Three POBJFKHS Students Announced as Intel Semifinalists

Three students at Plainview Old Bethpage JFK High School were recently named Intel semifinalists. The students are all part of the independent research program at POBJFKHS and they all worked with mentors at SUNY Stony Brook.

Stories That Made Headlines in 2009

Continuing with tradition, here are the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald’s top stories of 2009, as selected by the editor. They are listed here in no particular order. Due to space constraints, not all information can be included in this list. We encourage residents to write or e-mail in their top stories of the year. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send comments to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald at 132 East Second Street, Mineola, NY 11501.

County Executive Aims to Fix Reassessment System

Says Current System Needs Reform to Ensure Fiscal Health

In an effort to reform a property tax assessment system he feels is broken, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano unveiled his plan to repair the assessment system to lessen the burden property tax refunds have on the county budget.

TOB Inducts Elected Officials

John Venditto Inducted as the 59th Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor

The Town of Oyster Bay held their induction ceremony at 2 p.m. on Jan. 5, in the hearing room, an hour after the first meeting of 2010. John Venditto was inducted into office as the 59th Oyster Bay Town Supervisor.

Big Promises After Big Win From Nassau County GOP Legislators

Assure Lower Costs, Same Service, No New Taxes at Inauguration

The ticket that County Executive Edward P. Mangano rode to victory was the same one that Republican candidates used in Nassau County to regain a majority in the legislature this November – lower spending, fees and taxes.

Plainview Water Superintendent Tobin Elected Chairman of LIWC

The Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) is pleased to announce that Richard W. Tobin has been appointed Chairman, effective as of Dec. 28. Tobin previously served as First Vice Chairman for the LIWC.

Legislators Join Together and Repeal Home Energy Tax

Despite narrowly passing a 2.5 percent home energy tax earlier this year, the Nassau County legislature recently voted 13-5 in favor of repealing it. During a meeting Dec. 21, the 19-member legislature voted 13-5 in favor of eliminating the tax; Republican Nassau County Executive-elect Edward Mangano, who currently represents the 17th District, was not present for the meeting and therefore did not vote.

Plainview Man Arrested

The Second Squad reports the arrest of a Plainview man on Friday December 18, at 6:30 p.m.

According to detectives, the defendant, William A. Tockash, 50, of Plainview approached the 17-year-old female victim as she was parked in her vehicle in the parking lot of the Plainview Public Library located at 999 Old Country Road, asked her the time then reached in, opened the door and entered her vehicle. Once inside, the defendant made the victim drive around the neighborhood and when the victim stopped her vehicle on Joyce Lane, the defendant threw the gearshift into park then put his hands across the victim’s face and mouth, police stated. The victim was able to grab the keys, exit the vehicle and scream for help. The defendant then exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the rear yards on Joyce Lane.

Tom Suozzi’s Legacy As County Executive

Time Will Tell Its Story

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi held a farewell party at the Garden City Hotel. He reflected on his years as county executive in front of staff members and supporters.

“Never forget you were part of something positive that made people’s lives better,” he told his staff members and supporters.

He also encouraged his supporters and staff members to stand by each other and take pride in the job they have done. “The challenge for each of us is to take this defeat and define meaning from it,” Suozzi said.

Chamber Holds Bake-Off Party

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce held its first Holiday Bake-Off Party at the Haypath Park Community Center last week with close to 100 people attending. With entries from all parts of the dessert spectrum, there was something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.