From where I sit...

#thenewblue

No, folks, nobody is going to “de-fund” Police Departments across the Nation. That is just not going to happen. Someone thought it would be appropriate, given our collective turmoil, to use the word “de-fund” throwing more fuel on fire. That needs to be corrected.

Could we try the term “re-fund the Police”? That more closely describes what is being proposed. By using this new terminology, I am talking of bringing Law Enforcement back to what it was meant for. The jobs the Police are tasked with in too many cases are jobs that were never meant for them to handle. Police are not mental health professionals, social workers, family counselors, Doctors, EMTs, etc. Their only job is to enforce the laws of the land in an effort to keep communities safe from the bad guys.

Why has our society overburdened Police with tasks no one else seems to want to do? Let’s rearrange the deck chairs and give our Police a chance at doing the jobs they were originally tasked with. This would change the culture of Police Departments and erase the overburdening of a very valuable asset; our Police. There is way too much tension and mistrust in all quarters by all people. We can start by reforming the biggest hurdle first. The Police Unions are the driving force behind all this “militarizing” of the Police. These Union “leaders” have to learn their place and join the team effort in “re-forming” all Departments. This task is not rocket science.

Being from New York, I get too many chances to listen to Pat Lynch, the New York City PBA Union President. You only have to hear his oral diarrhea once to realize where the Police culture is right now. And, how Union heads all over the Country are constantly pushing toward that goal on militarization. It will not be an easy task to dismantle that culture; it has been with us for decades. I am not convinced that it takes 38,000 police to keep law and order in New York City. I am not convinced that any local police force needs to add combat vehicles to their motor pools.

           

There are many Veterans applying and being accepted by Law Enforcement. I know that police departments do not screen applicants thoroughly for substance abuse and mental health problems brought home from the battlefield. On the other side of that coin, the recent applicants who suffer from combat PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, and other unseen mental health problems tend not to seek treatment. If they did, they would never qualify for a police position, let alone carry a weapon. Therefore, they remain silent and fiercely deny any problems in those areas.

It is above my pay grade to dive deeper into the details of “re-funding” the Police. There are many people who know how to work out the details far better than I could even imagine. I do know that some people will raise the age-old excuse; “it’s too complicated”. No, it is not complicated. It does get complex. Complex we can do by solving issues one at a time. We, as a Nation, are good at doing that!

With our pride and love for this Nation,

we can all get behind this concept and make it reality.

Yes, we can give peace a chance; at home first!

The Town of Huntington.........part XII

- Such a nice place to live and raise a family.

Well, don’t this beat all?

Supervisor Petrone Outlines His Agenda at Inaugural Ceremony

By Village Tattler, on January 7th, 2014

Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone took the oath of office for a record sixth time January 6 and in an address outlined an agenda for the next for years that brings to fruition projects that implement his long-term vision for the Town.

 

Supervisor Petrone’s speech came before an audience of more than 500 people at Elwood/John H. Glenn High School at a ceremony that also saw Town Council Members Mark Cuthbertson and Tracey A. Edwards and Highway Superintendent Peter S. Gunther take their oaths and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Steve Israel make congratulatory remarks.

“But most important,” he continued, “ four years from now I want to look back at a term in which cooperation was the hallmark of this Town Board, as everyone works together to achieve our common goal of

“Four years from now, I would like to look back at this term as the one that brought home the vision I have had for the Town over the past 20 years,” Supervisor Petrone said. He went on to list specific accomplishments he would like to see with respect to Huntington Station revitalization; further development of the route 110 Corridor in Melville; parking in Huntington village; parks improvements; a satisfactory resolution of the LIPA tax assessment suit; and an expansion of housing options for families, young persons and seniors."

Noting the different skill sets of his Town Board colleagues, the Supervisor detailed specific areas, based on their particular backgrounds, in which he asked each of them to work with him.

He asked Councilwoman Edwards to work with him on human resources and training issues in Town government, as well as working with Suffolk County and private industry to identify jobs for Huntington residents and help them identify training opportunities.

He asked Councilman Cuthbertson to be the point person on economic development and technical improvement issues in the town, to continue shepherding the Melville Master Plan to fruition and to work with the commercial real estate industry to help re-purpose vacant and underutilized buildings in the Route 110 Corridor.

He asked Councilman Eugene Cook to work with him on maximizing resources and services between the Highway and General Services Departments.

He asked Councilwoman Susan A. Berland to spearhead a thorough review and revision of Town Code, focusing on quality of life concerns.

“I have enjoyed every one of the past 20 years that I have served as Supervisor of this great Town,” Supervisor Petrone concluded. “I asked voters to allow me to serve a sixth term because I wanted to complete the unfinished business, bringing to fruition projects that have been my dreams for so many years. I look forward over the next four years to moving ahead together with my colleagues on the Town Board, my fellow elected officials in the Town and in County, state and federal government and most importantly, with all of you, the residents of Huntington.”

