JANUARY 3, 2006 – HAUPPAUGE, NY – Legislator Lynne Nowick (R-Smithtown) was formally sworn in today, beginning her third term as Suffolk County Legislator for the Thirteenth District.  “It continues to be an honor to serve the people of the Thirteenth Legislative District,” said Legislator Nowick.  “Although much has changed in the past four years, I am proud to say that my commitment to the people of Suffolk County has not wavered.” 

During her tenure in office Legislator Nowick has distinguished herself as a strong voice for the people of Suffolk County, earning her praise from her constituents and the respect of her colleagues.  Legislator Nowick has sponsored numerous groundbreaking initiatives including - legislation to protect consumers from gas station fraud by increasing penalties and enforcement tools; creating a website where consumers can research unlicensed vendors that have received numerous complaints; establishing educational guidelines for the training and reporting of child abuse; legislation to provide non-perishable food items to families in need of emergency housing; and creating a Local Law to permit the seizure of vehicles of unlicensed home improvement contractors, just to name a few.  “While I have been successful in advancing many significant initiatives over the past four years, there is much more work to be done,” added Legislator Nowick.  “I look forward to the next two years and the challenges that lie ahead as I seek to best serve the people of the Thirteenth Legislative District and all of Suffolk County.”          

Smithtown, NY – Smithtown Superintendent of Highways Daniel Ryan announced that among his first acts after taking his oath of office was to eliminate the automated phone system that was the source of frustration for many residents.
   “As I met with the residents during the campaign, the one overriding complaint that people had was the phone system at the Highway Department.  A phone call with a simple question would be met with a maze of automated menus that too often left the resident frustrated, angry and without the information that they had wanted in the first place.  Now when a resident calls the Highway Department, they will be greeted with a live person who will handle their questions quickly and courteously,” stated Mr. Ryan.
   During his initial meeting with the workers of the Highway Department, Ryan stressed that all of them would need to remember that they are the focus that the residents concentrate on.  “I have an incredible respect and admiration for the work that the men and women of the Smithtown Highway Department do for the residents.  I told them that I understand their jobs and their goals – that in the 1960s I started my career as a truck driver for the Highway Department.  I wanted the men to know that I am asking for their help in building a new image for the Highway Department that is focused on respect and dedication to the taxpayers of this great town.”
   In his first week in office, Mr. Ryan ascertained that the town would be prepared for all winter storms that may develop this winter.  “We ordered 1100 tons of salt to keep our roads passable in the event of snow and the men are working tirelessly to maintain our fleet of plows and sanders.  I am confident that we will continue to offer the residents unparalleled snow removal when a storm hits.”

JANUARY 4, 2006 – HAUPPAUGE, NY – Legislator Lynne C. Nowick (R-Smithtown) received the recognition of newly elected Suffolk County Presiding Officer William J. Lindsay (D-Holbrook) today as he appointed her Chairperson of the Legislature’s Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee.  “It is an honor for me to be chosen to chair the Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee,” said Legislator Nowick.  “I look forward to meeting the challenges of this new position and to working with my colleagues to ensure that Suffolk County’s great parks, museums and historic sites remain   treasures for all the people of Suffolk to enjoy.”  

Legislator Nowick will also serve on the Legislature’s Consumer Protection and Labor, Workforce and Affordable Housing Committees, as well as continuing to serve on the Economic Development, Higher Education and Energy Committee, which she chaired in 2005.        

