Community Corner

Massapequa's Top Government Stories of 2012

A look at the policy and politics that made 2012 a fascinating year.

There were policy debates and budget woes. There were new faces and new districts. And the Massapequa area said goodbye to two long serving officials.

Here's a look back at the year in politics:

Peter Schmitt: Massapequa had been represented by Peter Schmitt in the Nassau County Legislature since there's been a Nassau County Legislature. Schmitt died suddenly on the job in October.

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Harry Jacobson: The area lost another legendary figure when Harry Jacobson died in June. The Massapequa Park Village trustee had a long career serving the village in various roles.

Redistricting: It was the first election year under newly drawn districts that came as a result of the 2010 census and the new map split Massapequa and other south shore points away from the northern part of the Town of Oyster Bay.

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Saladino: Re-election took more steps than Joseph Saladino, R-Massapequa, might have wanted as the Assemblyman had to survive a primary challenge before winning in November.

Cell Tower: The Massapequa Park VIllage Board had to balance the concerns of citizens against the need for cell phone service when they held hearings on buying property for a cell tower.

Property Maintenence:  Another big moove by the village was their passage of a law that would subject homeowners  to fines if they don't properly maintain their property.

YES Funding:  A move by Republican County Execurive Ed Mangano to cut funding to youth service agencies if Democrats didn't vote to allow the county to pay off tax refunds, led to funding problems for YES Community Counseling.

Mike Venditto: He was a political novice with a well known name. Mike Venditto, the son of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto began to carve a niche for himself when he won a special election to replace Schmitt on the Nassau County Legislature.

Dan Pearl: The year endeed with Dan Pearl, a Town of Oyster Bay official taking a seat to replace Jacobson on the village board.


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