Issues: Local Government

In order to continue to listen to the concerns of the community, State Senator Jack M. Martins has scheduled mobile office hours over the next two months across the Seventh Senate District.

“I want to thank our libraries for hosting my Mobile Office hours. My office is always available as a community resource and the mobile office hours allow us to bring the office right into our communities,” Senator Martins said.

All residents are invited to attend and bring any questions or concerns you may have directly to the Senator.

As always, please feel free to reach out to Senator Martins' district office at 516-746-5924 should you have any questions.

Mobile Office hours are scheduled as follows:

What was gained and what was lost

I went to a wake in Woodside the other night. A good friend of mine lost his grandmother a few months shy of her 106th birthday. As soon as I stepped into the funeral home, I could tell this family matriarch was revered and was going to be sorely missed, but there was a celebratory air about the place, a proverbial “Irish wake” with joy and laughter for a life well lived.

Getting Heads out of the Sand

I guess some might call me old-fashioned, but I still enjoy listening to talk radio. Even with the rise of online media, there is still something very personal about radio that I like. You get news and opinions of course, but it’s the sound and inflection of people’s voices that give you insight into the personalities and emotions surrounding a subject. Whether it be a long-suffering, fellow Mets fan or an author discussing his or her latest book, I admit that I often drive around the block or take a longer route to listen a little longer.

Senator Jack Martins was back in Elmont this past Saturday attending "The Sanctuary's" Block Party Community Day. The block party community day was a great success with a vibrant turnout. Children were very busy going on rides and climbing aboard the Elmont Fire Department Engine #1 to their great delight. Senator Martins was welcomed to the party by Sanctuary Pastor Jolly's wife Lisa, who introduced him to church members, and volunteers. During Senator Martins' visit, he thanked the volunteers for their hard work and received community input on issues impacting Elmont's neighborhoods. "Community events like this are what make Elmont such a special place. People work together and help one another in a positive way.

A bill (S4494) sponsored by Senator Jack M. Martins that would increase penalties for the fraudulent packaging, sale or certification of Kosher food has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The legislation came about in response to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Kosher food inspection unit being cut as part of the 2010-11 fiscal year state budget. With a lack of food inspectors, increasing fines will deter some companies that may be inclined to fraudulently market Kosher food products.

Legislation Supported by Senator Martins Aids Crime Solving and Prevention

As of August 1, New York State got tougher on crime. That’s because legislation that expanded the DNA Databank went into effect. The All-Crimes DNA Law will add approximately 46,000 individual DNA samples a year to the databank, providing law enforcement with additional tools it needs to solve crime and potentially prevent some future crimes from occurring.

On Monday, July 30, Senator Jack M. Martins spent a pleasant summer day at North Hempstead Beach Park for Funday Monday. Each Monday, seniors from the communities that comprise the Town of North Hempstead gather at the beach for a day of music, dancing, card games and good company.

On July 30, Funday Monday included a health fair with numerous tables set up where residents can get information. Senator Martins provided a cool refreshment as he brought an ice cream truck, courtesy of Phil Fortuna and Long Island Checker Cab, to give free ice cream. Senator Martins greeted many friends and was honored to have spent the day with the seniors.