(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Identity Theft Unit will join together to host an Identity Theft Prevention Seminar. The seminar will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Huntington Public Library, 338 Main Street in Huntington.

“Ensuring safety and security in our communities and online is essential,” said Lupinacci. “Unfortunately, there are some in our world who wish to prey on our seniors and unsuspecting people of all ages. Hopefully, through events like this one, we will be able to help residents take precautions against these threats.”

As part of the event, members of the Suffolk County Police Department will speak about how residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from identity theft.

“I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department’s Identity Theft Unit for their assistance as we work to ensure the continued safety of everyone in our communities,” said Lupinacci.

For more information on Lupinacci’s Identity Theft Seminar or any other state issue, call 271-8025 or email lupinaccic@assembly.state.ny.us.

Suspects lured by internet ads, met undercover officers at hotels

(Long Island, NY) 104 men were arrested after huge, month-long prostitution sting, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

“Operation Flush the Johns,” referring to the slang word for the customer of a prostitute, utilized internet ads that lured suspects to local area hotels where they met with undercover officers posing as hookers, according to Nassau Country District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

“My hope is that this will dry up the demand for prostitution,” she said. “These are not victimless crimes. They put themselves on the board and they are going to have to explain.”

Police said that the majority of the suspects were from Nassau County, totaling 75; the remainder come from Suffolk County, New York City, as well as out-of-state areas such as Maine, Georgia, New Jersey.

Prospective “Johns” patronized internet website Backpage.com, responding to personal ads to meet up with prostitutes, who, unbeknownst to them, were actually undercover police officers.

The suspects were placed under arrest after deals were put in place with the undercover officers to exchange money for alleged sexual favors.

Rice and Nassau County Police Commissioner Tom Dale stated that the mass arrests should serve notice to those who frequent prostitutes that the authorities will be cracking down on their activities, which runs contrarily to the previous stance police have taken of focusing almost solely on prostitutes.

All 104 men charged in the case have pleaded not guilty to third-degree patronizing a prostitute. If convicted, the crime carries up to one year in jail.

(Albany, NY) – The Senate Republican and Independent Democratic Conferences have announced so-called “regulatory reform” plans in the waning days of the legislative session. Their package, which would roll back protections without regard to agencies that serve public health and the environment, requires the state workforce to justify every existing regulation and then permits Empire State Development to determine whether the regulations should continue based solely on the cost on business.

The following statement is attributable to Executive Director Dave Gahl:

“That the leadership of the Majority Coalition believes viewing every regulation – including those which protect public health and the environment – solely through the lens of economic development is offensive to every New Yorker who benefits from living and doing business in a state with clear air and clean water.

State environmental regulations have ensured that kids don’t have to go to the emergency room as frequently to be treated for asthma attacks, and that a family’s drinking water isn’t contaminated with toxic sludge. Regulations are more often than not basic protections that improve the lives of real people.

Need I remind Senators that many of the regulations to be under review are not the result of a mischievous regulatory elf lurking the halls of state government, but most often the direct work of their legislative activity?

Senate leadership needs to get serious about their work. Sulking towards the end of session and grasping for politically motivated headlines that do nothing to solve our state’s real problems is why the public has lost faith in their Chamber.”

(Huntington NY) – Over fifty civic-minded Huntingtonians clad in lime green t-shirts joined Huntington Town Councilwoman Susan A. Berland, Village of Northport Mayor George Doll and Village of Northport Trustee Tom Kehoe on a sunny Saturday morning to participate in the 8th Annual Clean Beaches Day. Volunteers picked up debris at Crab Meadow Beach, Gold Star Battalion Beach and Centerport Beach. The 8th Annual Clean Beaches Day also featured the Clean Beaches Bus Tour, which took volunteers to Hobart Beach and Steers Beach in Asharoken.

Participants included Town of Huntington and Village of Northport residents, many of whom are neighbors of these beaches, Cub Scout Pack 238, Daisy Troop 84 and members of the “Young Leaders.” Following the cleanup, attendees enjoyed a luncheon under the pavilion at the Centerport Beach, where Denis Morrissey from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit spoke with volunteers on the importance of keeping our waters clear of waste.

“It was a pleasure to host the 8th Annual Clean Beaches Day with the Village of Northport Mayor Doll and Trustee Kehoe,” commented Councilwoman Berland. “Our towns and villages here in Huntington have such beautiful beaches and coastlines and it is crucial that we continue to care for and nurture them. I would like to thank all the volunteers and our sponsors: the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, the Northport Chamber of Commerce, The Paramount, Blu Chip Marketing, Dunkin Donuts, Huntington Coach Corp., K&B Seafood, the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, the Sagamore Rowing Association and Viewpoint Photography for supporting this event.”

