Dear Neighbor:

Since its inception, the Nassau County Legislature has been divided into 19 districts, and the populations of each district are fairly equal so as to ensure balanced representation. Constant vigilance is necessary to achieve this, and the promise of equal representation has not always come true. However, during the last four-plus years with Bruce Blakeman serving as Nassau County Executive, the divide feels starker than ever before.

Nothing has been off limits, whether it was grants for first responders in districts served by Minority Legislature members, funding for critical infrastructure projects in Nassau County’s capital plan, or grants for arts and cultural organizations.

By using the leverage afforded to Minority Caucus Legislators in the Nassau County Charter, we have achieved success in breaking this blockade. Where the County Executive and the Legislative Majority have been unyielding, however, is on our common-sense legislative proposals. The Majority follows the directions of the County Executive to ignore our legislation, turning this into a do-nothing, rubber-stamp Legislature rather than a deliberative body.

Here are some bills that should be easily passed if not for politics:

• Legislation to ensure Nassau’s opioid settlement funds are used only for treatment, prevention and recovery services
• A proposal to establish a gas tax holiday to provide relief at the pump amidst soaring fuel prices
• “Gio’s Law” which would equip Nassau police vehicles with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• “Robbie’s Law,” which would install external defibrillators (AEDs) at all county-owned and operated athletic fields
• A proposal to establish a 311 non-emergency hotline – which would have been especially useful during recent blizzards
• Legislation to slash the outrageous and illegal fees Nassau homeowners are charged at the County Clerk’s office
• Recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday - like every other town, county or city in our region.

In recent months, County Executive Blakeman has sought to rebrand himself to the rest of the state as a bipartisan leader, but those of us who have dealt directly with him and his administration know nothing could be further from the truth. Now is the time for the County Executive to step up and show that he can work with us in a truly bipartisan manner. When his words match his deeds, Nassau County’s families and communities will all be better for it.

Sincerely,

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader, District 11

Continuation of SEPTIC Program Boosts Environmental Protection Efforts

In March, Delia proudly voted to commit another $2 million in state funds to help homeowners replace aging septic systems.

Eligible Nassau homeowners can be reimbursed for up to 50 percent, capped at a total of $10,000, of the cost of replacing their septic system, or 75 percent of the expense, up to $25,000, for enhanced septic through the S.E.P.T.I.C. (Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness) program.

The program was launched in April 2021 during the administration of former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran using millions in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and state grant funds.

Continuing the S.E.P.T.I.C. initiative will further bolster efforts to implement environmentally friendly waste management solutions. Delia has secured millions in capital plan resources to expand sanitary sewers in Sea Cliff and delivered $1.725 million in ARPA funding to help mitigate the cost of connecting to the newly expanded sewer system for 230 residential and commercial property owners.

Visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/5191/Nassau-Septic, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 516-364-5861 for more information about the S.E.P.T.I.C. program. For questions about permits to install a septic system, contact the Nassau County Department of Public Works at 516-571-6840.

Emergency Preparedness Workshops

Delia recently partnered with New York State to host an emergency preparedness workshop in Glen Head at Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336. Dozens of participants were provided with the tools and resources to create a family plan for any type of natural or man-made disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Each participant received a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit.

Follow Delia on social media for all the details about the next Emergency Preparedness Workshops that will be coming to the communities of District 11!

Play Ball! Sea Cliff Baseball Fields Welcome America’s Pastime

Spring’s arrival brings with it warm weather, flowers, sunshine and the return of America’s pastime in every corner of our County.

In 2021, Delia secured $85,000 in capital funding for the Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff for the renovation off two baseball fields at Clifton Park.

The improvements, pictured above, were recently completed and have made the fields safer and more enjoyable for all. It’s wonderful to see the beautiful new facilities being used by families and teams!

First City Funds Youth Bureau, New Community Theater

In March, Delia joined the board of First City Project Collective to present $7,500 checks to the Friends of the Glen Cove Youth Bureau and the North Shore Community Theatre in support of their work in Glen Cove. The First City Project Collective is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to harness the power of the arts as an engine for economic growth in Glen Cove, with a focus on providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talents.

Demanding Action On Opioid Crisis

Delia and her Minority Caucus colleagues are demanding the immediate restoration of $13.7 million in opioid settlement interest and investment income after the money was inappropriately transferred out of the account meant to fight addiction and into the County’s General Fund.

To date, the County has collected approximately $100 million, yet only $12 million has been spent - all while families continue to confront the devastation of addiction and fentanyl-related deaths.

Legislator Olena Nicks introduced legislation to permanently safeguard opioid settlement funds, ensuring that the money, including any interest and investment income earned, remains dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and education efforts. The Nassau Interim Finance Agency is now echoing that demand, and the Minority Caucus is redoubling its efforts for the County to do the right thing with the opioid funds.

“We cannot allow funding meant for treatment and prevention to be delayed while families are still losing sons and daughters,” Delia said. “This money must be restored and put to work right away.”

Good News From Nassau DPW On District 11's ‘Tale of Two Shore Roads’

Following the forthcoming completion of the project’s design phase, the Shore Road flood mitigation, traffic safety and beautification project in Glen Cove, Glenwood Landing and Sea Cliff is scheduled to go out to bid this fall, Nassau County Department of Public Works (DPW) officials have confirmed. Funded by $14.6 million in capital funding Delia secured, the project spans 3.3 miles encompassing Shore Road, Prospect Avenue, Cliff Way and the Boulevard in Glen Cove (0.70 miles), Glenwood Landing (0.92 miles) and Sea Cliff (1.7 miles). Before groundbreaking, a community meeting will be held to gather feedback.

In Baxter Estates, a bid has been accepted for crucial work to restore the Shore Road Sea wall and secure the roadway. Village officials are aiming to break ground this summer.

Narcan Training Coming To Manorhaven Village Hall On June 11

Equip yourself with the knowledge that may one day empower you to save a person’s life by joining Delia and Project HELP Long Island at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 for their upcoming Narcan training event at Manorhaven Village Hall. Participants will receive Narcan kits and learn how to spot the signs of an overdose, be shown how to administer intranasal Naloxone to reverse an overdose, and learn about new approaches to treating addiction.

The session is being presented in partnership with Nassau County’s Department of Human Services and the Office of the Nassau County Executive. Please contact Delia’s office by phone or email today for additional information and to RSVP.