As we welcome 2010, Vision would like to highlight some of the inaugurations that took place this week across Long Island. Vision Long Island had the opportunity to participate in many of these ceremonies which were a who's who of Long Island leadership. Our full newsletter will return this Friday. Nassau County Executive
On January 1st, former Nassau County legislator Edward Mangano was sworn in as the new County Executive for Nassau County. The ceremony, held at Mangano's alma mater, Bethpage High School, drew a crowd of 1,300 that included US Senator Charles Schumer, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, US Congressman Peter King, along with state and local representatives. Mr. Mangano won by running on a platform of fiscal conservativism and a promise to reign in property taxes.
In his dynamic inauguration speech, he noted, "It has been said "Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people." I believe the art of leadership is to unlock those extraordinary possibilities in each of us." He added, "as we start our work today, it’s clear that some things need fixing, some things need cleaning up, and still other things need a bit more polishing. It’ll take the collective efforts of everyone in this county and on both sides of the aisle. It will take hard work, understanding, cooperation and communication. We can--and will do it together." Within moments of his swearing-in, Mr. Mangano repealed the unpopular energy tax imposed by the previous administration and signed an executive order to form a committee tasked with reviewing the current property tax assessment system. Nassau County Legislature
The 19 members of the Nassau Legislature were sworn in on January 4th at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. US Senator Charles Schumer, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and US Congressman Peter King were in attendance. Peter Schmitt was elected new Presiding Officer, and said that lawmakers are already working on financial issues such as cutting the budget (trying to fill an almost $100 million budget deficit) and repairing the assessment system.
Four new representatives joined the Nassau Legislature this year: the new representative of Legislature District 2 is Democrat Robert Troiano, who replaced incumbent Roger Corbin on the ballot after defeating him in the primary. Troiano served six years on the North Hempstead Town Board and is a key player in the redevelopment of New Cassel. Republican Howard Kopel is now the representative of Legislative District 7. Kopel plans to focus on boosting communities in his district, as well as restoring open spaces and parks. LD 14 is now represented by Republican Joseph Belesi. Belesi has a long history of involvement in Nassau County, primarily through his work at the County Superior Officer's Association. Finally, Republican Rose Marie Walker will take over LD 17 after incumbent Ed Mangano vacated it to become County Executive. Walker, a former Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman, is an advocate for lowering taxes. Suffolk County Legislature
On January 4th, the Suffolk County Legislature swore in two new members, alongside those who were re-elected. Legislator William J. Lindsay (D-Holbrook) was sworn in for a fifth consecutive year as Presiding Officer and chose Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher (D-East Setauket) as Deputy Presiding Officer. In his acceptance speech, Lindsay said, "It's the birth place of legislation that has been emulated around the State, around the nation and, in fact, around the world. The key to our success is the lack of partisan politics at this horseshoe. We're all political by our occupation, but when the elections are over the issues of the people take precedent and coalitions are formed and dissolved around issues that are important to our citizens. It's my hope that the style of governing continues and that the political leaders stick to what they do best and that's the election process.”
Town of Huntington
On January 3rd, the Town of Huntington swore in three re-elected officials, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, and Superintendant of Highways William Naughton. The ceremony at the Jack Abrams Intermediate School on Lowndes Ave. in Huntington Station also welcomed one new member of the Town Council, Republican Mark Mayoka. Mayoka has written books on financial crisis planning for small business and local government, and his tenure as Councilman will bring that expertise to the table. Town of Babylon
On January 1st, the Town of Babylon swore in one new member of the Town Council. Democrat Antonio Martinez won the open seat. Martinez has always been driven toward helping people, as evidenced by his work as a labor leader, community organizer and with charitable organizations. He has also worked on the Town's Planning Board for 18 months. Town of North Hempstead
A supporter of Smart Growth, Russell has been active in the New Cassel visioning and intends to work on its implementation as well as the visions of other communities. Town of Riverhead
On January 1st, the Town of Riverhead swore in a new Town Supervisor and one new member of its Town Council at the Vail Leavitt Music Hall in downtown Riverhead. Republican Sean Walter ran his campaign for Supervisor on a platform of continuing and enhancing revitalization in downtown Riverhead. Soon after his election, Walter said, " I ran for Town Supervisor of the Town of Riverhead because I love this town and I am humbled by the confidence that you have placed in me. As the next two years unfold, I will work to make our town an even better place to live, work and raise families."
Republican Jodi Giglio was also sworn in as the newest member of the Riverhead Town Council. Prior to her election, Giglio is dedicated to community and was the co-founder and director of the Riverhead Business Alliance. Town of Southampton
On January 1st, the Town of Southampton swore in a new Town Supervisor, one new member of the Town Council, and two new Town trustees. Democrat Anna Throne-Holst. With a strong record on the Southampton Town Board, Throne-Holst will focus on repairing Town finances and will work toward a long-term vision for the Town. Republican James Malone won a seat on the Town Council, and will focus much of his attention on financial efficiency and the economy. Republican Frederick Havemeyer and Democrat Bill Pell were elected as Town trustees. Town of Islip
On January 1st, the Town of Islip swore in one new member of its Town Council, Republican Trish Bergin. In a ceremony held at the Holbrook County Club, Incumbent Republican Steven J. Flotteron, a Republican, was sworn in for another term as Town Councilman.
Bergin, a lifelong Islip resident and a graduate of Connetquot High School, is best known as a journalist and newscaster for News 12 Long Island and wants to bring a fresh perspective to local government. Town of Oyster Bay
All incumbents in the Town of Oyster Bay won re-election, including Supervisor John Venditto and Council members Chris Coschignano, Joseph Pinto, and Elizabeth Faughnan. Speaking to a packed room at Oyster Bay Town Hall earlier this week, Supervisor Venditto and members of the Town Board pledged to continue their record of good governance, low taxes, and quality services for the people of Oyster Bay. Town of Hempstead
All incumbents in the Town of Hempstead won re-election, including Supervisor Kate Murray and Council members Dorothy Goosby, Anthony Santino, and Gary Hudesin an induction ceremony held at the Nathan LH Bennett Pavilion at Hempstead Town Hall. NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli was in attendance and swore in some of the Councilmembers. Kate Murray addressed the overflowing crowd, re-affirming her support for downtown revitalization, green energy, and the redevelopment of the Nassau Hub. |
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