When John Canning became legislator for the 18th district, he vowed to be accessible and visible to his constituents. He certainly lived up to his promise, holding regular town meetings at different locations, attending countless numbers of public functions, and responding to individual problems and requests whenever possible.

During a recent meeting at the Bayville Library he briefly explained the structure of the legislature to those who had not previously attended one of his meetings, and proceeded to list his accomplishments and future goals. Truth in Advertising was the first bill he supported, which was subsequently signed into law. He also vigorously supported the Pesticide Application Notification bill, but the legislature decided that this should fall under the jurisdiction of the State of New York and should eventually become a state law. He mentioned that the formation of the $2.2 billion budget had, under the previous government system, not received sufficient scrutiny and input by the public. This legislature is holding several night meetings to invite greater public participation.

Another issue, of interest to Bayville, is the distribution of sales taxes. Up to the present, villages were excluded from receiving their share of sales taxes. Mayor Siegel has battled long and hard to have villages included, and Canning supported her efforts. Beginning with fiscal year 1999, villages will receive their share of this tax.

Canning is a member of the Health and Social Services Commission and has fought for stricter anti-smoking laws in Nassau County to protect public health. Such stricter laws will be enforced beginning July 1998. He talked about a Breast Cancer Research Center to be housed in a historic house in Hewlett, to give aid, information and support to breast cancer patients and their families. He discussed the problematic future of the Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow, which provides medical services to the poor, the uninsured, and those affected by recent changes in health care. The legislature and Mr. Gulotta plan to transform the Medical Center into a Public Benefit Corporation, to make it more competitive with other health organizations while preserving its primary function of serving the poor. Members of the audience voiced concern whether a profit-oriented Public Benefit Corporation would not eventually resort to cutting or restricting services in order to be profitable. Canning believes that the inclusion of a number of insured, paying patients would generate income while not denying services to the poor.

Mayor Siegel had enlisted Canning's support in persuading the legislature to purchase the 1.7 acres parcel of wetlands behind the Tides Motel and save it from a developer who had planned to build several houses on this ecologically crucial piece of land. The efforts were successful, and the county purchased the land to preserve it as a necessary filter for polluted run-off waters.

Oyster Bay Cove Mayor Michael Peragine and three of his neighbors brought up the issue of unscrupulous contractors who do shoddy work and often flagrantly violate existing zoning and building codes. Such contractors are willing to pay fines which are small in proportion to expected profits. After completing the project, these contractors dissolve their company, only to reappear under a new name. Stricter laws should be governing the practices of contractors, was suggested by Mayor Peragine and his fellow residents.

"Contractors are a litigious group," said Mayor Peragine, "It's impossible to confront them without considerable scientific knowledge. Building inspectors often lack such knowledge and issue permits where they should be denied."

Another Oyster Bay Cove problem involved a new resident who had purchased a home which had existed for 35 years with one driveway. He planned to add a second driveway, calling for the cutting down of a number of old trees. Concerned neighbors tried to convince him that those trees were stabilizing the soil, and that their removal would cause mud slides, as had happened in other parts of Oyster Bay Cove.

He disregarded all protests and claimed that he had the necessary permits. Upon investigation it turned out that none of the agencies involved had the authority to issue such permits. A stop-work order was issued and the matter awaits clarification. Mr. Canning suggested that such concerted efforts by neighbors was the best insurance against similar violations. Once the deed is done, it cannot be undone.

The audience at this town meeting was composed of residents from Bayville, Oyster Bay Cove, Locust Valley and adjacent communities. "I enjoy tackling larger issues, but the daily process of my job is dealing with services for constituents, such as tree removal, fixing pot holes, providing crossing guards at schools, helping with veterans' exemptions, repainting crossroads, etc.

"I find such small, personal issues very rewarding. The point of the new legislature was to be accessible, responsive." The audience unanimously commended Mr. Canning for providing a forum where constituents could voice their problems and be heard.

Bayville Eagle Scout candidate Kevin McIntosh, has been working for the past year at West Harbor Beach in Bayville. As a candidate for Eagle Scout, each applicant is required to complete a community service project.

McIntosh undertook the Herculean task of restoring the rose garden at West Harbor Beach. After months of planning and work, the final touches are ready to be completed and the garden will have been fully restored.

McIntosh performed the physical labors and coordinated the other community volunteers who worked with him. These volunteers were made up of Bayville Boy Scout Troop #176, and several other Bayville citizens.

The project taught McIntosh leadership skills, patience and how to organize others into a working team. The physical labors were quite involved, including the restoration of the brick path and the pruning of the beach plantings. The four existing benches had to be sanded and repainted and McIntosh built one additional bench facing the ball field.

Bayville Mayor Victoria Siegel said, in praising McIntosh's efforts, ÒThis young man, through his hard work and love of his community, has put forth a tremendous effort that shows great pride in Bayville. We are all proud of him and look forward to the final ceremony that will grant his Eagle Scout status.Ó