Vol. 77, No. 5
Friday, February 3, 2017
$1
Joe Saladino sworn in as Oyster Bay Town Supervisor
State Assemblyman Joe Saladino, center, being sworn in as Supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay BY GARY SIMEONE
In a special Town of Oyster Bay meeting on Tuesday morning, the Town Board appointed and swore in State Assemblyman Joe Saladino, of Massapequa Park to the position of Town Supervisor. The
position was recently held by longtime Supervisor John Venditto, who resigned after being indicted on federal corruption charges. Saladino will serve the remainder of Venditto’s term and will have to face re-election this November. In a statement to the public, Saladino
said that he would work diligently in his new role as Town Supervisor to help fix the many problems that the Town faces. “I have worked hard to produce for the taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay,” said Saladino. “I’m ready, willing and able to fix the problems in this town. It’s time to bring pride back to the Town of Oyster Bay. I love this town and as a long-time resident I understand the problems in this town.” He said that the town needs a fulltime supervisor to take charge of matters, fix its problems, and get the town back on track. Saladino was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2004 representing the 9th district which includes many of Long Island’s south shore communities. In the Assembly, he is one of Long Island’s minority conference leaders. Deputy Supervisor and Town councilman, Joseph Muscarella, who was serving as interim Supervisor in Venditto’s absence, said that the Board was
holding off on their decision to name a new Supervisor. “The board was not ready to elect a new supervisor as they were waiting for a financial rating from Moody’s Investors Services before making a decision,” said Muscarella. That rating was received last week and Moody’s Investors Service issued the Town an investment grade rating that reestablished the Town’s credit rating with the agency. “The Town was assigned a rating of Baa3, with a ‘stable outlook,’ acknowledging the Town’s significant improvements to actual finances for 2016, budgeted figures for 2017 and stated commitment to continue to work to eliminate fund deficits and build reserves,” said Muscarella. “The ship is continuing to move in the right direction and we remain focused upon the continued improvement of our fiscal position.”
“That right there is a great example of providing student work to the community,” said Dr. Bonuso. Board President, Phil Heckler said that the High School has offered an internship program for quite some time but U.S. Department of Education’s indicators have shown an increased need for students to gain work experience before graduating. “We have seen an additional push for the Board to try and expand these type of programs,” said Heckler.
few other things to put on the table. We should come to a final list soon,” said Dr. Bonuso. The Bond Committee focused on some energy initiatives as part of the district’s Energy Performance Contract to help save some money down the line. Upgrading to better lighting including installation of LED’s in district schools is an option to help save money in the long run. “This is important for a number of reasons, not only for the children as far as education and instruction but it is the best financial plan to get things done the way we have this set up,” said Dr. Bonuso. The Board voted to make October 19th an official school holiday in observance of the Hindu celebration of Diwali.
Dr. Bonuso gives feedback from Key Communicator’s meeting BY GARY SIMEONE At the Hicksville school board meeting last Wednesday, School Superintendent, Dr. Carl Bonuso updated the public on the Key Communicators roundtable meeting that he recently hosted. The meeting which was held on January 19th, featured representatives of the district, local business owners and community members. “There were over two dozen business leaders from throughout the community and school staff members who attended the meeting which was focused on establishing a partnership between the school district and local businesses,” said Dr. Bonuso. “This is part of an ongoing commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering partnerships throughout the community.”
He said that the meeting featured a lot of conversation about student internship programs and job planning. “Many of our Board members and staff members are involved in the search for student internships and looking for ways to expand school and business partnerships through particular projects and initiatives. At the meeting we also talked about the High School’s work-based learning program and the school district presence within the community.” Some of the ideas proposed to show school pride within the community included the school logo or student’s work posted in store windows and decals or football schedules placed inside or outside of local businesses. Dr. Bonuso said that beginning March 2nd, IKEA will feature student work in the entranceway leading into the store.
Bond Committee update:
Dr. Bonuso said that the district is trying to get a sense of when the Bond vote will take place but it is looking like it will be in October. “We are looking at a list of elements that are part of that bond and there are a
Book fairies at Hicksville Middle School PAGE 8 Levittown scout recognizes veterans PAGE 7