(Editor's Note: Due to space constraints, the following Year in Review does not include all stories from 2005.)

Conrad Schlauch, a lifelong Hicksville resident and 65-year member of the Hicksville Fire Department's Independent Engine & Hose Company #2, passed away on Jan. 8 due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was 91 years old.

Mr. Schlauch was born on April 25, 1913. A World War II veteran, Mr. Schlauch served in the Air Force's 8th Engineering Outfit and was stationed in England from 1943 to 1945. On a professional level, he was a roofer and sheet metal worker by trade, putting on many a roof in Hicksville. Dedicated and determined, Mr. Schlauch worked up until he was 78 years old performing tasks that even younger workers had trouble doing.

Mr. Schlauch joined the Hicksville Fire Department in 1939 and witnessed its transition from a small company in what was once rural Hicksville to today's modern force. Over the years, he served on numerous company committees, was a member of the fire police and served as 2nd Lieutenant and Captain of Engine Company #2 during the mid 1940s and early 1950s. In 1989, Mr. Schlauch reached his 50th year of service with the Hicksville Fire Department and was appointed Honorary Chief. He was the recipient of various town, county and state proclamations and on April 15, 2000, former Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta proclaimed the day as "Conrad Schlauch Day."

Mr. Schlauch served 25 years as the Hicksville Fire Department's delegate to the Nassau County Firemen's Association. He was a member of the Southern New York Firemen's Association and the Hicksville Hicks Championship Racing Team during the 1930s and 1940s. He was also a member of the Bug House Hose Company, a fraternal group that entertained parade goers on many occasions dressed in costumes and using floats and old fire engines. To the pleasure of adults and children alike, someone in the crowd always got wet.

Hicksville High School senior and honor student Laryssa Falkowski, 17, was killed Jan. 18 after the car she was a passenger in was hit by a large dump truck.

A 1993 Saturn, operated by then 17-year-old Hicksville High School student Jonathan Castoro, was traveling westbound on Old Country Road. As Castoro made a left turn at the intersection of Jerusalem Avenue he was in a collision with a 1992 Westbury Paper Stock Company truck traveling eastbound on Old Country Road. The force of the accident spun the Saturn and sent it some 30 feet, knocking out a metal traffic box on the east side of the Old Country Road and Jerusalem Avenue intersection.

Falkowski was pronounced dead at the scene. Castoro was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he was admitted and listed in stable condition. The driver of the truck, 28-year-old Berner Campos of Hempstead, was not injured but received two traffic tickets for minor equipment violations.

On Jan. 11, the Hicksville Board of Fire Commissioners, at its first meeting of 2005, voted 5 to 0 in favor of extending voting hours for the December fire commissioner elections. The change meant that residents would be able to cast their votes from 4 to 9 p.m. Prior to the change, voting in Hicksville was from 6 to 9 p.m.

The change came in the wake of a November 2004 motion by the board not to change voting hours from 1 to 9 p.m. as requested through a signed petition submitted by the Briggs Neighborhood Committee. Some 500 signatures were in favor of opening the voting period at 1 p.m. The consensus from the board was to try 4 to 9 p.m. and see how it works out.

At a press conference Jan. 18, former Nassau County District Attorney (DA) Denis Dillon and Harvey Levinson, chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors, announced plans to utilize the prosecutorial and investigative resources of the DA's office to assist Nassau County's town and city governments in the prosecution of illegal housing.

Dillon agreed on a plan to supplement the efforts of town attorneys engaged in detecting and prosecuting illegal housing cases within the Towns of Oyster Bay, North Hempstead, Hempstead and the Cities of Glen Cove and Long Beach. The DA's office agreed to help execute existing bench warrants and assist in identifying and locating the owners of the most egregious offenders in the Town of Hempstead. Pertaining to the Oyster Bay and North Hempstead Towns as well as Glen Cove and Long Beach, the DA's office agreed to assist by investigating and prosecuting the owners of multiple family dwellings.

Levinson was honored that the former district attorney embraced his suggestion "to use the power, prestige and resources of his office to assist local governments in combating the huge, black-market illegal housing industry in Nassau County."

Since 2004, the assessor's office - through either residential complaints, fire department and police reports or their own investigations - uncovered more than 15 dwellings throughout Nassau County that either had four or more illegal apartments or were being used as rooming houses.

Some 75 residents attended a Feb. 1 meeting to discuss Darshan Bagga's revised application for a "lodging" place at 594 South Broadway, the site of the former T.J. Courtney's restaurant. Despite plans to remove the proposed kitchenettes, residents were still set against a hotel of any kind.

In late 2004, residents voiced their opposition after rumors circulated that an application, filed with the Oyster Bay Town Board in August 2004, called for the construction of a facility to be used as "transitional" housing for immigrant families.

As a result, Bagga assured residents that his plans were to develop a beautiful two-story nationally franchised lodging place - not a transient home for immigrant families - and announced plans to tweak the application in an effort to understand residents' concerns and work toward a reasonable use for the property. Residents, however, were opposed to a hotel of any nature in Hicksville, including one on what many referred to as an unsuitable site.

At a press conference at his home in East Meadow, Greg Peterson announced his bid for Nassau County executive. "As a father, homeowner, taxpayer and businessman in Nassau County, it is clear that our county is at a crossroads. People are being taxed out of their homes by county tax increases and by the debilitating effects of the hidden tax of reassessment," Peterson said.

Peterson was critical of the Democratic majority of the legislature and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. "Since the Democrats took control of the county legislature in 2000 and were joined by Tom Suozzi in 2002, Nassau taxpayers have endured budget-busting tax increases at the county level," he said.

Suozzi, in his 2005 budget presentation, said, "We have balanced every budget. We have had surpluses each year. We have built 'rainy day' and other reserve funds of over $100 million. We have paid off over $100 million in debt early and we have received the stamp of approval from every independent analyst on the way we have conducted our financial affairs. In fact, we have achieved the lowest cash flow borrowing in over a decade."

Representatives from the Neptune Regional Transmission System (RTS) held a public meeting at the Park Avenue School on Feb. 9 to discuss plans for a 65-mile electric underwater and underground direct-current line from New Jersey to New Cassel. Also discussed were plans for Neptune to construct a converter substation on Duffy Avenue.

The cable is a transmission connection to the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland (PJM) system and, as a result, will increase the capacity and energy available to Long Island in a more flexible and reliable manner than simply siting new generating facilities on Long Island. In addition, the cable will add capacity and make available more energy without adding local impacts associated with new power generation as well as make more energy available relatively quickly compared to the long process of siting and permitting new generation plants because the cable connects to existing resources.

