Judy Jacobs Nassau County Legislative District 16

RECENT NEWS

LEFT TURN ARROW ONTO WASHINGTON AVENUE IN PLAINVIEW IS FINALLY APPROVED

December 21st, 2011 - Mineola, NY -

Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) has announced that the long requested left turn signal when driving on Manetto Hill Road and turning onto Washington Avenue, has been granted.

In a letter received from Public Works Commissioner Shah-Gavnoudias, she states, "We are pleased to inform you that it has been recommended that a left turn signal be installed on Manetto Hill Road for the southbound to eastbound traffic onto Washington Avenue."

Jacobs stated, "There are no words to express how pleased I am. I know this will prevent many accidents and injuries. It is so vital due to two schools, the "Y", St. Pius Church and various other facilities and homes along that stretch of road."

Public Works further stated that they are initiating the design of the left turn arrow and will proceed with the installation as soon as their workload permits.

VEOLIA BUS CONTRACT PASSES UNANIMOUSLY IN LEGISLATURE

December 12th, 2011 - Mineola, NY -

Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs announced that on Monday, the 12th, the Legislature unanimously passed the Veolia bus contract to replace LI Bus.

On the 5th of December the public has their first opportunity to let their voices be heard regarding County Executive Mangano's proposal to transfer the management and operation of LI Bus from the MTA to Veolia.

Over 100,000 riders a day rely on this system as their sole means of transportation to get to work, school, doctor's appointments or visit friends or family. The loss or disruption of bus service in Nassau County would severely impact the lives of these residents and as Jacobs stated, "would be another blow to our fragile and recovering local economy." She continued, "I have been at the forefront of the fight to retain bus service since early 2010 when abruptly and without warning the Northeast quadrant of Nassau County lost Able Ride in 2010."

Like the hundreds of members of the public who attended the hearing, many Legislators had serious questions and concerns about the terms of the contract with Veolia and the lack of transparency and the limited public input in this review process.

However, Jacobs was at the forefront of fighting for and receiving major concessions to the agreement. These included: The Able Ride Para-transit system, which serves disabled riders, will remain at current service levels for the next 3 year, Veolia Bus Contract-Legislator Judy Jacobs rather than the 2 which was called for in the original contract; Language will be written into the contract that will guarantee no changes to fares and routes for one year; Before Veolia can make any changes to service or fares in future years, they must conduct an open and transparent public participation process; Two public hearings must be held, one during the day and one at night and no changes can take effect until 45 days after the last hearing. Jacobs said, "I believe these amendments to the contract will provide a higher level of service to the LI Bus customer and provide an increased layer of financial protection to the County as we work to balance the budget."

Jacobs concluded, "We will closely monitor the way in which Veolia operates this bus system and we will hold them accountable for all their actions. Although I am upset with the dysfunctional and secretive process in which the review of this contract has been carried out, I cannot take the risk of leaving thousands of riders stranded at their bus stops waiting for the bus that may never come."

Police Precinct Closure Spin Cycle

Newsday - December 6th, 2011

By Celeste Hadrick

Nassau Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) introduced a law that would have given the county legislature the power to determine the number of county police precincts, but tabled it Monday  when Democrats objected.

"It definitely should be something that is done via the county executive on advice of the police commissioner," said Legis. Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), who spoke in opposition to the law. "Any thought of having the actual legislature determine precinct openings and closing is nonsensical."

She suggested the move would require a referendum because it takes power from the county executive. She also suggested that Schmitt wants to close the Second and Sixth precincts, which are located on the North Shore in Democratic  legislators' districts.

Meanwhile Mangano complained in an interview that Schmitt had not consulted with him before submitting the proposed law late Friday night. "We have not reviewed this late power grab and will not comment on it until we review it thoroughly," he said.

Mangano has proposed reorganizing the police department and closing two precincts as a way to save money if police unions do not volunteer concessions.

"Our intention has always been to do this thoughtfully through a process with the police," Mangano said. "It is a lengthy process. . . . The realignment that the police are working on has to do with case load and statistics. I'm not certain how the legislature would have access to those important details in arriving at a logical realignment."

Schmitt aide Ed Ward  said the proposed law "is not a power grab" and that no decision has been made on which precincts would be closed.

Ward said Schmitt was trying to clear up ambiguities between the county charter and the county administrative code, which says the police commissioner, "with the approval of the board of supervisors," shall divide the county into precincts. The county legislature replaced the board of supervisors in 1996.

"I think what we'll do is wait for the new [police] commissioner to come up with a plan that says how he will patrol and keep the county secure having a lesser number of precincts," Ward said.

WHAT IS THE TIN CAN CAMPAIGN?

November 30th, 2011 - Mineola, NY -

The above is a very good question but, in fact, the Democratic Minority on the Nassau County Legislature conducted an outstanding effort to hold that in need in our communities.

Sarah Flammer of the Minority Legal Staff introduced the Tin Can Campaign to the caucus.    Every year at this time we are all asked to give to very worthy charities and most of us want to help.

The Tin Can Campaign gives those who would like to participate an opportunity to put their small change in a holiday can which Ms. Flammer gave to each office to put on each desk back in January.   Then in October she asked everyone to bring her their cans.   This year over $300.00 was collected allowing the purchase of about 350 pounds of food.

In addition Ms. Flammer states, "I also ask them to collect product coupons so that I can stretch every dollar.    The Island Harvest barrel is outside the office and will remain there throughout the year because hunger is an everyday battle for some."

Legislators Kevan Abrahams, Judy Jacobs, Judi Bosworth and Wayne Wink had great praise for the work which was done. Legislator Wink said, "This enables all of us to have a part in helping those who are in need."

Read more news items at the News Archive.

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ABOUT JUDY JACOBS

Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) is in her eighth term as a legislator, making her the longest serving legislator in the Minority caucus. She is one of the original members of the first Nassau County Legislature in 1995. Jacobs served as Minority Leader from March until December 31, 1999, and Presiding Officer from January 2000 until December 31, 2007.

Legislator Jacobs serves as a member of the Rules Committee, Health & Social Services, Planning, Development & Environment and Minority Affairs.

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