From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson - January 8, 2010

MTA Capital Plan Vetoed

Last week, the proposed 2010-2014 MTA Capital Plan was vetoed by the Executive Branch’s representative to the MTA Capital Program Review Board (CPRB.) This veto, the first vote cast, automatically sent the plan back to the MTA under CPRB rules.

As the Senate Majority’s representative on the CPRB, I strongly urge MTA officials to reassess its capital needs and draft a better, balanced and more responsible plan for approval.

Phil-osophically Speaking - January 8, 2010

Vats of ink have been spilled regarding the fiasco of flight 253 to Detroit on Christmas Day. If not for the quick thinking and action of some of its passengers and crew, the airliner would have exploded into a smoldering, fiery wreck; another charred trophy of Islamic fanaticism. Security measures failed; Janet Napolitano has confirmed nagging fears that she is hopelessly miscast as Homeland Security Director and President Obama, despite some stalwart posturing, blithely plays the role of the reluctant warrior in the war against terror.

Phil-osophically Speaking - January 1, 2010

Editor’s note: This column was written after the recent snowstorm.

At an unimaginable seven stories high (150 feet tall) it was one of the grandest buildings in all of New York City. From its lofty summit, there was an exquisite view of the Narrows, Staten Island, the North and East River as well as significant portions of the magnificent scenery of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The building’s notoriety was further enhanced when the first hydraulic elevators in the world were installed, making the structure a perfect blend of Victorian architecture and a symbol of science and technology.

Around the Town - December 25, 2009

Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all Town of Hempstead residents a happy and healthy New Year.

With every New Year, we often make resolutions. One of the most common goals, especially after the holidays when we all tend to eat more than usual, is to get in shape. In the Town of Hempstead we are very fortunate to have many parks and recreation programs that will help residents do just that, not only during the winter months but also throughout the year.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson - December 25, 2009

Landmark Senate Foreclosure Bill Signed Into Law

Landmark legislation that protects homeowners and communities from the ongoing foreclosure crisis has been signed into law, Senator Craig M. Johnson announced.

Village Board Notes - December 18, 2009

The following are trustee reports from the Dec. 1 Floral Park village board meeting.

Department of Public Works News

Trustee Thomas Tweedy reported that due to high winds on Saturday, Nov. 28, a broken tree limb hung over electrical service of a home on Mayfair Ave. and a large part of a Bradford Pear tree on Bellmore Ave. had blown down blocking the street. After Superintendent of Public Works Kenneth Tymecki received this report from police, the Tree Department was quickly in place to remove the broken limb, prune the tree to ensure it was safe and remove all of the debris. No other damage was reported.

Letter: Thank You to Local Volunteer Firefighters

I was amazed to see our local volunteer firefighters in action on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 a.m. at a blazing fire on Clover Avenue. While the residents of our village slept comfortably, these men and women were putting their lives on the line to save the lives of one of our families.

Phil-osophically Speaking - December 11, 2009

With bright lights all aglow, the inviting sound of Christmas carols and the warmth of family gatherings we are often unmindful of the terrible fact that we are a nation at war and have been since September 11, 2001.

Democracies and long wars go ill together. The electorate is impatient for success and death wears heavily, regardless of the season. In a speech given at West Point, the president of the United States informed us that he is ordering 30,000 more troops to the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, half a world away.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson - December 11, 2009

Deficit Reduction, Pension Reform Legislation Passed During Special Senate Session

This week, the State Senate tackled New York’s budget deficit without tax-hiking mid-year school cuts, enacted much-needed reforms to its pension system, and brought much-needed accountability and transparency to this state’s public authorities.

Phil-osophically Speaking - December 4, 2009

On Dec.9, in another effort to save the world from itself, international leaders will be meeting in Copenhagen to discuss imposing carbon restrictions to reduce greenhouse gases being released into the environment.