The transmission line will extend from Sayreville, NJ at the Raritan River and travel some 51 miles beneath the New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean at a target depth of approximately four feet below the seabed. After making landfall some 1,000 feet offshore south of Jones Beach, the cable will be installed underground beneath the Wantagh State Parkway for a distance of approximately 14 miles. It will head north to the Duffy Avenue converter station before heading back under the Wantagh Parkway to the Newbridge Road substation in Levittown where it will interconnect with the LIPA system.

The multi-million dollar project is intended to help LIPA upgrade its electrical capacity as well as diversify its sources of power to serve ever-increasing customer demand. In September 2004, Long Island Power Authority's Board of Trustees approved a 20-year contract with Neptune to construct and operate an undersea high-voltage transmission capable of supplying some 660 megawatts of electricity to Long Island by 2007. With one megawatt enough to support 1,000 average-size homes, LIPA would be able to provide power to 660,000 homes annually through the Neptune system by the end of 2007.

Parents For Megan's Law, a not-for-profit child advocacy and Megan's Law watchdog group, released a study that graded the 50 states on the strength of their own Megan's Law. New York State earned an "F" grade, failing because of the poor way in which information regarding the whereabouts of potentially threatening sexual predators is disseminated.

Specifically, the survey evaluated a community's level of accessibility of sex offender registration information, the extent of information available and national participation in civil commitment laws. States received a letter grade based on the results of 10 questions. According to the Parent's For Megan's Law website, the national Megan's Law average and most occurring grade was "F" (58 percent).

A crime spree that stretched from east to west coast and back, resulting in numerous robberies and the deaths of three people, came to an end when police arrested former Glen Head resident Christopher DiMeo, 23, his girlfriend Nicole Pearce, also 23, and 40-year-old mother, Maryann Taylor-Casey of Hicksville. DiMeo and Pearce surrendered to police on Feb. 4 at the Ascot Motel in Atlantic City while Taylor-Casey was arrested Feb. 6 at her Lee Avenue home. Pearce and Taylor-Casey helped DiMeo case jewelry stores while Taylor-Casey drove the getaway car after a Glen Head robbery turned deadly back in December 2004.

DiMeo, a known heroin user, was wanted in connection with the robbery and murder of Glen Cove resident and jeweler Thomas Renison at J&J Jewels in Glen Head. In December, DiMeo entered the Glen Head Road family-run business under the pretense of buying a ring. He produced a gun while there and shot Mr. Renison in the chest four times before fleeing the scene with more than $100,000 in jewelry.

In addition, DiMeo was wanted for a June 2004 attempted robbery in California as well as a December 2004 robbery at Robert's Jewelry in Westbury; a January 2005 robbery at the Rockland Jewelry Exchange; and the February 2005 robbery at Donnelly Jewelers in Fairfield, CT, which resulted in the deaths of its two owners.

DiMeo and Pearce were arraigned bedside on Feb. 9 at Nassau University Medical Center after suffering from heroin withdrawal. DiMeo, a fugitive sought for a parole violation, was charged with murder and robbery while Pearce was charged with grand theft and violating parole. Taylor-Casey was arraigned on Feb. 7 and pled not guilty to second degree murder and first degree robbery charges in connection to the Glen Head robbery and murder of Mr. Renison.

Lifelong Hicksville resident William "Bill" C. Clark passed away on Feb. 7 from complications of cancer. He was 87 years old. Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Clark moved to Hicksville in 1919 at the age of 2. He attended Hicksville's Nicholai Street and junior and senior high schools before graduating in 1935. A prominent and well-known member of the Hicksville community, Mr. Clark invested endless hours with the Hicksville 350th Anniversary Committee and Hicksville Gregory Museum's 100th Anniversary Restoration. He acted as guide and shopkeeper for the museum, was a member of the Hicksville Historical Society and, in 2000, was named the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year. An avid believer in memorabilia, Mr. Clark spent many years collecting information about his beloved hometown.

On Feb. 9, the Hicksville Gregory Museum's Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Thomas (Tom) Heckhaus as director of the museum. Heckhaus joined the museum in January 2004 and served as office administrator, a job he handled with extreme capability.

Upon being elected, Heckhaus said his goals for the museum were to convince children and parents to leave their video games and television sets and experience the natural world. Heckhaus is a member of the Long Island Writer's Guild, Long Island Rock Hounds and Hicksville Chamber of Commerce.

Approximately 50 residents attended the Hicksville Gardens Civic Association's (HGCA) Feb. 10 meeting, which took place in the Hicksville Public Library's Kenneth Barnes Community Room. At this time, the late John Paider, an inspector with the Town of Oyster Bay's Illegal Housing Division, was on hand to discuss an issue concerning many - illegal housing.

In an effort to address the issue, Paider detailed exactly what constitutes illegal housing, specifying guidelines on second kitchens, locks, cellar and basement apartments and encouraged residents to report what they believe is illegal. Paider explained the town's new illegal housing complaint form and went over it with residents, encouraging them to be as specific as possible when they fill one out. Residents should explain on the form exactly why they believe there is illegal housing at the alleged site whether it is because of a garage or apartment, two kitchens, overcrowding, boarding, unregistered vehicles and house deteriorating. In addition, multiple electrical heaters, doorbells and mailboxes can also be indicators of illegal housing.

After going over how the town investigates illegal housing and what the penalties are, Paider went on to discuss specific houses located in Hicksville that residents believe to be illegal. Residents also expressed concern about follow-ups on the property they report, stating that they never heard back from the town.

In less than a year, what began as a Long Island-based magazine doubled from a circulation of 30,000 to 60,000 and in February, Spectrum was launched nationwide. The magazine focuses on all facets of the autism community and includes news, lifestyle stories, community resources and book reviews, among other topics.

Longtime Hicksville resident and Democratic committeeman Francis T. Goban passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 24 at the age of 78.

A resident of Hicksville for almost 50 years, Mr. Goban served for 13 years as chief of staff for former Democratic Assemblyman David Sidikman and was an active member of the Nassau County Democratic Committee. In 1989, Mr. Goban ran for Oyster Bay Town Supervisor and in 1995, was the Democratic candidate for Nassau County's 17th Legislative District. He also ran for United States Congress in 1988 and 1990 and for Oyster Bay Town Board in 1999. Mr. Goban was a member of the Nassau County Family Law Task Force and the Oyster Bay Town Anti-Bias Task Force.

