Keyword: 'Author' | Herald Community Newspapers

Sand Hogs, as they call themselves, have been drilling and blasting through bedrock to construct the East Side Access tunnels since 2007.

LIRR realizing a long-held dream with East Side Access tunnels

Some 120 feet below the streets of Manhattan, thousands of workers contracted by MTA Capital Construction have been drilling and blasting through bedrock since September 2007 to build a set of Long Island Rail Road tunnels that will eventually connect the Island, including the South Shore, with Grand Central Terminal and the Metro-North Railroad. Tunneling on the Manhattan side of the “East Side Access Project,” as it’s known, is complete, and work on the Queens side, which began in May, is well under way. more

By Scott Brinton | 8/9/11

Reforming New York's dysfunctional state government

In 2004, the Brennan Center for Justice and New York University’s School of Law released a report describing the New York Legislature as “the most dysfunctional state [government] in the nation.” It was an excellent critique and its findings were well founded. more

By Hal Peterson | 7/26/11

LIPA needs more oversight

To the Editor: I recently co-sponsored legislation in the New York State Senate that would, if passed, require the Long Island Power Authority to get approval from the New York State Public Service Commission before raising its rates. more

6/23/11

MTA should take over track maintenance

To the Editor: Following a number of significant Long Island Rail Road service disruptions and cancellations caused by Amtrak maintenance recently, I am calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to explore taking over maintenance of the rails in and out of Penn Station and the East River tunnels. more

5/16/11

Layoffs and a pay freeze were part of a $121.2 million budget cut proposal announced by County Executive Ed Mangano on March 16 in Mineola.

Proposed spending cuts include layoffs

Facing a fiscal crisis, Nassau County’s leaders have difficult decisions to make. Raising property taxes and imposing budget cuts are two options. County Executive Ed Mangano said last week that … more

Mike Caputo and Alex Costello | 3/23/11

Budgetary challenges must be met head-on

It is time for leaders to take strong, firm stances. That goes for lawmakers in Washington and Albany, our county, town and village representatives and the elected members of our own boards of education. more

3/3/11

NIFA: political attack dog or watchdog?

I was disappointed by the decision of the state’s financial oversight board, the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, to take over Nassau County’s finances. more

by Al D'Amato | 2/4/11

A plan is in the works for a major renovation of the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Eisenhower Park.

Renovation on tap for the Nassau County Aquatic Center

County officials have confirmed that the long-awaited renovation of the Nassau County Aquatic Center in East Meadow is expected to begin in July. According to county officials and … more

By Mike Caputo | 1/26/11

An open letter to Sen. Dean Skelos

Back in early August, I began to consider writing a series of columns on reforming New York’s dysfunctional state government. Friends and neighbors were not aware of my interest in this subject; others suggested that no amount of disclosure and transparency could possibly make a difference. more

11/17/10

An open letter to Sen. Dean Skelos

Back in early August, I began to consider writing a series of columns on reforming New York’s dysfunctional state government. Friends and neighbors were not aware of my interest in this subject; others suggested that no amount of disclosure and transparency could possibly make a difference. more

Hal Peterson | 11/10/10