Letter: Sarah Grace Foundation Update

Good things have been brewing for the Foundation over the past few months!

To start off, we are proud to announce that The Sarah Grace Foundation was chosen as the 2011 Non-Profit of the Year by the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce! The Foundation’s efforts in helping children with cancer and their families were recognized at a dinner held on Sept. 20.

Poll: Don’t Allow Teachers to Grade Their Students’ Exams

(Submitted by the New York State School Boards Association)

A large majority of school board members–70 percent–responding to a NYSSBA poll believe that teachers should not grade their own students’ state assessments, but are more evenly divided on other test security issues.

Earlier this week, the state Board of Regents approved a series of measures to combat possible cheating on state exams. The board is set to consider additional proposals next month, including: barring teachers from grading or proctoring their own students’ tests; developing a centralized statewide scanning system; and distributive scoring, in which answer sheets are scanned and uploaded onto computers, and graded by other educators across the state.

Letter: ‘Hicksville Not a Beautiful Hamlet Anymore’

(Editor’s Note: The following letter is a response to a recent submission from Owen Magee, which cited lack of proper maintenance along Route 106/107 in addition to surrounding areas in Hicksville.)  

My wife and I are 46-year residents of what was a beautiful hamlet. It is no longer!

Mr. Magee talks about downtown and Route 106/107. How about the rest of Hicksville? Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay and the state – in addition to the residents – are all at fault because nobody cares!

Letter: ‘September 11 and The Common Good’

As we pass the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I can’t help recalling how long it took to pass the Zadroga Bill for first responders, which only now extends coverage to include cancer. Blame our politicians, but except that we did not hold their feet to the fire. But why should we? Perish the thought that we should pay to make things right.

Letter: Response to Assemblyman Montesano’s Letter

In response to the Assemblyman Michael Montesano’s (15th District) letter to the editor critical of LIPA hurricane response, please be reminded of the complaints on LIPA’s response to a previous hurricane that was predicted to slam into us, but at the last minute went out to sea.

Doomsday forecasters had everyone boarding up, buying generators (I did both), so LIPA was prepared for the worst. It cost big bucks and the leadership took a big hit along with the ratepayers. Had it hit us as predicted, they would have been heroes.

Letter: ‘Hurricane Irene Brings Out the Best in Leadership, Worst in LIPA’

In the wake of Hurricane Irene’s path of disaster, Long Islanders have risen to the occasion to stand together, help each other out, and represent the true community spirit of our region. As a local resident, it is truly inspiring to see neighbors stand together to assist one another. I am honored to represent such a strong community.

I applaud the efforts of Governor Cuomo, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and other local leaders who were out here quickly and efficiently to protect lives, property and restore our communities. They defined true leadership in the wake of Hurricane Irene for those in the Long Island community. I am honored to work with these people and I am proud to watch as everyone comes together to rebuild after the storm.

Over 60…And Getting Younger: August 25, 2011

My Cousin Hymie

My cousin Hymie died three weeks ago, at the age of 90. He was one of my favorite cousins. His given name was Herman.

Herman is not a great name in my opinion, but Hymie was a great guy. He always had a joke on his lips or a puzzle, or funny saying. He was never negative about anything.

From the desk of NY State Senator Jack Martins: August 25, 2011

Don’t Fix What’s Not Broken

One size definitely does not fit all or at least it rarely does. It’s a lesson big government needs to remind itself.  Case in point would be the State Board of Education’s recent efforts to redesign how our teachers are evaluated.  

You may recall that New York was fortunately awarded $700 million from the federal government’s “Race to The Top” program, which seeks to improve student scores by holding teachers more accountable. The idea is a good one and certainly no one wants to turn away much-needed monies for our schools, but as usual, it’s in the implementation of good ideas that problems arise.

Free Adoptions at Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter During September

If you’ve been thinking about adding a canine or feline to your family, September would be a great time, according to Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Beth Faughnan, who announced the town will hold its third annual “Free Adoption Month” in September.

“The town’s animal shelter is brimming with happy, healthy animals that lack just one thing…a loving home,” Faughnan said. “I invite anyone interested in adopting a pet to visit the town’s animal shelter and see the wide selection of puppies and kittens, as well as older dogs and cats, even some purebreds, available for adoption. Trained shelter personnel will work with you to make sure the animal you select is appropriate for your family’s lifestyle.”

Letter: Mangano, Republican Party Should Pay Back Taxpayers for Failed Referendum

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano’s attempt to sneak through a massive tax hike was overwhelmingly rejected by voters on August 1st.

Mangano and the republicans in the legislature should never have tried to sell the people of Nassau on the bad idea of raising their property taxes to build Charles Wang a new Coliseum.