(Long Island, NY) Third Squad detectives report the arrest of a Central Islip man for a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 7:14 am in Carle Place.

According to detectives, while waiting for the Long Island Railroad on Cherry Lane, Carle Place, the 23 year old male victim was approached by Taimak Witherspoon, 20.

Nassau County Police report the arrest of Taimak Witherspoon, 20, of Central Islip for a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, September 19 in Carle Place. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Witherspoon, who was holding a 3 foot wooden stick, demanded the victim’s property. After obtaining a wallet the defendant jumped a fence into the parking lot and fled northbound.

Third Precinct officers observed Witherspoon a short time later on the corner of Silver Lake Boulevard and Roslyn Avenue. The defendant fled on foot westbound and was apprehended on Roslyn Avenue.

Witherspoon is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon 4th Degree and will be arraigned on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at First District Court in Hempstead.

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.

UPDATE: The Homicide Squad is endeavoring to locate a male white by the name of “Gary” who was at the scene of the below incident.  “Gary” spoke to a female white driver of a red Prius that was facing west in the eastbound lanes.

Detectives request anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All information will be kept confidential.

Below is the original release.

(Long Island, NY) The Homicide Squad reports the details of a Fatal Auto Accident that occurred on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:13 A.M. in Plainview.

According to detectives, two vehicles traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway, east of Sunnyside Boulevard are involved in a sideswipe accident causing both vehicles to become disabled, one vehicle in the right lane and the second vehicle comes to rest against the center divider. 

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Raj Jadeja, 34, of Brooklyn for a Fatal Auto Accident that occurred on Saturday, September 19 in Plainview. Photo Credit: NCPD.

The victim, George Ragotte, 21, of Ronkonkoma operating a 1992 BMW sedan eastbound on the Long Island Expressway while slowing down and avoiding the initial accident was struck by the defendant, Raj Jadeja, 34, of Brooklyn who was operating a 2012 BMW sedan.

The victim, George Ragotte was extricated and transported to Nassau University Medical Center where he was pronounced at 6:00 A.M. by a hospital staff physician.  The defendant Jadeja was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Both operators of the initial accident were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

Jadeja is charged with Manslaughter 2^nd degree, Vehicular Manslaughter 2^nd degree, Reckless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated.  He was arraigned on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at First District Court in Hempstead.

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.

Leader & Western NY Senators Senator’s Tour Local 40-Bed Residential Treatment Facility, Call for More State Aid to Help Region Tackle Crisis

(Long Island, NY) Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins on Saturday, September 19, joined Western New York Senators Tim Kennedy and Marc Panepinto in Buffalo to call for more state funding for Western New York efforts to combat the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic. The Senators also unveiled a major legislative package to confront the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic impacting communities throughout New York State. The Senate Democratic initiatives will increase penalties for selling heroin and opioids that result in fatalities, inform the public about the danger of these addictive substances and provide greater assistance for community-based rehabilitation programs.

“Heroin and opioid abuse, particularly among young adults, has risen to alarming levels in communities throughout New York State,” Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “This issue impacts families and communities across New York, and it requires immediate action by statewide leaders. The Senate Democrats have led the statewide fight to combat this crisis, but more action is needed to protect our communities and end this opioid abuse epidemic.”

Senator Tim Kennedy said, “As we recognize September as National Recovery Month, we’re showing the Leader firsthand the faces of addiction in Western New York, and the stories of the addiction specialists who want so badly to help them, but desperately need New York State’s help. We’re grateful that the Leader continues to stand with us as we fight to ensure that anyone struggling to overcome addiction has the options available to do so, and we remain committed to combating this heroin and opioid crisis as one.”

Senator Marc Panepinto said, “Heroin and opioid-related overdoses impact more than the users themselves. With 119 opioid-related deaths last year alone, the ripple effects of this deadly issue are much more far-reaching; impacting the children, families and communities they are a part of. It is imperative that we confront it head-on and on every level. From educational campaigns to stricter deterrents for distributors, I am proud to support this all-encompassing legislative package and look forward to the day we can put an end to this epidemic once and for all.”

