RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 22, 2010, Bellmore Life
Legislators talk budget
North Bellmore Civics Association hosts politicians.
State Senator Charles Fuschillo Jr. and state Assemblymen Dave McDonough and Tom McKevitt were guest speakers at the July meeting of the North Bellmore Civic Association.
With long overdue budget proceedings, the legislators said that partisanship is not playing a part in the crisis. Instead, it seems to be regionalism that is creating a stalemate in the functions of the state.
Mr. McKevitt said the state Assembly had completed its work, but the Senate left Albany on Thursday morning. Senator Fuschillo reported that it is the entire revenue piece that remains unfinished.
The senator said that the proposals for the state university system disturb him greatly. The entire SUNY system is based on the principles of affordability and accessibility. Any proposals to the contrary would not be acceptable, he added.
Mr. Fuschillo commented on the recent adoption of a property tax cap in New Jersey and said he had long been in support of a cap for New York.
Mr. McKevitt said that this is his fifth year in office and the “state is out of whack – it’s out of balance.” Mr. McDonough agreed that changes need to be made. Many businesses are leaving the state due to the Metropilitan Transportation Authority (MTA) payroll tax. People are leaving, too, said Mr. McDonough.
“I’d rather have a good budget,” said Mr. Fuschillo, than just putting a budget in place. State aid to education has been drastically cut, he said.
Civic association members had many questions for the legislators. Knowing that Senator Fuschillo had sponsored a bill to allow tax breaks for businesses employing someone who had been out of work for three months or more, he was asked if the bill had passed. Senator Fuschillo said it had passed in the Senate but still awaited an Assembly vote.
Civic association member Ed Raboy said he had heard that if a casino were approved for the Nassau Coliseum property, the Town of Hempstead would lose zoning rights. Mr. McKevitt said that if a casino were approved, the land would be considered tribal land.
The legislators spoke about some of the bills they were able to get passed during this year. Senator Fuschillo said that a drunk driving law was passed, making it a felony to transport children under the age of 16 while driving under the influence. “We closed some loopholes,” said Mr. Fuschillo, regarding the taking of blood when a victim is involved in a drunk driving accident. Previously, a physician needed to be present before blood could be drawn. With the new law, anyone with training, such as a nurse or emergency medical technician (EMT), qualifies. Laws were passed restricting where sexual predators can reside after being released from jail, said the senator.
POP report
Police Officers Rob Segretto and Ed Knox of the Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) squad reported on criminal activity in the area over the last month. There were three DWI arrests and two drug arrests for marijuana and cocaine. At the train station, two residents reported the theft of catalytic converters from their cars. A robbery occurred on William Street in North Merrick.
In another incident, two perpetrators with a BB gun robbed some teens. One of the suspects was arrested in Uniondale the same day. The other suspect was arrested a few days later.
Civic association members asked if the car show would be permitted at the train station. The officers responded that the police are working with the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores while permits are obtained to enable the chamber to run the show. In the meantime, officers will allow attendance until the parking lot nears capacity. Then, no matter what the hour, cars will be turned away for safety reasons. Neighborhood Watch Program Program Director John Lufrano, from the North Merrick neighborhood watch, spoke to civic association members, inviting them to join the program. The bad guys don’t know town boundaries and often cross from North Merrick to North Bellmore, said Mr. Lufrano. The group comprises “people who watch what is going on,” said the director. It was noted that information gleaned from residents has enabled police to make arrests. Using an e-mail system, the watch program is able to disseminate information regarding crime to all members, usually in the same day. Anyone interested in joining can call Mr. Lufrano at 652-7576, or they may visit the website at www.northmerrickcivic.org. “I think it is a great program,” said Board President Reinaldo Nunez, as he encouraged people to join before something happens on their blocks.
Other business
Mr. Podolski said that board members had agreed to set up a booth at the street fair this year. Members were encouraged to volunteer their time at the booth. Mr. Nunez reported that a representative from Belair Care Center had been invited to attend a meeting of the association to discuss the renovations at the facility. Board elections are scheduled for September, and Mr. Robay suggested that the nominating committee be disbanded. Instead, he called for elections in June with people declaring candidacy in May. Mr. Robay is running for treasurer against incumbent Chris Szatmary. Stu Weinstein is running against incumbent Bob Podolski for first vice-president. Dan Checkla will be seeking to fill the second vice-president slot.
An opening remains for corresponding secretary. Speaking of his credentials as first vice-president, incumbent Bob Podolski said that during Mr. Nunez’ recent illness he had run meetings and conducted business for the group. Mr. Weinstein said that he worked hard for the organization and believed it was time for a change. All members were encouraged to attend the September meeting and cast their votes.