(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay held a successful rally to put an end to automatic perks for politicians this Saturday at IBEW Local 1049 in Holtsville. Over 75 people were in attendance to sign the pledge along with Lindsay to send a message that tax dollars should be spent on our taxpayers, not politicians.

“This is a tough and important battle,” said Lindsay. “Since being elected, I’ve fought each and every day to protect tax dollars – I led the effort to merge the offices of county comptroller and treasurer, which will save taxpayers $1.2 million a year; I refused a taxpayer-funded car and cell phone; And now I’m fighting to end automatic pay increases for elected officials which will save taxpayers half a million dollars every year.”

Legis. Bill Lindsay surrounded by supporters. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

Freshman Legislator Lindsay, who is up for reelected on November 3^rd, immediately froze his legislative salary upon being elected in 2013. In a letter to the Suffolk County Comptroller’s office, Lindsay stated “As I begin my first term and look for ways that we, as Suffolk County elected officials, can reduce spending, decrease the deficit, and provide much needed tax relief to our residents, I realize that I cannot ask any one department or employee to reduce spending, if I do not first do so myself – that is why I am requesting that my current salary be frozen indefinitely and that I do not receive any pay increases during my time as a County Legislator.”

Much to the chagrin of his colleagues, Lindsay took his efforts a step further and put politics aside when he filed a bill to end automatic pay increases for all Suffolk County elected officials in March of 2014. His legislation received bipartisan disapproval when no other legislator seconded Lindsay’s motion on the floor.

Under a 2000 County Law, elected officials are entitled to an automatic annual salary increase, which has averaged 2.7% per year over the past ten years. Though some other elected officials have also chosen to freeze their salaries, Lindsay feels that now is the time to eliminate the increase all together.

“In tough economic times government needs to find ways to save taxpayer money, said Lindsay. “Though my colleagues refused to support this initiative during my first term, I will always continue to fight to end automatic perks for politicians.”

In addition to freezing his legislative salary, Lindsay refused a taxpayer funded car and cellphone, reduced his office expenses by 25% and created smart consolidations to save the County $1.29 million.

Legislator Bill Lindsay represents the 8th legislative district, which consists of Bayport, Blue Point, Bohemia, Holbrook, Holtsville, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville and parts of North Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, and Medford.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police arrested three people after they sold alcohol to a minor at several businesses in Huntington Station on Friday, October 23.

Second Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an underage alcohol sting operation of 10 businesses. Some of the businesses were chosen in response to community complaints while others were randomly selected. Three of the businesses were found to be in violation of the law.

Suffolk County Police arrested three people after they sold alcohol to a minor at several businesses in Huntington Station on Friday, October 23. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The following people were arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st Degree for selling alcohol to minors:

• Robert Weiss, 51, employed by The Grog Shop, 185 Depot Road, Huntington Station
• Rafael Tineo, 41, employed by the Huntington Deli, 1548 New York Ave., Huntington Station
• Yilmaz Biyik, 69, employed by Citgo Groceries, 1811 New York Ave., Huntington Station

The above people were issued a Field Appearance Ticket and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

The following seven businesses complied with the New York State law and refused the sale of alcohol to a minor:

• Compruebe Deli and Grocery, 1415 New York Ave., Huntington Station
• Mishael Grocery Corp., 1454 New York Ave., Huntington Station
• Yary’s Deli, 74B E. Pulaski Road, Huntington Station
• Los Cercadillos Grocery, 184 Depot Road, Huntington Station
• Jenny’s Deli, 1044 New York Ave., Huntington Station
• Hola Central American Deli, 1541 New York Ave., Huntington Station
• Express Convenience Stop, 953 New York Ave., Huntington Station

The operation was part of an ongoing effort by the Suffolk County Police Department to ensure compliance of laws pertaining to the sale of alcohol.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Homicide Squad detectives report the details of a fatal auto accident involving a pedestrian that occurred on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 5:40 pm in Hicksville.

According to detectives, while attempting to cross N. Broadway near the intersection of Nevada Street, a 60 year old female pedestrian, from Hicksville, was stuck by a Honda Civic that was traveling northbound on N. Broadway and was being operated by a 59 year old female.

Nassau County Police report the details of a fatal auto accident involving a pedestrian that occurred on Friday, October 23 in Hicksville. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

As a result of the collision, the victim suffered multiple trauma injuries and was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased a short time later by a staff physician.

A brake and safety check on the vehicle was performed at the scene and released back to the uninjured driver. The investigation into this non-criminal accident continues and the name of the victim is being withheld at this time.

(Long Island, NY) The Third Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 11:30 p.m. in New Hyde Park.

According to detectives, on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 11:30 p.m. a male white subject entered the Gas and Go located at 272-10 Union Turnpike and demanded the money from the male clerk. The subject revealed a silver revolver in his waistband to the clerk at the time of the robbery.