Anne Constantino, President & CEO of Horizon, said, “Horizon is thankful for the support of our Senate leaders here today discussing the heroin epidemic facing our community. Unfortunately now, the majority of people who come in for treatment are addicted to opiate drugs, including heroin. The problem is a community-wide problem and it does not discriminate by any means. Horizon is focused on providing comprehensive, high quality behavioral services to those looking to achieve personal recovery.  The services provided at Horizon Village Terrace House are vital in Western New York and we at Horizon are committed to continued quality of care and serving those in need in our community.”

The legislation unveiled by Senate Democratic Leader Stewart-Cousins and Western New York Senators Kennedy and Panepinto will build on past efforts to confront the opioid abuse epidemic by preventing addiction for teens and young people, and promoting additional treatment options for those who have already become addicted to these dangerous substances. These efforts include Senate Democratic leadership in securing that first responders carry the anti-overdose drug, naloxone, which can help save those suffering from an opioid overdose. The Senate Democrats were also instrumental in ensuring that health insurance companies are required to cover opioid abuse treatment programs for extended periods of time and provide coverage for opioid-addiction treatment medications.

At Horizon Village’s inpatient care facility, 70 percent of those admitted are diagnosed with opioid addiction, which equates to roughly 3,200 patients annually. That number only continues to grow as heroin addiction and abuse persists, furthering emphasizing the need for additional treatment accommodations. The drug crisis extends across New York State and nationwide. Since 2009, there has been a 17.8% increase in the number of people admitted into New York State-certified treatment programs for heroin and opioid abuse, with just over 118,000 admissions statewide in 2014. People between the ages of 18 and 34 saw the largest increase in admissions over that five year period. Leader Stewart-Cousins and Senators Kennedy and Panepinto toured Horizon Village’s Terrace House Residential Treatment Center, a 40-bed residential treatment facility located in the city of Buffalo, to discuss potential solutions to the crises with the local provider and highlight the need for additional resources.

Just last month, US Attorney William Hochul announced one of the biggest drug busts involving heroin in the nation’s history, with over $3.5 million in drugs seized and taken off Western New York streets. Hochul, local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Agency have repeatedly warned of the growing heroin crisis, likening it to the crack cocaine epidemic in the late 1980s.

STIFFER PENALTIES

Legislation has been introduced to increase the penalty for selling an opioid that results in death to manslaughter in the first degree. This bill is named Laree’s Law, after Laree Farrell-Lincoln who passed away in March 2013 due to a heroin overdose. With the alarming increase in adolescent users, deaths, and easy accessibility, it is essential for New York to strengthen laws against sellers and distributers who peddle these deadly drugs into the general population.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EDUCATION

The drastic increase in teen heroin use has heightened the need for public heroin abuse education. To address this issue legislation has been sponsored to provide $500,000 for production of public service announcements and a social media campaign that will highlight the dangerous consequences of heroin and opioid abuse.

As many drug users develop their addiction from legally obtained prescription drugs, legislation has been introduced to ensure addictive medications disclose the risks of addiction. This legislation is called the Michael David Israel Patient Information Act, after Michael David Israel who battled with prescription drug abuse and tragically took his own life on June 4, 2011.

COMMUNITY BASED ASSISTANCE SERVICES

To meet the increasing demand for heroin dependency and related health services at the community level, there is a bill to establish the Community Opioid Rehabilitation Programmatic Services Act. This initiative will create an Opioid Dependency Services Fund that will receive funds through the annual savings of downsizing of correctional facilities and invest those resources in community based opioid abuse rehabilitation services.

To reduce the costs of rehabilitation efforts and simultaneously increase success rates, legislation has been sponsored to enable New Yorkers in expensive, inpatient detoxification facilities to utilize community-based programs. Currently, many of those in hospital-based programs do not need such high level care and could be better served in less intensive, and less expensive, community-based detoxification programs. This legislation will utilize the cost savings from patients transitioning to less expensive programs to reinvest and create more community based detox and rehabilitation facilities.

Follow on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/NYSenDems

New York State Senate: DemocraticConferenceNews@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2415

(Long Island, NY) West Babylon’s Tara Hack, 27, is the new host of a college based, student-focused news program airing on Suffolk County Community College’s social media channels, web site and student portal, and soon on television screens throughout the college’s three campuses.

“Suffolk Hacked”  was launched earlier this month with a student focus, combined with information about athletics, campus clubs and departments students should know about. The program has taken the campus by storm.

Tara Hack, center, was lauded by Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay, at right, and the College’s Board of Trustees for her college-wide production Suffolk Hacked. Photo Credit: SCCC.

Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay and the College’s Board of Trustees recently recognized Hack at a Board of Trustees meeting where an episode of her show was shown.

“I am grateful for this tremendous opportunity that would not have been possible without the support of my fellow students and the faculty, staff and administration at Suffolk County Community College,” Hack said.

“Tara has broken new ground with her innovative approach,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay. “We look forward to seeing more from Tara and having it seen far and wide.”

Hack plans to use her experience as the host of “Suffolk Hacked”  to hone her writing and on-camera technique for a demonstration reel for a future career in broadcast television.

Hack, a Radio and Television Production major,  is no stranger to performing and has been writing and performing her own music since she was a child – even teaching herself how to play guitar at just 14 years-old by watching instructional videos on YouTube.

Hack plays her original music three days per week with MUNY, the Musicians Under New York program underwritten by the MTA, in Penn Station and Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal.

When she was 18, Tara co-wrote a song entitled “Saya Tidak Bersalah” (I’m Not Guilty) about an Australian woman, Schapelle Corby, who was jailed in Indonesia. The song quickly gained international airplay and was featured in The Sydney Morning Herald and Brisbane Times.

Here at home the song was played on college radio stations, including at the University of Rhode Island and University of Colorado at Boulder where Tara was asked to play at the Conference of World Affairs. Tara continued her humanitarian efforts by penning another song, “She Falls Down, ” to raise awareness about domestic violence. The song was used as the background in a Chicago public service announcement.

LONG ISLAND, NY – Following the announcement on Thursday, September 17, 2015, of the acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) by Altice, Cablevision Chief Executive Officer James L. Dolan issued the following statement on behalf of the Dolan family:

“Since Charles Dolan founded Cablevision in 1973, the Dolan family has been honored to help shepherd our customers and employees through the most extraordinary communications revolution in modern history. Now, nearly half a century later, the time is right for new ownership of Cablevision and its considerable assets. We believe that Patrick Drahi and Altice will be truly worthy successors, and we look forward to doing all we can to affect this transition for our customers and employees. We expect that Cablevision will be in excellent hands. For the Dolan family, we move forward with AMC Networks and The Madison Square Garden Company, two and, eventually, three public companies, all born of Cablevision and each with brighter prospects today than ever before. With profound gratitude to our employees, customers and shareholders who have made our vision a reality, the Dolans look forward to continuing this fascinating journey.”

Background on the Acquisition

• On September 16, 2015, Cablevision entered into a definitive agreement with Altice whereby Altice will deliver $34.90 in cash for each
  Cablevision Class A and Class B share.
• Cablevision shareholders have approved the transaction by written consent.
• Cablevision has agreed that it would not pay any quarterly dividends from now to closing.
• The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2016, subject to regulatory and other customary approvals.
• In connection with the transaction, Altice received financing commitment letters from JP Morgan, BNP Paribas and Barclays. Altice advised Cablevision that up to $5.8 billion of Cablevision and CSC Holdings debt will remain outstanding after the transaction is completed.
• BofA Merrill Lynch, Guggenheim Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors to Cablevision. Sullivan & Cromwell, Mintz Levin Cohn Glovsky and Popeo, and Richards Layton & Finger acted as legal advisors to Cablevision. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as the legal advisor to
  the Dolan family.

About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is a leading media and telecommunications company, serving millions of households and businesses throughout the greater New York area. Providing quality products that keep customers connected, Cablevision offers Optimum – branded digital cable television, high – speed Internet and voice services as well as Optimum WiFi, the nation’s most robust WiFi network. The company recently introduced Freewheel, a new low cost WiFi exclusive phone service that provides unlimited data, talk and text. Cablevision’s Lightpath subsidiary is a premier provider of integrated business communications solutions for larger companies. Through its local media and programming properties News 12 Networks and Newsday Media Group Cablevision also delivers news and information created specifically for the communities it serves.

Additional information about Cablevision is available at www.cablevision.com

COPIAGUE, NY – If you’re looking for a great place to spend a September weekend, Long Island’s Family Festival is the place to be. This fun-filled Festival is taking placed Friday, September 18, 6-10 pm (music, food and carnival) Saturday, September 19, 11am – 10 pm and Sunday, September 20, 11am – 8 pm along the seaside beach at Babylon’s beautiful Tanner Park in Copiague.

