Gordon Heights Taxpayers Money

[loosing patience]

Kudos to Commissioner Owens for standing firm at the GHFD Board Meeting last night and insisting money must be spent prudently.

Repairs to the Firehouse should be top priority. An electronic sign on a residential street that few community members drive on and costing not more than $30,000.00 is not a priority nor is it it a prudent expenditure of money in a Fire District that has the highest fire taxes on Long Island. Excuses for the sign were lame at best.

[additup]

These morons are over the top. The place should be shut down. They disrespect what the volunteer service stands for. Jerkoffs all of them. The commissioners should be removed by the public. Sad bunch that makes everyone else look bad in a general way. If the place shut down nobody would care and most of the taxpayers paying the freight would breath a sigh of relief. The surrounding districts could absorb it and nobody would be the worse for ware. End it already.

[Unregisteredyeahbaby]

These morons are over the top. The place should be shut down. They disrespect what the volunteer service stands for. Jerkoffs all of them. The commissioners should be removed by the public. Sad bunch that makes everyone else look bad in a general way. If the place shut down nobody would care and most of the taxpayers paying the freight would breath a sigh of relief. The surrounding districts could absorb it and nobody would be the worse for ware. End it already. Can't happen soon enough!

[Unregisteredmoney]

The Dix Hills 20 million dollar bond vote was voted down last night
359 yes to 1189 no.

[Unregistered828]

The Dix Hills 20 million dollar bond vote was voted down last night
359 yes to 1189 no.Are the people in Dix Hills racist too?

[Unregistered6150]

The Cameron Report (cost to Town $210,000.00) stated that the revitalization of the Gordon Heights Community cannot take place unless the fire taxes (also sex offenders) are reduced. The Town just spent another $91,000.00 on a feasibility study presenting options to solve the high fire tax problem.

The real enemies in Gordon Heights are not those who want to solve the fire tax problem but rather the real enemies are those who want to keep the status quo--those who make a living by keeping the taxes high and the homes occupied as sober homes or sex offender homes.

If the community were re vitalized these individuals who prey on the poor under the guise of helping are the pariahs in the community. They are the stack and packers who want to keep the Community down.

Is this your vision for the future of Gordon Heights?

These people are the hypocrites right in your own community who are the real enemies of Gordon Heights.

Just a little something to think about-------

[Unregistereddeepockets]

The Cameron Report (cost to Town $210,000.00) stated that the revitalization of the Gordon Heights Community cannot take place unless the fire taxes (also sex offenders) are reduced. The Town just spent another $91,000.00 on a feasibility study presenting options to solve the high fire tax problem.

The real enemies in Gordon Heights are not those who want to solve the fire tax problem but rather the real enemies are those who want to keep the status quo--those who make a living by keeping the taxes high and the homes occupied as sober homes or sex offender homes.

If the community were re vitalized these individuals who prey on the poor under the guise of helping are the pariahs in the community. They are the stack and packers who want to keep the Community down.

Is this your vision for the future of Gordon Heights?

These people are the hypocrites right in your own community who are the real enemies of Gordon Heights.

Just a little something to think about-------No Doubt you are 100% correct. This is Black on Black crime but was very much under the radar. Now this has been exposed and the blood of this is on the hands of our Town Leaders specifically Connie Kepert and Mark Lesko who have absolutely NO EXCUSE left to drag this on.

[Unregisteredsayno]

June 14, Dix Hills voted down a 20 million dollar vote.

Last night, the residents of the Rockville Center Fire District said
NO to a 20 million dollar bond vote, as well.

The results were 678 to 2147

[Unregisteredcloseitdown]

In Gordon Heights Fire District 750 Signed and notorized their names on a petition to dissolve the district. 100 would not. What's the holdup?

[UnregisteredTimex]

Where's the solution?

[Unregisteredwaste]

$ 30,000 for an electronic billboard on a residential street !! These fire commissioners won't take no for an answer and they will stomp their feet until they get their way. It would be more prudent of them, if they waited until the town makes the determination to keep them or get rid of them before they continue on with their insensitive spending sprees.

[Unregistereddems]

$ 30,000 for an electronic billboard on a residential street !! These fire commissioners won't take no for an answer and they will stomp their feet until they get their way. It would be more prudent of them, if they waited until the town makes the determination to keep them or get rid of them before they continue on with their insensitive spending sprees.

typical thugs

[additup]

$ 30,000 for an electronic billboard on a residential street !! These fire commissioners won't take no for an answer and they will stomp their feet until they get their way. It would be more prudent of them, if they waited until the town makes the determination to keep them or get rid of them before they continue on with their insensitive spending sprees.

Explain how that is not criminal. That board should be removed just for incompetence.

[Unregistered:(]

Explain how that is not criminal. That board should be removed just for incompetence.

The Chairman of the GHFD Board should put all non-essential spending
on hold until they resolve the fire tax issue. Even with a certified petition on the table, a $ 91,000 feasibility study and the town pushing for a resolution, the wasteful spending by the majority of the commissioners continues on with absolutely no regard for the taxpayers in their district.

[Unregistereddisgraceful]

The Chairman of the GHFD Board should put all non-essential spending
on hold until they resolve the fire tax issue. Even with a certified petition on the table, a $ 91,000 feasibility study and the town pushing for a resolution, the wasteful spending by the majority of the commissioners continues on with absolutely no regard for the taxpayers in their district.
The commissioners continue to do inmature and reckless things like have the audasity to spend $30,000 on an extravegant lawn sign on a street that hardly anyone travels on because they are spiteful and think they can legitimize their power by doing whatever pleases them.. The Chairman is an ass period and I sincerely hope the Town by now realizes just how UNMANAGEABLE all of this is for us. We will have to struggle on a continual basis to defend ourselves against this unconciounable group of people and I find it ironic how they call us the bad guys for demonstrating why dissolution is the only solution. This is OUR money they spend so freely and I really wish everyone reading this blog would realize it. They have had their hands in our pockets for so long they think they are entitled to whatever they want and to Hell with the community!

[Unregister346-o68-89]

grreat

[Additup]

The commissioners continue to do inmature and reckless things like have the audasity to spend $30,000 on an extravegant lawn sign on a street that hardly anyone travels on because they are spiteful and think they can legitimize their power by doing whatever pleases them.. The Chairman is an ass period and I sincerely hope the Town by now realizes just how UNMANAGEABLE all of this is for us. We will have to struggle on a continual basis to defend ourselves against this unconciounable group of people and I find it ironic how they call us the bad guys for demonstrating why dissolution is the only solution. This is OUR money they spend so freely and I really wish everyone reading this blog would realize it. They have had their hands in our pockets for so long they think they are entitled to whatever they want and to Hell with the community!

What if all the residents got together and picketed the firehouse complete with signs denouncing the wasteful spending and poor fiduciary oversight of this most incompetent board? I bet News 12 and after a properly placed call CNBC or FOX would pick it up too. Time for another Newsday article. Where is Liz Moore when you need her. Good Luck my friends and God Bless.

[Unregisteredtruth]

The 3 GHFD Commissioners think they can "buy" respectability with the purchase of everything big and fancy.

Respect is something you earn. It cannot be purchased. This is clearly a concept they do not understand.

The Chairman cannot put two sentences together to make a coherent statement--this is just his way of being a sneak and deceiving the community.
The Commissioner knows right from wrong but he insists on going down the wrong path.

What laws will they be breaking this week????? They are on the verge of breaking another law.

[Unregisteredsolame]

[QUOTE=Unregisteredtruth;462777]The 3 GHFD Commissioners think they can "buy" respectability with the purchase of everything big and fancy.

Respect is something you earn. It cannot be purchased. This is clearly a concept they do not understand.

The Chairman cannot put two sentences together to make a coherent statement--this is just his way of being a sneak and deceiving the community.
The Commissioner knows right from wrong but he insists on going down the wrong path.

What laws will they be breaking this week????? They are on the verge of breaking another law.[/QUOTE
It clearly is time to blame the Town - they have been given every green light to end this unsustainable situation and yet it continues. They are either cowards or fools in my opinion.

[Unregisteredsolame]

The 3 GHFD Commissioners think they can "buy" respectability with the purchase of everything big and fancy.

Respect is something you earn. It cannot be purchased. This is clearly a concept they do not understand.

