(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) recently presented citations to the 9-10 year-old Garden City South Girls District 29 Little League team for their District 29 championship earlier this year. Ra also congratulated team manager Joseph Sorrentino, and coaches Anthony Millan and Ray Going for their role in helping the team succeed.

Assemblyman Ed Ra with the 9-10 year-old Garden City South District 29 Champion little league softball team after presenting them with citations commemorating their win.

“Winning a championship at any level is no small feat and I am proud of the Garden City South team for winning the District 29 title this year,” said Ra. “The level of commitment and desire to succeed on the part of the players and their coaching staff is commendable and on behalf of the 19th Assembly District, I would like to extend my congratulations to them on their achievement this season.”

The players on this year’s team are as follows:

• Arianna Millan
• Julia Piotrowski
• Sophia Schneider
• Madelyn Close
• Samantha Dunworth
• Sabrina Moriates
• Alyssa Cowen
• Nicolette Clifford
• Madison Savarese
• Danielle Kelly
• Kelly Going
• Lauren Gunn

Emergency Measures Restrict Importation of Certain Deer Species

(New York, NY) Disease Could Devastate NY’s Deer Population and Result in Severe Economic Repercussions on the State’s Sportsman Industry
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation today announced emergency regulations to prohibit the importation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) susceptible deer into the State.  The protection of the state’s deer population is important not only to the balance of the ecosystem but also is critical to supporting the hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and women whose recreational activities contribute some $780 million in economic impact statewide.

“These emergency measures will help mitigate the risk of CWD taking a firm hold here in New York State,” said State Acting Agriculture Commissioner James B. Bays.  “I’m a hunter and an avid outdoorsman, and keeping New York’s wild and captive deer herds healthy will help protect multi-million dollar industries that create jobs and provide recreational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.  From our agency’s perspective, the most important thing that we can do is limit the exposure of deer to CWD.  That’s exactly what these regulations will do.”

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, “New York State has a long tradition of deer hunting and deer management. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and prevent Chronic Wasting Disease from entering the State. These regulations will bolster existing protections already in place in New York and help to maintain a vibrant population of our most sought after game species. This show of stewardship help will ensure that sportsmen and sportswomen continue to have great deer hunting opportunities throughout the state.”

The emergency regulations provide a ban on imports of specific species between November 16, 2013 and August 1, 2018.  These species include Rocky Mountain elk, red deer, mule deer, black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer, sika deer, and moose.

Currently 21 states including New York prohibit the importation of live deer.

CWD is a fatal, neurologic disease to species of deer caused by a disease agent called a prion, which eventually destroys the brain tissue of infected animals.  Prions are shed by infected animals in their saliva, feces and urine.  The time from infection to the first outward signs of illness (animals appear weak and unsteady) may be two years or longer.  Soil contaminated with CWD prions cannot be decontaminated and can remain as a source of CWD exposure to wild deer for years.  At the present time, the only accepted means of diagnosis must be performed after an animal suspected of being infected with CWD is dead.

The primary tool for preventing spread of CWD is the USDA Herd Certification program, which requires herds that wish to ship animals interstate to undergo a five year certification process involving surveillance testing and maintenance of herd inventories.  While the program has helped slow the spread of CWD, it cannot guarantee that certified herds will remain CWD-free.  Despite the best efforts of qualified animal health professionals, CWD has arisen in four new states (PA, MO, MN, IA) since 2010 and all were participating in the Herd Certification program.  The source of the most recent detection of CWD in both captive and wild deer in Pennsylvania remains unknown twelve months after the initial detection.  Farms in other states purchased animals from the original infected herd in Pennsylvania; some escaped and some remain unaccounted for.  Absent these regulations, states with potentially infected deer populations would be allowed to export deer to New York.

“If we continue to allow imports, we could receive CWD exposed deer or elk that originated in one state and subsequently passed through a facility in a third state,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. David Smith.  “That’s not a risk we’re willing to take here in New York.  CWD is extremely difficult to detect and control and once present, the costs to the wild deer population, captive deer owners, and the entire state are high. We do not want this disease proliferating throughout our state’s valuable wild populations and captive deer herds.  New York will continue to work with stakeholders and animal health professionals as these important regulations move forward.”

The costs of states to deal with outbreaks in CWD in terms of resources and tax dollars are tremendous.  Prevalence rates in some parts of Wisconsin are over 20 percent just 10 years after the introduction of CWD into the state, costing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources $14 million the first year alone, with much of the money pulled from other wildlife programs.

