From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson: August 28, 2009

Johnson Hosts Back to School Supply Drive

This month, through the beginning of September, I will be joining with Gateway Youth Outreach for a Back to School supply drive. Gateway is a wonderful organization that offers after-school homework assistance for at-risk youth. I am proud to be partnering with them in this effort to make sure that everyone is able to start the school year with the supplies that they need for success.

From the Desk of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy: August 21, 2009

Announces Recovery Funds for New Energy Efficient Traffic Signals

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy announced the release of $4.3 million of federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to upgrade approximately 900 traffic signals on Long Island by replacing existing incandescent lights with more energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs to reduce energy use and improve the environment. The project includes installing approximately 250 pedestrian countdown crossing signals at key intersections to improve pedestrian safety.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Thomas Alfano: August 21, 2009

Alfano Applauds Recommendations of Hate Crimes Task Force

Assemblyman Tom Alfano applauded the recommendations of Governor David A. Paterson’s Hate Crimes Task Force to help New Yorkers better respond to and prevent bias crimes. The task force, which the Governor established in January of 2009 following a series of bias-motivated attacks across the state, outlined a multifaceted approach to addressing the issue. The proposals include the development of curricula for students and school staff; enhanced training for law enforcement on hate crimes; and the implementation of a consistent approach that agencies and community-based organizations should adopt when responding to victims.

On Blenders and Tax Assessments

The Nassau County Department of Assessment could learn a lot from Macy’s if they handled tax grievances the way the retailer deals with broken blenders. After all, in both instances we’re dealing with unhappy customers (taxpayers) who are frustrated with a defective product and want satisfaction. Unfortunately, the assessment department has never really considered those who have overpaid taxes as a result of assessment errors as aggrieved customers. Indeed, a recent report by the county assessor claimed that the hemorrhaging assessment system was not broken even while a recent Newsday article [“Millions in Refunds in Nassau”] observed that Nassau has paid out half a billion dollars in refunds between 2003 and ’08.

Around the Town: August 14, 2009

Make a Difference Awards

I’m sure everyone knows at least one very special person who is always doing for others and never asking for anything in return. He or she may be a neighbor, a friend or a relative. When thinking about this person, you may ask yourself, where does he or she get the energy or time to volunteer for so many activities?

County Executive’s Column: August 7, 2009

Nassau’s ‘Next Generation’

On July 22, I held a forum with Nassau’s “Next Generation” of current and former residents between the ages of 20-35 to discuss the county’s future. Some of these young adults currently reside in Nassau, and some have moved away, to places nearby like New York City, and even as far as Switzerland. It was a great opportunity for all of us to discuss Nassau County’s future and how to attract young professionals like themselves to Nassau.

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: Thank You for Making Basketball Tournament a Success

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who generously gave up their day to make my annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament a great success. In all, over 60 residents worked tirelessly on registration, food, brackets, refereeing, clean-up and judging at the tournament. Over 2,000 young people, parents, grandparents and community members came through the tournament and took part in the many activities I sponsored throughout the day.

From the Desk of Assemblyman Thomas Alfano: July 24, 2009

Assembly Passes Package to Protect Consumers From Abusive Debt Collection Practices

Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced the passage of a package of bills to protect consumers against abusive and unfair debt collection practices by strengthening guidelines on how firms may collect debts, prohibiting harassment of consumers, providing debtors a legal right of action for damages and increasing state regulation of the debt collection industry. Alfano pointed to numerous consumer complaints through his office of outrageous harassment of consumers throughout the 21st district.

Around the Town: July 24, 2009

Hurricane Season

We are in the midst of hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and with the change in climate, experts have cautioned that Long Island has an increased potential to be hit by a major hurricane this year. It is important for everyone to be prepared, especially residents in the Town of Hempstead. That’s why Hempstead Town is offering a special hurricane preparedness presentation.