“It was a wonderful experience and very one who helped was very enthusiastic,” commented Mayor George Doll. “A special thank you to Tim’s Shipwreck Diner for breakfast and to the Boy Scouts who spent three hours cleaning Scudder Park.”

“Our beaches on Long Island are one of great natural resources,” commented Trustee Kehoe. “We have taken steps to ensure that our beaches will be pristine for generations to come.”

Long Island Artisan-Run Small Businesses Promoted

(LONG ISLAND, NY) – Long Island’s spring through summer months are filled with outdoor fairs and festivals featuring local artists and designers selling unique gifts and handmade items. The vendors behind these craft fair tables are not representatives from corporations with huge budgets, butmrather Long Island-based small business owners who make a living by offering their skills and talents in the form of handmade wares. Recently launched, HandmadeLongIsland.com seeks to support the Long Island handmade community by offering free online directory listings and promoting the interests of Long Island’s micro-businesses.

Long Island and small business

A recent study shows that roughly 80% of businesses on Long Island have fewer than 10 employees, with 65% of the overall number at only 4 employees or fewer. With the current economic climate, it is no surprise that talented individuals have turned to artisan-based micro-businesses as a means of financial support. Stocking, marketing and maintaining a small business can easily be a full time job, even without considering the time and effort required to sell at craft fairs.

How does Handmade Long Island support this growing demographic?

Handmade Long Island offers a free web-based directory which any Long Island-based business offering a handmade product is eligible for. Reasonably priced Featured Listings are available as well. Operated by a Nassau County-based publicity consulting firm, Handmade Long Island utilizes search engine optimization and social media tactics to build a cooperative community to increase exposure for Long Island handmade artists and designers.

Unique designs

Forget mass produced and try one-of-a-kind instead. Visit the Handmade Long Island directory for handmade jewelry, baby apparel, cards and invitations, party decorations and more. Spruce up your wardrobe or home décor with handmade items sure to make a splash.

Get involved

Long Island-based businesses offering handmade items are encouraged to contact info@handmadelongisland.com to submit information for a free directory listing. You do not need to be a crafter to be a part of the community. If you love unique gifts and unusual home décor and jewelry, visit www.handmadelongisland.com or www.facebook.com/handmadelongisland and join us in supporting our friends and neighbors who help make Long Island a creative, colorful place to live.

Contact: Mary Redler, Building Your Image LLC
Mary.Redler@BuildingYourImage.com, 516-946-8750

Deadline to apply for the exam is September 8

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) is encouraging local residents interested in a career in law enforcement to take the upcoming trooper’s examination. The deadline to apply to take the exam is September 8, 2013. Exams are scheduled for October 5, October 12, October 19 and October 26, 2013. Due to the size of the candidate population for the examination, testing times and locations will be determined at a later date, and each applicant’s individual testing time and location will appear on their admission notice.

“Troopers serve our community in a very important capacity, from protecting our roads to finding lost children,” said Lupinacci. “A career in service to the residents of New York is tremendously fulfilling and can provide those interested in law enforcement with another avenue to serve and protect. I encourage qualified residents who are interested in law enforcement to complete the online application as soon as possible.”

To qualify, you must be 20 years of age or older, a US citizen, a resident of New York and possess a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must not have reached their 30th birthday by the date of the application deadline. Prospective candidates must also have passed medical and psychological screenings, as well as a background investigation. A full list of qualifications can be found at: https://www.nyspnews.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30865.

According to the New York State Police (NYSP), a trooper’s starting salary is $50,374 during academy training. Upon graduation, the salary increases to $66,905 and after one year it increases to $71,261.

Those interested may apply online or get additional information on becoming a New York State Trooper at: www.NYTROOPER.com or by calling 1-866-NYSP-EXAM.

(Mastic Beach, NY) Assemblyman Edward Hennessey took great pride in joining the Tri-Hamlet Community of Mastic, Mastic Beach and Shirley for its Second Annual Tri-Hamlet Community Day created to highlight the natural beauty and historical sites of his home community.

(left to right): Volunteer Mario Vigliotta, local historian Gene Horton as William Floyd, and Assemblyman Edward Hennessey at the Mastic Beach Village portion of Tri-Hamlet Day.

(left to right): Assemblyman Edward Hennessey, Pat Roose, Meryll Ambrose of the Huntington Militia, Revolutionary War re-enacters at The Manor of St. George.

(left to right): Assemblyman Edward Hennessey; Brookhaven Town Tax Receiver Louis Marcoscia; Legislator Kate Browning; Senator Lee Zeldin; Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico and Supervisor Edward Romaine.