Professionally, Mr. Goban worked for several major pharmaceutical companies, including Global Waste Management, and started up two plastic companies, Total Plastic Consulting and Island Extrusion Corp. On a local front, Mr. Goban was involved in community affairs in Hicksville, including the Hicksville Community Council, Our Lady of Mercy Parish and was an active member of the Hicksville Gardens Civic Association. At civic meetings, Mr. Goban would often be spotted taking pictures for the Hicksville Illustrated News.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) held a public meeting March 1 to present its proposal for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the Alsy Manufacturing, Inc., Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site. At the meeting, DEC and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reviewed the history of the site, described results of investigations completed to date and the rationale behind the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for the four-acre site located at 270 and 280 Duffy Avenue.

"Nassau taxpayers deserve a taxpayer watchdog, not a lapdog," Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin said as he announced his candidacy for county comptroller March 2.

Clavin announced his intention to restore public trust in the Nassau comptroller's office as he stood in front of Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman's office in Mineola. The receiver of taxes handed out handcuffs as he discussed plans to "handcuff" what he described as the comptroller's wasteful spending and lackluster performance.

Evan Stavisky, political consultant and spokesperson for the Weitzman campaign, said, "Don Clavin's partisan, political attacks aren't surprising since he is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the discredited political machine that nearly drove Nassau County into bankruptcy. Howard Weitzman is the most independent comptroller in county history. He blew the whistle on fiscal and management problems at the county jail and other agencies. His audits and fiscal expertise have saved taxpayers millions."

Former Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced that a grand jury indicted Christopher DiMeo and Nicole Pearce, both 23 and from Richmond Hill; and 40-year-old Maryann Taylor of Hicksville in connection with the Dec. 21, 2004 robbery and murder of Thomas Renison at J&J Jewels in Glen Head.

DiMeo was indicted for murder in the 1st degree, a Class A Felony and two counts of robbery in the 1st degree, a Class B Violent Felony; Pearce was indicted for murder in the 2nd degree, a Class A Felony and two counts of robbery in the 1st degree, a Class B Violent Felony; and Taylor was indicted for murder in the 2nd degree, a Class A Felony and one count of robbery in the 1st degree, a Class B Violent Felony.

DiMeo and Taylor were arraigned March 2 by Nassau County Court Judge Victor Ort; Pearce was arraigned March 16.

Governor George E. Pataki announced the nomination of New York State Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (15th A.D.) to serve a seven-year term as commissioner of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.

The nomination, which was subject to confirmation by the New York State Senate, came less than a month after questions arose regarding Ferrara's full-time residence within the district at the time of re-election to the assembly in November 2004. As a result, Nassau County District Attorney's Office began an inquiry into whether or not Ferrara actually resided in the 15th A.D. for a full year prior to being re-elected.

Long Island Assembly Republicans representing Nassau and Suffolk counties were united in calling for the creation of an Empire Zone in Nassau County, one of 11 counties in the state still not part of the Empire Zones program. Several business leaders and members of local chambers of commerce joined the Assembly members at RMB Drafting Service in East Meadow to show support for their efforts.

Empire Zones, administered through the Empire State Development Corporation, provide business-friendly combinations of tax reductions, energy savings and other incentives to encourage businesses to locate or expand in New York and create jobs.

"Nassau County is surrounded by 13 Empire Zones. It's crucial we act on legislation now to ensure Nassau County residents and businesses have full access to the benefits available to them," Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell said. "This program has helped many communities throughout the state prosper by attracting businesses looking for certain incentives. Empire Zones aid local economies and have brought thousands of jobs to some areas, but Nassau County has been at a consistent disadvantage."

On Sunday, March 20, the Hicksville Fire Department held its 2004 Annual Awards Ceremony at fire headquarters located on East Marie Street. At this time, 2nd Assistant Chief Robert Lang and firefighter James Delargy each received the Henry Gebhardt Award for the brave and heroic actions during two separate December 2004 fires. Lang received the award for his quick thinking actions performed and for the great personal risk taken. Delargy received the award for his actions in placing the safety of a fellow firefighter above his own and for the great personal risk taken in the saving of a life.

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset), chairman of the Senate Enviromental Conservation Committee, announced that Hicksville would receive $20,800 as a result of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU funding is intended to allow local communities to clean up and reuse brownfields.

In Hicksville, the monies were to be used to complete a Pre-nomination Study for an area along State Route 107 (South Broadway/Hicksville Road) that could have up to 10 potential brownfield sites. After the possible designation of the sites, the next step in the cleanup of those sites could begin.

Firefighters and EMTs from Roslyn to Montauk gathered outside the East Farmingdale firehouse March 31 to hear Senator Charles Schumer's tax credit proposal. Schumer's effort, the Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts, or SERVE Act, would offer active members of volunteer firefighting and EMS organizations a $1,000 tax credit. "These men and women are the best of America and we admire them," Schumer said.

Modeled after Rep. Maurice Hinchey's (D-Saugerties) measure, this proposal requires approval by both houses of Congress as well as President George W. Bush in order for it to become an act. Under the SERVE Act, any taxpayer who is a volunteer firefighter or EMS worker for the full year is entitled to a refundable tax credit of $1,000. If they work for part of the year, they are entitled to a pro-rated amount. According to Schumer, a refundable tax credit means that, if the credit exceeds their federal tax liability, they would receive the remainder as a tax refund. "It would be a couple of hundred bucks off on your taxes and that's money in your pocket," Schumer said.

According to Schumer, enrollment of volunteer firefighters dropped 28 percent statewide over the last decade, leaving many departments thinly staffed. "We want to make sure that they are always here," Schumer explained. "We must do everything we can to stand by them and give them the support they need to protect us and keep our communities safe." Speaking of the SERVE Act, Schumer was expected to introduce the bill in the Senate April 4.

An assessment of fire protection services conducted by the Insurance Services Office's (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) Service ranked the Hicksville Fire Department as the highest on Long Island as well as among the top one percent in New York and throughout the United States. Of 69 departments in Nassau County, Hicksville was one of only six to achieve a PPC of 2, the best given in the county; none of Suffolk County's 109 departments received Class 1 or Class 2 designations.

In determining a department's ranking, ISO officials analyze data gathered from municipal officials and share it with insurance companies. Nearly 45,000 departments across the country and 2,442 in New York are assessed using the PPC formula. According to the ISO website, the rating gauges the "capacity of the local fire department to respond if flames engulf a property in which the fire company has a financial stake." The findings are a means of assessing fire protection in a community and are used by insurance carriers in setting rates for insurance on residential and commercial properties.

Two Hicksville men were killed in two separate automobile accidents in April.

Hicksville resident Joseph Minichello, 55, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident that occurred on April 10. Minichello was struck by a westbound automobile as he attempted to cross Old Country Road in the vicinity of Hansley Avenue. The driver of the sports utility vehicle believed to have struck Minichello left the scene without stopping.