The Chairman cannot put two sentences together to make a coherent statement--this is just his way of being a sneak and deceiving the community.
The Commissioner knows right from wrong but he insists on going down the wrong path.

What laws will they be breaking this week????? They are on the verge of breaking another law.

It clearly is time to blame the Town - they have been given every green light to end this unsustainable situation and yet it continues. They are either cowards or fools in my opinion.

[Unregistered828]

It clearly is time to blame the Town - they have been given every green light to end this unsustainable situation and yet it continues. They are either cowards or fools in my opinion.

Well, where are the firemen? Why aren't they telling their Commissioners' how their relentless, unnecessary and extravagant spending is COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE!!

[additup]

Because some of them in control are part of the " club ". Wonder what an audit would show.

[poorhouse]

Because some of them in control are part of the " club ". Wonder what an audit would show.

This crap has to stop. Everybody vote to dissolve the district. Who can afford this kind of " history " ? Give me a break and get your hand out of my wallet.
Bury this thing and be done already. Crooked. Every last one.

[Unregisteredjustsayno]

Life is Grand or $ 30,000 grand if you live in the GHFD !!
The insensitive, stupid spending continues at the expensive of the GHFD taxpayers !!!

[Unregisteredelection]

This crap has to stop. Everybody vote to dissolve the district. Who can afford this kind of " history " ? Give me a break and get your hand out of my wallet.
Bury this thing and be done already. Crooked. Every last one.

If GH residents voted to dissolve the district, it still will not happen. This is politics on Long Island, and the district will still continue. Its not going to happen. They want their LOSAP pensions to continue.

[UnregisteredSue]

Why is every "wasteful" purchase in GHFD deemed "Public Safety".

I hate to tell the 3 Commissioners who continually vote against the taxpayers, that if we had to wait to hear about an emergency posted in front of the FireHouse, more than 1/2 the community would not see it. ! WHY? Because the majority of the community drives down Wilson and West Barlett to exit GH and not Hawkins Avenue.

Do the 3 stooges realize that we live in an Electronic age where most people get their news from WINS1010, WALK,. Chan 12, Chan 55, ABC, NBC, MSNBC and Fox News?

It would be nice, if just once, that they just admit that they want the TOYS and that is has nothing to do with the residents but with their own personal GREED and EGOS. Perhaps the 15 passenger van can pick us all up when armaggedon hits

[additup]

Why is every "wasteful" purchase in GHFD deemed "Public Safety".

I hate to tell the 3 Commissioners who continually vote against the taxpayers, that if we had to wait to hear about an emergency posted in front of the FireHouse, more than 1/2 the community would not see it. ! WHY? Because the majority of the community drives down Wilson and West Barlett to exit GH and not Hawkins Avenue.

Do the 3 stooges realize that we live in an Electronic age where most people get their news from WINS1010, WALK,. Chan 12, Chan 55, ABC, NBC, MSNBC and Fox News?

It would be nice, if just once, that they just admit that they want the TOYS and that is has nothing to do with the residents but with their own personal GREED and EGOS. Perhaps the 15 passenger van can pick us all up when armaggedon hits
I HATE TO TELL YOU. WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING A PURSE OUT OF A SOW'S EAR IT CAN'T BE DONE. THEY HAVE TO GO.

[ALI BABA]

Ali Baba had nothing on Gordon Heights! Ali Baba also only had 40 theives, Gordon Heights FD seems to have an endless amount.

[Crooks abound]

Ali Baba had nothing on Gordon Heights! Ali Baba also only had 40 theives, Gordon Heights FD seems to have an endless amount.

These guys are all crooks. Every time we replace them with someone new, the new guy/gal does even worse things. It is truly amazing the stuff they spend money on and that they think they can get away with it too.

[Unregisteredwowfinally]

These guys are all crooks. Every time we replace them with someone new, the new guy/gal does even worse things. It is truly amazing the stuff they spend money on and that they think they can get away with it too.
Finally after 6 years of trying to get this covert issue exposed and understood through education, studies, lawyers, etc. the conclusion is what the original petition organizers have been trying to tell everyone from day one.

1. District too small, community not wealthy
2. Fire District leadership adding insult to injury but no matter who gets in we will continue to experience the same financial burden
3. The tiny district should be dissolved FOR THE GOOD OF ALL and restructure delivery of service by cutting it up 1,2, 3 or 4 ways with 4 districts within a few miles.
4. Grants, Cell Towers, Rezoning - all failures
There is this inmature belief that this can continue without consequences. The Fire District Leadership (Brown, Dean & Kelly) are in my opinion responsible and continue to refuse to work with the community or with the Town to eliminate this tax burden on the people and I hope the TOB does its job and recognizes the bondage we are in and that if the so called public servants called Volunteers do not wish to continue to serve their community under a different arrangement than that's their choice but should not allow this OUTRAGEOUS situation to continue to go on. It's bringing the community as a whole down not to mention all the other fire dept. and we don't need that!

[additup]

Finally after 6 years of trying to get this covert issue exposed and understood through education, studies, lawyers, etc. the conclusion is what the original petition organizers have been trying to tell everyone from day one.

1. District too small, community not wealthy
2. Fire District leadership adding insult to injury but no matter who gets in we will continue to experience the same financial burden
3. The tiny district should be dissolved FOR THE GOOD OF ALL and restructure delivery of service by cutting it up 1,2, 3 or 4 ways with 4 districts within a few miles.
4. Grants, Cell Towers, Rezoning - all failures
There is this inmature belief that this can continue without consequences. The Fire District Leadership (Brown, Dean & Kelly) are in my opinion responsible and continue to refuse to work with the community or with the Town to eliminate this tax burden on the people and I hope the TOB does its job and recognizes the bondage we are in and that if the so called public servants called Volunteers do not wish to continue to serve their community under a different arrangement than that's their choice but should not allow this OUTRAGEOUS situation to continue to go on. It's bringing the community as a whole down not to mention all the other fire dept. and we don't need that!

Well said. Well said. I still thing public protest covered by the media would wake some people up. These individuals need to go and at the very least be identified as individuals that are sucking the life and dollars out of a community. The protestors should do it in front of their homes. Nothing illegal about it. Screw them and and take it to the next level. Trust me. They would shit themselves because under the table. They hide behind their position and themselves a a group. They would fold like a cheap umbrella.

[Unregistered828]

Well said. Well said. I still thing public protest covered by the media would wake some people up. These individuals need to go and at the very least be identified as individuals that are sucking the life and dollars out of a community. The protestors should do it in front of their homes. Nothing illegal about it. Screw them and and take it to the next level. Trust me. They would shit themselves because under the table. They hide behind their position and themselves a a group. They would fold like a cheap umbrella.There have been numerous articles written, editorials, news coverage about the GHFD crisis also You Tubes and websites created - GHFD leaders have no shame. Furthermore, I can tell you that residents impacted by these outrageous and unnecessary tax rates have done more than their fair share of outcry and outreach through town hall meetings, fire district meetings, media interviews, elections, thousands of letters and phone calls from town hall to Albany. NOW, It's time for the elected officials to find the common sense to do their job here. This is a no brainer and to continue to drag this on even one more second falls on their shoulders - they have been given every possible mechanism to end this with the most important of them all a mandate from the residents.
Quite frankly, if there is no will or appetite from our town leaders to rectify this situation WE ARE ALL IN BIG TROUBLE!

[Unregistered101]

The end is near

[Unregistered12345]

Tuesday in Gordon Heights a fire broke out in a home on Pinegrove, Two people remained trapped in the house. Thankfully because of the GHFD and a rapid arrival of fire personnel these people were evacuated in time and Two more lives saved. You get what you pay for in life, without the GHFD being on hand by the time another district responded in these Two people would be dead! Go see if they want to sign your petition?

[Unregistered...]

GHFD did a fantastic job with that fire.

Not only did they evacuate the people from the house but they were able to contain the fire to the 1 bedroom, which was totally involved upon arrival.

Great Job GHFD! You guys showed some real balls up there! Some in the community appreciate the sacrifices you men & women make.

[Unregistereddoorknob]

GHFD did a fantastic job with that fire.

Not only did they evacuate the people from the house but they were able to contain the fire to the 1 bedroom, which was totally involved upon arrival.

