Sweeney

In 1998 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) began developing a Long Island Pesticide Use Management Plan to protect our drinking water from harmful pesticides.

As part of this investigation DEC had compiled information on pesticide contaminants detected in our groundwater.  Some of these pesticides have been linked to health problems, including kidney and neurological problems.

NYS Assemblyman Bob Sweeney was concerned with the very slow pace at which this issue was advancing through the DEC bureaucracy—fourteen years.

Sweeney swung into action holding a hearing at Babylon Town Hall regarding the quality of Long Island groundwater.  He contacted the Commissioner of the DEC and pointed out that, “Long Island depends on groundwater as our sole source of drinking water. It is critical that we protect this water source to ensure protection of our health, our environment and our future.”

As a result, the DEC has established a new timeline, releasing the pesticide plan this month for public review and comment, with the plan to be finalized by July.

“This plan is an important part of our efforts to ensure that Long Island continues to have a clean, healthy and plentiful source of drinking water now and for future generations,” concluded Assemblyman Sweeney.

3rd PARTY CLUB Gathering

Monday, February 27^th @ 7:00pm

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>>> Please Note the NEW Location of our Gatherings <<<

We are now meeting at

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Windows on the Lake
235 Lake Shore Rd

Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

(631) 737-0088

WindowsOnTheLake.com‎

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See below for Directions to Windows on the Lake
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Join us for the 3^rd PARTY CLUB
Gathering

This is an Open, Free and Non-partisan get-together and opportunity for Networking

The next gathering is happening

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

Monday, February 27^th @ 7:00pm

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Hosted by

NY State & Suffolk County
Independence Party Chairman

Frank  MacKay

&

Suffolk County
Conservative Party Chairman

Edward M. Walsh Jr., Chairman

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With guest speakers:

L.I. MUSIC HALL of FAME CHAIRMAN
JIM FAITH

&

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMPTROLLER
JOSEPH  SAWICKI

&

NASSAU COUNTY COMPTROLLER
GEORGE  MARAGOS

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FREE ADMISSION—FREE BUFFET

No Cover – No Donations – Cash Bar

This is Not a Political Meeting.

All are welcome!!

Feel free to join us at

~ Windows on the Lake ~
235 Lake Shore Rd
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(631) 737-0088

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3rd Party Club Gatherings are held on the
Last Monday of Every Month at 7:00 pm
(except holidays)
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3rd Party Club Executive Director
Gary Newman 631-258-0010
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Please forward this email to everyone who would be interested in attending
and feel free to bring guests

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Directions

Windows on the Lake
235 Lake Shore Rd * Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 * (631) 737-0088
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From the West:

Long Island Expy (495) to Exit 59 toward Ocean Ave/Ronkonkoma/Oakdale/Suffolk County 93  (0.2 miles)
Merge onto Express Dr S/Long Island Expressway South Service Rd  (0.4 miles)
Turn left onto Pond Rd  (0.7 miles)
Continue onto Lake Shore Rd  (0.4 miles)
Arrive at Windows on the Lake
235 Lake Shore Rd
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(631) 737-0088

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From the East:

Long Island Expy (495) to Exit 60 - Ronkonkoma Ave/Sayville/Lake Ronkonkoma  (0.1 mile)
Merge onto Expy Drive N/Long Island Expressway North Service Rd  (0.7 mile)
Turn right onto Pond Rd/Stillwell St
Continue to follow Pond Rd  (0.6 mile)
Continue onto Lake Shore Rd  (0.4 mile)
Arrive at Windows on the Lake
235 Lake Shore Rd
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(631) 737-0088
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NYS Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R, I, C – Glen Head) joined his legislative colleagues at a February 15 press conference to press for an expansion of Jonathan’s Law. The bill was created after Jonathan Carey, a 13-year-old with autism, died while under the care of two aides from a state-run facility. It provided parents of developmentally disabled children access to medical records and child-abuse-investigation files. The proposed expansion would eliminate deadlines to request records, cap overtime and ensure proper training for care workers.

“Children are our most precious possession and those with disabilities are especially vulnerable to mistreatment,” said Montesano. “While the original Jonathan’s Law addressed many important issues, the proposed changes can provide greater access for parents to their children’s medical records and ensure that kids with disabilities receive care and oversight from the properly trained professionals they deserve.”

Sen. Hannon

“Every day, thousands of people on Long Island go hungry,” said NYS Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau).  “Residents can help me help Long Islanders who are in need of food by stopping by my Community Office to donate any non-perishable food item, which will be collected by Long Island Cares.”

Senator Hannon is participating in the Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank “Join Hearts for Hunger” Legislative Food Drive Challenge, which helps LI Cares to feed more than 300,000 food insecure Long Islanders.

Hannon’s Community Office is located at 595 Stewart Avenue (Suite 540) in Garden City, and the office telephone is 516-739-1700.  The food drive will last through March 9, 2012.

In 2011, Long Island Cares distributed 6.3 million pounds to Long Islanders in need, and 15% of this food was collected through food drives such as this.  Residents can help them continue to meet increased demand through the “Join Hearts for Hunger” Legislative Food Challenge.  Their mission is to eliminate hunger, and it is an ongoing challenge, one they recognize cannot be accomplished without the great support of the community.

Raia

NYS Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport) today announced that beginning April 1, 2012, clothing and footwear costing less than $110 per item will be exempt from New York State Sales Tax.

“During these tough economic times families are looking for every possible way to save,” said Raia. “This Sales Tax exemption is an opportunity for families to save money on necessary items and a great way to help small businesses thrive.”

Currently, the New York State Sales Tax is 4 percent. Local governments may implement a Sales Tax exemption for their portion of the local sales tax. Suffolk County’s share of the sales tax is at 4.25 percent.

For more information, please visit the Department of Taxation and Finance’s website at www.tax.ny.gov. For any other legislative questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Assemblyman Raia’s district office at 631-261-4151.

Click here to watch the live stream video on computer. For mobile Web viewing with smart phones and tablet computers check out the CNN iPhone and iPad app as well as Anroid app. The debate will also be broadcast live on television around the world on CNN, CNN en Espanol, and CNN International. Audio stream is carried on CNN Radio.

