News

William J. Lindsay, 67, Suffolk County presiding officer, dies

Sep
12
2013

William J. Lindsay, the longtime presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature who was considered a unifying force during tumultuous years of fiscal crises and battles with the county executive, died Wednesday of cancer. He was 67.

His former colleagues learned that he had died at Stony Brook University Hospital as the legislature's government operations committee convened at 12:30 p.m. Lawmakers, some in tears, bowed their heads silently in prayer before postponing the day's proceedings.

Lindsay, a Holbrook Democrat, was diagnosed with meso-thelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, in early 2012 -- just as he was beginning his final two years in office due to term limits. He underwent surgeries, chemotherapy and other treatments, but was present for...| read more ››

Monica Martinez victory the result of get-out-the-vote effort

Sep
12
2013

When Tony Martinez knocked on a Brentwood door late Tuesday to get out the vote for his sister Monica in a Democratic legislative primary, the woman who answered said the family had already gotten the word to cast ballots.

"She said her sister, a third-year student at Brown University, had phoned home telling everyone to vote for her former teacher," said Martinez, co-chairman of Steve Bellone's 2011 transition team and manager of his sister Monica Martinez's campaign.

Political newcomer Monica Martinez, 36, an assistant principal at East Middle School in Brentwood, swamped 10-year incumbent Legis. Rick Montano in the 9th District primary with a well-financed campaign -- aided by money from Bellone and various party committees -- that relied...| read more ››

Keeler: Bill Lindsay understood everyday people

Sep
11
2013

Silver-haired William Lindsay didn't speak with a silver tongue. His was the voice of the common man, spoken in a thick Long Island accent. He didn't yell, and he didn't dazzle.

Lindsay, the presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature, died Wednesday. He should be remembered as a truly honorable man with a real grasp of the lives of everyday people, as a reasonable person in a too often unreasonable line of work: politics. His steady demeanor and core decency helped him to get things done.

Take those pesky red-light cameras.

The first time I had a conversation with Bill was early in his time as a Suffolk County legislator. It was in the summer of 2001, only weeks after...| read more ››

Ticking Clock

Sep
11
2013

We cover a lot of issues and controversies here at The Sag Harbor Express. But in recent months, one particular topic has been registering on our radar screen time and time again — and it’s something that has us seriously concerned.

It’s the issue of water quality in the bays and estuaries in Sag Harbor and across the East End. And while the details and specifics may ebb and flow with each story, we’re noticing an overall theme here — and that’s the increasing amount of degradation being experienced by the East End’s most precious resource — our waters.

There has been a pattern. In May, we were dealing with a red tide algae bloom in Sag Harbor Cove, which...| read more ››

Consultants: Riverside Sewer District Would Cost $3.75 Million

Sep
11
2013

Environmental consultants said this week that it would cost $3.75 million to install a sewer system to service the Riverside business corridor, and recommended that the required treatment plant be placed on about two acres of Southampton Town-owned land to the south of the State Trooper barracks.

Mary Anne Taylor, an associate with CDM Smith in Massachusetts, and Nicholas Bono, a representative of the Melville engineering firm H2M, presented the draft of their study to members of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association on Monday evening, nearly two years after they were hired by Suffolk County to determine the feasibility and cost of installing a sewer system.

Installing such a system, they said, would be the first step in...| read more ››

Congratulations To Primary Winners - Now Let's Discuss Issues

Sep
11
2013

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

SMITHTOWN, NY – Steve Snair, the Democratic, Independence, and Working Families candidate for Smithtown town supervisor, released the following statement:

“I congratulate both Supervisor Vecchio and Councilman Creighton on tonight’s results. It’s great to see so many Smithtown residents participate in today’s primary elections. Now that the ballot in November is set, I look forward to continuing this campaign and having a lively debate with my opponents regarding our visions for the future of Smithtown. I am confident that over these next 8-weeks the voters will agree with my fresh and new ideas for Smithtown moving forward.”| read more ››

New Plan Laid Out for Riverside Sewers

Sep
10
2013

After years of discussion, final results of a sewer study for the Riverside area were brought to the public Monday night.

Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman set out to explain the new vision for the project and explain next steps.

Residents had some questions concerning what the end cost would be to implement the plan.

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Schneiderman attended the meeting of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association at the David W. Crohan Community Center in Flanders, along with members of...| read more ››

Next Steps for Riverside Sewer Proposal; Final Report Unveiled

Sep
9
2013

After years of discussion a final sewer study report on the Riverside and Flanders area will be unveiled Monday night.

Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman is expected to attend a meeting of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association at 7 p.m. at the David W. Crohan Community Center in Flanders.

At the meeting, a final report will be given about the sewer study, with Schneiderman, along with members of the Suffolk County Department Works and CDM Engineering.
In June, a controversial plan to tap into the Riverhead sewer district was cut down.

In 2011, a meeting was held to discuss the idea, with some believing that sewers could be the key to economic development along Route 24 in...| read more ››

Democratic Candidates Criticize Political Photo Op At Potentially Unsafe Baseball Fields

Sep
6
2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2013

Democratic Candidates Criticize Political Photo Opportunity At Potentially Unsafe Baseball Fields Built By Republican Donor, Demand Immediate Testing To Protect Children From Chemical Exposure

Islip, NY- This afternoon, Islip Town Board Members Trish Bergin and Steve Flotteron will put on their best election-season smiles for the press as they ceremonially cut the ribbon at the Central Islip Little League fields on Eastview Drive in a shameless attempt at self promotion. Thanks in part to the efforts of Mr. Flotteron and Andy Borgia, the developer who built the fields, and notably donated money to Mr. Flotteron’s re-election campaign immediately after receiving his contract with the town, those who attend today’s festivities may be exposed...| read more ››

County Looks to Find Middle Ground to Protect Turnpike Turtles

Sep
4
2013

Jay Schneiderman walks up and down the Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton Turnpike most days. The Suffolk County Legislator introduces himself to passing constituents, greets familiar commuters and, most importantly, looks for turtles.

Addressing concerns raised by members of the Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt (FLPG) and the South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo) that the curbs on the turnpike’s new sidewalk are hazardous to crossing turtles, salamanders and other wildlife, Schneiderman says he checks the area for animals daily.

The turnpike borders a section of the Long Pond Greenbelt, a 1,100 acre expanse of ponds, woods and wetlands, over 500 acres of which are preserved. The main area of concern for FLPG and SoFo is the impact on Slade Pond, located...| read more ››