Weitzman Redux?

Anton Community Newspapers • 132 East 2nd Street • Mineola, NY 11501 • Phone: 516-747-8282 • FAX: 516-742-5867

Weitzman Redux?

Written by Betsy Abraham Thursday, 21 March 2013 00:00

Howard Weitzman decided he wasn’t done being Nassau County comptroller.

Weitzman, who was county comptroller from 2001 to 2009, is running again for the position, saying that he can bring a much-needed transparency and change to Nassau County’s finances.

Weitzman, a CPA, said in a roundtable discussions with Anton Community Newspapers in Mineola last week, that he was able to save the county millions through conducting police department audits and making changes in the county health insurance. When the re-election came around in 2009, he found himself unable to campaign, after being diagnosed with a rare blood disease. Though he did not campaign one day of the campaign, Weitzman lost by only 800 votes.

“That’s not going to happen this time,” Weitzman says.

Today, Wetizman says he is perfectly healthy and is running for what he calls a “re-election” with the full support of both his family and doctors. He says that what sets him apart from other contenders such as incumbent George Maragos and Nassau County legislator Wayne Wink is his past record.

“They can see what my record was. People can say anything, it’s what they do that counts,” Weitzman said.

Weitzman says that the county has no financial plan in place and while they may not have raised taxes, everything is falling apart and finances are near insolvency.

“By glossing over (the county’s problems) everyone has a feel good feeling and doesn’t know a change has to be made,” he said.

The role of the comptroller is to review the county executives plan to see how realistic it is. According to Weitzman, the comptroller serves as a watchdog, to make sure the county’s finances are staying on track.

“The taxpayer will have a voice again. They’ll have somebody with the skill set, background, and experience to use for the benefit of the district,” Weiztman said.

When asked about the future of Nassau Coliseum, Weitzman says that the Islanders leaving is about a lot more than losing a sports franchise.

“The perception is much worse than the reality. It sends out a message that you can’t do business in Nassau County. We couldn’t even keep a sports franchise here. That’s a horrible message to send,” Weitzman says.

Weitzman also noted how important it was to make Nassau County more hospitable to the younger generation. With the recent surge in communities looking to strengthen their downtowns, Weitzman says that the key is in building around railroad stations, a model that has been hugely successful in other Nassau County towns.

“If you look at the most successful communities in Nassau County, they all follow the same model. Railroad stations downtown, multiple family dwellings surrounding that, and single family homes around that. It can all exist together,” Weitzman said.

News

BOE Nixes Contract With Search Firm

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

In what is hoped to be a step forward for the Westbury School District’s ongoing search for a superintendent, the board of education voted to terminate its contract with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea. However, questions still remain. Will the board continue the search with another firm? Will the board conduct the search themselves? Will it consider current Interim Superintendent Mary Lagnado for the position? And of course, how long will the process take before a permanent superintendent is named?

Avanti Granted Permit

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The Westbury Board of Trustees has decided to grant Avanti a special use cabaret permit for a probationary six months.

The club had its permit rescinded six weeks ago after being in violation of several conditions, including noise and not reporting police activity. It now is required to operate under stricter conditions, including revised operating hours (they can be open until1 a.m. Sunday to

Wednesday and until 2 am. Thursday to Saturday) and having to keep a log book of any police activity. Much of the debate over Avanti had to do with an advertisement that promoted an event of a sexual nature. Club owner Barry Ceriano insisted that nothing of such a nature happened at Avanti and he was unaware of the ads, however the mayor said that the advertisement itself was in violation of the club’s permit and that the owner was responsible for all events that went on in his club. In that strain, the new permit includes a condition that says “applicant shall be responsible for any and all activities or events occurring at the premises. In the event that the applicant uses or engages the service of a booking agent, event planner, promoter…applicant shall use a written contract…and shall remain responsible and liable for any and all violations of the permit.” The following condition also says “any advertisement…of any event at the Premises, that advertises or promotes an event that would be a violation of this Permit and conditions, is itself a violation.”

Sports

Frogs Eat Falcons

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Carle Place softball avenges semi-final loss to Locust Valley

Avenging the previous day’s loss and moving themselves one step closer to a possible county title, the Carle Place Frogs Softball team beat out the Locust Valley Falcons Wednesday, May 15 in a game two rematch for the Nassau County Class B Semi-Final, 12-3.

Okinawan Karate Celebrates 10 Years

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Westbury Okinawan Karate recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of coming to the Westbury Recreation Center. Since then, the dojo has trained 250 students, ages six and up, in the art of karate with the style of traditional Okinawan ShorinRyu Shidokan.

Founded by sensei John Power, the classes seek to instill the confidence and strength needed to obtain success in everyday life.

“A lot of kids are lacking confidence,” said Power. “We let them practice leadership in the class and this contributes to their confidence.