Admission is free.

During this exciting weekend, Tanner Park will be magically transformed with plenty of exciting entertainment, events and surprises taking place.

During this exciting weekend, Tanner Park will be magically transformed with plenty of exciting entertainment, events and surprises taking place.

Weekend highlights include:

• Exhilarating carnival and ride
• Live musical entertainment
• “Ocean View Craft & Gift Show”
• Pet Expo in the Park with Pet Pavilion and Dog Performance Arena
• Corky’s International Haute Couture Canine Fashion Show (Saturday)
• New York Life’s Child ID & Protection Booth
• Petting Zoo
• LI Family Festival Bocce Classic
• World Renown Magician John Reid
• Nghtingale & Nightingale * Performance That Matches The Promise
• LI Family Festival Pirate & Treasure Hunt Show with Ye Pyrate Brotherhood
• Pizza Eating Contest sponsored Joe’s Pizza
• Family Festival Bouncie Ride Area
• LI Family Festival Jeep Fest

And that’s not all — Kids will have a great time in the vendor field where they can participate in plenty of great kiddie craft activities. You will see great competition at the annual Pizza Eating Contest which will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

 This event is partially sponsored by the Suffolk County Executive’s Office. Sponsors to date include Copiague Chamber of Commerce, Town of Babylon, Legislator DuWayne Gregory, Verizon, Street Wheelz, Nightingale PR, Tanner Park Beach Hut, Giannini Landscaping, D’Andrea Bros Funeral Home, Suffolk County National Bank, Janet’s Essentials, Viking, Hollywood Banners, Joe’s Pizza, Lindencrest Diner, Skyway Pest Management, Copiague Memorial Public Library.

Music is in the air at the Seaside Musical Shell Stage which will showcase the hottest talent all weekend long including a Saturday night program with VAVOOM and Rattlesnake Dawn on Sunday who will rock the stage. Another highlight for the weekend is Corky’s International Canine Haute Couture Fashion Show where canines dress up in their hottest international fashions.

The Long Island Family Festival has become an annual tradition. This event is partially sponsored by the Suffolk County Executive’s Office. Sponsors to date include Copiague Chamber of Commerce, Town of Babylon, Legislator DuWayne Gregory, Verizon, Street Wheelz, Nightingale PR, Tanner Park Beach Hut, Giannini Landscaping, D’Andrea Bros Funeral Home, Suffolk County National Bank, Janet’s Essentials, Viking, Hollywood Banners, Joe’s Pizza, Lindencrest Diner, Skyway Pest Management, Copiague Memorial Public Library.

Media Sponsors include Fresh 102.7, South Bay’s Newspapers, Long Island Exchange, JVC Broadcasting including Party 105, La Fiesta, My Country 96.1, LI News Radio, Amityville Community Radio and Macaroni Kid.

For more information and timeline of activities go to www.lifamilyfestival.com

Fans Can Meet John Moyer and Get Insight On Bass Technique From the Heavy Metal Great

(Long Island, NY) On Saturday, October 3rd, 6:30-8:30PM All Music Inc. will be host to a thrilling and informative event for bass players and heavy metal fans alike who want to both meet and learn from the best- Disturbed, Adrenaline Mob, and Operation: Mindcrime bassist John Moyer! Following Disturbed’s recent climb to #1 on the Billboard 200 Album chart with their sixth studio album Immortalized earlier this month- Moyer is set to hit the road this March in support, and this is the perfect chance for fans to get up close and personal before he heads out on tour! Brought to you by our friends at Grandslam!

Prior to joining Disturbed, John Moyer played in rock bands The Union Underground and Soak, both major label acts hailing from Texas. Having joined Disturbed in 2004, John’s playing can be heard on the band’s third (Ten Thousand Fists), fourth (Indestructible), fifth (Asylum), and sixth (Immortalized) which continues to gain momentum. All four albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and between them they produced nine No. 1 singles on rock radio with the current hit “The Vengeful One” climbing to the top in late August.

Moyer also played on the Disturbed release “The Lost Children”-  a collection of B-sides and rarities. Disturbed was also nominated for a Grammy Award for their song “Inside The Fire” off  “Indestructible”. He joined Adrenaline Mob in 2012, and his most recent performances can be heard on Adrenaline Mob’s 2013 cover album “Coverta” and 2014’s “Men of Honor”.

