Local School District Budget And Election Results

Below are the results of the local school district budget and school board election votes:

Mineola School District

Yes: 1,249
No: 559

Christine Napolitano (Incumbent): 1,373
John McGrath (Incumbent): 635
Artie Barnett: 1,161
Eric Treibman (write-in): 6

Exclusive: Station Plaza Drainage Project On Schedule

Project expected to be completed in July

Flooding issues around Station Plaza in Mineola have hindered its function in times of heavy rainfall. Possible solutions date back years, most recently in 2010 when the Village of Mineola met with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) officials to hammer out details.

Talks have been ongoing and a piece of the puzzle is finally falling into place.

Annie Opens To Enthusiastic Standing Ovation

Annie to run for two more weeks on Herricks stage

It is really hard to dispute the fact that John Hayes is the best director of community theater on Long Island. For the past 40 years he has been a director and for the past 37 years for the Herricks Commuity Players.

This production of Annie reflects the multi-talent of Hayes, as he is able to navigate this entire cast on and off the stage to their assigned positions as if they were one. He is a true genius and that is exactly why every one of his shows is an undisputed hit.

Uncovered Freight Trains Under Investigation

Mineola residents claim debris falling off uncovered train cars

From his porch, it can be seen speeding through. He’s noticed it too many times, and he couldn’t take it anymore, so Mineola resident Dennis Walsh sprung into action.

With the help of a trusty ladder, he ascended the rungs with nothing but a cell phone to capture what Walsh thinks is outrageous.

A Night On The Town In Mineola

Charity event hosts 600 guests, raises $70,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Everyone was out for the cause on May 3 at Jericho Terrace in Mineola. In conjunction with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Long Island (LLSLI), Night on the Town showcased sample cuisines from local restaurants.

Night on the Town began about seven years ago, when St. Aidan’s in Williston Park was looking to raise money. And then Mineola resident Harry Zapiti stepped in.

Nassau GOP Calls Dem’s ‘Quid Pro Quo’ Illegal

Republicans call on DA to investigate Democrat’s demand of independent redistricting for bond approval

Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli revealed at a press conference on April 26 that he asked District Attorney Kathleen Rice to investigate if all nine Democratic county legislators engaged in criminal activity. He cited the Democrats threat of refusing to vote on bond approvals if a compromise on redistricting is not reached.

The county attorney read a Dec. 15, 2011 correspondence from Democratic Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, which was also signed by the other eight minority legislators, advising County Executive Ed Mangano that, “we cannot in good conscience consider any borrowing requests for any purpose until we arrive at a satisfactory resolution of legislative redistricting.” The county is looking to borrow up to $140 million, which requires a super majority (13 of 19) vote from the legislature.

Maragos Calls For End To Unfunded Mandates

Nassau County comptroller finds county moving ahead in stabilizing finances

Despite the tremendous pressures municipalities face in terms of increasing costs for health insurance and pensions, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos reports that Nassau County has made “big strides in stabilizing” its finances. Speaking with the Anton Newspapers editors last Tuesday, April 24, the comptroller said that these increasing costs are coming in at “unheard of numbers.” He added that these increasing costs, unfunded mandates from the state, are “unconscionable.”

Mr. Maragos said that the county is facing an increase of 25 percent in Medicaid caseloads, and combined with more and more people losing health insurance, the result will be more people going to local hospital emergency rooms. And when that happens, the bill goes to the county. Combined with health insurance costs for the county rising 30 percent and county pension costs increasing by 60 percent, it is a tough road for the county, the comptroller said.

Teachers Contract Negotiations Ongoing In Mineola

No timetable set for agreement between MTA, Mineola School District

If there’s one thing a school district doesn’t need in the first year it must get a budget under a 2 percent tax cap, it’s looming teacher contract negotiations. The Mineola School District touted a tax levy increase of 1.93 percent for the 2012-13 school year, one of few districts that have showcased a levy of 2.5 or lower for the last five years. Whether or not the district goes unscathed after ongoing discussions with the Mineola Teachers Association (MTA) remains to be seen.

District Superintendent Michael Nagler revealed he met with Howard Edelman, an impartial mediator and go-between for the district and the MTA on April 17. Edelman has served as mediator for numerous contract squabbles, including deliberations for the Freeport School District and Hewlett-Woodmere School District.

Public Hearing On Old Keyspan Building Set For May 23

Developers want to change configuration from condos to rentals

The last time before Mineola approved a residential complex development realignment, a battle between Mineola, Garden City and developers of the Winston Manor project dominated the collective consciousness of both villages. Concerning the former Keyspan building on Old Country Road, it may finally get its ball rolling.

The Mineola Village Board will hold a public hearing concerning the former Keyspan Building at 250 Old Country Road on a proposed change from a condominium complex configuration to rentals on May 23. This project has been ongoing in the village, but a decision was never rendered, according to village attorney John Spellman.

2012-13 Village Budget Approved

Tax increase set at 2.18 percent

Municipalities and school districts are struggling to stay under the inaugural 2 percent property tax cap enacted last summer by Governor Andrew Cuomo as budget conversations commence across the state. The passage prompted many villages, including Mineola, to activate a cap override, so the village would not incur heavy fines if it pierced the threshold.

The override puzzled residents and business owners alike, prompting questions if Mineola would finalize a budget in excess. The Mineola American first reported the tax levy increase was slightly over the cap.