Furthermore, the economic impact that CWD could have on New York State is considerable. Based on the most recent data, New York’s wild deer herds have a $780.5 million economic impact in the state, while the economic impact of captive deer is $13.2 million.  There are an estimated 823,000 hunting licenses in New York and the state ranks third in the nation in residential hunters.  In 2011, New York was fourth in the nation in spending by hunters and generated an estimated $290 million in state and local taxes.

According to the latest data, there are 433 facilities across New York State that currently hold captive deer.  Of these facilities, 25 imported a total of 400 CWD-susceptible deer from January 1, 2011 through March 29, 2013.

New York will still permit the importation of deer semen for artificial insemination.  Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums will also be allowed to still import CWD-susceptible species.

Bruce L. Akey, MS DVM, executive director, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, said: “The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) includes internationally recognized experts on the transmission of disease and the ecology of diseases in wildlife populations. Chronic Wasting Disease is a serious threat to New York’s wild white-tailed deer herd. With recent confirmation of CWD in Pennsylvania, our disease specialists are very concerned that CWD may once again be detected in New York. It is entirely appropriate that New York’s regulatory agencies, the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation, take all reasonable measures to keep CWD out of New York. Given that there is no test currently available to detect CWD in live animals prior to movement, strong prevention measures are the only reasonable and economical way of managing CWD. Once CWD is confirmed in a population of white-tailed deer, the ecological and economic consequences will be catastrophic. We applaud the recent regulation prohibiting the importation of live captive white-tailed deer, the highest known risk factor for CWD.”

Chuck Parker, president, New York State Conservation Council, said: “The New York State Conservation Council takes pride in being a major voice for the Sportsmen in New York for over 80 years. All of our positions and policies are the majority consensus of our membership.  The voting representatives of the NYSCC through the affiliations of their local clubs represent upwards of 330,000 sportsmen in this state.  The whitetail deer population in New York is enjoyed by sportsmen and outdoor enthusiast alike.  The tradition of hunting has a proud history in New York and still offers an excellent opportunity for the sportsmen today.  Along with the opportunity to hunt deer comes the economic impact to the state of nearly $800 million from deer hunting.  Chronic Wasting Disease, if it was to be found in our wild deer population would create a serious environmental, recreational, and economic impact in New York.  The New York State Conservation Council is strongly committed to supporting actions both by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure that Chronic Wasting Disease never again is found in New York.”

Jason Kemper, chairman of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board, said: “The New York State Conservation Fund Advisory Board makes recommendations to state agencies on state government plans, policies, and programs affecting fish and wildlife. The wild white-tail deer population is extremely valuable to the State of New York, generating about $780 million annually by hunting and associated businesses. License sales associated with deer hunting fund a majority of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s fish and wildlife management programs. The health and integrity of New York’s wild deer herd is vital to both our natural and hunting heritage as well as our economy. We applaud actions taken by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation to implement all reasonable measures to prevent CWD from ever again occurring in New York.”

Mike Fishman, president of the New York Chapter of The Wildlife Society, said: “The New York Chapter of The Wildlife Society strongly supports the joint regulatory efforts of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to restrict the import of live, captive deer and other cervids to New York to prevent the reintroduction of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  CWD poses a significant threat to our wild deer populations.  Reintroduction of the disease could have disastrous consequences on an important ecological and economic resource in New York. This restriction is a necessary conservation measure to protect a very important wildlife resource.”

Alan White, executive director of the Catskill Center, said: “The Catskill Center supports efforts by both the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Department of Environmental Conservation to reduce the chances that CWD would ever again be found in New York State. We support the newly proposed regulation to prohibit the importation of live captive white-tailed deer from out of state. These captive deer are a known risk factor for the spread of CWD. Deer hunting has deep and rich traditions in the Catskill Mountains, and it is vital that we ensure that the health of New York’s wild white-tailed deer herd is not compromised by CWD.”

A public hearing is scheduled to discuss the emergency regulations at noon on December 19, 2013 at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, 10B Airline Drive, Albany.

(Long Island, NY)  At the Suffolk County Legislature’s general meeting Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at the Riverhead County Center, Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) honored Hampton Bays Boy Scout Charlie Schneider with a proclamation for saving the life of a fellow scout during this year’s National Jamboree in West Virginia.

On July 15 while attending the National Boy Scout Jamboree Charlie Schneider, a 16 year old aspiring paramedic with Troop 483, Hampton Bays, selflessly jumped into action. Charlie’s quick thinking, cool head and previous training in first aid, saved the life of a 14 year old scout from Shirley who began choking on a cupcake.