Great Job GHFD! You guys showed some real balls up there! Some in the community appreciate the sacrifices you men & women make.

I heard that all they had to do was turn the door knob? Great save HAHAHAHA

[Unregistereddoorknob]

GHFD did a fantastic job with that fire.

Not only did they evacuate the people from the house but they were able to contain the fire to the 1 bedroom, which was totally involved upon arrival.

Great Job GHFD! You guys showed some real balls up there! Some in the community appreciate the sacrifices you men & women make.

I heard that all they had to do was turn the door knob? Great save HAHAHAHA

[Unregistered12345]

I heard that all they had to do was turn the door knob? Great save HAHAHAHA

Maybe next time you can come and "Turn the door Knob" untill then shut the fuck up asshole!

[additup]

Tuesday in Gordon Heights a fire broke out in a home on Pinegrove, Two people remained trapped in the house. Thankfully because of the GHFD and a rapid arrival of fire personnel these people were evacuated in time and Two more lives saved. You get what you pay for in life, without the GHFD being on hand by the time another district responded in these Two people would be dead! Go see if they want to sign your petition?

Stop the bullshit. Any Fire Department would have done the same thing. Again it's the halo effect. It just doesn't have to cost a fortune to do it. Either you are a firefighter or an onlooker. Departments in thios country with precious little do a great job every day. You should try being a firefighter instead of a sideline blow hard.

[Unregistereddothemath]

A business cost X amount of dollars to run.

A business generates X amount of dollars to run it.

If the Cost to run it is greater than the sum of money that it generates
is it FEASIBLE to run that business?

The answer is NO !!!!!

[Unregisteredhmmmmm]

Stop the bullshit. Any Fire Department would have done the same thing. Again it's the halo effect. It just doesn't have to cost a fortune to do it. Either you are a firefighter or an onlooker. Departments in thios country with precious little do a great job every day. You should try being a firefighter instead of a sideline blow hard.

Let's face it --It's all about getting the LOSAP pension and the benefits by doing the least amount of work--It's not about the community --if it were they would be glad to compromise.

[UnregisteredNCFD]

http://www.nassaucountyfire.org/proposal.html

[talkingpolitics]

Tuesday in Gordon Heights a fire broke out in a home on Pinegrove, Two people remained trapped in the house. Thankfully because of the GHFD and a rapid arrival of fire personnel these people were evacuated in time and Two more lives saved. You get what you pay for in life, without the GHFD being on hand by the time another district responded in these Two people would be dead! Go see if they want to sign your petition?

Funny, the people who "saved" the occupants were a GHFD PAID First reponder and a SCPD officer..oh by the way the homeowner was arrested for arson

[Unregistered12345]

Funny, the people who "saved" the occupants were a GHFD PAID First reponder and a SCPD officer..oh by the way the homeowner was arrested for arson

And if the GHFD was not there, either would the paid first responder!! Thanks for the support in pointing that out.

[Unregisterednotsofast]

One option being considered by the town is
to allow the GHFD to remain but remove the EMS
portion of their service and consolidate it into one of the surrounding districts;
the Medford Ambulance District, while perhaps giving consideration
of housing an ambulance at the GH fire house.

Lower property taxes without compromising service. What a Concept !

[Unregistered,,,]

One option being considered by the town is
to allow the GHFD to remain but remove the EMS
portion of their service and consolidate it into one of the surrounding districts;
the Medford Ambulance District, while perhaps giving consideration
of housing an ambulance at the GH fire house.

Lower property taxes without compromising service. What a Concept !

Do you really think taking a first responder out & having Medford cover GH would not compromise service? Stupid...

[UnregisteredIQ]

Do you really think taking a first responder out & having Medford cover GH would not compromise service? Stupid...

Hey Stupid-- You are missing the point.

The GH House will stay with the EMS service working from the GH House but under the administration of the Medford Ambulance.

Do you really think the GH EMS service will quit when some of the dedicated members are 10 to 15 years into their LOSAP.

[Unregistered12345]

I love reading these post's when none of you haqve a clue whats going to happen! It's allready been decided and your all wrong!!

[Unregistered54321]

And what is the solution ?

[Unregisteredcurious]

I love reading these post's when none of you haqve a clue whats going to happen! It's allready been decided and your all wrong!!


I didn't realize the Town had made a decision. What is the new plan?

[UnregisteredBS]

The Town, on an election year, has made a decision in regards to the GHFD ? Ok, Let's hear it.

[UnregisteredBS2]

There has been no decision made at the town level yet !!

[pre-planning]

A decision will be made by the end of October just so do nothing Kepert comes out to be the grand saviour to pick up votes! Hey Connie, why not get your Caithness moneywell to kick in money to keep things going! The town is dragging their feet on purpose, but it will bite them in their Jack"asses" in the long run.
As for Medford Ambulance...hmmm they cover GHFD for...a PRICE!! Its called an Ambulance District which means TAXES to keep it running and the Medford residents would have to pay MORE to house an ambulance in GH

[Clowns to the right]

A decision will be made by the end of October just so do nothing Kepert comes out to be the grand saviour to pick up votes! Hey Connie, why not get your Caithness moneywell to kick in money to keep things going! The town is dragging their feet on purpose, but it will bite them in their Jack"asses" in the long run.
As for Medford Ambulance...hmmm they cover GHFD for...a PRICE!! Its called an Ambulance District which means TAXES to keep it running and the Medford residents would have to pay MORE to house an ambulance in GH

The whole joint is crooked. Shut it down already

[UnregisteredJoe]

Apparently, not only does the Prez Lie, but so does Lesko.
What a surprise, they are cut from the same "talk a big game, but do nothing" cloth.

[Unregisteredcompromiser]

Apparently, not only does the Prez Lie, but so does Lesko.
What a surprise, they are cut from the same "talk a big game, but do nothing" cloth.

Personally I believe Connie and Lesko have a Master Plan for the area which will work out well for all involved.

Perhaps they are not sharing this information because the GHFD Commissioners, when asked to be silent on an issue, went about blabbing it with attached major misinformation thus confusing everyone.

For example major misinformation is being spread about the Medford Ambulance District.

For example major misinformation is being spread about a self contained ambulance District.

I am amazed at how much joy a few warped individuals get from lying to the public.

[GHVAC]

When Does Gorden Heights Volunteer Ambulance Open For Business?

[Unregistered828]

When Does Gorden Heights Volunteer Ambulance Open For Business?Profound Question:

Why didn't the GHFD "leadership" do any of this on their own accord? They have forever lost the "trust" of the community by dragging them through 6 years of battle when again they should have recognized the enormous burden their operation was placing on the community. A fire district/dept. was intended to be an asset - not a liability. Shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame on all of you and you know who you are. You think now in the 11th hour you can negotiate your way into some sort of "deal" that will appear on the surface to have some sort of remedy but you will be back to your long standing behavior in no time. You make me sick to my stomach.

[additup]

Profound Question:

Why didn't the GHFD "leadership" do any of this on their own accord? They have forever lost the "trust" of the community by dragging them through 6 years of battle when again they should have recognized the enormous burden their operation was placing on the community. A fire district/dept. was intended to be an asset - not a liability. Shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame on all of you and you know who you are. You think now in the 11th hour you can negotiate your way into some sort of "deal" that will appear on the surface to have some sort of remedy but you will be back to your long standing behavior in no time. You make me sick to my stomach.

Exactly. The incompetent board needs to be dismissed and the operation disbanded. There is no public trust.

[November2012]

Exactly. The incompetent board needs to be dismissed and the operation disbanded. There is no public trust.

yet Councilwoman Kepert is working hard to keep the FD in existense and to cut a deal, but the Gordon heights community will still vote her back in office. Voting for Kepert will maintain the status Quo and your taxes remain unaffected. C'mon wise up and see the devil in the details

[additup]

yet Councilwoman Kepert is working hard to keep the FD in existense and to cut a deal, but the Gordon heights community will still vote her back in office. Voting for Kepert will maintain the status Quo and your taxes remain unaffected. C'mon wise up and see the devil in the details

Then Kepert has to go too. Probably some other underlying issues? Well guess what. Incompetence is incompetence and they all need to go. Yes I agree with you.

