A Nassau We Can Afford

A recent column published in this paper completely missed the point about the race for Nassau County Executive. The 2009 campaign isn’t about who can raise and spend the most money; it’s about who is best able to govern our county for the next four years.

Who will be able to stop the bleeding that our taxpayers have endured for the past eight years, while the county budget increased $800 million? Who will turn around the current agenda to increase taxes by nearly 4 percent each of the next four years?

Letter: Thank You for Making Basketball Tournament a Success

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who generously gave up their day to make my annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament a great success. In all, over 60 residents worked tirelessly on registration, food, brackets, refereeing, clean-up and judging at the tournament. Over 2,000 young people, parents, grandparents and community members came through the tournament and took part in the many activities I sponsored throughout the day.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Thomas Alfano: July 24, 2009

Assembly Passes Package to Protect Consumers From Abusive Debt Collection Practices

Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced the passage of a package of bills to protect consumers against abusive and unfair debt collection practices by strengthening guidelines on how firms may collect debts, prohibiting harassment of consumers, providing debtors a legal right of action for damages and increasing state regulation of the debt collection industry. Alfano pointed to numerous consumer complaints through his office of outrageous harassment of consumers throughout the 21st district.

Around the Town: July 24, 2009

Hurricane Season

We are in the midst of hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and with the change in climate, experts have cautioned that Long Island has an increased potential to be hit by a major hurricane this year. It is important for everyone to be prepared, especially residents in the Town of Hempstead. That’s why Hempstead Town is offering a special hurricane preparedness presentation.

Around the Town: July 17, 2009

Children’s Summer Festival

With the arrival of the warm summer months comes the opportunity for parents to spend more time having fun with their kids. One great way to spend quality time as a family is by attending one of the town’s Children’s Summer Festival shows together.

In July, three exciting shows are traveling to our town parks. All three shows are free and suitable for all ages. At “Erik’s Reptile Edventure” children have the opportunity to learn about the importance of science and nature. The show offers a fun-filled educational experience that encourages kids to learn about reptiles, amphibians and bugs. For those who are looking for a good laugh and spellbinding magic, “The Magic & Comedy of Jim McClenahan” is sure to please. Finally, children will enjoy “The Tell Tale Storytellers,” which will entertain audiences with their singing and storytelling.

County Executive’s Column: July 17, 2007

Dome Illumination to Raise Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

This month, Nassau County, in cooperation with the Lustgarten Foundation, is hosting a ceremony and building illumination for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Over 37,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year –which is why our goal is to raise awareness in order to prevent and fight this disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for 1999-2005 was 5.5 percent. We must work together to thwart pancreatic cancer.

Around the Town: July 10, 2009

Pet Adoption Program

Hempstead Town is once again holding its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program now until Aug. 22. During this time, the town is waiving a complement of fees at Hempstead Town’s Animal Shelter for pets that are adopted during the summer season. By waiving adoption fees and other charges, residents can experience the joy of pet ownership without the financial burden.

Letter: Senate Has Work to Do to Control Property Taxes

While Senator Dean Skelos and his colleagues are playing political games in Albany, the state budget deficit keeps ballooning and nothing is being done to control property taxes. When this chaos ends, legislators should tackle rising education costs. To do that, teachers’ and school administrators’ salaries must be frozen and their lifetime health benefits eliminated since over half of our property taxes go for paying these salaries and benefits.

Letter: Proven Results of Working Together

This past month, our community has seen huge amounts of rainfall. For the first time in many, many years, our residents have been able to safely travel on Hempstead Avenue without the need to dodge deep ponds of water. Please remember as you drive up and down the avenue in the future, no longer impeded by overflowing catch basins, that a community working together with the West Hempstead Civic Association and County Legislator Muscarella accomplished this project. It’s about time that West Hempstead received back some of our tax money through capital projects.

Scott M. Jablow

President,

Cathedral Gardens Civic Association

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: July 3, 2009

The Senate Stalemate

It is my hope that by the time that you read this, the stalemate that has gripped the Senate will be over.