  
Today, New York State Senator John J. Flanagan (R-Smithtown) announced cancellation of the pending sale of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center. Displaying a letter from Empire State Development (ESD) dated January 13, 2006, Senator Flanagan said, “The prospect of building 1,800 units of housing on this unique parcel of land is permanently off the table. This is a victory for the residents and taxpayers of Kings Park, and a critical first step in finding an alternative use for this magnificent piece of property that fairly and properly considers local input and the best interests of the community.”
ESD’s termination of the sale is in direct response to ongoing discussions between Senator Flanagan and state officials over the past year concerning a proposed redevelopment project to build high-density housing at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. During this period, Senator Flanagan had numerous meetings and discussions with local elected officials, civic leaders and residents to listen to their concerns about the potential impact that such a development would have on school district enrollment, local roadways/infrastructure, and property taxes.
“We are grateful for the help of everyone involved in today’s announcement,” said Senator Flanagan. “This breaking news is the culmination of countless hours of hard work and dialogue between a collection of state and town officials, community and civic leaders and the residents of Kings Park. I’m pleased to share in celebrating this great event.” Senator Flanagan went on to say, “There is still considerable work ahead of us. But, I am confident that together through a spirit of cooperation we will find a suitable use for this property that complements the Kings Park community and stands as an example for other communities to emulate.”
New York State Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R- Smithtown) said, “This is an important development for the people of Kings Park, and congratulations go to Senator Flanagan for his herculean effort to bring this about. This is the first step in the process of properly redeveloping the KPPC site, but the biggest hurdle for this community has been overcome.”
Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said, “Senator Flanagan has been a good friend and effective representative for the people of Kings Park and the Town of Smithtown. His leadership in helping to stop the sale of the Psychiatric Center demonstrates his strong commitment to working positively on behalf of the residents he represents.”
  

New York State Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R- Smithtown) said, “This is an important development for the people of Kings Park, and congratulations go to Senator Flanagan for his herculean effort to bring this about. This is the first step in the process of properly redeveloping the KPPC site, but the biggest hurdle for this community has been overcome.”
Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said, “Senator Flanagan has been a good friend and effective representative for the people of Kings Park and the Town of Smithtown. His leadership in helping to stop the sale of the Psychiatric Center demonstrates his strong commitment to working positively on behalf of the residents he represents.”
Senator Flanagan concluded the press event by promising to continuing his work with the State, Town and community on finding an appropriate reuse of the property and to securing available resources that would assist in cleaning-up the Kings Park facility.

     

   It was a little after nine o'clock on Saturday morning when the telephone rang. Senator Flanagan's office had called with information regarding a press conference which would take place at the boulevard entrance to the Kings Park State Hospital at 11:30 a.m. The news of the press conference, with such short notice seemed to have caught virtually everyone by surprise.

   Arriving at the site was like going to a reunion. Covering the KPPC story over the past few years, I have become acquainted with a majority of the attendees. All the familiar faces were present and gathered in small clusters. There were politicians, civic leaders, school officials, community group leaders and local residents. Some exchanging congratulatory remarks for a job well done, while others speculated on what the big announcement could be.
   A little after 11:30, the Senator gathered everyone around and made his announcement. "The sale of the property to Arker and Cherokee has been cancelled". That statement was all the crowd needed to hear and with it a big hurrah and a rousing sound of applause followed.

  The fact of the matter is, the system does work. Politicians are elected by people to do their constituents' bidding and civic leaders and groups are organized to keep the politicians focused and in check. Such was the case here. It looks like Friday, the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for the Kings Park Community.

  Special Thank You to Senator Flanagan for your efforts.

  Special Thank You to Linda Henninger and KPNA for your efforts.  
     

   State and County Law Enforcement To Work Together for Residents? Safety

New York State Senator John J. Flanagan (R- Smithtown) was joined by Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R - Smithtown) and Suffolk County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick (R- Smithtown) at a recent meeting with security officials regarding the security and safety of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center (KPPC). The meeting, which included Executive Director of Pilgrim Psychiatric Center Dean Weinstock, Suffolk County Police Inspector James Rhoads of the 4th Precinct and Pilgrim Psychiatric Center Safety Department Sergeant Melvin Delgado, was arranged by Senator Flanagan to discuss the ongoing issue of safety at the site.

"The coordinated efforts of all involved will greatly improve the safety of this site for all Kings Park residents. I appreciate the efforts of OMH Commissioner Sharon Carpinello and Executive Director Weinstock for listening to the concerns of the Kings Park community and taking immediate action to address this important security matter," added Senator Flanagan. "The people of Kings Park deserve to know that their safety and their rights remain a top priority in regard to this site."