Don’t forget to participate in our live online poll also!

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What’s more, if the Water Authority were to vote for a public takeover of Aqua New York, Inc., the $75,000 provided to the Water Authority for its feasibility studies would be paid back – in full – to Hempstead and Oyster Bay Towns.

“Hempstead and Oyster Bay townships wish to take another look at whether real cost savings can be realized under a public takeover of Aqua New York, Inc., whose customers pay water rates that far exceed those served by public water,” stated Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. “I and my colleagues on the Town Board are proud to commit these funds to the Water Authority. And, if the Water Authority approves a public takeover, Hempstead Town will get all of this money back.”

The $75,000 granted to the Water Authority will help the group study the total valuation of Aqua’s assets and estimate the total acquisition cost. Then, the five-member board of the Water Authority – appointed by Hempstead and Oyster Bay townships – will determine whether a public water system would result in lower water rates for residents currently served by Aqua.

“Our residents deserve fair and affordable water rates,” said Hempstead Councilwoman Angie Cullin. Added Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes, “The Hempstead Town Board is committed to assisting the Water Authority in its efforts to study a public takeover of Aqua New York, Inc.”

Hempstead and Oyster Bay Towns revived the Water Authority of Southeastern Nassau County in late 2010; the Water Authority had not studied the feasibility of a public takeover of Aqua since 1997, when the Water Authority’s board voted against it. But with Aqua water rates increasing by 12 percent over a three-year period, Supervisor Murray and Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto decided to reactive the Water Authority and take a fresh look at the issue. Thus far, the Water Authority has hosted community meetings, reviewed data and finding of the 1997 board, sought legal counsel and set up a website.

“The Water Authority is doing an excellent job of studying the feasibility of a public takeover of Aqua and listening to residents’ concerns,” concluded Murray. “The $75,000 set aside by Hempstead and Oyster Bay townships will help the Water Authority conduct further study and ultimately determine whether a public takeover of Aqua is both feasible and prudent for our residents.”

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Friends and Citizens:

The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.

I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.

The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all-important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.

For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole.

The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the productions of the latter great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigorated; and, while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications by land and water, will more and more find a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, and, what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious.

While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations; and, what is of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemption from those broils and wars between themselves, which so frequently afflict neighboring countries not tied together by the same governments, which their own rival ships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and embitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.

These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the Union as a primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken its bands.

In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our Western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head; they have seen, in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to the Mississippi; they have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them everything they could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the Union by which they were procured ? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren and connect them with aliens?

To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliance, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute; they must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a constitution of government better calculated than your former for an intimate union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.

All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests.

However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.

Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember, especially, that for the efficient management of your common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property.

I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositaries, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?

Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it – It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?

In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence, frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations, has been the victim.

So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation.

As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils. Such an attachment of a small or weak towards a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter.

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy to be useful must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.

Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice?

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.

Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing (with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to support them) conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character; that, by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion, which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.

How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated, the public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them.

In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of the twenty-second of April, I793, is the index of my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice, and by that of your representatives in both houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it.

After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it, with moderation, perseverance, and firmness.

The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all.

The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and amity towards other nations.

The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With me a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes.

Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.

Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.

Assemblyman Dean Murray addresses the prescription-drug epidemic a press conference unveiling the I-STOP plan.

Continuing the battle against prescription-drug abuse, NYS Assemblyman Dean Murray (R, C – East Patchogue) proudly joined NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and his Senate and Assembly colleagues at a press conference today in support of the groundbreaking Internet System for Tracking Overprescribing (I-STOP) plan. If enacted, I-STOP would create a real-time online database enabling doctors and pharmacists to report and track certain controlled substances.

By co-sponsoring the I-STOP legislation, Assemblyman Murray continues his fight to eliminate the prescription-drug abuse that has become an epidemic in the Long Island region and reached critical mass on June 19, 2011, after a man attempted to steal painkillers from a pharmacy to feed his addiction and murdered four people in Medford.

“The tragedy in Medford last June brought the plague of prescription-drug abuse out of the shadows for many people,” said Murray. “The legislation I am co-sponsoring with the support of Attorney General Schneiderman will allow doctors and pharmacists to spot potentially dangerous drug interactions and patterns of abuse. With the I-STOP system, we can make great strides forward in helping to stop addiction before it starts.”

The I-STOP legislation is the third bill to help combat prescription-drug abuse Assemblyman Murray has co-sponsored this year. The first, Assembly bill 3806, was passed with broad consent and gave pharmacists access to New York’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Assembly bill 7917 called for better reporting by pharmacies when and where prescriptions are being filled and created a more-thorough schedule of controlled substances.

Then Suffolk Executive Levy in July 2011 joined by past County Executives, environmentalists makes push for Renewed Future Partnerships.

Leaders of environmental and civic organizations in Suffolk County, at the most recent meeting of the Suffolk Legislature, took on the bloc of Suffolk legislators who are highly critical of the county’s farmland, open space and drinking water preservation programs and are pushing for a moratorium on acquisitions.

“I have the feeling the devil may be loose in the legislature!” Jim Gleason, vice president of the East Moriches Property Owners Association, declared.

“We taxpayers in Suffolk County have consistently voiced our opinion that we want preservation and not development,” said Bonnie Goebert, chair of the Southampton Citizens Advisory Committee. “Tourists don’t come here to shop in another national chain. Tourists come here to marvel and what we have…far-reaching vistas, the vineyards, the abundant waterways, the magnificent beaches…Tourism is our industry, if not our destiny, not more development and more office parks. Short-term fixes and knee-jerk reactions to the recession should not guide usage of our land preservation funds.”

The anti-preservation program bloc on the legislature, consisting of Democrats and Republicans, cite economic conditions for their stance.

Highly critical of them is Legislator Edward Romaine of Center Moriches who after the testimony of the civic and environmental leaders at the legislative session February 7th in Hauppauge commented that “I’ve been here a long time and I’ve never seen anything like this. I always thought land and water preservation was part of Suffolk County government. This is what the people of Suffolk have over and over again said they want. I’m going to fight this like hell.”

