The Nassau County Sheriff's Correction Officer Benevolent Association (COBA) has joined the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) to oppose the Nassau County Legislature's item 315-12, a measure that gives County Executive Edward Mangano authority to make more than $40 million in budget cuts without legislative approval.
According to a release from the COBA, this item, when signed into law by Mangano, will authorize him to furlough Nassau County workers and increase health care contributions without challenge and contrary to existing contracts with the county.
The COBA and the CSEA filed a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court in Islip before Judge Spatt Tuesday to prevent the implementation of this legislation.
The restraining order could not be granted because the legislation has not been signed into law by Mangano. However, Judge Spatt suggested that the parties may appear immediately before him if the County Executive signs the legislation.
According to the COBA, the measure in question was passed after Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt, R-Massapequa, declined to vote on the item earlier in the day on May 21.
The matter was tabled because of many lingering questions about whether the measure violated state or federal laws. However, at 5:30 p.m., before the Legislature's close, Schmitt called the measure for a vote. Republicans brought in Legislator Dennis Dunne, R-Levittown, who is recovering from leg surgery, to secure a 10-0 majority vote.
Democratic Legislators left the chamber and did not vote.
NIFA Nixes Aquatic Center Repairs
The Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) has decided to nix plans to renovate the Nassau County Aquatic Center in East Meadow, according to Newsday [paid link].
The decision comes less than one week after NIFA rejected Mangano's proposed contract with Morgan Stanley to broker a deal for a privatized sewer system.
The estimated $25 million in repairs to the facility would have focused on installing a new HVAC system inside the pool area, upgrading the pool’s filters, removing and replacing the roof on the building and updating the pool’s lighting, according to county officials.
Click here to read more on NIFA's most recent decision.
'Reach for the Stars Teen Talent Search' Returns to Eisenhower
Nassau County has announced that the "Reach for the Stars Teen Talent Search" will be returning to the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park this July.
The competition will be for solo vocal talent only. A total of 125 contestants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis from applications received. Applications must be postmarked by June 18. Auditions will be held on June 28 by appointment only. There will be no open call.
All contestants must be at least 13 but no older than 19 years of age on the day of the finals, July 20. All applications must be accompanied by copies of proofs of age and Nassau County residency, as well as photo ID. Originals of all proofs must be presented at audition. A $25 application fee will apply.
Applications may be obtained at any Nassau County Park or Museum and all Nassau County libraries. Auditions and Finals will be held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, operated by the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums.
Further information and applications may be obtained by calling the Parks Events Office at: (516) 572-0200 or visiting the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums website.