[Unregisteredawful]

Then Kepert has to go too. Probably some other underlying issues? Well guess what. Incompetence is incompetence and they all need to go. Yes I agree with you.
Connie Kepert is a DICTATOR Period. She has a VERY STRONG WILL (of her own) and REFUSES to LISTEN to her Constituents. She thinks they are BENEATH her and does not believe they know anything and are completely helpless, therefore she has to be their Mama and direct them. She has a very strange and personal agenda and she is the biggest HYPORCITE I have ever witnessed. She earns like $200,000 a year and cannot possibly relate to the struggling families under the GHFD UNNECESSARY Burden. She also has a tremendous EGO problem, which I know will eventually take her down!!!! Can't wait.

[additup]

Connie Kepert is a DICTATOR Period. She has a VERY STRONG WILL (of her own) and REFUSES to LISTEN to her Constituents. She thinks they are BENEATH her and does not believe they know anything and are completely helpless, therefore she has to be their Mama and direct them. She has a very strange and personal agenda and she is the biggest HYPORCITE I have ever witnessed. She earns like $200,000 a year and cannot possibly relate to the struggling families under the GHFD UNNECESSARY Burden. She also has a tremendous EGO problem, which I know will eventually take her down!!!! Can't wait.

Like I said. Voter her out. The days of those kinds of expensive politics dominated by shallow and narcissistic individuals is over. Give them all the boot.

[UnregisteredHippos]

The members of the GHFD who stomped their feet to keep the status quo are the same ones who have voted to increase the taxes by $800,000 in eight years!!!

[Unregisteredhey]

Did the town make a decision yet ?

[Unregistered:(]

I don't know, Chairman of the Board, you tell me !

One Dead and one almost killed !

How's those Killer Taxes working out for us?

[additup]

I don't know, Chairman of the Board, you tell me !

One Dead and one almost killed !

How's those Killer Taxes working out for us?

Good response. Hey You Gordon Heights Board Members. How much does it cost? Let's be honest. Saving a life is part of the job we signed on for. The cost of the full job good and bad. Well?

[Unregistereddisgraceful]

The Gordon Heights Commissioners (3 of the 5) along with SOME members and a handful of loud mouth obnoxious residents (mostly who reside in the CORAM fire district no less) are holding the residents HOSTAGE to their status quo.

They don't give a rats ass about History, or Safety they are only concerned with having unlimited access to our pockets regardless if the community is falling apart right under their noses. They called the petitioners liars when in fact they are the liars. They called the petitions racist and Uncle Toms (depending what color your skin is) when in fact they are the racist. They are threatening the town with fear tactics and law suits over the potential for life loss when in fact their incompetence is undeniable. Come on folks help the victims in the GHFD who have to put up with ABUSE. The 900 residents of GHFD need to either be split up in 4 sections or put us in another district and make us a substation. Why is this suck a big FUKIN' Deal

[Unregistered$$$$$]

The GHFD 3 out of 5 fire commissioners voted to install an electronic bill board with a price tag @ nearly $ 30,000 while their residents struggle to
stay-a-float in these depressed times. Nationally, African-Americans are losing their homes at record numbers while the homeowners in the GHFD signed petitions to try and save theirs.

Meanwhile, the 3 out of 5 fire district commissions continue on with their insensitive, stupid spending spree.

While the Town fiddles.....

[Unregisteredpiglets]

Spotted at the Gym this week

A couple of GHFD newbies wearing GHFD Rescue shirts with underwear hanging out on top of shorts sans butt crack showing

Hey let's join the FD-we can get free gym membership

Nice going guys

[Unregisteredpiglets]

Spotted at the Gym this week

A couple of GHFD newbies wearing GHFD Rescue shirts with underwear hanging out on top of shorts sans butt crack showing

Hey let's join the FD-we can get free gym membership

Nice going commissioners

[additup]

The GHFD 3 out of 5 fire commissioners voted to install an electronic bill board with a price tag @ nearly $ 30,000 while their residents struggle to
stay-a-float in these depressed times. Nationally, African-Americans are losing their homes at record numbers while the homeowners in the GHFD signed petitions to try and save theirs.

Meanwhile, the 3 out of 5 fire district commissions continue on with their insensitive, stupid spending spree.

While the Town fiddles.....

They would look good in stripes.

[Unregistere14000]

They would look good in stripes.

Have your brought our tax rate down to $32.00 yet?

[Unregistered61]

Connie Kepert has done nothing to solve the real issues in GH.
The community is over-run by sex-offenders, drug addicts and street walkers.

Way to nothing, Connie !

[additup]

Connie Kepert has done nothing to solve the real issues in GH.
The community is over-run by sex-offenders, drug addicts and street walkers.

Way to nothing, Connie !

Everything this group manages turns to shit.

[Unregisteredefable]

Your Chief is a bully. He walks around like a Sultan demanding tribute from the taxpayers for every little thing he wants. He also is a spin master which shows he is not one bit interested in the community but only in maintaining his Chief status.

He is a spendthrift and the three stooges bow down at his feet. What a joke the GHFD is.

[UnregisteredDumpConnie]

In the past 3 days, I have received three mailings from Connie Kepert and each one states "how she doesn't play political games" and "how she fights to keep tax dollars in your pocket".

well, Ms Kepert, you have done nothing for the Taxpayers in the GHFD who pay the highest fire taxes on LI just because those who control the FD are those who VOTE for you. Politics, as usual.

You have done nothing but spend taxpayers dollars on all sorts of studies and reports all under the disguise of "trying to the solve the GHFD tax crisis". When in fact, you have no intention of doing anything but
protect the STATUS QUO.


You are a proven party puppet, who caters only to YOUR voting block with no regard for the rest of the constituents in your district.

How do you sleep at night?

[Additup]

Swing over to the other Gordon Heights thread. MOre Lies over there. Make your comments.

[Unregisteredgofe]

Long Island Progressive Coalition's Government Efficiency Project works to reduce the tax burden through consolidation and elimination of wasteful, dysfunctional special taxing districts. The nation's highest property taxes and abusive local government can become burdens of the past.

The Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC) is a grassroots community-based organization founded in 1979, dedicated to promoting sustainable development, revitalizing local communities, enhancing human dignity, creating effective democracy, and achieving economic, social & racial justice.

I think Gordon Heights Fire District is the posterchild!

[Unregistered11763]

Kudos to Commissioner Owens for standing firm at the GHFD Board Meeting last night and insisting money must be spent prudently.

Repairs to the Firehouse should be top priority. An electronic sign on a residential street that few community members drive on and costing not more than $30,000.00 is not a priority nor is it it a prudent expenditure of money in a Fire District that has the highest fire taxes on Long Island. Excuses for the sign were lame at best.

It's nice to see that you dont embellish to get your point across no matter how minute it is. According to my sources, the sign was at least $10,000.00 less then you suggested. What makes GHFD any different from any other fire department with an electronic sign that keeps their residents abreast of essential information?

[Unregistered11763]

Your Chief is a bully. He walks around like a Sultan demanding tribute from the taxpayers for every little thing he wants. He also is a spin master which shows he is not one bit interested in the community but only in maintaining his Chief status.

He is a spendthrift and the three stooges bow down at his feet. What a joke the GHFD is.

Talk about mud slinging. Bully? Really? It is understood that the Chief of any department wants only for the betterment of his department and community. Let's see... if he didn't maintain his Chief status... There wouldn't be a CHIEF!!

[Unregistered793]

Talk about mud slinging. Bully? Really? It is understood that the Chief of any department wants only for the betterment of his department and community. Let's see... if he didn't maintain his Chief status... There wouldn't be a CHIEF!!

$4,500.00 for white hats is not a necessity.

GHFD is a small district with no potential for growth. YOU MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Your Chief has a spending habit and is unable to control himself.
GHFD is small. Accept it! You will never be able to afford what the big districts have.

[Unregisteredgoforbroke]

It's nice to see that you dont embellish to get your point across no matter how minute it is. According to my sources, the sign was at least $10,000.00 less then you suggested. What makes GHFD any different from any other fire department with an electronic sign that keeps their residents abreast of essential information?
Champagne taste on a beer busting budget. What was wrong with the last sign that did the job for the last 60 years? It's not like you have surplus? You do this stuff to basically say FU to the taxpayers. Any way to rub the bad situation in our faces is pleasure for you and that makes you very sick people. If you haven't noticed the economy is in peril, 10 percent unemployment (higher in minority groups which your frivolous spending impacts the most) Household income down about 10% (again higher for minority groups) and you are so self absorbed (oh and did I mention there is a petition on the Town Board table to dissolve you) that all you're worried about is how and on what you can spend our hard earned dollars next.