Less than 12 hours later, on April 11, Nassau County homicide detectives were called to the scene of an automobile accident at Old Country Road and Levittown Parkway. At this time, 33-year-old Ganesit Shoney of Uniondale was operating a 1993 Volvo eastbound on Old Country Road when he was in a collision with a 1993 Cadillac operated by 44-year-old Hicksville resident Philip Mastropolo. At the time of the collision, Mastropolo was traveling northbound on Levittown Parkway, making a left hand turn onto westbound Old Country Road. The force of the collision sent Mastropolo's vehicle into a refrigerator truck owned by Kinds Food Service of Holtsville. Shoney was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he was admitted and listed in stable condition; Mastropolo succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Initially dispatched as a mass casualty incident at South and Washington Avenues in the early morning hours of April 17, numerous emergency agencies across the county made their way to the scene - the Nassau County Supreme Courthouse.

Additional information indicated a problem in the building. A fatal chemical released into the air claiming dozens of "victims," including local Boy Scouts who lay "nauseous, dizzy and unconscious" on the front lawn when local police, fire and EMS workers rushed to the scene.

The Office of Emergency Management conducted the mock disaster, dubbed Operation Unity, to demonstrate how multiple agencies, primarily first responders, communicate and manage a disaster. The MIS/WMD (Mass Casualty Incident/Weapons of Mass Destruction) drill proved to be the largest terrorism exercise in the county's history.

"The health, safety and well-being of our residents are our top priorities. Nothing is more important than protecting our citizens and ensuring that, should an emergency arise, we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively. A training exercise like this will allow us to continue to enhance our ability to respond to medical emergencies and disasters, including terrorist attacks," County Executive Tom Suozzi said.

Eugene Fennell was appointed principal of Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, succeeding retiring James J. Boglioli, who retired after 38 years at the helm.

"We are also grateful to Jim for his 38 years of dedicated service to Holy Trinity, 18 of which were leading the school as its principal. Because of Mr. Baglioli's leadership, Mr. Fennell takes over a school that is academically excellent and committed to passing on the faith to the next generation of students," said Sister Joanne Callahan, O.S.U., superintendent of schools, Diocese of Rockville Centre.

As assistant principal and dean of students, Fennell was responsible for maintaining a proper learning environment for the 1700 students and staff, enforcing state attendance laws and establishing internal procedures to implement proper attendance in all classes. Additional duties included assisting in school budget and curriculum development, supervision of staff and all student council activities, and the receipt, disbursement and auditing of program funds. During his career at Holy Trinity, Fennell served as coach of the football and lacrosse teams. Fennell also served on the St. John's University Catholic High School Principal's Advisory Board, the Middle States Advisory Committee and the National Catholic Education Association.

Saying that the county has moved beyond the dark days of crisis, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced his run for re-election. Suozzi, a Democrat who was elected four years ago to the post that was held for three decades by the Nassau GOP, was opposed by challenger, Republican Greg Peterson.

"Over four years ago we stood before you and told you of the mismanagement, the patronage, the deficits and the machine politics that had brought Nassau County to the brink of bankruptcy. I told you that we could, with your help, solve the fiscal crisis in Nassau County," Suozzi said May 22, in front of numerous supporters on the steps of the County Court Building in Mineola.

The county executive was critical of the Nassau Republican Party, which he holds responsible for creating the fiscal mess that existed in Nassau County.

The Peterson campaign had been critical of Suozzi for raising taxes 19.4 percent in his first budget as county executive. Peterson spokesman Rick Belyea questioned whether the county received its bond upgrades on the backs of the taxpayers. Further, the Petersen team also believed the county executive should stop blaming the prior administration for the county's financial problems.

Stating that she wanted "to help ensure that the county residents are served by government leaders who understand that higher taxes and higher fees are not the answer to every challenge the county faces," Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell declared her candidacy for Nassau County Clerk at a news conference in Mineola.

"I am running because I love public service and serving my fellow residents. I believe I have compiled an excellent record of constituent service while in the Assembly and this office provides me with an opportunity to expand on the record," O'Connell stated.

Former county clerk, Karen Murphy, a Republican, did not seek re-election.

On May 17, Hicksville residents voted 1,789 to 1,558 in favor of Proposition #1 - the school district's 2005-2006 spending plan of $91,396,481. Residents also approved Proposition #2, allowing the district to establish a capital reserve fund, in the amount not to exceed $600,000 for a probable term of three years. A total of 1,759 people voted in favor of the proposition while 1,380 voted against it.

Also, as in previous years, voters graciously approved Proposition #3, which called for the allocation of $50,000 to the Hicksville Gregory Museum for educational services associated with its programs. The proposition passed 1,612 to 1,356.

Hicksville residents also took to the polls to cast their vote for three board of education seats. Dolores Garger defeated incumbent Caryn Calabrese and Charles Coutieri defeated Richard Pfaender. In addition, Patrick Hourihane, who ran unopposed, was elected to the seat formerly held by James Pino who did not to seek re-election.

Lauren Ziesig, a fifth-grader at the Lee Avenue School in Hicksville, was selected as one of six winners in the "Kids of Distinction" Program. The program was created in 2005 in an effort to recognize exceptional youngsters living in the Town of Oyster Bay. Winners were selected by Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., which established a seven-member committee to judge applications. In addition to receiving town citations, winners were presented with plaques from Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., as well as a $500 scholarship courtesy of the organization.

In a special election held May 24, residents of the 15th Assembly District selected Republican/Conservative candidate Robert Walker to fill the seat vacated by Donna Ferrara last month. Walker, a resident of Hicksville, defeated Democratic candidate Kathleen Magin-Arecco of Oyster Bay. On May 25, less than 24 hours after winning the special election, Walker was introduced by Assembly leaders and began legislative work on the Assembly floor.

As assemblyman, Walker said he will work to implement the New York State Empire Zone in Nassau County and a gradual state takeover of Medicaid costs as well as see downtown redevelopment throughout the district. In addition, Walker stated that rising property taxes also need to be addressed.

Assemblyman Walker was officially sworn into office for the 15th Assembly District on Tuesday, May 31 by Lt. Gov. Mary O. Donohue.

Ten years after the enactment of legislation creating New York State's Sex Offender Registry, the New York State Senate acted on the 10th Anniversary Omnibus Sex Offender Registration Reform Act.

The bill (S.4793-B) would strengthen Megan's Law in 25 ways, including mandatory notification by police when a registered sex offender moves into a community, lifetime registration of all sex offenders, requiring information about all levels of sex offenders to be posted on the Internet and GPS monitoring for the worst offenders.

"For the last decade, Megan's Law has empowered parents and concerned members of the community with the information needed to protect their families from dangerous sexual predators," Senator Kemp Hannon said. "By incorporating 10 years of experience and revolutionary new technologies, the Omnibus Megan's Law Reform Act strengthens Megan's Law in 25 different ways to better protect our children and provide parents with a greater sense of security."