MaryAnn Johnston, president of the Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Organization, held up a $10 bill and said: “We’re talking about our money, not yours. This is what we voted for you to do with our money. We want open space, we want clean water. This is the way you achieve it. You don’t achieve it by stealing from that fund to solve short-term problems.” Tourists come “to visit what we have in abundance because we had the vision to do it, to preserve open space, to protect our drinking water, which has never been in more peril, ever. And if we don’t do something now, it will be too late for us to do it later. So I ask you: keep your hands off my money.”

Richard Amper, executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, also emphasized: “The public put this money up for a specific purpose. It can’t be used for any other purpose.” He scoffed at the notion that “if we merely stopped protecting drinking water and preserving open space somehow or other the recession would miss us.”

Bob DeLuca, president of the Group for the East End, said, “We’re at a very critical juncture here…Land protection in all of its forms is…infrastructure that supports our economy. It’s infrastructure that supports agriculture…When you look at this program, this isn’t just a land preservation program for something nice to drive by. It fuels our local economy.”

Shelley Corman, political action chairperson of Encore Atlantic Shores in Eastport, said: “In these troubled economic times, borrowing from one program to help fund another is certainly tempting but borrowing from Peter to pay Paul is never really a good solution. Please, do not use these funds earmarked for land and drinking water protection to close budget gaps elsewhere, especially since these are voter-approved funds.”

Marilyn England, president of the Open Space Council, said: “Open space is critical to supporting not only our natural environments but our economy, our way of life. Please do not make a decision that we will all regret and that will burden future generations.”

Peconic Baykeeper Kevin McAllister said “open space and surface water quality…are intrinsically connected…Where goes our groundwater, there goes our bays.”

John Rooney, board member of the North Fork Environmental Council, said that on environmental protection “Suffolk County is a leader, not just in the region but in the nation. So I ask you, please, do not forget that.  Do not forget what the people have been saying over and over for 40 years…Do not divert from the very progressive and useful road that we’ve been on, and think of our grandchildren.”

And Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said: “It’s the public’s program, it’s the public’s money, it’s the public’s agenda, and the public loves this program. That’s why so many people are here today.”

Did the anti-preservation bloc of legislators listen? That remains to be seen.

_________________________

Karl Grosman, professor of journalism at the State University of New York/College at Old Westbury, has long investigated nuclear technology. He is the author of Cover Up: What You Are Not Supposed to Know About Nuclear Power and presenter and writer of TV programs that include Chernobyl: A Million Casualties, Three Mile Island Revisited and The Push to Revive Nuclear Power all of which can be seen free at www.envirovideo.blip.tv

Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes welcomed Levittown Ford to the neighborhood on Thursday during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new car dealership located at 3195 Hempstead Turnpike.

Murray and Hudes played a role assisting the owners of Levittown Ford in finding a suitable home, facilitating interaction between the business partners and the property owner as they worked to strike a deal. Though the owners of the prospective dealership considered other nearby locations, they ultimately decided to open on the property at 3195 Hempstead Turnpike, which keeps in line with both the business’s priorities and the character of the surrounding residential and business community.

“We are pleased to welcome Levittown Ford into the community,” Murray said. “I thank Councilman Hudes and the owners of Levittown Ford for coming together to open a vibrant new business on a main thoroughfare in our township. This grand opening signifies our township’s mission to encourage new businesses, create jobs and stimulate the local economy.”

“Anything we can do to help bring fine businesses into our community is a plus for our economy and for our residents,” Hudes said. “I believe that Levittown Ford will be an important piece to the community for years to come.”

“I want to thank Hempstead Town and the community for allowing us to be a part of the neighborhood as a Ford dealership,” said Levittown Ford co-owner Joel Sporn. “The town jumped through hoops for us and we appreciate the fact they saw in us a reason to get the project moving. We are excited to be here.”

The grand opening of Levittown Ford is another example of Hempstead Town’s work to support new businesses and job creation in the township. A neighboring vacant property that once housed a synagogue will soon be the new home for the prestigious Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology clinic.

Photos: Levittown Ford Opens Doors

All information provided by the Nassau County Police Department. A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This page is frequently updated through out the month.

Burglary/Arrest

DATE/TIME: February 21, 2012, 1650

LOCATION:  Hempstead

ITEM: 02

The Third Squad reports the arrests of two Uniondale men for Burglaries which occurred in Hempstead.

According to detectives, on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 2:50 A.M., the defendants Allan I. Ramirez, 18, of 17 Marvin Avenue and Anthony Medina, 16, of 497 Northern Parkway, entered the rear door of Singas Famous Pizza, located at 721 Fulton Avenue and removed and undisclosed amount of cash.  On Monday February 20, 2012, at 2:58 A.M., the defendants returned and again stole cash.  Medina is a current employee of the business and Ramirez is a former employee who was in possession of a key.  The crimes were captured on store surveillance.  The defendants were placed under arrest on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

Both defendants are charged with two counts each of Burglary 3^rd degree and will be arraigned on Wednesday, February 22 at First District Court in Hempstead.

Homicide

DATE/TIME: February 18, 2012, 0556

LOCATION: Hempstead

ITEM: 01

The Homicide Squad is investigating a shooting that occurred on Saturday February 18, 2012 at 5:56 a.m. in Hempstead.

According to detectives, two male victims were at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Linden Place when they were shot by an unknown suspect. One male victim was pronounced at 7:02 a.m. by hospital staff. The second male victim is being treated for his injuries at a local hospital. The investigation is on going at this time.

Detectives ask anyone with information about the above listed crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

UPDATE: The Homicide Squad has identified the above deceased victim as Michael Watts, 21, of Hempstead.

Fire

DATE/TIME: February 21, 2012, 0725

LOCATION: Manorhaven

ITEM: 01

The Arson Bomb Squad detectives report the details of a house fire that occurred in Manorhaven on Tuesday 2/21/12 at 7:25 A.M.