That is why you all suck!

[additup]

Champagne taste on a beer busting budget. What was wrong with the last sign that did the job for the last 60 years? It's not like you have surplus? You do this stuff to basically say FU to the taxpayers. Any way to rub the bad situation in our faces is pleasure for you and that makes you very sick people. If you haven't noticed the economy is in peril, 10 percent unemployment (higher in minority groups which your frivolous spending impacts the most) Household income down about 10% (again higher for minority groups) and you are so self absorbed (oh and did I mention there is a petition on the Town Board table to dissolve you) that all you're worried about is how and on what you can spend our hard earned dollars next.

That is why you all suck!

Correct and well said.

[Unregistered11763]

$4,500.00 for white hats is not a necessity.

GHFD is a small district with no potential for growth. YOU MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Your Chief has a spending habit and is unable to control himself.
GHFD is small. Accept it! You will never be able to afford what the big districts have.

The Gordon Heights Fire District continues to grow. Didn't you notice the additions of Fairway Woods and Chelmsford Weald? You must learn to accept that regardless of personal opinion about the GHFD Chief, the Gordon Heights Fire District is far from small. It's not that the GHFD is in competition with the "big districts", they are simply trying to service and maintain an increasing community.

[Unregistered11763]

Champagne taste on a beer busting budget. What was wrong with the last sign that did the job for the last 60 years? It's not like you have surplus? You do this stuff to basically say FU to the taxpayers. Any way to rub the bad situation in our faces is pleasure for you and that makes you very sick people. If you haven't noticed the economy is in peril, 10 percent unemployment (higher in minority groups which your frivolous spending impacts the most) Household income down about 10% (again higher for minority groups) and you are so self absorbed (oh and did I mention there is a petition on the Town Board table to dissolve you) that all you're worried about is how and on what you can spend our hard earned dollars next.

That is why you all suck!

What was right with the sign that they had for the last 60 years? I believe they got their money's worth and then some. Lady, what are you talking about? As a taxpayer, I'm glad to be able to see that my money is being spent for the purpose in which it was designated. If you haven't noticed in the Gordon Heights Fire District African-American people are not the minority. Therefore, you are 110% correct in stating that, "10 percent unemployment (higher in minority groups which your frivolous spending impacts the most) Household income down about 10% (again higher for minority groups)" Accept it... The sign is here. It isn't going anywhere. Moving forward, my question to you is what does that tell you about your petition on the Town Board table to dissolve?

[Unregistered3132]

Correct and well said.

Grow up and Co-sign on something with some substance instead of third grade antic.

[Unregisteredlies]

The Gordon Heights Fire District continues to grow. Didn't you notice the additions of Fairway Woods and Chelmsford Weald? You must learn to accept that regardless of personal opinion about the GHFD Chief, the Gordon Heights Fire District is far from small. It's not that the GHFD is in competition with the "big districts", they are simply trying to service and maintain an increasing community.

They Grew alright! The tax rate was 32 per 100 when the Fairway Woods Development was added to the GHFD taxrolls in 2001 {The Town thought the additional taxbase would reduce the high rate (the average fire district rate in 2001 was approx $13 per 100). The opposite happened: By 2006 (only 5 years later) the taxrate SKYROCKETED and DOUBLED to 65 per 100 costing those residents an average of $2,400 in fire taxes. The GHFD saw some tax base (a whopping 60 homes) and said to themselves "Wahoo" more money for US to spend and raised the budget by about $800,000. Naturally as these folks complained they were insulted on top of their injury by being labeled Racists in an effort to silence the debate.

As for Chelmsford Weald, most of those units (another whopping 30 total) are in the Yapank side and sadly those folks were sold homes labeled "affordable". The ones that sit on the GHFD boundry (like 10) were dupped since the address says Medford, they were decieved on what the property taxes would be when they purchased these homes - the builder was warned by the residents of the disparity, but chose to ignore the truth and went ahead and took part in the deception. Those units falling on the GHFD pay $500 more per year than the Yaphank side because of GHFD.

Fire districts should be an Asset to a community not it's demise. Your chief has major emotional problems and his bias towards white skinned people is obvious. It's unfortunate that tensions from 60 years ago are being blamed on this generation. It's even more unfortunate that the behavior is so destructive that it is causing the community to implode.

[Unregistered11763]

They Grew alright! The tax rate was 32 per 100 when the Fairway Woods Development was added to the GHFD taxrolls in 2001 {The Town thought the additional taxbase would reduce the high rate (the average fire district rate in 2001 was approx $13 per 100). The opposite happened: By 2006 (only 5 years later) the taxrate SKYROCKETED and DOUBLED to 65 per 100 costing those residents an average of $2,400 in fire taxes. The GHFD saw some tax base (a whopping 60 homes) and said to themselves "Wahoo" more money for US to spend and raised the budget by about $800,000. Naturally as these folks complained they were insulted on top of their injury by being labeled Racists in an effort to silence the debate.

As for Chelmsford Weald, most of those units (another whopping 30 total) are in the Yapank side and sadly those folks were sold homes labeled "affordable". The ones that sit on the GHFD boundry (like 10) were dupped since the address says Medford, they were decieved on what the property taxes would be when they purchased these homes - the builder was warned by the residents of the disparity, but chose to ignore the truth and went ahead and took part in the deception. Those units falling on the GHFD pay $500 more per year than the Yaphank side because of GHFD.

Fire districts should be an Asset to a community not it's demise. Your chief has major emotional problems and his bias towards white skinned people is obvious. It's unfortunate that tensions from 60 years ago are being blamed on this generation. It's even more unfortunate that the behavior is so destructive that it is causing the community to implode.

STAY FOCUSED!!!! People are going to pay more on the other side. That's what boundary lines are for to separate the districts. Your problem is that you didnt pick the white side when you purchased your home. It is painfully obvious that your issue is racial with every comment you make. "Your chief has major emotional problems and his bias towards white skinned people is obvious." If you live in the GHFD then he's your Chief. You constantly attempt to discredit this man for personal gain. The Chief remains professional at all times. STAY FOCUSED!!! Is this really about your tax bill? Remember the Public Hearing at the Town? Talk about 60 years ago. Segregation at it's peak. White's Only on the left, everyone else on the right. ABSOLUTELY - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TAXES!!! You're right. The behavior of the petitioners to dissolve the district is causing the community to implode.

[Unregisteredtruth]

STAY FOCUSED!!!! People are going to pay more on the other side. That's what boundary lines are for to separate the districts. Your problem is that you didnt pick the white side when you purchased your home. It is painfully obvious that your issue is racial with every comment you make. "Your chief has major emotional problems and his bias towards white skinned people is obvious." If you live in the GHFD then he's your Chief. You constantly attempt to discredit this man for personal gain. The Chief remains professional at all times. STAY FOCUSED!!! Is this really about your tax bill? Remember the Public Hearing at the Town? Talk about 60 years ago. Segregation at it's peak. White's Only on the left, everyone else on the right. ABSOLUTELY - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TAXES!!! You're right. The behavior of the petitioners to dissolve the district is causing the community to implode.

1st Let's deal with the Hearing. The drum bangers from the Coram side who are non residents in the GHFD came marching in early and grabbed all the seats on the right side of the room plus they saved seats for their friends. So let's end the talk about racial separation. You my dear are the racial separatist who filled all the seats on one side of the room.

The very fact that black people came who have no vested interest in the GHFD other than skin color just proves that YOU ARE THE RACIST GROUP in this issue.

We DID NOT go out and solicit white folks to come and talk on our behalf. We are the pragmatists who realize the issue is not skin color but only HIGH TAXES.

Also here is a thought for your closed minded little head. WE WOULD NOT HAVE MOVED HERE IF WE WERE RACISTS.

You are the one who doesn't want white people living near you not vice versa!!!

As far as the Chief goes I agree he is professional, however he is a spender trying to keep up with other Districts. Spending $4,500.00 for 9 white hats is just ridiculous.