In his remarks, Councilman Cuthbertson, the senior member of the Town Council, said “We must continue to recognize that we are coming out of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and continue or efforts to deliver the most cost effective and efficient government. ..I want us to continue to do what we do best. The things that we do best are as follows: we build civic and athletic facilities, we acquire great open spaces and parks, we regulate our quality of life and waterways, we pave roads and pick up garbage, we help promote economic development and affordable housing and we provide information about the services that we have at Town Hall. Those are things that we have done well and should continue to focus on, even if they are controversial.”

Councilwoman Edwards, the newest member of the Town Council, cited accessibility and employment as two of her priorities. She said he planned to establish “civic Saturdays… so I can come out to the communities and hear what’s on your mind so that you could shape me into a better councilperson.” In the area of employment, she said, “Employment lifts up individuals, families and communities, I think we can create more partnerships with our educational institutions labor and businesses so we to build the bridge and close he gaps so that we have trained people available for new technology, traditional jobs and green jobs.”

Highway Superintendent Gunther, in his remarks, noted the support he had received from the Supervisor and Town Departments during the recent snow storm and called for continued cooperation to help achieve efficiencies and savings.

Sen. Schumer told the audience, “I know how hard these people work for you. And you need it, because the quality of life is outstanding. Elected officials have to be vigilant to keep it that way, and they will. These four truly will…. [they are] people who care about their community and their fellow citizens.”

The ceremony included participation by all of the Town fire departments, American Legion and VFW Posts and veterans groups, as well as performances by the Spanish Choir from St. Hugh of Lincoln Roman Catholic Church and the Elwood/John H. Glenn High School Honors Ensemble.

January 7th, 2014 | Category: Frank Petrone, Gene Cook, Huntington Station, Mark Cuthbertson, Susan Berland, Town of Huntington, Tracey Edwards

3 comments to Supervisor Petrone Outlines His Agenda at Inaugural Ceremony:

·                  what did Steve Israel say

January 7, 2014 at 9:29 pm · Reply

Did he say Obamacare is really taking off now?

I hope I run against Gomez again and not Labate

I know I’m Pelosi’s puppet but someone’s got to do it

the money I took for my previous campaigns came from convicted felons like the arms dealer thrown into prison after a federal judge ruled he was a danger to our national security – hey we all do it money is money

I’m sorry Obama has thrown the nation of Israel under the bus many times but hey the guy really does love those Iranian Islamists

My love for Huntington and supervisor Petrone is strong so let’s build more high density housing and bring in more democrats er I mean people

I love being single again

My next gig may be to bump chuckie schumer

·                  einstein

January 7, 2014 at 11:00 pm · Reply

Why is crook smiling?

·                  Please answer with honesty

January 8, 2014 at 12:30 am · Reply

Mr. Cuthbertson, where do you plan to promote economic and affordable housing?

Source:

http://villagetattler.com/2014/01/07/supervisor-petrone-outlines-agenda-inaugural-ceremony/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VillageTattler+%28Village+Tattler%29

THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON.............Part XIV

- Such a nice place to live and raise a family.

Listen, I’m one of those inquiring people who simply want know. What is it I want to know? Well, it seems that there was a lot of sabre rattling around election time last year. Now, the voices of reason and debate have fallen silent. If there is one thing about Huntington politics you need to know, it’s that the current regime will always speak with forked tongue when addressing the concerns of their constituency.

I am going to go back in time a few months, and reignite the fire that was burning then. There are a number of issues still unresolved in the minds of this Town’s residents. The list below is by no means a complete list of grievances and observations, but these items may get the old ball rolling, once again.

1) This little nugget is about the land on the south side of Rte. 25-A at the split with Washington Drive. A quick look at the topography tells you that this Assisted Living Home project is ridiculous, at best. Imagine, if you will, the amount of excavation that would be needed to build anything of size at this location.

Huntington Residents Fight Plans For Assisted Living Facility :

Posted: 8:11 am, November 22, 2013 by Jacqueline Birzon /  jbirzon@longislandernews.com

Old Northport Road residents Jim Scaglione, Astrid Ludwicki and Connie Scaglione oppose a development company’s plan to request a zoning change for a property between their residential road and East Main Street to allow for an 87-unit assisted living facility. The homeowners are holding a sign, placed at various locations on the road, which says they oppose the Residential Health Service zoning change. 

(Long-Islander photo/Jacqueline Birzon)

“Benchmark Senior Living, a Wellesley, Mass.-based company, picked the property in 2011 as a potential development site for a 71,133 square-foot, three-story assisted living facility. The Town of Huntington Planning Board in August 2012 received a conceptual plan for the facility drawn by RMS Engineering in Huntington.”

“Jonathan Osmun, a 15-year resident of Old Northport Road, said the facility would cause his property value to “plummet.” The installation of a septic tank, within several hundred feet of his backyard, is “the most egregious quality-of-life issue,” he added.

 “It’s just a mess, a total mess; and our Island needs these facilities but certainly not in this type of residential area. I love it [here], but I’m not going to love it as much with this thing next door,” Osmun said”

“According to a preliminary agenda, town officials intended to schedule a public hearing at the March 5, 2013 board meeting but removed the topic from the agenda at a workshop earlier that day.”

