Republicans Take Control of Legislature

Maintain Stronghold in Hempstead Town,

County Exec Race Not Yet Called

(Editor’s Note: The election numbers contained in this story were from the Nassau County Board of Elections and were still unofficial as of press time.)
Residents headed for the polls on this past Tuesday, Election Day, to vote for the candidates of their choice.

Nassau County

As it currently stands, the county executive race will be determined through a recount and absentee ballots. Some 12,000 absentee ballots were mailed out and so far 6,000 have been returned; to be valid, absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 and received by Nassau County Board of Elections no later than Nov. 10. It could be at least two weeks before a county executive is declared.

DA’s DWI Education Program Comes to LMEC

District Takes a Stand Against

Irresponsible Driving

For the third consecutive year, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice brought Choices and Consequences, her driver-education program aimed at teaching high school students about the dangers of drunk and reckless driving, to Levittown high schools.

The Oct. 15 presentation at Levittown Memorial Education Center featured a 90-minute slideshow and interactive speech by Rice, as well as testimony from actual young people who have been arrested for drunken and reckless driving, spent time in jail, and seen the consequences of their actions.

“Car crashes are the number one cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years old,” Rice said. “I believe we can and must do something about that. By educating young drivers about the realities of the road and the consequences of poor decision making, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries we see each year.”

Each presentation ends with a skit performed by students and a demonstration by a Nassau County police officer of the criminal process drunk and reckless drivers must go through after arrest. The DA’s program has visited more than 100 schools since its inception in 2006 in an attempt to educate young drivers of the unfortunate fact that automobile collisions are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Over the past two years, this program has been presented during Levittown’s LEADD Week (Levittown Educators Against Destructive Decisions) activities.

Division Avenue High School Drug and Alcohol Counselor Alice Anderson said this “consciousness-raising program complements other prevention activities and the health curriculum.”

“This presentation by Maureen McCormick, chief of Vehicular Crimes, effectively captures the interest and attention of the students,” she added. “Her presentation is reality based and delivered with strong convictions, emotional authenticity and with a clear definition of the laws. The heartbreaking stories of the victims and their families is further enhanced by the statements and stories of those who have chosen to drink and drive. The devastating painful effects on everyone involved are realized. Students are moved by this presentation and students always remain afterwards to speak to Ms. McCormick about either personal experiences or concerns.”

“The speakers delivered powerful messages about the ramifications of drinking and driving, and presented authentic news clips and videos of much publicized Nassau County cases of vehicular homicide,” MacArthur Assistant Principal Joan Lorelli added. “There were testimonials by young adults who were victims and offenders in drunk-driving accidents, and we found that these first-hand accounts were most effective, as they visibly moved the students in the audience.

The DAHS SADD chapter usually fluctuates between 25-40 students, while MacArthur does not have one.

Dunne, Stephenson Vie for 15th L.D. Seat

The 15th Legislative District encompasses the communities of Island Trees, Levittown, Wantagh and portions of Seaford. Republican incumbent Dennis Dunne, Sr. is seeking election to his eighth consecutive term as legislator of the 15th District. Opposing Dunne is Democrat Glenn Stephenson. The same questions were asked to both candidates running for the two-year seat. There is no limit to the number of terms legislators may serve. Their stories appear below in alphabetical order. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Belesi, Mejias Vie for 14th Legislative District Seat

The 14th Legislative District encompasses the communities of Farmingdale and portions of Massapequa, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Levittown and North Wantagh. Democratic incumbent Dave Mejias is seeking election to his fourth consecutive term as legislator of the 14th District. Opposing Mejias is Republican Joseph Belesi. The same questions were asked to both candidates running for the two-year seat. There is no limit to the number of terms legislators may serve. Their stories appear below in alphabetical order. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Murray, McElroy Vie for Hempstead Town Supervisor Post

Republican incumbent Kate Murray is seeking re-election to her fourth term as Hempstead Town supervisor. Challenging her this year is Garden City resident and Democratic candidate Kristen McElroy. They are seeking a two-year term as town leader.

Gary Hudes, Matt Hynes Vie for TOH 6th Councilmatic District Seat

Current Hempstead Town Councilmember Gary Hudes is being challenged for his 6th Councilmatic District seat by Matt Hynes. The 6th Councilmatic District of the Town of Hempstead includes East Meadow, Levittown, Plainedge, Salisbury and portions of Bethpage, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh. Their stories appear below in alphabetical order. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Fundraiser to Benefit Daniel Fuentes Memorial Scholarship Fund

Seeking Donations, Lane Sponsorships

For November 14 Bowling Event

A fundraiser for the Spc. Daniel A. Fuentes Memorial Scholarship Fund is being held on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Farmingdale Lanes. The $20 per person includes three hours of bowling, pizza, soda and a camouflage wristband. Raffle prizes. Lane sponsorships available for $100 per pair. Donations will benefit the Daniel Fuentes Memorial Scholarship Fund and Wounded Warrior Program. Donations will also be accepted at Attn: Mrs. Susan Lyons, Island Trees High School, 59 Straight Lane, Levittown, NY 11756.

Majid, Walker Vie for 17th Legislative District Seat

On Nov. 3, residents of Nassau County’s 17th Legislative District will elect a new representative to the Nassau County Legislature. Rose Marie Walker and Arshad Majid are vying for the position, which is being vacated by Ed Mangano, who is running for County Executive. The district includes Island Trees, Bethpage, Hicksville, Levittown, North Massapequa, Plainedge, South Farmingdale and Syosset. The candidate’s stories are listed below in alphabetical order.

Levittown Superintendent Dr. Herman Sirois to Resign in 2011

On July 7, Dr. Herman A. Sirois publicly announced he would be resigning from his position as superintendent of the Levittown Public School District.

Dr. Sirois presented his letter of resignation at a meeting of the Levittown Board of Education. Five of the board’s seven members voted to accept the letter while two abstained from voting. Dr. Sirois’ resignation will be effective June 30, 2011.

Levittowners Make Short Film Inspired by Their Roots

After Levittown filmmaker Matt McGregor attended last year’s Sundance Film Festival, he said he was inspired to make something creative and meaningful with his friends.

In January, director/co-writer/ co-producer McGregor and friend and fellow Levittowner Lenny Gomez set out to create a short film that would later be titled Bike Club. The 2002 Division Avenue High School grads figured they would write about something they knew well.