According to detectives, Sixth Precinct Police responded to a residence on Sintsink Drive West for a house fire. The homeowner a 70 year old female was able to exit the home without assistance, but suffered smoke inhalation. The victim’s husband, 73, also suffered smoke inhalation, but went into cardiac arrest at the scene. He was removed from the home by firefighters. Both victims were transported to a local hospital where they are being treated for their injuries. The fire was extinguished by 100 firefighters from Sea Cliff Fire Department, Glenwood Landing Fire Department, Roslyn Fire Department, Manhasset/Lakeville Fire Department, Port Washington Fire Department and Plandome Fire Department,

The fire is being deemed non suspicious at this time.

Arrest/Burglary

DATE/TIME: October 2, 2011, 2335

LOCATION: Wantagh ITEM: 04

Eighth Squad detectives report the arrest of a West Babylon woman for a burglary that occurred in Wantagh on 10/02/11 at 11:35 P.M.

According to detectives, Michelle Cimetta, 48, of 93 Claremont Ave., entered a residence at 711 Wantagh Ave. by breaking a rear bedroom window. A witness, who heard breaking glass, notified police. Once inside, the defendant took assorted jewelry and fled the scene prior to police arrival. The resident had recently passed away and the apartment was unoccupied at the time of the burglary. Nassau County Crime Scene Detectives were able to recover a blood sample from inside the bedroom and upon DNA Analysis, the sample concluded that the blood belonged to the defendant.

Eighth Precinct Detectives located and arrested the defendant on Monday, 02/20/12 at Allen Park located on Motor Ave. in Farmingdale. Cimetta is being charged with Burglary 2nd Degree and will be arraigned on Tuesday, 02/21/12 in First District Court, Hempstead.

Arrest/Assault

DATE/TIME: February 18, 2012, 1845

LOCATION: Mineola

ITEM: 03

Third Squad detectives report the details of an arrest for an assault that occurred in Mineola on Saturday, 02/18/12 at 6:45 P.M.

According to detectives, James Coraci, 24, of 214 Jefferson Ave., Mineola, was involved in a verbal argument with his girlfriend, 18, while walking on Jericho Tpke./Roslyn Rd. As he screamed at her, he shoved her to the ground, slapped her and pulled her hair. The defendant then broke a tree branch off of a tree and hit the victim on the face and head several times. The victim walked towards the Third Precinct Stationhouse with the defendant in tow, still screaming at her and violently pulling her hair. When the victim entered the Third Precinct hysterically crying, the defendant was still behind her yelling. Police Officers ordered the defendant to stay where he was and at this time Coraci fled the precinct with several police officers chasing him. The officers were able to apprehend the defendant, who violently resisted arrest, outside of the precinct.

The victim, who sustained a bloody lip in addition to scratches and contusions about the face and head, refused medical aid at the scene.

Coraci is being charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon 4th Degree and Resisting Arrest. He was arraigned on Sunday, 02/19/12 in First District Court, Hempstead.

Assault

DATE/TIME:   February 20, 2012, 0155

LOCATION:   Hempstead

ITEM:   01

The Third Squad reports the details of an Assault that occurred on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 1:55 am in Hempstead.

According to detectives, a 33 year old male victim was inside Las Gemeles Bar located at 193 Main Street. The victim decided to leave the bar through the rear when two unknown males (no further description), attacked the victim from behind, knocking him to the ground and stabbed him repeatedly about the body.  The victim was able to run next door and notify police.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

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

Criminal Mischief

DATE/TIME:   February 19, 2012, 1220

LOCATION:   Massapequa /Massapequa Park

The Seventh Squad is investigating Criminal Mischiefs that occurred in Massapequa and Massapequa Park from Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 6:00 P.M. and Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 12:20 P.M.

According to detectives, a 1995 Nissan had its rear window broken on Locust Street.

A 1990 Nissan had its back window shattered on Riverside Avenue.

A 1992 Plymouth had its rear window broken on Locust Street.

A 2004 Infiniti had its rear window shattered on Lincoln Avenue.

A 2002 Volvo had its rear window broken on Prospect Place.

A 2003 Honda had its rear window smashed on Ocean Avenue.

A 2011 Jeep had its rear window broken on Hawthorne Street.

A 1993 Saturn had its rear window broken on Bannon Place.

A Mercury had its rear window broken on Abbey Street.

A 2009 Nissan had its driver’s side mirror shattered on Brendan Avenue.

A 1995 Ford had its driver’s side front window broken on Linden Street.

A 1994 Saturn had its driver’s side window broken while parked at Sunrise Highway and New York Avenue.

A 2004 Chevrolet had its driver’s side mirror broken on Fitzmaurice Street.

The front windshield of a 2012 Subaru was smashed while parked at New York Avenue and Tyrconnell Avenue.

The rear window of a 1998 Lexus was damaged on Cherry Street.

A 2001 Chevrolet had its front windshield broken on Lakeshore Drive.

The rear window of a 2011 Volkswagen had its rear window broken on Sycamore Street.

A 2008 KIA had its driver’s side view mirror damaged on Sycamore Street.

The driver’s side window of a 1992 Toyota was broken on North Oak Street.

A 2011 Toyota had its driver’s side view mirror broken on Seaford Avenue.

The front windshield of a 2005 Ford was broken on Lakeshore Boulevard.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Robbery

DATE/TIME: February 19, 2012, 1530

LOCATION: Hempstead

ITEM: 02

Third Squad detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred in Hempstead on Sunday, 02/19/12 at 3:30 P.M.

According to detectives, three male Hispanics (no further description available) entered Amy’s Boutique located at 68 N. Franklin St., pretending to be customers, and forced the female employee to the rear of the store. The subjects demanded money, punched her in the face, and then tied her hands with duct tape. The subjects took cash, store merchandise and then fled the scene by unknown means. The victim was able to leave the store and seek help from a nearby business. The victim was alone in the store at the time of the robbery.

No injuries were reported.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   February 19, 2012, 0335

LOCATION:   Valley Stream

ITEM:   01

The Fifth Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred in Valley Stream on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 3:35 A.M.

