Letter: Regarding “Setting the Records Straight”

(Editor’s Note: This letter from County Executive Edward Mangano is in response to the Dec. 23 letter “Setting the Record Straight” from Dr. Ranier W. Melucci, President of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and Superintendent of Schools in the Merrick School District.)

Councilwoman Alesia Offers Brochure On Preparing for a Snowstorm

The town had its first real taste of winter on Dec. 26-27 when a blizzard blanketed the town, dumping up to 20.5 inches in some areas. While the snow of Jan. 7-8 paled in comparison, the depths of winter are still ahead, so there is a good chance we may have more significant snow, according to Town Councilwoman Rebecca M. Alesia, who advises residents that whatever Old Man Winter brings, the town is prepared.

What Every Long Islander Should Know - January 7, 2011

New Census Survey Sheds Light On LI Problems and Opportunities

As sure as January follows December, change comes. You can’t stop it or slow it. The smart thing is to recognize it—and respond effectively.

Long Island is experiencing significant change, according to a report just out from the United States Census Bureau. The American Community Survey offers a range of demographic, economic, and other data, providing much to ponder. One set of findings emerges, however, which to me are not merely interesting, but important to recognize and address.

Letter: Thanks from Mangano For Patience and Cooperation During Blizzard

I would like to thank our residents, businesses and the employees of Nassau County for their patience and cooperation during last week’s blizzard.  With the storm dumping over 16 inches of snow in our community, County employees mobilized early the morning after Christmas Day to deal with its cleanup. Crews were instructed to plow lanes adequate for travel in both directions. First priorities for snow removal included major thorough fares and access to emergency services.  In all, over 100 County employees were involved in clearing roadways and dropping over 2,880 pounds of salt on our roadways. When those County roadways were cleared, snow plowing operations were sent to assist towns and villages who requested such help with residential streets.

A Safety Message from the Firefighters Museum & Education Center

As the holiday season comes to an end, many people take this time to relax after the hustle and bustle of the last few busy weeks. The Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center on Museum Row in Uniondale, wants to remind everyone to not forget about the potentially dangerous fire hazards lying around the house after the holidays.

Parenthood Plus - December 31, 2010

Standing By or Standing Up to Bullies

My friend, Ralph Kolodny, professor emeritus at Boston University School of Social Work, commented on the brutality of the schoolyard in children’s lives. He said, “We tend to forget the pain that normally characterizes interaction among children. Oddly enough,” he added, “the work of the imaginative journalist or novelist often provides a more accurate picture.”

School Districts Face $815M Shortfall Under Tax Cap


Cumulative Gap Would Be $3.3B From 2010-11 to 2013-14, Based on NYSSBA Projections

(Submitted by the New York State School Board Association)

School districts across New York face a potential shortfall of $815 million per year over the next four years just in meeting personnel costs under a property tax cap, according to a report issued by the New York State School Boards Association.

Letter: ‘Setting the Record Straight’

Recently, Nassau County superintendents of schools received literature from County Executive Ed Mangano regarding his 2011 “No Property Tax Increase Budget.” As part of this proposed budget, Nassau County Legislators voted, strictly along party lines, to shift the financial expense of paying county assessment errors from Nassau County to the local school districts. We certainly agree that the assessment system is broken, however, shifting the responsibility to the school districts will not help fix it.

From Long Island Wins - December 17, 2010

Mort Künstler on Immigration in Life and Art

When it comes to historical paintings, especially of the Civil War, few artists have enjoyed the level of success achieved Oyster Bay resident Mort Künstler. The 79-year-old painter has tackled everything from movie posters to a space shuttle launch, and in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, a collection of his related work will be on display at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn until January 9.

Letter: Support Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

A tax on sugar-sweetened beverages can benefit New Yorkers by reducing consumption of empty calories – which could help fight obesity and generate much needed revenue. The November report from the Bipartisan Policy Center called for the state to impose an excise tax of 1 cent/ounce on these beverages to reduce obesity-related healthcare costs.