Nassau County Police investigating a Robbery that occurred on Thursday, October 22 in New Hyde Park. Photo Credit: NCPD.

He fled on foot with an undetermined amount of U.S. Currency southbound on Lakeville Road. There were no injuries reported. The subject is further described as 5’6” tall, wearing a black shirt, black pants, black hat and black scarf.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Event to Support Youth Education and Community Programs

(Long Island, NY) Comedian Lewis Black and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will be the honorees at the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Education Fund Annual Benefit on November 2 in New York City.

The event, to be held at 10 on the Park at Time Warner Center, will support youth education and community outreach programs to prevent gun violence. Programs include the ReAction Youth Program, held in public schools in New York City neighborhoods impacted by gun violence, and outreach and education efforts in communities throughout the state.

Lewis Black, comedian, social critic and outspoken advocate for strong gun laws, will receive the Allard K. Lowenstein Award for Public Service. Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President, former state senator, and former NYPD officer, will receive the Detective Steven McDonald Law Enforcement Award.

NYAGV Executive Director Leah Gunn Barrett said, “Lewis Black has used his unique brand of humor and social commentary to express his frustration with our out-of-control gun culture that each year kills and injures over 100,000 Americans. Eric Adams, since becoming Brooklyn Borough President, has tackled gun violence by advocating for technology such as microstamping and greater data sharing between gun dealers and law enforcement, as well as for programs to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.” Gunn Barrett added, “We’re pleased to honor their efforts and achievements.”

Tiicket information and other details about the November 2 event can be found at www.nyagvedfund.org.

The New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Education Fund, a tax-exempt organization, works to educate youth and community members throughout New York State about gun violence and how to prevent and reduce it. 

(Long Island, NY) Long Island Aquarium is pleased to present a Penguin Costume Parade during our Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks Halloween Party taking place on November 1, 2015 from 10am-4pm.  All “buoys” and “ghouls” who come to the Aquarium in costume on that Sunday, will get 50% off admission with a paying adult (one child 12 years and under, per adult).

Children will gather sweets and treats with our Safe Trick or Treating throughout the Aquarium. Our Unearthing Atlantis Dig has been transformed into a spooktacular haunted house by the amazing special effects team at HauntedProps.com.  We will have face painting (additional fee), readings by authors Richard Torrey, Mickey Paraskevas and Rosemary McKinley, the Live-brary team with 3-D printer demonstrations, a puppet show by Katie’s Puppets, craft and game stations, hay rides, pumpkins and more!

Don’t miss all of our lovable animals enjoying their own Halloween treats and our very special Penguins in Costume on Parade – there’s nothing cuter!  You can extend the fun with our Eat, Drink and Be Scary Family Brunch at 11am in our Sea Star Ballroom overlooking the Peconic River. Enjoy traditional fare with a holiday flare including our Dread & Bread Station, Macabre Macaroni and To Die for Desserts! Prices for the Brunch include all day admission to the Long Island Aquarium and the Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks Halloween Party!

Reservations can be placed by calling 631.208.9200, ext. 426 or online.  Full details can be found at www.LongIslandAquarium.com.

Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks, Halloween Party – November 1- 10am-4pm
Price: Children 3-12 get Half Price Aquarium Admission if they come in a costume with a paying adult (one child discount per full priced adult ticket)
Age: For the Whole Family

Eat, Drink and Be Scary – November 1- 11am
Price: $42.95 Adults (members $36.95); $26.95 Kids 3-12 (members $22.95)
Age: For the Whole Family

About Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
This privately-owned aquarium features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Butterflies, Bugs & Birds, Shark Dive, Penguin Encounter, Pirate Snorkel, Shark Keeper, and more! Located in Riverhead, on the east end of Long Island, guests are encouraged to learn about what lives within the local waters, with exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna, as well as exotic, tropical displays.

Named a Top 10 Aquarium for Children by Parents Magazine, Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center is open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm year-round (Closed Christmas & Thanksgiving Days). You can add to the fun with an overnight stay at the waterfront Hyatt Place East End & Resort Marina located adjacent to the Aquarium property.  For more information, please visit www.LongIslandAquarium.com.

About Atlantis Banquets and Events
Atlantis Banquets and Events can accommodate weddings for 20 to 650 guests in one of nine diverse settings including the classically elegant Sea Star Ballroom which overlooks the Peconic River and Treasure Cove Resort Marina, and the Coliseum Room, located within the Long Island Aquarium, which houses their most captivating and colorful tanks.

(Long Island, NY) The Robbery Squad reports the arrest of Cyrus Morris, 43, of Jamaica, N.Y. for two bank robberies; one of the robberies occurred on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 2:32 pm in Rockville Centre, whereas the other robbery occurred on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 5:44 P.M. in Hicksville.

