Town Hosts Composting 101 Class For Residents

North Hempstead Town Supervisor

Jennifer DeSena, Councilmembers

Peter Zuckerman and Mariann Dalimonte, along with Meagan Fastuca the Town’s Environmental Control Specialist hosted Home Composting 101 at Clark Botanic Garden on July 14. The event was part of a month-long celebration of Parks and Recreation month which is held annually in July. This year’s theme, Where

Community Grows, highlights the role that parks play in bringing people together, providing services, and fostering community outdoor enjoyment while promoting healthy living.

For a complete list of the Parks and Recreation Month events including times and locations, visit: www.northhempsteadny. gov/summer.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead Housing Authority BBQ Event

North Hempstead Council Member

Veronica Lurvey attended a special barbecue event held by the North Hempstead Housing Authority at Whitney Pond Park in Manhasset on July 13. The event allowed residents to gather together to enjoy delicious food and the company of neighbors and friends.

—Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead

Councilmember Lurvey Introduces Fiscal Impact Legislation

Town Councilmember Veronica Lurvey has taken a significant step toward promoting transparency and good governance in North Hempstead by introducing legislation to amend Chapter 24 of the Town Code. This critical resolution, which requires that the fiscal impacts of actions taken by the Town Board be known in advance of decision making, aims to provide crucial information to support informed decision-making processes.

The need for this legislation arises from the Town’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and ensuring that all decisions made by the Town Board align with the best interests of the community. Councilmember Lurvey recognizes the importance of understanding the financial implications of proposed resolutions, as it directly affects the well-being of the Town and its residents.

Councilmember Lurvey’s resolution stands in stark contrast to the competing resolution put forth by Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, which had been previously voted down. DeSena’s resolution, by insisting that her personal finance director serve as the sole authority for fiscal matters, appeared to have political motives at its core.

In contrast, Lurvey’s legislation removes all politics from the equation by designating the Town’s Comptroller, whose office oversees audits, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and other financial matters, as the authority responsible for reviewing the budgetary impact of each resolution. This decision ensures an independent and impartial assessment of the fiscal impacts, safeguarding the interests of our community and promoting good government practices. The current Comp- troller, who was unanimously appointed after a long bi-partisan search process, is in the best position to make financial decisions that benefit the Town.

“My legislation represents a good government initiative aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making,” said Councilmember Lurvey. “The Town Board’s decision-making process cannot be held hostage by the Supervisor’s hand-picked appointee. The Comptroller will better ensure that we have access to pertinent financial information in advance of voting, so that we can make more informed choices that best reflect the needs and priorities of our residents.”

Despite being previously voted down, DeSena is attempting to have it brought to another vote. The underlying motives and potential conflicts of interest associated with the Supervisor’s resolution raise concerns about its true intent and impartiality. In contrast, Council Member Lurvey’s comprehensive and fair approach to fiscal impact assessment, which genuinely serves the best interests of our community, is what our Town needs.

Councilmember Lurvey’s legislation is a commendable step toward promoting transparency, eliminating political influence, and empowering the Town Board to make informed decisions in the best interest of the community. By designating the Town’s Comptroller as the authority for reviewing fiscal impacts, this resolution ensures a fair and impartial evaluation of proposed resolutions, enabling responsible and accountable governance.

—Submitted by the office of Town of North Hempstead Councilmember Veronica Lurvey