Smithtown, located in Suffolk County.

Letter: Supporting Campaign Finance Bill

The League of Women Voters of Nassau County joins the LWV of New York State and NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research group) in supporting Assembly Bill A8367, which would enact the Comptroller Campaign Finance Reform Act, to provide for public financing of elections for this statewide office.

Letter: Nassau’s Mitchel Field Deteriorating

Our Long Island high school athletes in track and field have proven to be among the best in New York State. It is with great disappointment that Nassau County’s Mitchel Athletic Complex, once considered “The World’s Biggest Stage, a showcase for the best competition the world has ever seen…,” [Goodwill Games] has let the field events deteriorate to the point of forcing our high school athletes and other famous high profile meets to seek other venues for their competition.

Letter: In Memory of Elinor Zatlin

With the death of Elinor Zatlin last week, Glen Cove lost a dynamic, compassionate, wonderful woman who contributed those very qualities to our community and its history. Mrs. Zatlin, a true gentlewoman, always had a smile and gentle words of wisdom to share whenever I would run into her at the supermarket, at the Boys & Girls Club on quite a few Election Days, and at local events. We comforted one another when we talked about coping with the tragedy we both faced. She was an incredible person, all embracing. Mrs. Zatlin was a presence in Glen Cove that will be missed by everyone.

Eternal Be Her Memory.

Zefy Christopoulos

Letter: Hospital Fetes Volunteers

On Thursday, June 2, Glen Cove Hospital Auxilians came together for their annual Hours Awards Luncheon. It was a happy occasion as friends who work different shifts and at different posts were able to greet one another, relax and chat… something they cannot do on a usual working day. After warm greetings by President Nancy Cleary and Administrator Dennis Connors, proud auxilians were called up to receive recognition and to accept their awards. Notable were Betty Fabijanic with 45,000 hours and Joan Stein with 40,000 hours. Administrator Connors expressed appreciation for all the time and effort put forth by members of the Auxiliary as well as the funds they’ve raised for the various needs and divisions of Glen Cove Hospital. Special recognition was granted to retiring honoree Terry Walston for her years of service in various positions, which ultimately culminated in her 2005-07 presidency. Attendees enjoyed the attractive photographic collage display of Linda Navarro, whose creativity was appreciated and remarked upon.

Letter: ‘Joyful Day’

Saturday, May 7, Village Square was abuzz with activity and a spirit that only senior citizens can generate. City of Glen Cove Mayor Suozzi, Deputy Mayor Maureen Basdavanos and a host of community leaders were at the Fifth Annual Senior Recognition Day—-an idea conceived five years ago by Bob Howard and endorsed by Mayor Suozzi in recognition of one of the city’s most precious assets—-senior citizens.

Montesano: Ethics Bill Less Than Historic, But Still Progress

Today, I voted for the Public Integrity Act of 2011, which seeks to implement across-the-board ethics reform. This legislation contains some positive changes, but lacks follow through on many of its promises. For instance, a provision that would strip public employees convicted of felonies of their pensions not only exempts teachers, but also allows for other exceptions. For example, those showing that the forfeiture of their pension would create financial hardship may be exempt altogether from the punishment. The legislation also gives the power to district attorneys to choose whether they should pursue forfeiture, immensely weakening this portion of the legislation, which I believe should be automatically enacted on all officials convicted of felonies related to their office. The flawed pension forfeiture provision is only one example from a bill that lays the foundation for positive change, but fails to follow through on the details.

Letter: Yatauro Supports DeRiggi-Whitton

As all of you know, for personal family reasons I have decided not to seek re-election as your county legislator. My daughter transferred to a high school which specializes in dramatic arts to pursue her studies in theatre. For the last eight years my family made sacrifices to support my decision to serve in government. Now it is my turn to place my daughter’s educational needs first. I want to focus fully on helping her achieve her future goals.