Performing the Heimlich maneuver on the young boy, he dislodged the food ultimately saving his life. Saving lives runs in Charlie’s family.  His father, Allen, is a 31 year member of the Hampton Bays Fire Department, and his sister, Julie, volunteers with the local ambulance company.  Charlie is a junior member of the Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance.

Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, Hampton Bays Boy Scout Charlie Schneider, Jamboree Scout Leader Joanne Schafer and Troop 298 Scoutmaster Paul Casciotta

“I hereby extend my congratulations and best wishes to Charlie Schneider.  He is a young man truly worthy of the day’s honor, and the everlasting admiration and gratitude of Suffolk County,” Legislator Schneiderman.

Representing the South Fork, Jay Schneiderman is the Suffolk County Legislator for the Second Legislative District. For more information, please call (631) 852-8400.

(NEW YORK) One year ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated the Eastern Seaboard with high winds, heavy rain and a storm surge of more than 13 feet, claiming 44 lives and displacing thousands. Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued the following statement on this solemn anniversary:

“One year ago today, Sandy slammed into our shores, wreaking havoc on our infrastructure and our communities. But despite all that was lost, the tremendous response to this tragedy proved yet again that no amount of hardship can dampen the New York spirit. Immediately after Sandy, people throughout the state, across the country and around the world opened their hearts to help however they could. Some reached out a hand to help a neighbor clean up, while others volunteered or donated to a charitable organization. Together, New Yorkers once again demonstrated the resilience that makes us great, as well as a commitment to not just rebuild, but to build our state back even better than before.

“My commitment to the people of New York was to ensure that none of the communities, neighborhoods and families struggling to endure the storm and recover from it were victimized a second time. That is why we are cracking down on predators that engage in price gouging, fighting to make sure recovery workers are paid what they earn and keeping a watchful eye on charities to make sure that all $575 million in contributions made for Sandy recovery efforts are spent on recovery efforts. While our region has made great strides, too many of our neighbors are still struggling to get back on their feet. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to fight for justice for every New Yorker.”

In the past year, Attorney General Schneiderman has made several significant efforts to help New Yorkers overcome the challenges posed by Sandy. Among his achievements:

• Tracking $575 million in charitable giving after Sandy to ensure that help gets to those who need it;
• Providing funding to counsel 1,500 homeowners on a range of Sandy-related home retention issues, including mortgage modifications and insurance problems;
• Obtaining almost $300,000 worth of penalties and costs from 43 gas stations that engaged in illegal price gouging after the storm;
• Securing more than $5.3 million for workers who were underpaid on Sandy recovery projects;
• Intervening to prevent New Yorkers from being denied vital communications services in the post-Sandy rebuilding process.

A copy of the Attorney General’s report detailing his office’s Sandy recovery efforts can be read here.

William Naughton Reflects on Superstorm Sandy on One-Year Anniversary

(Long Island, NY) October 29 marks the one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, which prompted the largest emergency management operation in the Town of Huntington’s history. Superintendent of Highways William Naughton, whose crews removed more than 530,000 yards of debris that clogged town roadways following the storm, reflected on the calamitous event this week.

Superintendent of Highways William Naughton, whose crews removed more than 530,000 yards of debris that clogged town roadways following the storm, reflected on the calamitous event this week.

“Thanks to the efforts of conscientious and dedicated town employees and contractors, we were able to cope well with Superstorm Sandy,” said Naughton. “I remain grateful to our residents for their patience and understanding as the town grappled with this storm of unprecedented magnitude.”

The superintendent of highways noted that during the cleanup more than 19,000 truckloads of material were removed, documented, and photographed in order to ensure that Huntington taxpayers would be able to recover expenses incurred for the cleanup from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New York State. A number of debris transfer sites and final disposal sites were utilized, with as much as 12,000-cubic yards of debris being trucked to them daily, he added. Aided by the extensive record-keeping, cataloging of more than 50,000 digital photographs, and the digital archiving of more than 250 gigabytes of data, the town has already submitted reimbursement documentation for more than $30 million, according to Naughton. “To put this in perspective, the annual budget for the highway office is about $34 million,” he noted.

“Emergency preparedness and ensuring employee safety have been hallmarks of the highway office’s operations,” said Naughton. “He noted that “No town employees were injured on the job during this emergency, although there was certainly the potential for that.” Citing the cleanup effort in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene the previous year, Naughton said grappling with that provided good training for last year’s storm of much more epic proportions. To be prepared, he and others in the highway office have already reviewed plans for future emergency cleanups.