According to detectives, two unknown male black subjects entered Dashmesh Petroleum at 385 West Merrick Road. The first subject described as approximately 5’8” tall, dark skinned, wearing a red bandana and red jacket displayed a silver handgun and demanded money from the 55 year old male attendant. The second subject, 5’6” tall, light skinned stood by the door acting as a lookout. After obtaining an unknown amount of U.S. currency, the subjects entered a light blue SUV type vehicle operated by an unknown male black subject and fled westbound on Merrick Road. No injuries were reported.

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

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   February 18, 2012, 1800

LOCATION:   Uniondale

ITEM:   03

First Squad detectives are investigating a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Uniondale.

According to detectives two male victims, ages 15 and 17, were leaving Smith Street Park when they followed by two male subjects into the parking lot. Once in the parking lot, the subjects, one of which was armed with a knife, approached the victims and told them to empty their pockets. The subjects removed two cell phones from the victims and fled eastbound on Smith Street. No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.

The subjects were described as follows:

Subject 1 – Male black, 5’5” tall, 18-20 years old with an average build. He was wearing a blue jacket with white stripes and jeans. He had a tattoo of a tear drop on his face.

Subject 2 – Male black, 6’0” tall with a muscular build. He was wearing a light brown jacket and jeans and was armed with a knife.

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

Homicide

DATE/TIME:   February 18, 2012, 0556

LOCATION:   Hempstead                                                  ITEM:   01

The Homicide Squad is investigating a shooting that occurred on Saturday February 18, 2012 at 5:56 a.m. in Hempstead.

According to detectives, two male victims were at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Linden Place when they were shot by an unknown suspect. One male victim was pronounced at 7:02 a.m. by hospital staff. The second male victim is being treated for his injuries at a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Detectives ask anyone with information about the above listed crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.  All callers will remain anonymous.

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   February 17, 2012, 2040

LOCATION:   Uniondale

ITEM:   02

The First Squad is investigating an Attempted Robbery that occurred in Uniondale on Friday, February 17^th, 2012 at 8:40 PM.

According to detectives, two unknown male black subjects entered the Splendid Wine and Liquors store located at 579 Uniondale Avenue in Uniondale. Two employees were present in the store at the time. One of the subjects was carrying what appeared to be a pipe or a pole and the other was carrying an aerosol spray can and a lighter. The subject with the pipe or pole struck one of the employees repeatedly with it while the other subject set the spray can on fire and menaced the other employee. The subjects attempted to take the cash from the register and the employees were able to fend off the subjects attack. The subjects fled from the store on foot southbound onto Jerusalem Avenue. Both victims suffered contusions and lacerations. One of the victims, a thirty-five year old male, was transported to a local area hospital by police department ambulance while the other, a twenty-six year old male, was treated at the scene for his injuries.

The first subject was described as being thirteen to fifteen years old, about 5’, 11” tall, wearing a grey colored hooded sweat shirt with a mask covering his face and the second subject was described as being thirteen to fifteen years old, about 5’, 5” tall, wearing a black colored hooded sweatshirt, with a mask covering his face.

Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls are confidential and all callers will remain anonymous.

Fire

DATE/TIME: February 17, 2012, 1929

LOCATION:  Freeport                                                      ITEM: 01

The Arson Bomb Squad reports the details of a house fire that occurred in Freeport on Friday, February 17^th, 2012 at 7:29 PM.

According to detectives, a fire broke out in a residence at 164 Jay Street in Freeport that resulted in one fatality. There were two occupants inside the residence at the time of the fire, a forty-four year old male and a seventy-five year old female. The male escaped the fire without any injuries.

The Freeport Fire Department responded to the fire with seven pieces of fire apparatus and thirty-five firefighters. The American Red Cross was also present at the site.

The Arson Bomb Squad and the Nassau County Fire Marshal were present at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   February 16, 2012, 1757

LOCATION:   Lawrence

ITEM:   02

The Fourth Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred in Lawrence on Thursday, February 16^th, 2012 at 5:57 PM.

According to detectives, an unknown male black subject described to be about thirty to thirty-five years old, 5’ 10” tall, 185 lbs., wearing dark colored blue or black pants, tan colored shirt, fur lined mouton style hat, black shoes and dark colored sunglasses entered the L Business Multi Services located at 287 rockaway Turnpike in Lawrence and asked a nineteen year old female employee for change of a dollar to use for the bus. When the employee opened the register the subject leaped through a partition and forced the employee to the floor. The subject simulated having a gun and took an undetermined amount of U. S. Currency from the open register. There were no injuries reported.

Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls are confidential and all callers will remain anonymous.

Vehicular Accident

DATE/TIME: February 14, 2012, 2012

LOCATION:  Elmont

ITEM: 06

Fifth Squad detectives report the details of a serious motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian which occurred on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 8:12 P.M. in Elmont.

According to detectives, a 2004 Toyota Highlander travelling westbound on Hempstead Turnpike in the right lane, near the intersection of Sterling Road, struck a 72 year old male who was attempting to cross the street.  The 68 year old driver of the vehicle stopped and called police.  The aided suffered a compound fracture to his right leg and serious head trauma.  He was transported to an area hospital by a Nassau County ambulance in serious condition.

Detectives report no apparent criminality with the accident at this time.  The vehicle was impounded from the scene for brake and safety inspections.

UPDATE: Detectives report the 72 year old male was pronounced deceased in the morning hours of Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Arrest/Unlawful Imprisonment

DATE/TIME: February 14, 2012, 1713

LOCATION:  Westbury

ITEM: 04

Third Squad detectives report the details of an arrest for unlawful imprisonment that occurred in Westbury on Tuesday, 02/14/12 at 5:13 P.M.

According to detectives, Jose Mejia, 20, of 224 N. Columbus Ave., Freeport, entered his girlfriend’s workplace located at 265 Post Ave., grabbed her by the arm, pulled her out of the building and pushed her into his car against her will.  The defendant fled the scene in the vehicle, with the victim in the backseat southbound on Post Ave.  The defendant and the victim were involved in a verbal argument earlier over him taking her cell phone.  Witnesses called police, who then located and stopped the defendant’s vehicle on Old Country Rd. /Merchants Concourse in Westbury.

