Keyword: 'New York State' | Herald Community Newspapers

Back in early August, I began to consider writing a series of columns on reforming New York’s dysfunctional state government. Friends and neighbors were not aware of my interest in this subject; others suggested that no amount of disclosure and transparency could possibly make a difference. more

11/17/10

An open letter to Sen. Dean Skelos

Back in early August, I began to consider writing a series of columns on reforming New York’s dysfunctional state government. Friends and neighbors were not aware of my interest in this subject; others suggested that no amount of disclosure and transparency could possibly make a difference. more

Hal Peterson | 11/10/10

Local incumbents keep their seats

The anticipated nationwide wave to oust incumbents didn’t make it all the way to the South Shore this Election Day, as most current office holders — both Democrats and Republicans — … more

Lee Landor | 11/10/10

The illusion of reform: What happened to change we can believe in?

As I’ve mentioned in my four prior columns, our state authorities and agencies are not sufficiently accountable to the public. In the past decade alone there have been multiple reports by the state Comptroller’s office, governors’ commissions and public sector watchdog groups about this. Efforts to legislate greater accountability by officials who have focused their attention on authorities have met with limited success. more

Hal Peterson | 10/27/10

The debate hall at Hofstra about an hour before the event began.

Hofstra hosts first gubernatorial debate

The David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University was the site for the first gubernatorial debate of the 2010 election.Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Carl Paladino were … more

Mike Caputo | 10/18/10

George Sava, left, is challengin incumbent Dean Skelos for his senate seat.

Sava challenges Skelos for state Senate seat

George Sava, a Republican who switched to the Democratic Party in 2007, is mounting a vigorous campaign against Republican Minority Leader Dean Skelos in the 9th Senate District. more

Judy Rattner and Jeff Bessen | 10/13/10

Candidates Jeff Toback, left, and incumbent Harvey Weisenberg shook hands at a debate in Long Beach on Aug. 31.

One last faceoff

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg and the challenger for his seat, former county Legislator Jeff Toback, squared off at a debate sponsored by the Southwest Nassau League of Women Voters on Aug. 31 at the … more

By ALEX COSTELLO | 9/8/10

Harvey Weisenberg, left, is squaring off against challenger Jeff Toback in the Democratic primary on Sept. 14.

Talking with Jeff Toback and Harvey Weisenberg

Harvey Weisenberg, the incumbent representative for the 20th State Assembly District, is being challenged this year in a Democratic Primary by Jeff Toback, former Nassau County legislator. The Herald … more

8/18/10

State raises standards, but who’s going to pay?

In a move that has confounded local school officials and is bound to confuse and upset many parents, State Education Department leaders recently announced that they were raising the raw scores that determine proficiency levels on the standardized tests taken by students in third through eighth grades. more

8/12/10

20th AD primary race heats up

Former Nassau County Legislator Jeff Toback has entered the Democratic primary against state Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, vying for the seat Weisenberg has held for two decades. Toback, who … more

Alex Costello | 8/4/10