“Although many of our residents were inconvenienced as a result of Superstorm Sandy — amid power outages and fallen trees and limbs — we were much more fortunate than some people on Long Island’s South Shore and in parts of New York City and New Jersey,” said Naughton. “Many of these communities suffered terrible structural damage and are continuing to clean up and rebuild in the wake of this epic storm. Our hearts go out to those who are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy.”

Major political donor settles $500,000 debt by receiving $168,544 from county

(Long Island, NY) Former Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman joined with Legislative Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams to expose a highly suspicious settlement Nassau County reached with a major political donor found to have shortchanged the county over $500,000, and called for an investigation.

The donor, Anthony Capetola, has contributed over $100,000 to the Nassau County Republican Committee and various political candidates since January 1, 2009. Most recently, Capetola hosted a free fundraiser for George Maragos at The Carltun, a facility for which he has an exclusive county contract to operate and is subject to audits by Maragos. The value of the facility, donated food, and funds raised totaled $21,100.

The $168,544 settlement is highly unusual both because of the financial gains by Carltun and because settlements valued over $100,000 are typically brought before the Nassau County Legislature for approval. No record can be found of the Legislature being notified of the settlement or approving the settlement. The county attorney also never notified the parties to the settlement, including Weitzman, of its terms.

“First George Maragos cooked the books to hide the county’s 2012 $45 million deficit. Now it turns out he’s cooking the books to give questionable handouts to a major donor who shortchanged taxpayers over $500,000,” said Weitzman.

The settlement was with Capetola’s Carltun on the Park, Ltd., the holder of the exclusive contract with Nassau County for concession and hospitality services in Eisenhower Park. Carltun was found in a 2009 audit to have under-reported $4.6 million in revenue, depriving Nassau County of over $500,000. The claim went unsettled for over three years, only to be addressed during this election year. The terms of the apparent settlement called for Carltun to pay $381,456 to the county to settle its $504,885 debt, extended the duration of Carltun’s exclusive contract despite them shortchanging the county, and, in an unusual twist, the county gave Carltun an ‘allowance’ of $550,000 to purchase a new generator for their facility, yielding a $168,544 net gain for Carltun in addition to the benefit of an extended contract.

“We have found no record that the legislature ever approved, or was ever informed of this highly suspicious settlement with a well-connected political donor to Mr. Maragos,” said Abrahams. “I am calling for a full investigation of whether this unapproved settlement was legal and appropriate.”

In spite of the damaging findings in the 2009 audit, it does not appear Mr. Maragos ever publicly issued a follow-up audit or audited the $550,000 given to The Carltun as an ‘allowance’ to purchase a new generator.

About Howard Weitzman, CPA
In 2001, Howard Weitzman became the only CPA ever elected to the office of Nassau County Comptroller after a 30 year career as a healthcare financial executive. He was subsequently re-elected to a second term in 2005. During his eight years as Comptroller, Howard Weitzman played a central role in the financial rescue of Nassau County. Under Howard’s leadership, the office of Comptroller became a national model for transparency and accountability while at the same time developing a reputation for groundbreaking audits, independence and integrity. A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and Queens College, Howard is the former Mayor of Great Neck Estates, where he and his wife resided for 35 years and raised three children. He is currently a resident of North Hills.

WEITZMAN AND ABRAHAMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH AT 10:00 AM VIA CONFERENCE CALL. PLEASE CONTACT NICK BENSON AT NICK@WEITZMANFORNASSAU.COM OR 516-500-1085 FOR CALL-IN INFORMATION.

(New York, NY) New Yorkers Against Gun Violence submitted written testimony to a U.S. Senate Subcommittee for its hearing scheduled for today on the impact of “Stand Your Ground” laws, also known as “Shoot First” laws.

There is no “Stand Your Ground” law in New York and no bill is pending, but NYAGV is concerned with proposals for a federal concealed carry (CCW) reciprocity law that would allow gun owners with conceal carry permits from states with “Stand Your Ground” laws to legally bring and use guns in New York. Concealed carry “mixed with the cultural values based on ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws could, for example, permit a Floridian to enter busy Times Square not only with a gun at his hip, but with an attitude that if he feels afraid – even if his fear ultimately turns out to be mistaken and based on prejudice or bias – then he will be justified to ‘shoot first’,” stated Leah Gunn Barrett, NYAGV Executive Director. “A person cannot pack his gun without also carrying along his cultural norms, fears and prejudices. National Concealed Carry Reciprocity would put at risk the safety of all New Yorkers,” she added.

