Recognizing that the Public Service Commission is on the verge of streamlining the process under which cable-TV franchises are granted, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board are preparing for the immediate commencement of negotiations with Verizon for their new fiber optic cable service. FULL STORY

"On time and the biggest school aid package in New York State history," Assemblyman Tom Alfano declared as the budget was recently being passed on the floor of the state Assembly. According to Alfano, the school aid package portion of the budget shattered all records in school aid appropriation to the 21st Assembly District. In fact, it's the largest in New York state history for the area. "No doubt about it - this is a big win," he said. FULL STORY