The legislation was the result of three public hearings held by the Senate Majority in Albany, Long Island and Brooklyn. Law enforcement officials, teachers, school officials, parents and advocates participated in the hearings to discuss a variety of issues surrounding sex offenders and Megan's Law. Megan's mother, Maureen Kanka, who partnered with Senator Skelos in 1995 to champion the passage of Megan's Law in both houses of the Legislature, spoke at the first hearing in Albany.

More than 100 Hicksville residents and members of the Hicksville Gardens Civic Association (HGCA) gathered at the Hicksville Public Library on June 9 to honor Frank Goban, a 50-year resident and a longtime member of the association who passed away unexpectedly in February 2005 at the age of 78.

At this time, members of HGCA, along with elected officials from the town, county and state spoke of Mr. Goban and his contributions to the community and presented his family with a plaque of appreciation.

The message was loud and clear. Residents living along the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) 11.5-mile Main Line Corridor did not - and still don't - want a third or fourth or fifth track installed. They do however, welcome the elimination of on-grade crossings in New Hyde Park (Covert Avenue, 12th Street and New Hyde Park Road), Westbury (School Street) and New Cassel (Urban Avenue) and believe that phase of the LIRR's highly controversial Main Line Corridor Improvements Project should be tackled now.

In order to collect input from local communities for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the LIRR held scoping meetings June 14 at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, June 16 at Floral Terrace in Floral Park and June 21 at Antun's in Hicksville. Residents and elected officials alike - from several of the nine villages to be affected by the project - urged that the MTA/LIRR derail the third track proposal altogether.

The EIS will be prepared in 2006 while public hearings are slated for early 2007. The final EIS, which will document the elected course of action, is expected in the summer of 2007 with a record of decision anticipated later that year. Construction is not slated to begin until 2009, with an estimated project completion date sometime in 2016.

Comments from all three scoping meetings were to be entered into a project record. Visit www.mta.info/mta/planning/mainline for more project information.

On June 25, the Hicksville Public Library's Board of Trustees honored longtime resident and historian Richard Evers with a dedication ceremony at the library, where they renamed the very history room that he works in, after him. The history room is now known as the "Richard E. Evers Local History Room."

In April 2005, the library board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the room in honor of Richard Evers. Michael Galgano, president of the library's board of trustees, said a major reason they chose to honor Evers was that they couldn't "imagine what Hicksville or the Hicksville Public Library would do without Dick Evers and his very diligent work."

Over 75 people from all over Nassau County came to honor Evers, including local residents, family and friends, community leaders were present, including Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano and members of the Hicksville American Legion along with representatives from various historical societies throughout Nassau County.

Assembly Republicans, including David McDonough (R, 19th A.D.), vice chair of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Sex Crimes and Violence, launched a petition drive to help get a civil confinement law passed in New York State. They rallied at a June 27 press conference in Mineola.

Through the petition drive, Assembly Republicans hoped to put pressure on their Democratic colleagues to get the legislation to the Assembly floor for a vote. They were also urging passage of the following proposals to strengthen Megan's Law: prevent convicted sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school or school grounds (A.1654); require the most dangerous sex offenders to wear electronic devices linked to Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites in order to monitor their whereabouts (A.8158); expand the information available about sex offenders on the Division of Criminal Justice Services' website to include information on all (not just Level 3) registered sex offenders (A.1701); require law enforcement officials release information on Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders - those at the highest risk of committing additional crimes - to vulnerable populations in the community (A.1654); and require lifetime registration for all sex offenders on the New York State Sex Offender Registry.

The Mental Health Committee is currently considering the bill. Sexual crimes have the highest rate of recidivism. Sexual offenders have actually written to the Assembly Minority Task Force on Sex Crimes and Violence seeking help.

Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington are among the 17 states that have already passed civil confinement law.

A nearly three-month-long investigation by the Narcotics/Vice Bureau culminated in the execution of a search warrant at Hong Hong Acupressure in Hicksville, which resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old female store manager and three employees. The Hicksville manager and her sister, who was also arrested in conjunction with a similar situation as store manager of Golden Touch in Wantagh, were both charged with promoting prostitution - 3rd degree (D Felony). In excess of $15,000 was seized from the two locations.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, together with members of the town board, officially dedicated a new community center in Hicksville recently, naming the facility after the late William P. Bennett. Mr. Bennett, an instrumental and dedicated member of the Hicksville community, passed away in September 2003 at the age of 71.

According to Venditto, the dedication was a "fitting tribute to a man who was deeply involved in his home town. A Hicksville resident for over four decades, Bill Bennett was dedicated to his country, dedicated to his family and dedicated to his community."

A dedicated community activist, Mr. Bennett was involved in various local organizations, including the Hicksville Board of Education, Knights of Columbus, Hicksville Community Council and the Hicksville Public Library Board. He was director of the Hicksville Gregory Museum and served on the Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Advisory Committee and the Improvement of the Hamlet of Hicksville. He was also extremely dedicated to Holy Family Church, serving as chairman of the Holy Family Parish Council as well as a lector and religious education teacher, treasurer of the Holy Family CYO Bowling League, chairman of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and was a standing member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society and the Holy Name Society.

Mr. Bennett was also a decorated veteran who served in Korea in the 1950s, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and various United Nations Service Medals. On a local front, he served as Nassau County Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars from 2000 to 2001, New York State Historian under State Commander Harry Wurth and was Commander of Hicksville's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3211.

In the case of the murder of Thomas Renison during the robbery at J&J Jewelers in Glen Head on Dec. 21, 2004, all three parties arrested entered guilty pleas, thus avoiding trials in the case.

On July 12, Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced that 23-year-old Nicole Pearce of Richmond Hill pled guilty to robbery - 1st degree, a Class B violent felony in front of Nassau County Court Judge Victor Ort. On June 30, Pearce's co-defendant and boyfriend Christopher Dimeo, also 23 and from Richmond Hill, pled guilty to murder - 1st degree, a Class A felony and robbery - 1st degree, a Class B violent felony. On July 6, 41-year-old Maryann Taylor of Hicksville, Pearce's other co-defendant and the mother of Dimeo, pled guilty to robbery - 1st degree, a Class B violent felony.

In addition to the Dec. 21 robbery and murder at J&J Jewelers, Dimeo and Pearce were involved in the Dec. 5, 2004 robbery of Roberts Jewelers in Westbury as well as robberies in Rockland County and a murder in Connecticut.