The day-long program included a self-guided tour of the most historic and scenic sites of the Mastic Peninsula: The Manor of St. George, which featured a house tour and Revolutionary and Civil War encampments; the William Floyd Estate which also featured a house tour and demonstrations by Civil War Re-enactors; the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, which featured a host of outdoor events to mark Pine Barrens Discovery Day; the Woodhull Cemetery, where the history is well chronicled on every headstone (rubbings available) and downtown Mastic Beach, which featured vendors, local art, live entertainment and horse-drawn carriage rides.

“A great deal of thanks is due to all those individuals, groups, organizations and officials that have worked so hard to make Tri-Hamlet Day possible. They have done a wonderful job. This kind of celebration where the Tri-Hamlet Community pulls together to showcase its historical and natural treasures and where residents can come to downtown Mastic Beach to enjoy its quaint atmosphere and sense of neighborhood has been a long time in coming,” said Assemblyman Hennessey

As a Brookhaven Town Councilman, Assemblyman Hennessey helped to construct a 2004 Corridor Study and Land Use Plan for the Tri-Hamlet area. This plan outlined as its vision the rebirth and revitalization of the entire Tri-Hamlet region— with walkable communities, downtowns offering a sense of place and identity, attractive architecture and thriving local businesses, all with the infrastructure that would be needed to make it all possible.

“This Tri-Hamlet Day event and the entire Renaissance Project is a welcome culmination of a vision we had on the Brookhaven Town Board a decade ago. We are not there yet, but this is a very good start,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.

(Lynbrook, NY) – Albert Wei of Roslyn, NY, president and co-founder of Vizion Logistics, LLC, whose New York office is based in Lynbrook and is among five locations worldwide, recently accepted the prestigious US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce’s (USPAACC) Top Ten Asian American Business Award alongside Executive President and Co-Founder Ben Wei in recognition of the company’s exceptional revenue growth and superior services within the international, freight and logistics community.

Savio Chan, President of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC) (right), congratulates Albert Wei, President and Co-Founder of Vizion Logistics, LLC, who accepted the Top Ten Asian American Business Award at a recent USPAACC’s event in recognition of Vizion Logistics, LLC’s exceptional revenue growth and superior services within the international, freight and logistics community.

Vizion Logistics, LLC has differentiated itself as an outstanding global provider of customized logistics solutions. According to Albert Wei, who has an extensive background in banking and the freight industry, “Vizion Logistics has earned a stellar reputation as a progressive business with tremendous potential for future growth in the international market. The reason we have sustained our growth is simply – ‘we think outside of the box.’”

The company has been focusing heavily on its export operation since the National Export Initiative was announced by President Barack Obama in 2010. The Vizion team is using its knowledge to grow by assisting United States-based operations to export to countries that include China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea and Indian Ocean nations.

“We are a boutique company, but we have flexibility and are capable of quickly responding to client requests under any circumstances. Our clients’ success is our success and for this reason we want them to consider us partners not vendors. Over the next five years we seek to make Vizion Logistics the best middle market ($20 to $500 million) freight forwarding company not only in the United States but in the world. We have a strong foundation and the ‘vision’ to make it happen,” added Albert Wei.

“The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce seeks to spotlight companies that have demonstrated their expertise and have had unrivaled success in their respective industries. The chamber supports, promotes and nurtures economic growth through opportunities for Asian Americans and their business partners in corporate America. The outstanding leadership of Albert and Ben Wei, along with a management team made up of a diverse group of professionals who possess a keen understanding of foreign cultures and markets, are credited with Vizion’s business growth and its growing international reputation,” said Savio Chan, President of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

“‘Your Vizion, Our Mission’ is the clear, succinct message Vizion Logistics, LLC imparts to the marketplace. Our company’s “Vizionaries” are individuals who are encouraged to tap their creativity and to generate and propose ideas to meet the ever changing trends and demands for a better supply chain of solutions that, when implemented, will continue to enrich Vizion’s reputation and influence its bottom line. Our team members have the professionalism, experience and knowledge to serve the smallest and largest of clients with topnotch, customized services that are unmatched by other companies of similar size,” remarked Ben Wei.

The USPAACC is a national, non-profit organization representing all Asian Americans and Asian American-related groups in business, sciences, the arts, sports, education, and public and community services. The organization recognizes successful and growing companies such as Vizion Logistics, LLC, that are providing top-quality services that encourage economic growth. The Pan Asian American Business Award program was sponsored by many Fortune 500 corporations such as Merck, UPS and TimeWarner.

Enforcement effort averaging 500 citations per month; decals must be affixed to vehicles

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Police and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded commercial motor carriers that they must register their vehicles for Highway Use Tax (HUT) with the Tax Department.

Motor carriers are required to display their new registration decal on the front of vehicles.  Citations for failing to do so averaged 500 per month for February, March and April.

Effective January 1, 2013, each vehicle registered to pay Highway Use Tax (HUT) was required to affix a decal to the front bumper of the vehicle.  This applies to all vehicles with a gross weight of more than 18,000 pounds, other than a truck transporting automotive fuel.

