Keyword: 'state' | Herald Community Newspapers

Cuomo: Local governments are antiquated, inefficient

During his campaign, Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo’s transition team released a detailed and well-annotated report outlining plans for “Rightsizing Government.” The report’s findings and recommendations reiterate much of what the previous columns in this series have suggested: that New York state’s Public Authorities and agencies have “become too big, too expensive, and too ineffective — an ever proliferating tangle of boards, commissions, councils, departments, divisions, offices, task forces and public authorities, [that] the taxpaying public can no longer afford.“ Amen. more

Hal Peterson | 12/1/10

Long Island district Rifle Team members, from left, Danielle Cuomo, Sean Wraith, Nick Rishkel and Jumell Wilson, all from Valley Stream, display their medals from last year’s summer Empire State Games.

Dejection for Valley Stream athletes

Disappointment was the most appropriate word describing several local athletes when they found out last week that the Empire State Games had been canceled for 2011, and likely beyond. more

Andrew Hackmack | 11/24/10

Brian Curran, left, and Ed Ra are taking over for two veteran assemblymen in neighboring districts in western Nassau County.

An interview with Brian Curran and Edward Ra

The Herald sat down with newly-elected NYS Assemblymen Brian Curran and Edward Ra. more

Andrew Hackmack with video by Mary Malloy | 11/24/10

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

11/17/10

A heads-up on concussions

Concussions are not to be taken lightly. They have become a serious issue and have taken the national stage, especially after the National Football League recently decided to stiffen penalties for … more

11/12/10

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

Local incumbents keep their seats

The anticipated nationwide wave to oust incumbents didn’t make it all the way to the South Shore this Election Day, as most current office holders — both Democrats and Republicans — … more

Lee Landor | 11/10/10

The illusion of reform: What happened to change we can believe in?

As I’ve mentioned in my four prior columns, our state authorities and agencies are not sufficiently accountable to the public. In the past decade alone there have been multiple reports by the state Comptroller’s office, governors’ commissions and public sector watchdog groups about this. Efforts to legislate greater accountability by officials who have focused their attention on authorities have met with limited success. more

Hal Peterson | 10/27/10

Pat Nicolosi, Democrat, and Ed Ra, Republican.

Ra, Nicolosi battle for Alfano’s Assembly seat

With longtime Assemblyman Thomas Alfano (R-North Valley Stream) deciding not to run for re-election, two newcomers are looking to represent New York’s 21st Assembly District. more

Andrew Hackmack and Lee Landor | 10/20/10

The debate hall at Hofstra about an hour before the event began.

Hofstra hosts first gubernatorial debate

The David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University was the site for the first gubernatorial debate of the 2010 election.Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Carl Paladino were … more

Mike Caputo | 10/18/10