Letter: To Ms. Napolitano And Members of The Community

We are somewhat perplexed by your letter in the May 26 edition of the Mineola American. It is interesting that you were able to divine intent in our previous letter to petition to keep Hampton Street School open.  At no point in our letter did we express a view on a particular school staying open (be it Hampton Street or otherwise) or a particular configuration option.  It is even more surprising you were able to divine this intent even though over 100 different residents signed the letter that was presented to the board and of these, over 25 were residents who live in areas where children do not go to Hampton.

Letter: A Letter from The Albertson Fire Department

Recently, the Albertson Fire Company was advised of two incidents where an individual had approached the homes of residents in the South Park area, and identified himself as a member of the Albertson Fire Company, and attempted to solicit donations.

Letter: To Mr. and Mrs. Egan And Members of The Community

Thank you for your letter signed by members of the community.  I do appreciate the time and effort that you put into this, but I would like to share with you some of my own personal feelings.  As you stated twice in your letter, we are elected by the community, and as such are accountable to the community.  I am well aware of my obligations and do not take the future of the Mineola School District lightly. The decision to reconfigure schools is certainly the most serious and formidable task this Board of Education will probably undertake.  Though your letter certainly makes very good and valid points, they are not issues that we have not already thought of or considered.

From the Desk of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy - May 21, 2010

McCarthy Recognizes Clean Air Month

Each May, we recognize Clean Air Month, though, I believe that protecting our environment needs focus throughout the year. The environment is one of our greatest treasures and we have a responsibility to protect it for our children and future generations to come.

Letter: An Open Letter to the Mineola School Board Of Education

We, as members of the Mineola community, are writing to you regarding the consideration of configuration options for the Mineola School District. While there may be many views in the community about reconfiguration, we think that we can agree that getting feedback from all voices in the community is key to understanding what the views of the community are on this important issue. While the administration may have recommendations for the board’s consideration, it is the entire community that elects board members and to whom the board is ultimately accountable.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt

Healthcare for Volunteer Firefighters, Ambulance Companies

As an avid supporter of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R, C, I – East Meadow) announced that legislation which increases access to health-care benefits for emergency service personnel was signed into law today by Governor David Paterson. 

Letter: The Importance of Your Public Library

One of the most important services any community enjoys is its public library. You wouldn’t think so judging by the actions Governor Paterson and the New York State Assembly have taken on funding libraries and library systems in the State’s 2010-11 state budget plans.  The Governor has recommended that state aid to library systems and their member libraries be reduced by $4.2 million. The Senate has rejected this recommendation, but the Assembly is still debating it.

A Word From East Williston Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis

The severe budget conditions that we are currently experiencing have produced an unprecedented financial crisis in education.  Each time we pick up a newspaper or tune into the news we are reminded that we are in the midst of the most significant financial/economic downturn since the Great Depression.  No doubt, many of us know someone who has been dramatically affected by this downturn.  Armed with this knowledge and the reality of declining funds from the state, we took on the challenge of preparing the 2010-2011 budget. 

From the Desk of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy

McCarthy Announces Help for Homeowners Event

Although our economy is on the road to recovery, there are still many people who are hurting. People are trying to maintain their mortgage payments so they are able to stay in their homes. HOPE NOW and Making Home Affordable are programs that work with people to help them achieve that goal.

Editorial: Signing Off

As of this week, I am no longer the editor of the Mineola American. After 10 years, I decided to move on to another venture. But I would like to take the opportunity to thank the entire community.