There have been 54,407 registrants to date – 92 percent of them registering online.  As a result of the registration, the Department collected $3.5 million in outstanding taxes, which are required to be paid before a registration is accepted.

The new decal requirement also applies to vehicles that have an automotive fuel carrier (AFC) certificate – any truck, trailer, semitrailer, or other “attached device” transporting automotive fuel on New York State highways and weighing more than 18,000 pounds.

Operating a vehicle without the proper HUT or AFC decal can bring a fine of between $100 and $250 for the first conviction.  A subsequent conviction could bring a fine of $250 to $500, and could include imprisonment for up to 10 days.

Certain vehicles weighing more than 18,000 pounds, such as government vehicles, buses, or highway construction vehicles, are exempt from HUT and AFC requirements.  The full list of exclusions can be found in the Tax Department’s Publication 529.

Fast online filing 

Motor carriers can take advantage of the Tax Department’s HUT Web File – a fast and easy way to file their returns online.  The benefits of filing this form electronically include automatic computations that eliminate math errors and an instant “time-stamped” confirmation of the filing e-mailed back to the taxpayer.

To file online, motor carriers need to create an Online Services account with the Tax Department.

• View a demo and learn more about HUT Web File

For more information

• Highway Use Tax information and links

‘Campaign Cash for Contracts’ Shows Why we Need Fair Elections

(Mineola, NY) – Today, the Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC), Nassau County Legislators and residents demonstrated outside of the Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building to protest big campaign contributions from contractors awarded Sandy clean-up contracts to Nassau County Executive Mangano.

According to a report published by the Associated Press, in the 11 weeks following Superstorm Sandy, Mangano received over $144,000 in campaign contributions from 23 companies that were awarded contracts in relation to the storm cleanup.

These ‘campaign cash for contracts’ quid pro quos shows that Long Island and New York State politics are dominated by big money interests seeking private gain at the public’s expense.  Protesters called on Long Island State Senators to pass Fair Elections reforms in Albany to fix New York State’s broken campaign finance system and transform our state’s culture of legal bribery. By refusing to support these reforms, Long Island senators are missing an opportunity to tell local officials that ‘pay-to-play’ schemes are harmful to our democracy.

“While many residents were figuring out where they’d live or when they could return to a normal life, County Executive Mangano was leveraging his power to award emergency contracts to fill his campaign bank account,” said Lisa Tyson, Director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition.  “It’s offensive and a perfect example of the need for fair elections and campaign finance reform in New York.”

Richard Landau a Superstorm Sandy victim stated “It’s outrageous!  Instead of doling out no-bid contracts to friends and family, the county should have been helping me recover and get back into my home.”

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg stated “Sandy response and recovery is Nassau’s highest priority. The work that needed and still needs to be done is, and can only be, about helping our residents. Taking political donations from contractors doing sandy work at least gives the appearance of using a disaster for personal political gain.”

A review of campaign finance disclosure forms shows that on January 9 and 10, 2013, that 5 individual CEO’s, Peter Dejana (Dejana Industries), John & Anthony Gulino (Laser Industries), William Haugland (Grace Industries) and Kristian Agoglia (Looks Great Services made over $43,000 in undisclosed in-kind contributions to Mangano.  Together these companies have received nearly $84 million in Sandy contracts from the county.

Many of the contractors awarded Sandy contracts are now the subject of multiple investigations by the Nassau County District Attorney, the New York State Attorney General and the United States Department of Labor on how these contracts were awarded, quality of the work done and whether or not they paid the state prevailing wage.

Looks Great Services of Huntington, has already been paid $35 million of $70 million contract with Nassau County.  The company has come under fire for cutting down trees in county preserves following the storm.

Nelson & Pope received a $500,000 contract on 11/20/12.  Chief Deputy County Executive Rob Walker signed the contract on 12/3/12.  Walker was formerly employed by Nelson & Pope and his wife Elizabeth, currently works for Nelson & Pope. They gave County Executive Mangano Post-Sandy contributions of 12/5/12: $900 12/19/12:  $2500.

Shila Shah, DPW Commissioner gave her sister who owns CSM Engineering a $250,000 contract on 11/20/12.  She never disclosed the relationship.CSM contributed $4,125 to County Executive Mangano in 2012.

Jeffrey Friedman Long Island Progressive Coalition and Rockville Centre resident stated “Campaign finance Reform is about good government.  It’s about a government by and for the people. Too often we find our elected officials entrenched in scandal.  How many times must we see our tax dollars spent foolishly in order to appease a political contributor- and how often does it go undetected.   It’s time to limit the power of these special interest groups while advancing the power of the everyday citizen.

It’s time for campaign finance reform with public matching funds.  It’s time our legislators remember that they work for us!”