From the Desk of Assemblyman Charles Lavine: August 7, 2009

Invests in Green Jobs, Green New York

New York State Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine (D-Glen Cove) announced that the Assembly has passed legislation authorizing the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create and administer the Green Jobs, Green New York program that provides financing to communities, homes, small businesses and not-for-profits to help revitalize the economy in an energy-independent and environmentally responsible way (A.8901).

Town Topics: August 7, 2009

Project Independence

We regularly put the reins of tomorrow in the capable hands of our youth. But, too often we fail to acknowledge that the hopes of past generations for a healthy, productive society were pinned on the shoulders of our present-day matriarchs and patriarchs, the progenitors of our history, our heritage.

For that, we owe them our eternal gratitude.

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: Writing in Protest

(Editor’s Note: The following letter was sent to the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Sudan and is being printed here at the author’s request.)

I write to protest the atavistic treatment meted out to the 13 young women arrested at a Khartoum café for wearing trousers, 10 of whom were publicly flogged and fined.

Legislative Majority Report: July 24, 2009

 

Tomato and Potato Gardeners Beware!

Last month, I wrote about all the wonderful Farmers’ Markets in our area. We are so fortunate to be able to buy fresh local produce and other assorted items from craftspeople who are our neighbors and friends.

This month, it has come to my attention that there is a problem with some of our tomatoes. According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, there is something called late blight which is affecting tomato and potato plants. This is the same disease that caused the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s, so whether you have a small backyard garden like I do, or you are a major nursery, late blight is a disease to which we must all pay attention but be careful not to confuse with early blight, which is much less devastating. According to the experts, it is very destructive and very infectious. It presents with at least nickel-sized olive green to brown spots on leaves with slightly white fungal growth on the underside when conditions have been humid – early morning or after a rainfall. Sometimes the border of the spot is yellow or has a water-soaked appearance..Spots begin tiny, irregularly shaped, and brown. Firm, leather-like brown spots develop on tomato fruit.

Letter: Wants Fellow Community Members to Be More Courteous

I have been a resident of the Village of Westbury since 1983. I have always found it to be a quiet and quaint place in which to live and raise my children. I always loved my neighborhood and felt safe to walk around.

In the past 4-5 years that has all changed. I find many strange people walking around my neighborhood at all times of the night. I am not out at night that much but when I am it causes me to be to be extra cautious. We also have neighbors who have large tropical birds, which they leave outside and they are very loud.

Letter: Wants Village to Provide More Handicap Parking

At the Westbury Village train station there are only two handicap parking spots. Why I ask? There are many handicapped people living in Westbury who need to park their cars at the train station. They, too, take the train. Where are they to park their cars?

It seems to me the Westbury Village mayor does not care. If we have a New York State Handicap Parking Permit, we should be able to park in the train station parking lot. Does the Village of Westbury think there are only two handicap people in Westbury? We need more handicap parking spots in the village and at the train station.

Handicap people speak up! Write your letters to the village mayor. Get more handicap parking spots.

Rose Ryan

 

Letter: Petition Drive Supporting Troiano

As many are aware Legislator Roger Corbin’s legal troubles have left his future in doubt and have rendered his voice silent. Roger has been a strong advocate for our community but nobody can know for sure if he will be able to continue. The law calls for his automatic removal from elective office if he is found guilty of the charges against him. As he battles these charges, we are left wondering who will take his place, if he is convicted?

According to the Nassau County Charter, the county is required to hold a special election. Under New York State law, the choice of candidates in a special election is left up to the party bosses – not the people. The residents of the 2nd Legislative District deserve the right to choose for themselves.

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.

We will be eliminating all adoption fees, including the cost of vaccinations, and all spaying and neutering services as well. Once an animal finds a new home and a loving family, we want to guarantee their safety so we are also micro chipping our pets to provide a free method of identification in the event they are lost.

Letter: Reflections On the Special School Board Election

The special school board election in the Westbury Union Free School District resulted from complaints of irregularities during the 2008 regular election and the removal of two of the winning candidates from the school board following a directive from State Education Commissioner Richard Mills.

This election, and the events that led up to it, was one for the books in a number of ways. For starters, it was a very rare use of such power by the education commissioner, and additionally, the electioneering activities prior to election day on June 23, was a departure from the norm in terms of platform content and delivery.