I am not the author of that post but I can tell you I have heard plenty of race based remarks about me from your side of the issue. So face it there are racists on both sides. Those individuals on both sides do not speak for the entire group. Now lets get down to business, put emotions aside and solve the High Fire Tax problem that is causing the community to implode.

One thing you can do is insist that the drum bangers gather a petition and demand to be released from the Coram FIRE District. You know put your money where your mouth is. If you can't get enough signatures on the Coram side to sign the petition then please be gracious enough to keep your big mouths shut.

[Unregistered11763]

1st Let's deal with the Hearing. The drum bangers from the Coram side who are non residents in the GHFD came marching in early and grabbed all the seats on the right side of the room plus they saved seats for their friends. So let's end the talk about racial separation. You my dear are the racial separatist who filled all the seats on one side of the room.

The very fact that black people came who have no vested interest in the GHFD other than skin color just proves that YOU ARE THE RACIST GROUP in this issue.

We DID NOT go out and solicit white folks to come and talk on our behalf. We are the pragmatists who realize the issue is not skin color but only HIGH TAXES.

Also here is a thought for your closed minded little head. WE WOULD NOT HAVE MOVED HERE IF WE WERE RACISTS.

You are the one who doesn't want white people living near you not vice versa!!!

As far as the Chief goes I agree he is professional, however he is a spender trying to keep up with other Districts. Spending $4,500.00 for 9 white hats is just ridiculous.

I am not the author of that post but I can tell you I have heard plenty of race based remarks about me from your side of the issue. So face it there are racists on both sides. Those individuals on both sides do not speak for the entire group. Now lets get down to business, put emotions aside and solve the High Fire Tax problem that is causing the community to implode.

One thing you can do is insist that the drum bangers gather a petition and demand to be released from the Coram FIRE District. You know put your money where your mouth is. If you can't get enough signatures on the Coram side to sign the petition then please be gracious enough to keep your big mouths shut.

1. You and several others continue to post that the Chief of the GHFD is a spendthrift spending $4,500.00 for 9 white hats. That would be $500 per hat. I agree, that would be irrational.Therefore, I did a little research of my own and discovered that a white hat of this nature does not exist for $500. But what I did find at this website - uniformxpress.com/product/chiefs-white-dress-unifor-cap-flames was the "white hat" for a mere $96.00 per hat. Now, I'm not saying that that's what they are going to pay, but it is significantly less than $4,500.00. Where did that $4,500.00 figure originate? Gucci? Maybe, your sources should take better notes and stop adding extra 0's.

2. When you moved here the entrance sign to your private little world clearly states Fairway Woods, Strathmore on the Green and/or Chelmsford Weald. It did not say, beware you are now entering the Gordon Heights Fire Disrict check your tax bill. You had no idea that when you called for an ambulance or fire assistance that the drum beaters would show up at your door and enter your home in attempts to provide service. Quality VOLUNTEER service at that. Has ANYONE from your "side" ever compared the service of the GHFD to any of the "big districts"? Response time? Anything?

3. Finally and most importantly, the economy effects everyone, not just the Gordon Heights Fire District or the residents of Coram side. The residents of the GHFD have been paying these taxes since the establishment of the GHFD. Suddenly, there was a new addition to the GHFD (Fairway Woods) and they requested to be released from the GHFD to the Yaphank Fire District. Apparently, that request was denied generating several petitions placed on the Town Board table causing the community to implode.

[Unregisteredtruth]

1. You and several others continue to post that the Chief of the GHFD is a spendthrift spending $4,500.00 for 9 white hats. That would be $500 per hat. I agree, that would be irrational.Therefore, I did a little research of my own and discovered that a white hat of this nature does not exist for $500. But what I did find at this website - uniformxpress.com/product/chiefs-white-dress-unifor-cap-flames was the "white hat" for a mere $96.00 per hat. Now, I'm not saying that that's what they are going to pay, but it is significantly less than $4,500.00. Where did that $4,500.00 figure originate? Gucci? Maybe, your sources should take better notes and stop adding extra 0's.

2. When you moved here the entrance sign to your private little world clearly states Fairway Woods, Strathmore on the Green and/or Chelmsford Weald. It did not say, beware you are now entering the Gordon Heights Fire Disrict check your tax bill. You had no idea that when you called for an ambulance or fire assistance that the drum beaters would show up at your door and enter your home in attempts to provide service. Quality VOLUNTEER service at that. Has ANYONE from your "side" ever compared the service of the GHFD to any of the "big districts"? Response time? Anything?

3. Finally and most importantly, the economy effects everyone, not just the Gordon Heights Fire District or the residents of Coram side. The residents of the GHFD have been paying these taxes since the establishment of the GHFD. Suddenly, there was a new addition to the GHFD (Fairway Woods) and they requested to be released from the GHFD to the Yaphank Fire District. Apparently, that request was denied generating several petitions placed on the Town Board table causing the community to implode.

Regarding the cost of the hats the amount presented at the Board meeting was $4500.00 and was questioned by several members of the Board. In reality this figure may have been incorrect however the point is the other members of the Board went along with the high cost per hat.

What you need to understand are the dynamics involved . True, the members of the GHFD have been paying these taxes since the establishment of the community however and this is a big however. THE ASSUMPTION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT THE ENTIRE AREA KNOW AS GH WAS PAYING THE SAME AMOUNT. Once it was brought to light that 50% of the homes in GH DO NOT PAY these high taxes the dynamics of the community have changed. This discrepancy was never brought to the attention of the Community by the FD or by the Civic Association

The Community is beginning to implode now because FACTS have been presented that for years were hidden from the residents.

The drum bangers who were walking up and down the aisle at the public hearing acting a cheerleaders DO NOT LIVE IN GH. One lives in the Coram FD and the other lives in the Bellport area.

You are implying that your quality of service is superior to the larger districts. Your arrogance is breathtaking.

[UnregisteredESCI]

ESCI states what the GHFD response times are - longer than the average.

[Unregisteredplease]

1. You and several others continue to post that the Chief of the GHFD is a spendthrift spending $4,500.00 for 9 white hats. That would be $500 per hat. I agree, that would be irrational.Therefore, I did a little research of my own and discovered that a white hat of this nature does not exist for $500. But what I did find at this website - uniformxpress.com/product/chiefs-white-dress-unifor-cap-flames was the "white hat" for a mere $96.00 per hat. Now, I'm not saying that that's what they are going to pay, but it is significantly less than $4,500.00. Where did that $4,500.00 figure originate? Gucci? Maybe, your sources should take better notes and stop adding extra 0's.

2. When you moved here the entrance sign to your private little world clearly states Fairway Woods, Strathmore on the Green and/or Chelmsford Weald. It did not say, beware you are now entering the Gordon Heights Fire Disrict check your tax bill. You had no idea that when you called for an ambulance or fire assistance that the drum beaters would show up at your door and enter your home in attempts to provide service. Quality VOLUNTEER service at that. Has ANYONE from your "side" ever compared the service of the GHFD to any of the "big districts"? Response time? Anything?

3. Finally and most importantly, the economy effects everyone, not just the Gordon Heights Fire District or the residents of Coram side. The residents of the GHFD have been paying these taxes since the establishment of the GHFD. Suddenly, there was a new addition to the GHFD (Fairway Woods) and they requested to be released from the GHFD to the Yaphank Fire District. Apparently, that request was denied generating several petitions placed on the Town Board table causing the community to implode.
Why such focus on 60 Fairway Woods Residents? 1.1 MILLION DOLLARS of the 1.4 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET is being SUCKED OUT of the people from the heart of Gordon Heights year after year which is why this community is the way it is. The GH community has been upset over these inequitable taxes forever, but we didn't think there was anything that could be done until WE discovered the dissolution law that was brought to our attention by our elected officials. The State Comptroller wrote us a letter saying they recommend we move forward with the dissolution effort since there is no other viable path to bring the taxes in line with the rest of the town, county or state residents. Finally, stop with the "i am black and that's why you are doing this" defense. Do you really believe that if your house is on fire or your child is having trouble breathing that it would make a difference what the color skin of the rescue team is? You are either over using the race card unjustly or have deep seated insecurity issues or maybe both.

Seriously, how can you continue to defend this more than obvious injustice.