No injuries were reported.

Mejia is being charged with Unlawful Imprisonment 2^nd Degree and Petit Larceny.  He will be arraigned on Wednesday, 02/15/12 in First District Court, Hempstead.

Robbery/Attempt

DATE/TIME: February 13, 2012, 1630

LOCATION:  Elmont

ITEM: 01

The Fifth Squad reports the details of an arrest of a Queens man for Robbery that occurred in Elmont on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 4:30 PM.

According to detectives, a 14 year old male victim was walking eastbound on Dutch Broadway, when he was confronted by six male blacks. As the victim passed the group, one of the subjects called out.  The victim continued walking, at which time the group of males ran up to the victim, surrounded him, as one subject reached into the victim’s right pocket causing it to rip.  At that time the entire group began to punch the victim about the head, face and body.  The victim fell to the ground and the six males fled the scene on foot westbound Dutch Broadway. After an investigation by police, James Bullock, 17, of 117-32 223 Street, Cambria Heights was arrested without incident.  There were no proceeds and the victim refused medical attention at the scene.

The defendant is being charged with Attempted Robbery 2^nd Degree and will be arraigned on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at First District Court, Hempstead.

This investigation is ongoing.

Unusual Incident

DATE/TIME:   February 11, 2012, 1424

LOCATION:   Carle Place

ITEM:   03

The Crimes Against Property Squad is investigating the discovery of a credit card skimming device that occurred in Carle Place on Saturday, February 11^th, 2012 at 2:24 PM.

According to detectives, an employee of the Apple Bank for Savings located at 195 Old Country Road in Carle Place discovered a skimming device affixed to an ATM at that location during a routine inspection of the machine. The illegal device was removed and turned over to detectives. A male white subject, described to be of thin build, approximately 5’ 8” to 5’ 10” tall, was observed on the banks surveillance video shortly before the device was discovered.

Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls are confidential and all callers will remain anonymous.

In addition, customers who may have used that particular ATM or an ATM at other Apple Bank for Savings branches should check their statements and report any fraudulent charges.

Assault

DATE/TIME:   February 10, 2012, 1429

LOCATION:   Uniondale

ITEM:   05

The First Squad is investigating an Assault that occurred in Uniondale on Friday, February 10^th, 2012 at 2:29 PM.

According to detectives, officers responding to a call for a Shot-Spotter System indication in the vicinity of Jerusalem Avenue and Paff Avenue came upon a twenty-one year old male victim who had sustained a gunshot wound to his left calf. The victim was transported by police ambulance to a local area hospital for treatment and his injuries do not appear to be life threatening at this time. A late model, dark red, Chevrolet or GMC, SUV with large tires was seen fleeing the area immediately after the shooting.

Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls are confidential and all callers will remain anonymous.

Unusual Incident

DATE/TIME:   February 10, 2012, 0735

LOCATION:   Hempstead

ITEM:   03

Third Squad detectives are investigating an Unusual Incident that occurred on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 7:35 am in Hempstead.

According to detectives, a 13 year old female juvenile student was walking to school on Millburn Avenue when an unknown male black in his late forties, driving an older model gray or silver four door vehicle did offer several times to drive her to school. The victim walked away and notified school authorities who then notified police. The subject left the scene southbound on Millburn Avenue. There were no injuries reported.

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

Unusual Incident

DATE/TIME:   February 9, 2012, 1940

LOCATION:   Baldwin

ITEM:   04

The First Squad reports the details of a Suspicious Incident that occurred on Thursday, February 9, 2012 in Baldwin.

According to detectives, the female victim, 31 years of age was in her Chestnut Street home when two individuals rang her doorbell.  They told her they wanted to come inside the house and check her water quality.  The victim did not open the door even though the suspects insisted and told her it would only take a half an hour.  The suspects eventually left the scene in a gray or silver Nissan SUV.

The female subject is described as light skinned Hispanic, mid 40’s, dark curly shoulder length hair with blonde highlights and sunglasses.  She spoke Spanish to the victim.  The male subject is described as light skinned Hispanic, mid 40’s, black short hair, 5’ 6” tall with a thin build wearing a black leather jacket and dark jeans.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.  All callers will remain anonymous.

Fatal Vehicular Accident

DATE/TIME: February 9, 2012, 2325

LOCATION:  Glen Cove                                                   ITEM: 02

The Second Squad reports the details of a fatal auto accident that occurred on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 11:25 P.M. in Glen Cove.

According to detectives, Diana A. Pereyra, 20, of New Cassel, was driving a 2005 Toyota Scion eastbound on Sea Cliff Avenue when the car left the roadway, hit a concrete wall and a LIPA pole coming to rest on the drivers side in front of 59 Sea Cliff Avenue.  She was pronounced deceased at the scene at 12:04 A.M. by a Glen Cove Fire Department EMT.  There were two female passengers, 18 and 19 years of age and a male passenger also 19.  All three passengers were taken to an area hospital for treatment.  The male aided suffered brain injuries and is listed in critical condition.  The investigation is ongoing.

Burglary (Occupied)

DATE/TIME:   February 7, 2012, 1911

LOCATION:   Kings Point

ITEM:   02

Sixth Squad detectives are investigating an occupied burglary that occurred in Kings Point on Tuesday, 02/07/12 at 7:11 P.M.

According to detectives, an unknown subject dressed all in black wearing a black mask (no further description available), entered a residence on Rogers Rd. by pushing in a locked rear door.  The 82-year-victim, who was asleep in his bedroom, was awoken when the subject tried to open the locked bedroom door.  The victim then got up, opened the door and saw the subject with a flashlight, rummaging through his desk.  The subject then fled the scene in an unknown direction.  Proceeds are unknown at this time.

No injuries were reported.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.  All callers will remain anonymous.

Endangering the Welfare of a Child

DATE/TIME:   February 6, 2012, 1400

LOCATION:   Farmingdale

ITEM:   01

The Eighth Squad is investigating Endangering the Welfare of a Child that occurred on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. in Farmingdale.

