Comptroller Maragos: Nassau County Closes Difficult 2009 Financial Year

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos has released the audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the 2009 fiscal year. “Nassau County ended the year with a small budgetary surplus of $1.2 million which was only achieved by the prior administration’s massive borrowing, deferral of expenses and ‘one shot’ non-recurring revenue items. Without these very troubling budget maneuvers by the prior administration the County would have had a $250.3 million structural deficit,” Maragos stated.

Letter: Fireworks and Your Eyes

Fourth of July is almost here.  As we celebrate this great American holiday, ophthalmologists across the country are bracing for a significant increase in eye injuries.

Around the Town with Lou - July 2, 2010

Luna Park and Steeplechase live again as Coney Island’s famous amusement center is reborn. A few may remember that a large racetrack existed in nearby Sheepshead Bay. In that golden age of Diamond Jim Brady and Lillian Russell, Brooklyn had three racetracks. The other two were Brighton Beach and Graves End.

Letter: Thank You to the Board of Education And Dr. Nagler

In past issues of the Mineola American, we have written a great deal about the need for additional information about reconfiguration options.  At the board meeting on June 17, Dr. Nagler made a detailed presentation about reconfiguration options that answered these questions.  The board (through its president, Mr. Hornberger) also went out of its way to seek the answers to questions that were not directly covered by the presentation.

Letter: A Thank You From Manny Grilo

I would like to thank all the organizations and schools that took part in the Mineola Memorial Day Parade. As parade chairman, I sent out invitations to all the churches, organizations, politicians and schools for this event.

Letter: Response to County Executive Column

I would like to comment on [County Executive] Edward Mangano’s opinion piece that appeared in the June 2 issue of the Mineola American.

Letter: In Response to Ms. Navarra’s June 9 Letter

I am happy to see residents expressing their opinions about school configuration options. I greatly respect the right of Ms. Navarra to express her opinion on this issue.  However, I too was a member of the CCC (Community Committee on Consolidation) along with Ms. Navarra and while I agree with much of what she had to say in her letter, on some important points, my opinion differs.   

Letter: A Thank You Note To a Good Samaritan,

On Memorial Day, I dined early in the day at Panera on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola.  When I left, I had forgotten my purse. I returned 20 minutes later to find someone (unknown to me) had turned it in and the manager held it safely for me.

Letter: McKevitt Responds To Letter

I am responding to Mr. Thomas J. Devaney’s letter in the June 2 issue of the Mineola American. I am proud of the support I have given to the many fine men and women who volunteer their time as firefighters and ambulance workers, by advancing legislation that will promote the recruitment of new members, and by leading the floor debate against legislation, which would cripple their operations. As a matter of fact, the first bill I introduced this session would reduce costs if they need to expand their operations. I have always worked to support them, and I always will.

Letter: MVAC Wants McKevitt to Finish State Budget

In response to Assemblyman McKevitt’s article in the May 12 issue of the Mineola American, I was surprised to read that he considered himself to be doing a great deal to pass legislation that allows our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers access to health-care benefits. According to the bill summary, the Assemblyman was neither a sponsor nor a co-sponsor of this legislation; his accomplishment consisted of voting with the other 136 yay votes. As a volunteer firefighter for 15 years and a member of our volunteer ambulance corps for 10 years, I was grateful to see this critical piece of legislation finally signed by the governor. I have been working extensively with various departments and local organizations to ensure that current members make the most of this legislation and that it be utilized as a recruitment tool for future volunteers. If the assemblyman wants to show his support of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, I suggest he attempt to sponsor and pass a piece of legislation that will benefit us. However, in the six years he has been in office, the only single piece of legislation he sponsored that was actually signed into law by the governor had nothing to do with volunteer firefighters or EMTs.