The owner of Natural Ear Music Rock School  in Austin, TX- Moyer’s award-winning school has a long history in Austin of teaching music and performance skills to young rockers and of turning out a number of  professional musicians in the process! As a producer, John works with independent rock and metal bands, and in 2011 he released a bass instructional video titled “Modern Metal Bass” for Rock House Publishing. He also penned the score for the video game “Scivelation” (previously known as Salvation), a third-person shooter being developed by TopWare Interactive and Ukrainian developer Black Wing Foundation for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 released in 2014.

Currently playing Spector basses and Hartke amps, from 2008 to 2013 Moyer had a signature line of basses with BC Rich. He and the company produced his signature BC Rich Havoc, and he also has a signature line of speaker cabinets and practice amps with Kustom featuring his own design of a skull engulfed in flames printed on the front.

Now, as All Music Inc. prepare to host John Moyer on Saturday, October 3rd, 6:30-8:30PM brought to you by Grandslam – heavy metal fans and bass players can prepare to get up-close and personal for a bass clinic, Q&A session, AND autograph signing with the Grammy Nominated musician, producer, and instructor!

• www.AllMusicInc.com
• https://www.facebook.com/grandslamcollectibles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allmusicinc
• Twitter: @AllMusicInc
• For Press Inquiries, CONTACT: rick@rickeberle.com

More About All Music Inc.
All Music Inc has been the Long Island musicians number one choice for quality equipment, rentals and lessons for over 30 years, representing as the Long Island musicians best friend at South Oyster Bay Rd in Plainview.

All Music has long been considered the Island’s premier guitar shop and music school, with their sales people and teachers intent on helping to create lifelong musicians with a desire to be the best at their craft. Just as importantly, the brand has always taken real steps to stand out and distinguish themselves from the other chain music stores and schools with some of the best repair technicians; who work on all guitar, amp,  brass, woodwind and orchestral instruments, consistent musician and venue outreach, and the strong strategic partnerships and alliances they have formed.

Thanks to their knowledgeable and experienced people who work there, who are NOT commissioned salespeople and are dedicated to serving the customers, All Music Inc. is known to take a personalized approach to all of your music needs so that you get what you want at the best price. Inside the store, they have an extensive collection of new, vintage, rare and pre-owned instruments (over 1000 guitars in stock!) to fit any budget, so as you walk around it is no wonder that they’ve become the premier music destination for professional musicians and people passionate about honing their craft in the area.

Besides the vast array and sheer volume of merchandise on display, they also host regular clinics with renowned players from every style imaginable giving their customers entre’ and insight into those they look up to.

Additionally, their deep connections with the most prominent manufacturers in the business have allowed them to create special agreements with companies like PRS Guitars and Larivee Guitars who allow the All Music store in Plainview to be their only independent dealer on Long Island. They also have a fantastic selection of Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Charvel, Gretsch, Seagull, Godin and are soon to be carrying Music Man.

There has been a budding relationship between All Music and The Space at Westbury, where they just opened the All Music Lounge at The Space which allows local musicians a chance to perform at the facility, and All Music also did the Contractor Appreciation Party that included Twisted Sister, CJ Ramone and Good Rats members. All Music has also been partnering with the World Famous Tattoo Lou’s, where the All Music team has been involved with the booking and music production of the stage at the past four United Ink Tattoo/Art/Music festivals, as well as for their Poker Bike run and on other projects.

Additionally, the All Music’s Rock N Roll University Band – comprised of some of the best students from the school – have performed at the aforementioned events and are slated to perform at the upcoming United Ink Resorts World Casino Festival at Aqueduct. The band also regularly performs at places like the Smithtown Festival and Patchogue’s Alive After Five. All Music also recently provided the backline for the WBAB Homegrown Superstar finals at The Emporium.

Adding to the empire, and founded back in 2011, All Music’s Rock and Roll University in Hauppauge is a performance based rock and roll school where the students take private music lessons each week and then attend rehearsals which all lead up to live rock concerts in theaters around Long Island, New York. They have hosted their Big Concert Series at venues like Theatre Three in Port Jefferson and The Boulton Center in Bayshore.