Neptune Regional Transmission System (RTS), LLC, developer of the Neptune undersea electric transmission project between New Jersey and Long Island, announced that it closed financing totaling more than $600 million in debt and equity for construction of a 660-megawatt, 65-mile electric underwater and underground direct-current line from New Jersey to New Cassel as well as two converter stations - one in New Cassel and another in Sayreville, NJ.

Survivor and Hicksville resident Kathleen O'Brien served as the keynote speaker before nearly 550 cancer survivors and their guests at Winthrop-University Hospital's Seventh Annual Cancer Survivors Day dinner. The event gave survivors and their loved ones the opportunity to reunite with staff from Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care, as they shared experiences during an evening that was marked by joy and camaraderie.

O'Brien thanked her parents and her "Winthrop angels," the Hoag One (the oncology unit) nurses, who cared for her during her ordeal. Her inspiring story lifted the spirits of patients and healthcare professionals alike. Originally given a 10 percent chance of survival, O'Brien received a bone marrow transplant three years ago and is currently in remission.

The largest cancer survivor celebration held by Winthrop to date, the event poignantly reminded all of the fact that the number of survivors increases every year. National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a "survivor" as anyone living with a history of cancer - from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. The annual celebration recognizes the strides made in the fight against cancer and applauds the resilience of the human spirit.

Hicksville resident James Delaney succumbed to his injures on July 21 after being hit by a car the night before. James was riding his bike home from football practice when he was hit by a car driven by Levittown resident James Lombardo. The accident happened at 8:32 p.m. at the intersection of Newbridge Road and Elmira Road; James died at 7:15 a.m. the next day.

Lombardo, 35, was operating a 2001 Lexus and traveling southbound on Newbridge Road when he drove through a green traffic signal at the intersection of Elmira Road and collided with James, who was traveling east to west across Newbridge Road on his bicycle.

James was to turn 15 on July 23.

The Francis X. Pendl Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center announced the receipt of a grant of $1.3 million from Nassau County. The funds, which were approved by two committees and the floor of the entire county legislature without opposition during their sessions on July 25, are for the initial construction costs of a 4,500-square-foot museum in a former aircraft hanger on the grounds of Museum Row in Uniondale that includes educational and historic displays of vintage and current firefighting apparatus and equipment as well as a state-of -the-art fire safety education center, designed to teach Nassau residents of all ages how to prevent fires and fire-related injuries and deaths.

The Francis X. Pendl Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center started as the dream of several senior members of the county's volunteer fire service, all of whom shared a common desire to preserve the rich history and tradition of the county's volunteer firefighters, while also creating a top-notch fire safety education facility for the general public. For almost a decade, Francis X. "Frank" Pendl was at the center of these efforts. As a 50-year active member and ex-Chief of the Bethpage Fire Department, an assistant chief instructor at the Fire Service Academy in Old Bethpage and a Nassau County Fire Marshal, Frank Pendl embodied the fire service in Nassau. Sadly, Frank passed away on April 1, 2004, just a few months shy of seeing his dream of a Firefighters Museum and Education Center become a reality. In his honor, the museum's leadership has dedicated the new facility in his name as a reminder of his important contributions to both the development of this facility and the fire service here on Long Island.

The $1.3 million grant, combined with more than $700,000 previously raised over the last several years, will provide the means necessary to prepare the former aircraft hangar for public assembly and to construct eight unique sections within the new museum space, each dedicated to different fire safety and educational themes. The museum will feature several pieces of antique fire apparatus, which will be restored to their original splendor.

An official groundbreaking ceremony for the Museum and Education Center took place Aug. 9, adjacent to the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Politicians and citizens alike once again publicly criticized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Long Island Rail Road's (MTA/LIRR) failure to "think outside the box." They stood united against the controversial proposal to construct an additional track along the LIRR Main Line. Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray held the press conference at the Floral Park Train Station Aug. 31, the deadline for filing public comments for inclusion in the official MTA third track project record. To date, 85 local organizations and public officials oppose the project.

Further, due to the efforts of elected representatives in Albany the MTA/LIRR must now provide full disclosure of its plan before a state board even considers final approval. Officials lauded the efforts of Senators Balboni and Hannon in instituting the legislative mechanism that now requires the MTA to appear before the MTA Capital Program Review Board prior to utilizing allocated funds to begin the track project. The review board, comprised of representatives for state legislative leaders, the governor and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has the authority to withhold authorization for the project to move forward.

It is important to note that officials and citizens living along the 11.5-mile Main Line from Queens Village to Hicksville favor the elimination of five on-grade crossings slated for New Hyde Park (Covert Avenue, 12th Street and New Hyde Park Road), Westbury (School Street) and New Cassel (Urban Avenue).

Officials personally hand delivered close to 10,000 petitions to LIRR President James Dermody following the press conference. In fact, President Dermody signed for them. If, however, the project is approved, construction is slated to begin in 2009 and end some time in 2016.

On Aug. 3, former Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced that 61-year-old Hicksville resident Clementina McDermott had been arrested and charged with grand larceny, petit larceny and unauthorized practice of law.

According to Dillon, McDermott, in 2003, was paid separately by two different complainants to obtain green cards for them based upon her representations that she was experienced in handling immigration matters. She was not licensed to practice law in the State of New York, but specifically told one of the complainants that she was an attorney.

McDermott allegedly collected $1,505 from one complainant and $2,450 from another complainant, but did not in fact obtain the green cards as promised, nor did she refund the money that the complainants paid to her. Dillon said in one case, McDermott sent in the complainant's green card application three months after the deadline had passed. It was rejected and sent back to her by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

During a special public referendum held on Aug. 15, residents of the Hicksville Fire District voted 162 to 5 in favor of bringing the district's Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) into compliance with the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

The vote was the result of 2004 complaint filed against the Hicksville Fire District with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging that the district's length of service award program violated the federal age discrimination act. The EEOC has advised the district that its current plan, which was initiated in Hicksville in 1989 in accordance with the requirements of New York law, does not comply with 1991 changes to the federal age discrimination act. In an effort to resolve the issues raised by the EEOC, the district now seeks the approval of a majority of district voters to amend the current plan.

The proposition now allows Hicksville volunteer members to earn points towards the district's length of service award past the age of 55 as well as entitle those joining the department after the age of 55 to earn credit toward the award program.

In addition to ensuring that the plan complies with existing federal law, the amendment provides firefighters with benefits retroactively to address the EEOC's position that the previous program discriminated on the basis of age.

Neptune Regional Transmission System (RTS) LLC announced that construction of the Neptune RTS, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine/underground electric transmission cable was scheduled to begin on or around Sept. 19. The cable, which will extend from Sayreville, NJ to the Long Island Power Authority's (LIPA) substation on Newbridge Road, will provide LIPA with access to additional energy sources.