The written testimony expresses NYAGV’s concern that “so many states have adopted the poor prescription of preventing gun violence by wedding ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws with liberal concealed carry access” instead of implementing common sense laws – such as universal background checks – that would prevent gun violence. New York’s strong gun laws, including the NY SAFE Act have contributed to New York City being the safest city in the nation, but gun crime remains a problem as evidenced by the fact that 90% of crime guns recovered in New York City come from other states, mainly from those with weak gun safety laws.

The hearings on Tuesday, October 29th will take place before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, chaired by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The hearings were postponed from mid September after the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard.

About New Yorkers Against Gun Violence
New Yorkers Against Gun VIolence (NYAGV) is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York state residents from gun violence.

(Huntington, NY) As part of her annual “Keep Huntington Beautiful” campaign, Councilwoman Susan A. Berland hosted a restoration and beautification event at the Old Burial Ground on Main Street in Huntington this past Saturday. Volunteers raked leaves, cleared branches and snipped away sticker bushes and other brush from the historic gravestones.

Participants included the Town of Huntington Cemetery Stewards, Town Historian Robert Hughes, members of the Huntington Youth Council and numerous other volunteers. Following the cleanup, volunteers were treated to pizza, courtesy of Little Vincent’s.

“I really enjoy the ‘Keep Huntington Beautiful’ events and this cleanup at the Old Burial Ground is a fall favorite,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “Everyone enjoys learning about the cemetery and doing their part to keep it preserved for years to come. I would like to thank our volunteers who dedicated their Saturday morning to restoring the Old Burial Ground and Little Vincent’s for providing the delicious pizza.”

(New York, NY) The New York Arm Wrestling Association announced today that the 36th Annual Empire State Golden Arm Tournament of Champions (Official New York State Arm Wrestling Championships) will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2013, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Cheap Shots Sports Bar 149-05 Union Turnpike Flushing, Queens, NY 11367.

Spectator’s admission is $5.00. Competition is open to the public and the event has no residency requirements.

Entry fees are $20 for amateurs, $30 for pros and $5.00 for women. The proud sponsors are Cheap Shots Sports Bar and New York Arm Wrestling Association.

Over 100 men and women are expected to compete for the chance to be crowned Empire State Golden Arm Champion. There are 14 weight class categories for men and women. Contestants should weigh-in and register between 9:30 A.M. and 12:45 P.M. The day’s strongest arm MVPs — the overall male right and left hand winners—will receive cash prizes of $100. The day’s strongest women will receive awards, and first, second and third place awards are given in each pro and amateur weight class.

“The Empire State Golden Arm Tournament of Champions is New York City’s oldest and most prestigious sought-after title,” said Gene Camp, founder and president of the New York Arm Wrestling Association (NYAWA). “This event as the culmination of the 2013 NYAWA season is going to be a very exciting to watch because it is loaded with top talent locally and from all over the tri-state area and far beyond.” The Empire State Championship is the finale of the multi-event New York Golden Arm Series.

Some of the city’s best arm wrestlers are expected to compete, among them, the winners of the prestigious NYC Big Apple Grapple International’s King and Queen of Arms titles, Mike Ayello from Deer Park, LI, and Ana Kenah from New Jersey. The 2012 Empire State Champions will also return to defend their titles in this multi-talented high profile arm wrestling event. Contestants and teams are expected from as far away as Russia, Brazil and Turkey.

For information about the Empire State Golden Arm Championships, visit the NYAWA website at nycarms.com or call 718-544-4592

HOSTED A TOUR OF THE NORTHPORT POWER PLANT TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

(Long Island, NY) National Grid participated in National Careers in Energy week, where energy companies nationwide reached out to communities and students educating them and encouraging them to pursue careers in the energy field.

Principal Michael Spence of Bethpage High School along with two teachers and 38 students attended a tour of the Northport Power Plant. They were given a presentation and explanation of how the plant operates and they were given the opportunity to meet engineers from National Grid to discuss specific career opportunities. Many of the National Grid engineers have started their careers through the intern program and the Graduate Development Program (GDP).

National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society – to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the center of the energy system and it ‘joins everything up’.

In the northeast US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles. In Great Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.

National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. It manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and owns over 3,800 megawatts of contracted electricity generation, providing power to over one million LIPA customers. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

For more information, please visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com.

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