July/August 2012

No General Membership Meetings In July and August

NCVOA- 2012-2013 Annual Dinner/ Testimonial

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Crest Hollow Country Club

Woodbury, New York

Honoring State Senator Jack Martins

and

State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel

Cocktail Hour 6:30PM to 7:30PM

Dinner /Program 8:00PM

From the Desk of the President:

Dear Mayors, Trustees and Friends:

I never imagined I would one day quote Yogi Berra, but his “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” quip best describes the recent Albany legislative session. With several bills impacting villages up for vote on the last two days, we watched anxiously as the voting unfolded. Many who get queasy on a roller coaster ride, especially that last loop, would not have survived this session. When the ride ended, we once again dodged a bullet as our key bill – the lever voting machine bill, that was championed by Senator Jack Martins and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, was voted a two-year extension. However, at this writing, the bill has not yet been presented to the Governor. As soon as it is, we will forward information to you to immediately send letters in support.

June Village Elections

I would like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to all the incumbent and new mayors and trustees who were elected in June. I encourage you to become active in our organization. The networking and educational opportunities are invaluable and will greatly enhance your ability to serve your residents.

NCVOA Annual Election

On behalf of all the NCVOA officers, I thank you for your vote of confidence in electing us as your leadership team for 2012-2013. Together with the other Executive Committee members, we pledge our continued commitment to serving our organization and the 431,000 village residents we represent.

Executive Committee Appointments

I am pleased to announce I have appointed two new members to the Executive Committee to replace members who recently resigned. Francis Murray, mayor of the Village of Rockville Centre, is replacing Wayne Hall, mayor of the Village of Hempstead, who had to step down to deal with health issues. I know I speak on behalf of the entire organization by wishing Mayor Hall a speedy and complete recovery.

Patricia McDonald, mayor of the Village of Malverne, also is leaving the Executive Committee as a result of continued demands on her time. Jerry Tangredi, trustee of the Village of Stewart Manor, will be taking her place.

I thank Mayors Hall and McDonald for their years of service to the NCVOA and wish them continued successes and happiness.

Our special meeting on July 10, 2010 at the NCOEM facility in Bethpage was well attended and Commissioner Craig Craft gave an excellent introduction to his organization, Deputy Commissioner John Bruckbauer, Secretary to Commissioner Anais Urena and what they can do for us and what we must do for them and ourselves. He also provided a tour of the facility.

He emphasized three topics“Our” 800 MHz Radios. Join the 11am Monday radio checks or, if necessary, check them with NCOEM independently. The NCOEM has a contract with Eastern Communications and is responsible for end user (our) “satisfaction” with them. They will insure we get problems with the radios fixed, as long as the radios were purchased and issued by NCOEM. The NCOEM contact for that is OEM800@nassaucountyny.gov.

Emergency Management Plans. These are necessary for a number of important reasons in addition to the obvious (FEMA reimbursement, State takeover of our resources and potential liability, to name just three), and NCOEM will assist us in their preparation by providing examples and other assistance. The NCOEM contact for that is NCOEM@nassaucountyny.gov and 516-573-0636

Command Center Presence. NCOEM will dedicate to the villages two telephone lines and provide two desks in the command center when it is operational. The other desks are staffed by, in addition to NCOEM and state and federal agencies, the towns, cities, NC police, LIPA, National Grid and others. We need volunteers who know and understand villages to be available to staff those desks, take and respond to our calls and coordinate with the others staffing the command center. Volunteers, who are nearby or can get there, are needed but should not be our elected officials, emergency managers and employees. Former mayors would be an excellent choice.

Mark Your Calendars for Our Annual Dinner

We have no further meetings this summer. Our next meeting will be the Annual Dinner and Testimonial, which will being held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. We will be honoring our “Dynamic Duo” – Senator Jack Martins and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel – for their continued efforts to champion legislation important to local government and the critical need for mandate relief. I encourage all villages to have a presence at this event. We must show our support for these two individuals who are knowledgeable, concerned and solid supporters.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,

Ralph J. Kreitzman, President