Construction in the Long Island area will include trenching, horizontal directional drilling and conduit and cable installation between Jones Beach State Park and New Cassel along the eastern boundary of the Wantagh State Parkway right-of-way. Drilling, trenching and conduit and cable installation work is scheduled to proceed in segments between Jones Beach and Old Country Road through May 30, 2006. In addition, construction of a converter station facility as related to the Neptune RTS is scheduled to begin on or about Sept. 25 at 508 Duffy Avenue in New Cassel.

The Neptune Regional Transmission System is authorized by and under the jurisdiction of the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC), which is responsible for enforcing compliance with environmental and construction conditions.

Representatives from the East Meadow-based Prudential Douglas Elliman and New York's WB11 (a Tribune company) faced off in a softball game to raise funds for the Red Cross in their hurricane relief efforts. The devastating storm hit close to home with two of Tribune's stations in New Orleans and employees affected. Tribune's WGNO TV and WNOL TV in New Orleans were closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina with some 140 employees either out of work or displaced.

The NorthWest Civic Association's Sept. 19 meeting, which took place at the William P. Bennett Community Center, focused on the topic: "What Would Incorporation Mean for Hicksville?" Warren Tackenberg, former mayor of New Hyde Park and current executive director of the Nassau County Village Officials Association, was the guest speaker.

The NorthWest Civic Association's Incorporation Committee, a focus group comprised of six community leaders, has been gathering information on all aspects of village government. The goal is to have a 30-member focus group that will look, in depth, into the pros and cons of incorporation.

The county's Democratic majority proposed a law that would greatly enhance Megan's Law, placing residency restrictions on registered Level 2 and 3 - the most egregious - sex offenders. This law was an extension of legislation county lawmakers enacted that mandates the notification of moderate and high-risk convicted sex offenders' whereabouts.

The legislation, sponsored by Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead), prohibits sex offenders from establishing residence or temporary residence within a 600-foot radius of public, private, parochial or secondary schools and any county, town, village or city-run public park that contains a playground. "This is monumental legislation ... By developing this radius, our children will be able to play with other children in comfort and have the peace of mind that they are not being preyed upon," Legislator Abrahams said at a Sept. 19 press conference.

Abrahams was convinced the legislation, although it did not apply to those offenders who established a residence prior to Sept. 1, 2005, would go a long way in protecting the most vulnerable of populations. The law allows offenders 60 days to move after they have been notified. Failing to do so is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or up to one-year imprisonment.

In partnership with local churches, other faith-based organizations and the American Red Cross, the Community Fair Coalition of Hicksville hosted Ecumenical Community Prayer Service on Sept. 23 at the Hicksville gazebo. At this time, donations were accepted through the American Red Cross to aid in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Residents, business owners and local elected officials were on hand. The Second Chance, Carl Calma Big Band played as did members of the Praise and Worship Teams from both the Abundant Life and Hicksville Christian Churches. Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker spoke and the pastors from Hicksville's Abundant Life Church, Parkway Community Church, Christian Church and Gospel Church, Inc. led individual prayers.

Based on a high volume of comments, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) extended the public comment period regarding the Main Line Corridor Improvements Project. The project, among other things, proposes to construct an additional track along the Main Line and eliminate various on-grade crossings in the area. The extension, which expired Dec. 31, 2005, was made so that comments of all interested parties could be considered during the preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

The proposed project is aimed at reducing severe congestion during peak travel periods along the Main Line, providing operational flexibility, allowing for sufficiently frequent reverse and intra-island commuting service to draw riders out of their cars and providing additional capacity to accommodate service growth throughout the LIRR system.

Back in June, when Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA)/LIRR first presented the proposed improvements project to the public during a series of scoping sessions, the majority of residents - particularly those living along the 11.5-mile corridor - emphatically said no to the installation of a third, fourth or even fifth track. They did, however, welcome the elimination of on-grade crossings in New Hyde Park, Westbury and New Cassel and still believe that phase should be tackled now.

To date, approximately 85 local organizations and public officials, including leaders from Westbury and Carle Place, along with local politicians, have publicly denounced the project - in particular - the idea of adding another track to the Main Line. Many fear the increased running of freight along the Main Line is the underlying reason behind the possible installation of an additional track while others don't buy the projections that such an "improvement" would help accommodate increased ridership and reverse peak service. Moreover, people fear for their homes as, according to the scoping document, "some property acquisition may be necessary in order to construct a new, continuous, additional track and for some station area and roadway grade crossing improvements."

Others organizations such as the Nassau-Suffolk Building Trades Council and a group of 14 environmental, business, planning, transit and community advocate groups, dubbed the Coalition for the LIRR Third Track, have publicly come out in support of the project moving forward.

The scoping sessions were held to collect comments for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will be prepared in 2006 with public hearings slated for early 2007. The final EIS, which will document the elected course of action, is expected in the summer of 2007 with a record of decision anticipated later that year. Construction is not slated to begin until 2009, with an estimated project completion date sometime in 2016. Final decisions regarding property acquisition will be taken after the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issues a Record of Decision (due out in late 2007). The final design of facilities will determine exact property needs and the needs will be verified with detailed survey data.

The area studied is one of the most densely traveled corridors in the region - extending from Queens Village east to Hicksville. Stations in the corridor currently under evaluation include Queens Village, Bellerose, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue in Garden City, Mineola, Carle Place, Westbury and Hicksville.

Residents headed for the polls on Nov. 8 - Election Day 2005 - to vote for their candidates of choice.

2005 was a disappointing year for Oyster Bay Democrats. Despite strong Democratic candidates, Republicans garnered all open seats, making the town now completely Republican run.

In the race for Oyster Bay Supervisor, residents returned incumbent Republican Supervisor John Venditto to a fourth term in office over Democrat challenger Gary Burke. In addition, residents voted for three of six candidates for town board. The two Republican incumbents, Angelo Delligatti and Chris Coschignano were re-elected while political newcomer Elizabeth Faughnan, a Republican, defeated Mary McCaffery, the Democratic incumbent. In the race for Oyster Bay Town Clerk, incumbent Steve Labriola, a Republican, defeated Democratic candidate Bill Funk.

In Nassau County, Democrat Thomas Suozzi was re-elected to his second term as county executive, defeating Republican candidate Greg Peterson and Conservative Party candidate Robert Bruno. Denis Dillon, Nassau County District Attorney since 1974, lost his seat to prosecutor Kathleen Rice, a Democrat. In the race for Nassau County Clerk, current New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, a Republican, defeated Democratic candidate Tricia Ferrell for the seat being vacated by Karen Murphy. Democrat Howard Weitzman was re-elected to a second four-year term as Nassau County Comptroller, defeating current Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, a Republican.

