Politics & Government

Mineola Mayor's Message: Scouts, Repaired Barrier and Snowstorm

Mayor Scott Strauss congratulates Mineola Firefighter on 50 years of service.

The following are the opening remarks of Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss made during the public meeting of the Mineola Village Board on Feb. 6, 2013:

I along with trustee Durham attended Cub Scout Pack 246’s Blue and Gold Dinner. This is their annual awards night. I want to congratulate all the scouts on their accomplishments and especially want to congratulate the Webelos who bridged over to Boy Scouts. The leaders of Pack 246 continue to do a tremendous job throughout the year, keeping the kids on track in advancing (up the ranks). I’m proud to announce that they have again done Mineola proud and won the senior scout division for, I believe to be the 16th year in a row. Super job. All the scouts did a great job that day and deserve our thanks for representing Mineola. We’d also like to thank the leaders of Troop 45 for the support and continued guidance that they continually give to these men.

Several months ago one of our longtime residents, Mr. George Sommers, met with me to discuss the condition of the crash barrier on the south side of the Long Island Rail Road overpass at Herricks Road and Old Country Road. Apparently it did its job by reducing the energy of the vehicle that hit it, saving the vehicle and its occupants from crashing full speed into oncoming traffic or the base of destruction. Unfortunately, it hadn’t been repaired in the years since to help mitigate future accidents. Mr. Sommers became frustrated with the lack of concern from the county in getting it repaired and contacted Newsday who ran an article on the issue. It still remains unrepaired. Mr. Sommers again met with me last month. I reached out to Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, who said he’d look into it. Within two weeks of Mr. Nicolello getting involved, the crash barrier was repaired. Mr. Sommers, thank you for your concern regarding the safety of our neighbors and all those who travel through Mineola, and to Legislator Nicolello, thank you for cutting the bureaucracy and getting it done; you’re a great voice for all of us.

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Andy Carvahlo, one of our volunteer firefighters from Engine Company 3 will be leaving us as he has enlisted in the Army. Andy, we wish you the very best and thank you for your dedication to our country. Stay safe Andy, we’ll see you when you get back.

Next week, ex-Chief Lou Santosus will mark his 50th anniversary in the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department. Not only has he fought fires for us for 50 years, he continues to do so to this day. He has also served in the village in many capacities, certainly as trustee and as deputy mayor. He has also been deeply involved in the MAA and many other organizations within the village, all to help make Mineola a safer and better place for all of us here to live and raise a family in. Chief Santosus, congratulations on achieving this amazing milestone. I wish you many more years of success and service on behalf of the village, the entire Village of Mineola, I thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

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Finally, there’s the possibility that we may be bearing the brunt of some type of snowstorm this coming Friday and Saturday. I ask you all to please remove your vehicles from the roadways so we can properly clear them should we need to do so. Additionally, if we do get a significant amount of snow, please help your older neighbors and check the fire hydrants on your block and clear them of snow if it’s needed; the life and house you save may be your own.

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