[Unregistereddeeppockets]

Why such focus on 60 Fairway Woods Residents? 1.1 MILLION DOLLARS of the 1.4 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET is being SUCKED OUT of the people from the heart of Gordon Heights year after year which is why this community is the way it is. The GH community has been upset over these inequitable taxes forever, but we didn't think there was anything that could be done until WE discovered the dissolution law that was brought to our attention by our elected officials. The State Comptroller wrote us a letter saying they recommend we move forward with the dissolution effort since there is no other viable path to bring the taxes in line with the rest of the town, county or state residents. Finally, stop with the "i am black and that's why you are doing this" defense. Do you really believe that if your house is on fire or your child is having trouble breathing that it would make a difference what the color skin of the rescue team is? You are either over using the race card unjustly or have deep seated insecurity issues or maybe both.

Seriously, how can you continue to defend this more than obvious injustice.
I live in Fairway Woods and we knew that we were part of the GHFD for at least 3 years before we filed a petition to dissolve the district in 2006. Why did we file a petition? Because we saw our taxbill skyrocket year after year despite our pleas to the commissioners when they knocked on our doors for support each election who told us our "it was none of our business how our tax dollars were being spent". As for requesting to be released from the district that was Pat Eddington's suggestion who was our Assembly representative at the time - she told us it was politically incorrect to discuss firemen and money in the same sentence so we should say it was a safety concern instead. Fairway has no beef with the GHFD firemen or the fact that their skin color is darker than ours. Our beef is with the insensitive spending that goes on on top of the inadequate taxbase inherent in the original boundry lines of the district we can not afford or feel is unfair when our neighbors are paying 25% of what we pay. We don't want to dissolve the department we never have we simply know that the taxbase is insufficient and always will be to sustain the costs of a "district". We later found out that this Tax Burden was a long standing problem as far back as 1987 when residents of GH filed a petition with the State who told them nothing could be done which was obviously a lie. The truth here is the GHFD power brokers (and you all know who you are) are
A. Exploiting their own people for their personal agenda (money, power and political control) and
B. Using thier most powerful weapon (the distorted Race Card) to keep the solution to this problem at bay. That is why you distract from the problem by focusing on the few outside white families instead of admiting how this issue is destoying (canabalizing) the well being of your "people"

You can blame the white folk in Fairway all you want - we prooved via the petition that the majority of people of GH have their own minds and can think for themselves - we realize now how embarrasing that is to you and how it scares you how it may dilute your voting block power.

Shame on you for the status quo, because you have Kepert and Lesko by their tiny balls. But it ain't over until someone else very powerful in GH says it's over.

[Unregistered64%]

Last night's budget hearing was another example of how GHFD has disgraced the fire service. They booed and used smear tactics to intimidate residents who came to participate and find out how their hard earned tax dollars are being used. They have refused to trim the Installation Dinner per the State Comptroller's recommendation, and continue to spend money like water on non essentials such as a designer lawn sign. This is what is infuriating those of us paying $1,000 - $1,800 more in fire taxes than our neighbors. No respect or willingness to work within the means of the community. There are at least 35 - 50 vacant and boarded up homes in the small 17 block area. Their appetite for spending and feeling like they can compete with larger more tax rich districts far exceeds their concern for their own community who is imploding under the high tax burden. Shame on all of you who took part in this childish and underhanded behavior.

[enough 12345]

Last night's budget hearing was another example of how GHFD has disgraced the fire service. They booed and used smear tactics to intimidate residents who came to participate and find out how their hard earned tax dollars are being used. They have refused to trim the Installation Dinner per the State Comptroller's recommendation, and continue to spend money like water on non essentials such as a designer lawn sign. This is what is infuriating those of us paying $1,000 - $1,800 more in fire taxes than our neighbors. No respect or willingness to work within the means of the community. There are at least 35 - 50 vacant and boarded up homes in the small 17 block area. Their appetite for spending and feeling like they can compete with larger more tax rich districts far exceeds their concern for their own community who is imploding under the high tax burden. Shame on all of you who took part in this childish and underhanded behavior.

Other Long Island Districts raised their budgets by how much? and Gordon Heights raised their budget by how much? Oh yeah they didnt they lowered it! Give them a break allready, at least their trying and without endangering the community.

[Unregisteredlol]

Other Long Island Districts raised their budgets by how much? and Gordon Heights raised their budget by how much? Oh yeah they didnt they lowered it! Give them a break allready, at least their trying and without endangering the community.

Other Districts have raised their budgets with minimal impact on the taxpayers. GHFD still has a tax rate higher than Coram which is the 2nd highest tax in Brookhaven. Let's see supposing Coram went up to $35 we are still at $57.

Use your logic and project the future as I have done. The District is UNSUSTAINABLE because of it's small size.

The primary concern of a FD is SAFETY. The safety can still be maintained with a change in legal status of the GHFD.

[additup]

Other Districts have raised their budgets with minimal impact on the taxpayers. GHFD still has a tax rate higher than Coram which is the 2nd highest tax in Brookhaven. Let's see supposing Coram went up to $35 we are still at $57.

Use your logic and project the future as I have done. The District is UNSUSTAINABLE because of it's small size.

The primary concern of a FD is SAFETY. The safety can still be maintained with a change in legal status of the GHFD.

And cheaper too.....

[G Heights]

The sewer place!

[Unregistered793]

The sewer place!

The GHFD walk around with their eyes wide shut and their brains up their arse

[additup]

The GHFD walk around with their eyes wide shut and their brains up their arse

What brains. All they have is arrogance.

[Unregistereddeepockets]

Keep the stupid spending up Dean - your community is disgracefully poor and you just keep pissing their money away - shame on you!

Too bad you don't tell the truth when you knock on the doors to ask for re-election and you ask them to support you solely based on the color of your skin (and whose the racist?)

Too bad you're lying and telling the folks their fire department will be shut down and no one will answer them in time of need if they don't vote for you.

Too bad you tell them the GHFD tax crisis is merely a race based motivation and you either forget or completely disregard the tax abuse you have allowed to go on under your watch.

But heck, Happy Thanksgiving anyway. Jesus tells me to pray for the enemy.

[TOBEXC87]

Keep the stupid spending up Dean - your community is disgracefully poor and you just keep pissing their money away - shame on you!

Too bad you don't tell the truth when you knock on the doors to ask for re-election and you ask them to support you solely based on the color of your skin (and whose the racist?)

Too bad you're lying and telling the folks their fire department will be shut down and no one will answer them in time of need if they don't vote for you.

Too bad you tell them the GHFD tax crisis is merely a race based motivation and you either forget or completely disregard the tax abuse you have allowed to go on under your watch.

But heck, Happy Thanksgiving anyway. Jesus tells me to pray for the enemy.

I see they are on the list in Newsday today, it seems they did not do the right thing with the state. Again they make the Fire Service look bad!!

[Unregisteredstate?]

what did they do to make the fire service look bad?

[Unregistered37580]

what did they do to make the fire service look bad?

Nothing instead of reporting their budget increase of no more then 2% they lowered the budget by around 130,000.00

What were they thinking!

[Unregistered828]

Nothing instead of reporting their budget increase of no more then 2% they lowered the budget by around 130,000.00

What were they thinking!

First of all, they don't "think" so let's start with that.

Second, they didn't willingly lower the budget, it was lowered due to the satisfaction of a loan so the debt has been satisfied and that payment is no longer in the budget.

Finally, if "we the people" didn't put up a fight, I guarantee you that budget would be like 2 million by now producing fire taxes of $2,000 per family.

When are you and every one else going to realize a too low tax base (900 families) CANNOT SUSTAIN the cost of a district?

I know for a fact that our tax rate will remain at approx. $60 per $100 ($1,380.00 average per family) compared to the Long Island average which is $17 per $100 ($400.00) per family - BIG AND UNFAIR DIFFERENCE - SO PLEASE STOP THE SPIN

[ff3216]

what did they do to make the fire service look bad?

Between their tax rate, not reporting their budget to the state and trying to make everything a race issue. I saw a list from the state that they do not do their fire reporting to the state either, that means they can not get any grants from the Feds. Is that enought!! They make us all look bad.