According to detectives, two females, ages 17 and 16 were at Lincoln Park located at 150 Lincoln Street. While on the swings the females were approached by an unknown male white subject who engaged them in conversation. The subject then began to touch the feet of the 16 year old. The victim tried to pull away but the subject held on. She eventually was able to free herself. The subject is described as being in his late 20’s to early 30’s, stocky build, short black hair, brown eyes, wearing brown sweatpants and white tee shirt. He was seen entering a tan colored four door Toyota Camry with New York registration plates that left eastbound on Lincoln Street. No injuries were reported.

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

Larceny Arrest

DATE/TIME: February 6, 2012, 1545

LOCATION:  Plainview                                                     ITEM: 03

Second Squad detectives report the arrest of a Farmingdale woman for a Grand Larceny that occurred on numerous dates and times in Plainview.

According to detectives the defendant, Lorin Sepetci, 20, of 221 Cherry St, was employed as a babysitter by the 33 year old female victim at her South Oaks Blvd. residence. Sepetci, who babysat at the victim’s home beginning in May, 2011 until January 3^rd, 2012, stole jewelry from the home valued in excess of $3000.00 and sold it to various pawn shops and jewelry stores. The defendant was located and placed under arrest without incident.

Sepetci is charged with Grand Larceny 3^rd Degree and will be arraigned on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in First District Court, Hempstead.

Burglary

DATE/TIME:   February 6, 2012, 0630

LOCATION:   Locust Valley                                              ITEM:   02

The Second Squad is investigating a Burglary which occurred on Monday February 06, 2012 between the hours of 1:30 and 6:30 am.

According to detectives, a sixty five year old female victim was sleeping in her North Street address when an unknown person(s) entered into her home through an unsecured rear kitchen sliding door and removed jewelry, an undetermined amount of  US currency, and computer software.  The subject(s) then found car keys to the victim’s 1995 four door green Subaru New York plate CXL-2622 and left in an unknown direction.

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

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   February 3, 2012, 1130

LOCATION:   Hempstead

ITEM:   01

The Third Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred on Friday February 3, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in Hempstead.

According to detectives, two male Hispanics were inside El Rey Miscellaneous located at 142 N. Franklin Street when they asked the thirty five year old male victim to assist them in the rear of the store. The suspects pepper sprayed, kicked and punched the victim before they bound him with duct tape. They removed an undetermined amount of U.S. currency from the register and fled on foot in an unknown direction. The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Subject one is described as having a gold tooth and a mustache. There is no further description of the second subject.

Detectives ask anyone with information about the above listed crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   February 5, 2012, 0205

LOCATION:   Massapequa                                                ITEM:   01

The Seventh Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred on Sunday February 5, 2012 at 2:05 am in Massapequa.

According to detectives, two male black subjects entered through the rear door of a home on Ford Drive West. The subjects forced the residents, a twenty four year old male victim and a thirty year old male victim along with four guests, two males and two females into the kitchen. The first subject displayed a black and silver handgun. They demanded money from the victims and fled on foot in an unknown direction with an unknown amount of US currency, a cell phone, and an I PAD. Subject one is described as being in his mid-twenties, tall, medium build, wearing dark clothing, a hooded sweatshirt, and a red bandana covering his face. Subject two is described as being in his twenties, short, average build, dark complexion, wearing dark clothing, and a dark hooded sweatshirt. There were no injuries reported.

Detectives ask anyone with information about the above crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Arrest/Assault

DATE/TIME: February 4, 2012, 2115

LOCATION:  Roslyn Heights                                             ITEM: 02

The Third Squad reports the details of the arrest of a Queens man for Assault which occurred on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:15 P.M. in Roslyn Heights.

According to detectives, Nabhan Khondker, 29, of 8618 Sutro Street, was driving a Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Hillside Avenue in East Williston when he attempted to enter oncoming traffic to pass the car in front of it.  Two Third Precinct Officers in a marked police car observed this and activated their emergency lights to pull him over.  Khondker ignored the Officers, made a left onto Roslyn Road heading northbound, and drove about 1 mile before pulling over near Club Drive in Roslyn Heights.  Officers asked Khondker several times to exit his car which he refused to do.  As Officers conducted an investigation, Khondker became extremely violent and began to fight with them. One Officer suffered a contusion to the right side of her face, injuries to her knees and an injury to her right hand during the course of this struggle.  The Officer was taken to an area hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Khondker is charged with Assault 2^nd degree, Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Driving While Intoxicated and will be arraigned on Sunday, February 05, 2012 at First District Court in Hempstead.

Robbery

DATE/TIME: February 3, 2012, 1940

LOCATION:  Sea Cliff                                                      ITEM: 01

The Sixth Squad reports the details of an Attempted Robbery that occurred at 7:40pm in Sea Cliff on February 3, 2012.

According to Detectives, defendants Benjamin Molina, 16, of 34 Roseanne Drive Woodbury and Helder Molina, 18, of 15 Valentine Street Glen Cove approached two thirteen year old male juveniles skateboarding on Sea Cliff Avenue.  The defendants demanded money and property from both victims.  When one juvenile refused, defendant Benjamin Molina punched the victim in the right eye.  Both defendants fled the scene without any proceeds in a 1995 Toyota.  Defendant Helder Molina surrendered to police at 10:06pm.  Defendant Benjamin Molina was arrested without incident at his residence at 10:30pm.  Both defendants are charged with Robbery 2^nd Degree (Attempt) and Assault 2^nd Degree; they were arraigned in First District Court 99 Main Street in Hempstead on Saturday February 4, 2012.

Details by: Det. Guerra / 6^th Sqd.                                 02/04/12/1615/7990

Homicide

DATE/TIME: February 3, 2012, 0206

LOCATION:  Garden City                                                 ITEM: 01

The Homicide Squad is investigating a Homicide which occurred on Friday 2/03/2012 in Garden City.

According to detectives, a six month old baby boy was taken to Winthrop Hospital by his mother on Thursday, February 2, 2012 due to an unknown illness.  The baby was pronounced by hospital staff on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 2:06 AM. The cause of death is pending the medical examiner’s report.