Also on the school side, speaking to the talent and skill of both the teachers and students, one can look at their authentic sounding Led Zeppelin tribute ZoFolk currently touring Long Island, and the case of Brandon “Taz” Niederaur, an 11 year old guitar prodigy who after careful tutelage at the school has already been covered on ABC News, in Newsday, on Verizon Fios1 and on the Ellen Degeneres show and even caught the eye of Rock N Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman who recently brought him up on stage to perform with the legendary Allman Brothers Band during Jam Cruise. The band also recently performed at Citi Field during a NY Mets major league baseball game.

Budget Under Tax Cap Ensures Rebates for Residents, Double-Digit Tax Cut in Southwest Sewer District

(Long Island, NY) Today, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced his Recommended Budget of $2.917 billion for fiscal 2015 which is under the New York State property tax cap, freezes general fund taxes for a fourth straight year, and provides for an historic, double-digit tax cut in the Southwest Sewer District.   Because Suffolk County is complying with the New York State tax cap program by both holding the line on taxes and demonstrating operational savings through its Government Efficiency Plan, all households earning less than $500,000 will receive a dollar-for-dollar rebate, so they will not pay a penny more in taxes.

This budget holds the line on spending by increasing total expenditures by just one percent while protecting and enhancing vital services for Suffolk County residents.

“This budget continues to move Suffolk County in the right direction by holding the line on taxes, streamlining government and making smart investments in growing our economy,” County Executive Bellone said. “The formula for long term fiscal health is simple—hold the line on taxes, control spending, and grow the economy to create good jobs.”

County Executive Bellone’s budget demonstrates the continued commitment to bring Suffolk County back into structural balance and the progress that has been made since he entered office.  Nearly 80 percent of the budget mitigation measures are considered recurring measures, a stark difference from 2011 when two-thirds of the measures were “one-shot” actions.  Many of these items were included in the Government Efficiency Plan which allows Suffolk County residents to receive tax rebates, including saving more than $1.5 million per year by merging the redundant offices of Treasurer and Comptroller and transitioning Suffolk County health centers to a private-sector provider, saving approximately $77 million.

This budget also contains funding to help implement the Comprehensive Master Plan, which was recently unanimously approved by the Suffolk County Legislature.  This plan, the county’s first since 1971, provides the framework for sustainable growth and resiliency and for economic development that will help to retain and attract businesses and create jobs for Suffolk County residents.

Among the initiatives in the budget:

• Making Government More Efficient: Suffolk County government today has 1,100 fewer positions than when County Executive Bellone came into office—a reduction of more than 10%— producing a savings of more than $100 million per year.  This budget continues the Continuous Improvement Initiative, which empowers county employees and improves productivity through a training program begun this year in partnership with Stony Brook University.
• Improving Water Quality: Suffolk County is engaged in the largest expansion of clean water infrastructure in decades by successfully leveraging state and federal aid and has received approval from FEMA to begin Phase I of the project.  Suffolk County has also begun piloting improved onsite systems for homeowners with the goal of approving those systems in 2016 for use throughout the county.
• Tax Cut in Southwest Sewer District: This budget contains a 12.5% tax cut for residents of the Southwest Sewer District.  Households in the Islip portion of the district will see their taxes fall an average of $75, while Babylon households will see taxes fall an average of $65.  At the same time as taxes are reduced in the district, $6 million in projects will be paid for out of operating funds, reducing the district’s borrowing and keeping it on strong financial footing.
• Investing in our Regional Airport: Suffolk County will embark on a partnership with the Town of Islip to invest $1.5 million in Long Island MacArthur Airport and create new routes to spur economic development as well as better market the airport.
• Reducing Crime and Opioid Abuse: By investing in programs that reduce the jail population, Suffolk County was able to temporarily avoid a $300 million expense of building and staffing a new jail.  But that mandate would return if the jail population rises in the years to come.  This budget invests $500,000 to sustain and launch programs that prevent crime, tackle the opioid epidemic, reduce recidivism, and safely reduce our jail population.  It also continues to make critical investments in reducing crime, which is already down by 20 percent since County Executive Bellone took office.

County, Town to Focus on Bringing in New Airlines & Expanding Economic Development

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter announced a partnership between Suffolk County and the Town of Islip to bring additional routes to Long Island MacArthur Airport.

As part of the initiative, County Executive Bellone will put $1.5 million into his proposed budget to help fund an innovative proposal to bring in new airlines, expand routes and properly market the airport.

