Local Electorate and Community Organizations Named Champions for Tobacco Control

Recently, at this year’s Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island’s Celebrating Tobacco Control Champions Recognition Luncheon, the coalition’s Nassau Coordinator, Carol Meschkow, had the pleasure of nominating 11 honorees from Nassau County. The annual luncheon recognizes local municipalities, agencies, and individuals who have created new tobacco practices and policies to protect the public from the danger of second-hand smoke, and to help change the social norms associated with tobacco use.

6th SD: Mejias Out, Carlow Endorsed by Democratic Senate Campaign Committee

Mejias Drops Out of Primary Race After Stalking Arrest, But Name Will Still Appear on Sept. 4 Primary Ballot

On Wednesday, Sept. 8, on the steps of the State Supreme Court in Mineola, Plainview businesswoman Francesca Carlow announced that she has received the endorsement of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC) in the race for the 6th New York State Senate District seat against 34-year Republican incumbent Kemp Hannon. A day later, her Democratic Primary opponent, Dave Mejias- who was recently arrested for allegedly stalking his ex-girlfriend- announced that he would drop out of the race.

Upbeat Lazio Talks With Local Reporters

Republican Candidate for Governor Touts High Tech Green Jobs for LI

Declaring that his candidacy for the Republican Party nomination for governor was in “great shape,” former Long Island congressman Rick Lazio made another campaign stop in Nassau County last week, with a visit to the Massapequa Diner.

State Senate Candidate David Mejias Arrested

Police: Former Legislator Arrested for Stalking

On the morning of Sept. 2, the Nassau County Police Second Squad reported the arrest of State Senate candidate Dave Mejias for “stalking that occurred on Sept. 1 at noon in Matinecock.”

According to detectives, “The 34-year-old ex-girlfriend of the defendant, David Mejias, 39, of Farmingdale, was driving her vehicle on Piping Rock Road when she noticed that Mejias was following her in his vehicle. The defendant passed her and abruptly stopped, causing the victim to stop her vehicle. Mejias exited his vehicle and approached the victim yelling and screaming at her. When the victim drove away from the scene the defendant continued to follow her. She eventually was able to elude him and reported the incident to police.”

ShotSpotter: One Year Later

Crimestopping Technology Could See Expanded Use In Nassau County

In the “old” days, police would receive a 911 call about shots fired in an area and respond to the scene with possible fatalities or severe injuries. For one year now, police have been able to respond within seconds of a shooting occurring.

Aug. 23 marked the one-year anniversary of the first arrest due to the ShotSpotter System at the Nassau County Police Department. The system is currently in full operation in Roosevelt and Uniondale. County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said the department is looking to expand the system’s use to other communities in Nassau County.

Local Runners Score In ‘Sprint for the Feinstein Institute’

Shari Klarfeld and Richard Kleiman of Plainview, and Arthur Koppelman and Bert Jablon of Syosset all won age group awards in the August 14 ‘Sprint for the Feinstein Institute’ 5 Kilometer Run, held at Sands Point.

Klarfeld was the first place finisher in the women’s 25-29 age group with a time of 21:00, Kleiman earned second place honors in the 60-64 age group in 23:41, Koppelman was the third place finisher in the 65-69 age group in 25:53, and Jablon was the first place finisher in the 80-84 age group in 36:19.

First Annual Polo Match to Benefit Saddle Rock Ranch

The First Annual Polo Match to benefit Saddle Rock Ranch, operated by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), was held at the Meadowbrook Polo Club in Old Westbury on Saturday, August 7. The National Foundation for Human Potential raised just under $20,000 for the program and operation at Saddle Rock Ranch, and the Squadron A Foundation.

State Supreme Court Tosses Out Court Action to Take Carlow Off the Ballot

Despite Challenge from Nassau County Democratic Party, Francesca Carlow Still in the Running for Hannon’s 6th SD Seat

After the validity of her petitions was challenged via a court action by the Nassau County Democratic Party, Francesca Carlow of Plainview is still on the ballot for the Democratic Primary in September. After a lengthy, three-and-a-half-day trial, Special Referee Marston Gibson and Judge Thomas Adams ruled that there wasn’t sufficient evidence of fraud to disqualify Carlow from running against Dave Mejias for a chance to run for the 6th district seat in the State Senate, currently held by Republican Kemp Hannon.

Mangano Proposes Moving Sixth Precinct HQ to Second Precinct’s Location in Woodbury

Supervisor Venditto Says Idea Has Merit,

Legislator Jacobs Requests More Communication

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano is proposing to consolidate administrative functions of the Sixth and the Second Police Precincts and move the Sixth Precinct headquarters to the Second Precinct location in Woodbury. The county executive says that the plan would save over $20 million and would not diminish police service. However, many local public officials are firm in their view that residents would suffer. Additionally, there is still the question as to whether or not Mr. Mangano can order this consolidation without approval of the Nassau County Legislature.

In a lengthy conversation with Anton Community Newspapers, Mr. Mangano said that he is working to decrease the county’s $286 million deficit. So far, he said he has reduced this deficit by $39 million, but “more needs to be done … it’s time to fix structural problems … and we can save by consolidating management and duplications.” The goal is to “maintain services and reduce costs,” he said.

Local Performers Deliver in CAP’s Footloose

The Cultural Arts Playhouse, cozily tucked away between Mario’s Pizza and Ralph’s Italian Ices in Plainview, is known for quality productions. As a result, perhaps the only problem with the current production of Footloose: The Musical is that CAP set the bar so high with their recent production of 13, it’s hard for a similarly-themed show to compete.

The two shows have more than just a little in common: in fact, with Jesse Pimpinella (Ren) once again leading the ensemble as a spirited teen suddenly transplanted from his sophisticated city life when his mother decides to move to a small town, one’s first thought upon the opening of Footloose may very well be to wonder why poor Evan Goldman from 13 has to move again. Can’t this kid catch a break?