Legislative Minority Report: October 15, 2010

Mangano Budget Is a Blueprint for Disaster

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano has failed. He failed to manage the balanced budget he was given when he took office. He failed to deliver a responsible budget for 2011. He failed to sufficiently cut county spending and he failed to generate new sources of revenue. Even worse, Ed Mangano has failed to demonstrate bold, effective leadership in confronting our pressing financial problems.

Letter: In Response to Article About Alvan Petrus Park

(Editor’s note: Mr. Blumenfeld was the Chairman of the Long Island State Parks Commission from 1983 until 1988, appointed by Governor Cuomo).

You recently printed a front page story in Port News (August 5, 2010) about the plight of a little known but vital Alvan Petrus public park in Port, behind the Harbor Homes, just west of Port Boulevard. Since then I have been contacted by a large number of individuals who live in the complex. They are all opposed to the use of this park for the construction of a large building to house people from Great Neck by the Town of North Hempstead Housing Authority.

Letter: Operation Wounded Warrior

The members of Locust Valley Fire Department are set to host their 3rd Annual Pasta Dinner fundraiser to benefit the Nassau County Fire Fighters Operation Wounded Warrior (NCFF-OWW).

From the Desk of Congressman Gary Ackerman: October 1, 2010

U.S. Service Academy Information Forum for Local Students and Their Parents

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-L.I./Queens) recently announced that he will sponsor “U.S. Service Academy Information Night” for Queens and Nassau County high school students interested in applying to one of the prestigious United States Service Academies. The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Bayside High School located at 32-24 Corporal Kennedy Street in Bayside, Queens.

Letter: Putting Constituents Before Politics

The Summer 2010 edition of Plandome Manor’s “Your Village” newsletter brought residents up to date on a number of issues. An issue of concern for village residents and all residents of Manhasset and Port Washington is the intersection of Stonytown Road and Plandome Road, also known to many as the triangle.

Suggestions for Feeding Wild Birds

As the president of North Shore Audubon Society, I find myself often in conversations with Port Washington residents on what kind of feeders and seed to use in their yards. There are excellent books with detailed instructions such as The Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds by Stephen W. Kress. See the chapter, Supplemental Feedings. Audubon has a pamphlet by the same excellent author, which you can download for free online: http://web4.audubon.org/bird/at_home/bird_feeding/selecting_seeds.html.

Letter: Credit Where Credit Is Due

The recent storm that rocked this peninsula was a legitimate test of preparedness. The town was quick to respond to storm damage and crews were quickly out clearing debris. Well done.

Second Death Associated With West Nile Virus in Nassau County

10 Additional Human Cases Verified

Nassau County Department of Health is reporting the second death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) in a Nassau County resident this year. The individual is an adult over the age of 85 who lived in the Town of North Hempstead. The resident became ill Aug. 12 with fever, weakness and altered mental status.

Letter: Earl Missed LI, But Red Cross Was Ready (& Still Is)

Fortunately, Hurricane Earl veered away from our shores and his damage was contained mainly to Long Island’s fragile beaches. Yet when he passed, those of us working in emergency services all wiped our brows and collectively let out a sigh of relief—because if this storm had veered only a few degrees to the west, Long Island would have felt its fury.

Letter: In Appreciation of Daly’s Crossing Guard, Mrs. Sandy Garafalo

We write this letter in appreciation of a wonderful elementary school crossing guard, Mrs. Sandy Garafalo. Mrs. Garafalo, whom we find to be the most valuable, however, often the most overlooked individual at John J. Daly Elementary School, has the most important job of all. She is responsible for the safety of a parent’s most precious possession; nevertheless, she is responsible for hundreds of children on each school day.