2) Huntington Station has apparently been designated as a “Boutique City” in “Urban Suburbia”. Just what the Hell is “Urban Suburbia”? Back in the good old days, it was either Urban, or Suburban, and that was a totally rational description for growing population areas. This little piece of political hijinks, brought to you by “Frankie and the Petronites”, is going to be built on land owned by the Town which will deed it over to this developer. It just so happens that this piece of land is currently a parking lot that serves the Train Station. Remember Proposition/Initiative #7 on last year’s ballot (turning over publically owned land to private developers)? Well, here is what we get because no one knew anything about it.

- Our Mission: Dedication to Authenticity and Quality of Life:

“Renaissance recognizes significant trends within the real estate industry, stimulated by a cultural renaissance, a return to downtown living within "Boutique Cities" and the rise of Urban Suburbia. These trends represent a stark departure from over 60 years of a sprawl mentality, which has had adverse effects on the environment and people's quality of life.”

http://www.renaissancedowntowns.com/index.php

Huntington Station: Residents ‘Sourcing The Station’:

“Renaissance welcomes input on strategies to revitalize area.”

By Jacqueline Birzon / jbirzon@longislandernews.com

”Erika Forland, community outreach liaison for Source the Station, Renaissance’s campaign to get the community involved, said a goal of the meet-ups is to empower and encourage interaction among community members.” “Our real goal is to organize the community and bring to light what the community wants, and to support each other,”Forland said.” “Huntington Station resident Amanda Peppard, who owns a business in the area, said she attends the meetings to get involved in the decision-making process.” “People come from all over to my business, and [when they’re here] they want to make a day of it, and I always have to suggest they go to the village to do something. I’d love to see a beer garden, a wine bar, a couple more retail stores, or a fun eatery to go to,” Peppard said.” “A popular idea supported at the meeting was a multi-functioning community center, where residents could access services for a small cost.” “Kathy Kuthy, a Huntington Station resident, said there is a lack of public space in the Station area.” “We’re limited to parks in Huntington as far as community gathering space, or we’re limited to organizations like a church, or a club where you have to be a paying member. We’re thinking of a public space that can be rented or used by members of the community, for a nominal fee,” Kuthy said.”

Also see, for more information on this “project”:

12:31 pm, November 14, 2013 by Jacqueline Birzon jbirzon@longislandernews.com

3) This project looks good on the surface, but it, too, will require some public land being deeded over to the YMCA for infrastructure improvements. It also opens up a can of worms at the traffic light at the Rte. 25-A / Jackson Ave. intersection. In true keeping with their short-shortsightedness, “Frankie and the Petronites” don’t seem to care about the traffic impact on that intersection.

YMCA Considering New Construction: 

Posted: 12:34 pm, November 14, 2013 by Kristen Schultheiss kschultheiss@longislandernews.com

The outdoor basketball court at the Huntington YMCA could be home to a new building if the organization pursues plans for an expansion.

“The Huntington YMCA is ready to move forward with plans to construct a new building and parking facilities on its Main Street property.”

 

“We have outgrown our space and our board has decided to explore the idea of creating new space at the YMCA,” Knauer said.”

“The YMCA approached the town board to ensure their plans would be approved before they move forward to invest in architects and design.” 

“Knauer would not comment on the cost of the plans since they are still in the early planning stages. The YMCA will begin fundraising once plans are finalized, she said.” 

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My next installment will re-focus attention on our severely blighted properties that are being allowed to remain as public safety / public hazard issues.

The Town of Huntington - part XIII

- Such a nice place to live and raise a family.

Just got this in the mail (over one week to get from one end of Huntington Village to the other). I've got to say, “These folks go from bad to worse every time they open their mouths.” Please, Huntington, wake the f#$k up! Don’t vote these crooks and liars back into public office. If this Town doesn’t get off its collective lazy butt and start yelling, we’ll all be living in the extension of Queens County within five years. As more information becomes available, I will certainly forward it to the World Wide Web.

                              168 Main Street                                       Phone: (631) 421-3399

                              Huntington, NY  11743                                     Fax: (631) 421-3357

                                                                                                         Web: www.huntingtondems.org

HUNTINGTON TOWN DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE

MEMO TO:         Huntington Democratic Committee

FROM:                 Mary Collins, Chair
DATE:                 January 9, 2014

RE:                        Meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 201

Happy New Year everyone! I trust you all survived not only the holidays, but also the horrendous weather we have had in the past week or two. Hopefully, the weather gods have done their worst to us and we can enjoy the rest of the month in peace.

We will have our annual "STATE OF THE TOWN" meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the AMERICAN LEGION HALL in HALESITE at 7:30 PM.  Unfortunately, the Supervisor will not be able to join us at this time, but 1 have promised him space at a future meeting to discuss his plans for his new administration.

What the f$#k, Frankie?

We will hear from our Democratic Council Members, Mark Cuthbertson, Susan Berland, and Tracey Edwards. I have asked them to recap what has been done to keep Huntington the great place it is to live, and then to give us a glimpse of what they plan for the next four years. I'm sure it will be interesting and informative.

Please join us on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014 at 7:30 PM at the AMERICAN LEGION HALL in HALESITE for an interesting find informative gathering. I look forward to seeing you all there.