This investigation is on going.

Burglary

DATE/TIME: February 1, 2012, 1830

LOCATION: Bethpage ITEM: 03

The Eighth Squad is investigating a Burglary that occurred on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:25 p.m. in Bethpage.

According to detectives, the male victim, 57 years of age, returned to his Lafayette Avenue home and discovered a side window had been pried open. The suspects removed an undetermined amount of assorted items. There is no description of suspects at this time.

Detectives ask anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Details by: Det. Swany/8th Sqd 02/02/12/1615/7363

Burglary/Occupied

DATE/TIME:   February 1, 2012, 1709

LOCATION:   Bethpage

ITEM:   02

The Eighth Squad is investigating an occupied Burglary that occurred on Wednesday 2/1/12 at 5:09 PM.

According to detectives, a 62 year old female victim was sleeping in her bedroom at her Millpage Drive home when she heard a noise.  A short time later, an unknown male entered the bedroom.  The victim began to yell and chased the subject through the house and out the back door.  The subject climbed over a back fence and fled on foot toward Stewart Avenue.  There were no injuries.  Proceeds were assorted jewelry and US currency.  The subject is described as a male white, stocky build and approximately forty years of age.

The subject is described as thin build, 5’9-5’11’’ tall, approximately 28-30 years of age, wearing dark clothing and a black baseball cap with the NY Mets emblem, blue trim.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-244-TIPS.  All callers will remain anonymous.

Details by: Det.Swany/8^th Sqd.

2/02/12/1600/7945

Burglary

DATE/TIME:   February 1, 2012, 1415

LOCATION:   Bethpage                                                    ITEM:   01

The Eighth Squad is investigating a Burglary that occurred in Bethpage on Wednesday 02/01/2012 at 2:15 PM.

According to detectives, an 84 year old male victim was inside his home when he received a knock on the side door.  The victim answered and was told by a male white approximately 5’10”, stocky build, wearing a black jacket with a gray fur collar that he was purchasing the house directly behind the victim.  The victim invited the subject in his home and was engaged in conversation for approximately five to ten minutes, all the while looking out the back window to the rear yard.  The subject then left the residence.  The victim then received a telephone call from a neighbor who stated that a male white fitting the same description had knocked on her front door.  She did not answer and observed the male enter a vehicle with New Jersey license plates (no further description).   The 84 year old victim discovered that assorted jewelry and US currency was taken from his home.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-244-TIPS.   All callers will remain anonymous.

Details by: D/Lt.Monteleone/8^th Sqd

02/02/12/1017/7945

Fire

DATE/TIME: February 1, 2012, 1544

LOCATION:  Freeport                                                      ITEM: 02

Arson/Bomb Squad detectives report the details of a boat fire that occurred on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 3:44 pm in Freeport.

According to detectives, two males from Roosevelt, both 30 years of age, were hired to extract a fuel tank from a boat that was in storage at Approved Marine, 11 Hudson Ave. Believing the tank to be completely empty of fuel, they attempted to cut the tank out from its position using a power saw. The sparks that were created caused residual fuel and fumes to ignite and burst into flames. The fire spread, completely destroying sixteen boats and damaging at least four others. Freeport Fire Department, assisted by Oceanside Fire Department, North Merrick Fire Department, Point Lookout Lido Fire Department and Baldwin Fire Department responded to the scene with over two hundred firefighters and eighteen pieces of fire apparatus to extinguish the blaze.

Both males suffered non-life threatening burns to their bodies and were transported to a local hospital where they were admitted for treatment of their injuries. No other injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Details by: Det. Bartlett/Arson/Bomb Squad                02/01/12/2230/6672

Robbery

DATE/TIME:   January 31, 2012, 1440

LOCATION:   Elmont                                                       ITEM:   07

Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 2:40 pm in Elmont.

According to detectives the victim, a 17 year old male, was walking on Cromer Rd. W. near Elmont Rd. when he was approached from behind by two male black subjects, both 18-19 years old, one of which was wearing a red sweater. The victim was unexpectedly punched in the side of the head causing him to fall to the ground. While on the ground one of the subjects attempted to remove the victim’s cell phone while the other subject took his Dr. Dre Beats Headphones. An unknown female, who witnessed the Robbery taking place, exited her house and began screaming for help. It was at that time that both subjects fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim sustained contusions to the head, a laceration to his cheek and sought medical attention on his own.

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

Senator Zeldin (3rd from left) is pictured here with the honorees (from left to right): Yvonne Patterson-Quirk, Denise Childs-Lewis, Beverly Jefferson, Mae McKay, and Harry P. Penn.

With February marking the 36^th anniversary of Black History Month, NY State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) held his first annual Black History Month Awards Ceremony this past Friday, February 17, 2012, at the New York State Office Building in Hauppauge to honor African American leaders from the 3^rd Senate District for their many contributions to the community.

Altschuler said that without a dedicated funding source, Long Island residents would see their fair share of tax revenues distributed to other parts of country, while LIRR passengers would be subject to higher commuting costs and worsening safety and reliability.

“I am committed to cutting federal spending overall, and making sure the federal dollars we do spend are allocated more efficiently,” said Altschuler, who backs other measures in the legislation aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign oil and lowering gas prices. “However, I cannot support eliminating a dedicated funding source for mass transit due to the adverse impact it would have on the LIRR and our residents who depend on it. Such a move could be devastating to Long Island residents and our already struggling economy.”

The Mass Transit Account, initially enacted by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, is currently funded by a portion of federal gas tax revenue. An amendment to preserve the Mass Transit Account in the Highway Trust Fund has been put forth by Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler and supported by New York Republicans Reps. Nan Hayworth, Chris Gibson, Michael Grimm, and Bob Turner.

“Since President Reagan was in office, there has always been strong bipartisan support for dedicated mass transit funding, particularly here in New York,” said Altschuler. “I support our local lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in making this stand on behalf of Long Island and our region. Long Island taxpayers already send too much money to Washington without seeing any return. Eliminating dedicated funding for mass transit would only make it worse.”