“Long Island is a great region, but you cannot have a great region without a great regional airport,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.  “I believe in MacArthur because there is a lot of potential here.  As major airports in the tri-state area embark on multi-billion dollar projects in the coming years that may cause an inconvenience and headache by displacing flights, we must be proactive in taking advantage of this opportunity to generate more businesses and bring more travelers to Suffolk County.”

John Cameron, Chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council, County Executive Steve Bellone,
Councilman Steven Flotteron, Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.

County Executive Bellone indicated it was essential for the funding to be included in the upcoming budget in order for the town to utilize the resources to support bringing in new airlines to Long Island MacArthur. For instance, Islip is working hard on an initiative to bring an international airline to the airport.

“The County Executive’s willingness to commit these resources to the airport is going to go a long way in trying to establish a federal inspection station that will enable us to take international flights through Long Island’s MacArthur Airport,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.  “This is one of the biggest steps that can be taken in generating more flights with the regional airlines.”

“For several years now, both as Islip Town Supervisor and as New York State Senator, we have been working toward the goal of reawakening Long Island MacArthur Airport.   I am so proud to work with County Executive Bellone and Supervisor Carpenter in this vision and join them to announce funding for the Federal Inspection Station at MacArthur Airport.  The FIS will enable international travel to and from MacArthur.   This collaborative effort between the state, county and town will allow for substantial economic growth for Long Island. This funding, along with the additional funding I am pursuing at the state level, and the recent state grant funding awarded through the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, will continue to increase the significance of  Long Island’s airport and provide our residents with more flight options and bring business and tourism to Long Island, ” said Senator Tom Croci.

Under the proposal, $1 million of the county’s funds would go towards expanding routes while $500,000 would be allocated towards enhanced marketing of the airport.  The economic activity expected to be generated by a successful Long Island MacArthur Airport, including hundreds of additional jobs, would be far in excess of the investment.

“The further commitment to put the funding towards marketing is huge because the first thing major airlines ask is, ‘What kind of commitment do you have?’  ‘What kind of commitment do you have to market our airlines?’  This kind of commitment by the county is going to enable us to secure additional flights, airlines,” added Supervisor Carpenter.

“We all recognize that Long Island MacArthur Airport is an important, critical asset for the future of Long Island,” said Long Island Regional Planning Council Chairman John Cameron. “With the help of the county and in conjunction with the town, we believe that this facility will realize its great potential.  Growing the economy in the Ronkonkoma area is critical and in order to grow our assets we continue to provide and fund infrastructure.”

The funding is part of the Innovation Zone vision that was recently announced by County Executive Bellone, Supervisor Carpenter, Chairman Cameron and various officials and stakeholders, which consists of a comprehensive, regionally transformative plan to make Suffolk County a more attractive place for young people and high-tech businesses by investing in economic development, revitalizing downtown areas and creating modern transportation options.

The vision includes a new state-of-the-art airport terminal to be built on the north side of Islip’s Long Island MacArthur Airport.  This proposed terminal would be adjacent to the Ronkonkoma LIRR station and the proposed BRT station – effectively creating a multi-modal plane, train and bus rapid transit superstation which will dramatically enhance Islip’s MacArthur Airport and make it a far more attractive option for carriers, as it would be the only direct plane-to-train option in the region.

For more information on the partnership and the commitment to enhance Long Island MacArthur Airport, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Second Squad detectives report the arrest of Thomas M. Dee, 53, of Merrick for Leaving the Scene of an Auto Accident that occurred on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:15 p.m. in Hicksville.

According to detectives, a late mode, dark colored, pickup truck entered the parking lot of 370 Old Country Road and struck a male, 60 years of age, walking through the lot causing him to suffer a head injury. The vehicle also struck a parked vehicle before exiting and heading eastbound on Old Country Road.

Nassau County Police report the arrest of Thomas M. Dee, 53, of Merrick for Leaving the Scene of an Auto Accident that occurred on Thursday, September 10 in Hicksville. Photo Credit: NCPD.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The truck has possible damage to the rear quarter panel and rear end.

Second Squad detectives report the arrest of Thomas M. Dee, 53, Merrick for the above listed crime. The defendant is charged with Assault 1st Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Incident, and Leaving the Scene of an Incident causing Injury. The defendant was arraigned today September 18, 2015 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above incident to contact Nassau County 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.