According to detectives, Morris entered Chase Bank at 10 North Village Avenue in Rockville Centre on June 27 and approached a teller window. After producing a demand note for money and making verbal threats about using a gun (none observed), the teller complied and gave the subject an undisclosed amount of cash. The subject then fled the bank and was last seen heading northbound on North Village Avenue towards Sunrise Highway.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Cyrus Morris, 43, of Jamaica, NY for two bank robberies; one in Rockville Centre on June 27, and another in Hicksville on June 29. Photo Credit: NCPD.

On June 29, Morris entered the Chase Bank located at 284 N. Broadway in Hicksville and approached a teller window. He produced a demand note and verbally threatened the use of a firearm. The teller complied giving the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was last seen on foot, southbound on N. Broadway. There were five employees present at the time. No injuries were reported.

The defendant was arrested on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 9:20 am at the Brooklyn House of Detention on an unrelated charge. The defendant is charged with two counts of Robbery 3rd Degree and will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Friday, October 23, 2015.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Earlier this month, Suffolk County legislators voted unanimously to ban personal care products that contain microbeads due to the potential harm they cause to the environment.

The initiative, sponsored by Legislator Kara Hahn and Legislator Jay Schneiderman, institutes a local phase-out beginning January 2018 for personal care products not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and January 2019 for ones that are. Once signed, Suffolk will become the largest county in the state to pass a ban on microbeads.

Research shows that the beads soak up pesticides and chemicals while flowing from their source. The toxin-laden particles are often mistaken for food by small fish and other aquatic species, who consume and absorb the contaminants. Once in the system, these pollutants are recycled from smaller organisms to larger ones and eventually into the human food supply through consumption of contaminated organisms.

WHO:

• County Executive Steve Bellone
• Legislator Kara Hahn
• Legislator Sarah Anker
• Legislator William Spencer (invited)
• Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters
• Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment (invited)

WHEN:

• Monday, October 26th at 12:00 noon

WHERE:

• H. Lee Dennisoon Building
  100 Veterans Memorial Highway
  Hauppague, NY 11788

2016 New Farmers Grant Fund to provide $1 million for New York’s young farmers

(Long Island, NY) Less than one month after (S.4158A) was signed into law, Senator Marc Panepinto (D-Buffalo) praised Governor Cuomo for his commitment to New York’s young farmers with his announcement of the 2016 New Farmers Grant Fund.

The 2016 grant fund will provide $1 million in grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs for eligible applicants. Eligible costs include farm machinery, supplies, equipment and construction costs. The fund is open to farmers in the first 10 years of having a farm operation of 150 acres or less.

“The continued prosperity of our agriculture industry is vital to New York’s economy,” said Senator Panepinto. “In order to continue that legacy, it is crucial that we look toward a new generation of farmers. Governor Cuomo’s commitment to New York’s agriculture industry and our young farmers is unwavering. With the help of $1 million through the New Farmers Grant Fund, we can ensure our young farmers have the tools they need to succeed for generations to come.”

A grant application for the 2016 New Farmers Grant Fund and guidelines can be found here. The deadline is January 22, 2016.

The Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee, Senator Panepinto’s sponsored legislation (S.4158A) was signed into law by Governor Cuomo last month. The farmland protection legislation amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by encouraging local municipalities to prioritize and identify prime farmland for a new generation of farmers.

Senator Panepinto’s legislation provides for the following (S.4158/A.2369):

• Amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by amending county and municipal farmland protection provisions
• Encourage local government to include planning efforts to support the transfer of farmland to young and beginning farmers
• Identify and prioritize prime farmland and property for development
• Contribute to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s goal of recruiting more than 100,000 new farmers

 

Senator Panepinto represents the 60th Senate District, which includes parts of the City of Buffalo as well as communities in both the Northtowns and the Southtowns of Western New York.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau) announces the Nassau University Medical Center Mammography Van will provide breast cancer screenings for women over age 40 on Tuesday, November 3^rd, 2015, at the Antioch Baptist Church (located at 94 James L. Burrell Avenue, Hempstead), from 8:45 am to 12:00 noon.

“Early detection of breast cancer, without question, can save lives,” said Senator Hannon. “I am pleased to offer this service to the community and hope it provides the opportunity for women to maintain their quality of life and health.”

The screening will include a breast examination by a nurse, a mammography, and instructions for breast self-examination.

The mammography is free for uninsured women, based on eligibility guidelines.  If you are currently covered by a health insurance plan and it has been at least a year since your last mammography, you will need a prescription for the exam from your doctor.  Women with health insurance may be required to make a co-payment.  If available, patients are asked to bring any past exam films with them to the exam.

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED AND ARE SCHEDULED ON A FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS, and preference is given to residents of the Sixth Senatorial District.

For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please call Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700.