In the Nassau County Legislature, Democrats held on to their 10-9 majority in the Nassau County. In the 17th Legislative District, Republican incumbent Edward P. Mangano was re-elected to his fifth term, defeating Democratic challenger James Keough.

In Dec. 13, the race for Hicksville Fire Commissioner resulted in a tie between incumbent Bobby Dwyer and challenger Bob Manson. A total of 1,742 residents braved the bitter December cold with 871 people voting for Dwyer and 871 voting for Manson.

Section 174 of Town of Oyster Bay Law requires the fire district to hold a runoff election within 45 days of the first vote. As a result, a runoff election has been scheduled for Jan. 25 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the East Marie Street firehouse.

Dr. Gardiner E. "Greg" Gregory, founder of the Hicksville Gregory Museum, passed away on Dec. 15 at the Masonic Health Care Center in Wallingford, CT. He was 88 years old.

In 1963, Dr. Gregory and his wife, Anne, founded the Hicksville Gregory Museum as a nonprofit, educational institution. It was run out of their Cottage Boulevard home until 1973 when the museum opened in its current location - the site of the old Hicksville courthouse at 1 Heitz Place.

Mr. Greogry resided in Hicksville for over 20 years. In 1978, he moved to Catsine, ME, where he was a member of Castine Historical Society for many years before moving to Wallingford, ME several years ago.

The Hicksville Fire District Board of Commissioners announced a 2.7 percent reduction in its 2006 budget, bringing the average residential cost for highly-rated fire protection and EMS services in Hicksville to below $234 for the coming year. Additionally, with the Length of Service Awards Program claim expected to be resolved in 2006, district officials predicted a more drastic reduction in the 2007 budget. The announcement came at a time when nearly 70 percent of fire districts across Long Island raised their tax rates in the double-digit numbers; Hicksville was one of only 13 of the 132 fire districts in Nassau-Suffolk to report a decrease.

Senator Michael Balboni released the findings of a recent hearing he hosted focusing on Long Island's level of preparedness for a major hurricane or other catastrophic event. The results show that neither Nassau nor Suffolk counties are doing enough to protect Long Islanders from a catastrophe, whether it's a hurricane, blizzard, disease outbreak or terrorist attack.

Balboni (R-East Williston) gave Nassau County a grade of F for overall preparedness and Suffolk County a D. New York City, with its well-coordinated plan and wide network of agreements for shelter, food, evacuation and communications, received a B+ on the report card. Nassau and Suffolk received their low grades for their dismal performance on the issues critical to disaster preparedness - communications, evacuation and sheltering.

Balboni noted that both Nassau and Suffolk counties lack a coordinated plan to evacuate and shelter the nearly three million people who live on Long Island. Although some emergency shelters have been identified, none currently have generators. Another area of concern is the condition of the emergency communication systems on Long Island, especially in Nassau County, which relies on the archaic FireCom command center. Testimony during the hearing revealed that FireCom lacks security and a sufficient ventilation system. There is also no backup communications system in place to operate when FireCom is down.

Citing that "Nassau County has too many layers of government" Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman at a Dec. 19 press conference released Nassau County Special Districts: The Case for Reform, a 25-page "white paper" study that calls for a non-partisan Nassau County conference on special tax districts to oversee a comprehensive review of their structure, operations and budgets as well as to recommend whether they should continue to exist, be combined or otherwise be reformed. In addition, the comptroller's office announced it will conduct a financial review of nine Nassau County water districts, including the Westbury Water and Fire District and the East Meadow Water District were among the initial ones to be audited.

The goals of the comprehensive review include: examining the structure, operation and budgets of all special districts operating in Nassau County; recommending changes to the structure and governance of special districts, including consideration of whether existing commissioner-run districts should be combined, merged into town-run districts or disbanded and whether existing town-run districts should be combined; reviewing the sufficiency of existing oversight, and the need for additional legislation and controls to increase accountability and transparency; and examining whether there should be legislative reform of the election process.

The white paper finds that many of the 200-plus special taxing districts in Nassau have certain attributes in common, including a lack of budget accountability (i.e., district budgets are often not reviewed by a higher government body, such as a town board, even if statutory authority may exist for such reviews); a lack of transparency (i.e., few or no public meetings and a lack of information about district operations made available to the public); inadequate administrative, personnel and financial controls, resulting in unnecessarily high costs to taxpayers; and elections held at inconvenient times for which little public notice is given, and for which voter turnout is unacceptably low.

The water districts selected for review include both town- and commissioner-run organizations and were selected after an analysis of financial statements and a comparison of the property tax burdens for all water districts. The analysis compared such factors as district revenues, expense levels, tax rates fund balances and year-to-year increases or decreases in expenses. Following the initial review of the nine aforementioned districts, the comptroller will select a smaller group of districts, which will also be selected to undergo full operational and financial audits.

The white paper recommends that the structure and administration of town-run special districts be examined. As a first step, Weitzman recommended that all stakeholders, including local and district officials, state legislators and representatives of community and business groups meet to establish a plan for conducting a comprehensive examination of county special districts and for the development of recommendations for reform.

On Dec. 20, Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin and fellow Democrat Legislator Lisanne Altmann (10th L.D.) were joined by Republican Minority Leader Peter Schmitt (12th L.D.) to announce that a coalition had been formed to unseat current Presiding Officer Judith Jacobs. Additionally, in a meeting that same day, Nassau County GOP Chairman Joe Mondello also agreed to back Corbin.

The 19 legislators vote for presiding officer and minority leader. The lawmaker who receives the most votes becomes presiding officer while the one with the second most votes of a different party will be minority leader; deputy presiding officer is then appointed by the presiding officer. Through the formation of the coalition, Corbin was hoping to receive enough votes among Democrats and Republicans to garner the top seat and stated publicly that he would select Altmann, who has also been a Democratic lawmaker on the legislature since its inception.

But on Jan. 3, the date the vote was to take place, Jacobs won an injunction to temporarily prevent the vote from taking place and changed her party registration from Democrat to unaffiliated. Doing so, could provide Jacobs with the second-highest number of votes needed to secure the minority leader seat, but only if the remaining eight Democrats support her.

Republicans, Corbin and Altmann did not attend the legislative meeting and have refused to vote until Jacobs' party affiliation was cleared. Lawyers for Corbin and GOP lawmakers argued that since, under state law, a change in party enrollment does not become effective until after the next general election, Jacobs would remain a Democrat until then. Jacobs' lawyer, however, argued that his client has the right to change parties any time she wants.

(Please note: This issue of the Hicksville Illustrated News was published prior to an outcome. A full story on this issue will appear in an upcoming issue.)