Issues: Local Government

A New Balancing Act

Writing this weekly column is one of my favorite things to do as your state senator. While it allows me to reflect on issues directly with you, it’s also been great for encouraging feedback that has been incredibly helpful to me as a freshman senator. From its inception, I wanted to avoid the typical government laundry list of events and notices that you might expect from legislators. Instead, I wanted this column to be something readers look for, a more honest and readable “inside” look at the workings of state government, warts and all.

With that in mind, I’d like to share with you what I perceive as one of the more pressing issues facing our state and particularly Long Island.

Senator Jack M. Martins congratulated Jamaica Bearings, located at 1700 Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park, for the Defense Logistics Vendor of Excellence award.

Jamaica Bearings is a family-owned business that was started 78 years ago by Frank Negri. Now, Jamaica Bearings stands as the preeminent supplier of bearings and related products to the aerospace, military and a host of major industries around the world.

Under the leadership Peter Negri, the company continues to pride itself on being a family-owned business that provides quality and reliability.

Works of Fiction

I was advised not to write this column. I was told it wasn’t politically expedient, that it would most certainly ruffle some feathers. But I’ve always maintained that I would shoot straight with my constituents, and I think I my recent re-election means that most of you appreciate that effort.

Once again this year, Senator Jack M. Martins will be holding a holiday toy and book drive as donations are now being accepted at his district office, located at 151 Herricks Road, Suite 202 (on the second floor) in Garden City Park (north of Old Country Road and south of Jericho Turnpike, around the block from Mineola High School).

Senator Martins’ District Office is open business hours to receive toy and book donations. Toys collected will be given to The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Books donated will go to the Reach Out and Read Program, which will distribute the books to Winthrop Pediatric Associates in Mineola and The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY in New Hyde Park.

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos and the members of the Long Island State Senate delegation today called on President Obama to initiate a swift and aggressive federal disaster response to assist those who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy, saying Long Island residents are facing a “Katrina-style” disaster, a potential outbreak of crime and additional deaths.

Nearly two weeks after the storm brought destruction to New York, and particularly Long Island, hundreds of thousands of people still remain without power, and countless others will need to be housed and fed before they freeze to death in their own homes. The situation was made worse by a recent Nor’easter and local residents need immediate help in meeting their basic, everyday needs.

I have some good news about the frustrating gas lines we’re experiencing. I spoke with the Governor’s office of Emergency Management Saturday and fuel is finally making its way on tankers to terminal ports throughout the region.

Many don’t realize that the problem is not solely that gas stations don’t have electricity. That’s part of it, but we’ve made it abundantly clear to LIPA that powering up these stations is vital to the well-being and safety of Long Islanders.