[Unregisteredtax cap]

Is this the best you guys can do? State reports? Budget reporting? Give me a break already with the BS. You guys make all of us look bad with your petty nonsense. I guess Gordon Heights was the only Fire Department on the list too? NOT! What happen? You have 2 of your own on the Board of Fire Commissioners Rosalie Hansen's husband, Alex Hansen and Fairway Woods Maryann Owens. They make you guys look bad with the lack of knowledge and concern for our SAFETY. Now you want to bring to the table JOYCE BOURNE? You guys must be real desperate. A vote for Joyce Bourne is a vote for NO EXPERIENCE, NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY and NO FIRE HOUSE. TAXES? THIS IS NOT ABOUT TAXES!

[Unregistered3691]

Is this the best you guys can do? State reports? Budget reporting? Give me a break already with the BS. You guys make all of us look bad with your petty nonsense. I guess Gordon Heights was the only Fire Department on the list too? NOT! What happen? You have 2 of your own on the Board of Fire Commissioners Rosalie Hansen's husband, Alex Hansen and Fairway Woods Maryann Owens. They make you guys look bad with the lack of knowledge and concern for our SAFETY. Now you want to bring to the table JOYCE BOURNE? You guys must be real desperate. A vote for Joyce Bourne is a vote for NO EXPERIENCE, NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY and NO FIRE HOUSE. TAXES? THIS IS NOT ABOUT TAXES!

Running a Fire District IS all about budgets, reporting and for your information THESE ARE NOT BS ISSUES. A District is about TAXES and FINANCES.

Where the #$%#@ are your brains??

In order to run a District you need someone with intelligence. INTELLIGENCE and ABILITY TO BE TOUGH WITH CONTRACTORS is of primary importance. JOYCE has proven she has the experience to do just this.

For you the District seems to be about some ego trip masquerading as safety.

Maryanne and Alex have never voted against safety. Do your homework, check the Board minutes and then come back with documentation to support your allegations.

You and your stupidity are what make the District look bad. You have been told over and over again by one expert after expert that the Community cannot move forward if the fire taxes are not on parity with the surrounding areas.

You are guilty of keeping the community the Community's image in a negative tone by refusing to tackle the tax issue.

Connie has done everything for you and you still make a mockery of her Vision.

You are pathetic!!!!

[Unregistered37580]

Running a Fire District IS all about budgets, reporting and for your information THESE ARE NOT BS ISSUES. A District is about TAXES and FINANCES.

Where the #$%#@ are your brains??

In order to run a District you need someone with intelligence. INTELLIGENCE and ABILITY TO BE TOUGH WITH CONTRACTORS is of primary importance. JOYCE has proven she has the experience to do just this.

For you the District seems to be about some ego trip masquerading as safety.

Maryanne and Alex have never voted against safety. Do your homework, check the Board minutes and then come back with documentation to support your allegations.

You and your stupidity are what make the District look bad. You have been told over and over again by one expert after expert that the Community cannot move forward if the fire taxes are not on parity with the surrounding areas.

You are guilty of keeping the community the Community's image in a negative tone by refusing to tackle the tax issue.

Connie has done everything for you and you still make a mockery of her Vision.

You are pathetic!!!!

Here's a thought for you if your so unhappy here MOVE!!. Yes the taxes are high but in life you get what you pay for! Yes the experts all say the taxes are high and they say response times will all go up, and they cannot guarantee taxes will be lowered. Oh and lets not forget all the other tax concessions you get for all the stigmatisims you indur!!!!!!!! So untill you have a real idea to help without risking public saftey. SHUT UP!

[Unregisteredhey]

One dead on Wilson Ave
One dead in front of the GH kids park
One dead on Granny Rd in front of the Granny Rd park....

... the community continues to crumble under the weight of the killer fire taxes all the while that the GHFD is out of the district 30% of the time on GHFD taxpayers dime.

[Unregistered++]

One dead on Wilson Ave
One dead in front of the GH kids park
One dead on Granny Rd in front of the Granny Rd park....

... the community continues to crumble under the weight of the killer fire taxes all the while that the GHFD is out of the district 30% of the time on GHFD taxpayers dime.

During acts of violence often people are hurt and sometimes they die that happens in every community it has nothing to do with fire taxes.

[Unregistered828]

During acts of violence often people are hurt and sometimes they die that happens in every community it has nothing to do with fire taxes.

It certainly does especially when you put signs up all over the community asking people what their lives are worth? You give the impression that paying these enormously high taxes are the difference between life and death when in fact we are subjected to the same volunteer based service if not worse than those paying thousands of dollars less. Than again why would I expect better from you who lie, cheat, and contort the facts so you can continue the exploitation of the taxpayers - the majority who are poor and black.

[Unregistered++]

It certainly does especially when you put signs up all over the community asking people what their lives are worth? You give the impression that paying these enormously high taxes are the difference between life and death when in fact we are subjected to the same volunteer based service if not worse than those paying thousands of dollars less. Than again why would I expect better from you who lie, cheat, and contort the facts so you can continue the exploitation of the taxpayers - the majority who are poor and black.

Really check the facts you ignorant Jackass look at the study GHFD disolved response times go up 48%,get off you high horse allready!!!!!!!!!!!

[UnregisteredOMG]

Really check the facts you ignorant Jackass look at the study GHFD disolved response times go up 48%,get off you high horse allready!!!!!!!!!!!

It's very difficult dealing with someone as ignorant and hateful as you but here we go again. Now just calm down and put your brain in gear. Read the entire ESCI report for yourself and stop allowing yourself to be manipulated and allowing other to make you talk and act like an ignorant fool!

You are distorting a very small portion of the ESCI report and taking the comment out of context.

The ESCI report offered multiply scenarios, which is what is expected if the report is to be thorough.

The comment you are quoting is for a hypothetical situation in which the firehouse were closed down. This was not a preferred option. This is not even on the table.

Again you lie, distort and manipulate statements out of context to spread fear throughout the community.

The preferred option is to keep the firehouse open as a sub-station and in that case THE RESPONSE TIMES WOULD BE THE SAME.

The District has nothing to do with safety. The safety comes from the location of the building

[Unregistered++]

It's very difficult dealing with someone as ignorant and hateful as you but here we go again. Now just calm down and put your brain in gear. Read the entire ESCI report for yourself and stop allowing yourself to be manipulated and allowing other to make you talk and act like an ignorant fool!

You are distorting a very small portion of the ESCI report and taking the comment out of context.

The ESCI report offered multiply scenarios, which is what is expected if the report is to be thorough.

The comment you are quoting is for a hypothetical situation in which the firehouse were closed down. This was not a preferred option. This is not even on the table.

Again you lie, distort and manipulate statements out of context to spread fear throughout the community.

The preferred option is to keep the firehouse open as a sub-station and in that case THE RESPONSE TIMES WOULD BE THE SAME.

The District has nothing to do with safety. The safety comes from the location of the building

You really just don't get it! The only thing I hate is your ignorance. No District. No Department, No Building. The building is owned by the District, if you disolve the District all of it's assest's are sold off. If another entity of whatever kind has to buy the building that cost's money and operating it costs money AKA taxes so how do you fiqure the taxes are going down? Wait don't answer I allready know your answer another larger surrounding District right? The only problem is then they have to pay for it, that means an adjustment to their current budget and theres the start of your problem. The current taxpayers of that District are not going to vote to take on Gordon heights and have their taxes go up reguardless of how little it may be. So once again come up with a real plan and the we'll talk untill then get used to it

[Unregisteredhey]

There are two viable solutions sitting on the table at the town
both keep the fire dept and/or district plus the firefighters and both options lower the taxes.

[Unregistered++]

There are two viable solutions sitting on the table at the town
both keep the fire dept and/or district plus the firefighters and both options lower the taxes.

Then if thats true. What are we waiting for?

[Unregisteredhey]

wink

[Unregistered=]

There are two viable solutions sitting on the table at the town
both keep the fire dept and/or district plus the firefighters and both options lower the taxes.

there are NOT 2 viable solutions the lawyers said it's not possible and illegal

[Unregistered++]

There are two viable solutions sitting on the table at the town
both keep the fire dept and/or district plus the firefighters and both options lower the taxes.

Oh wait I remember we are waiting for you to come back from FANTASY LAND!
If this were true and by the way it's NOT it would have been done allready. You are like a typical politician. You want to go around telling people what you think they want tp hear, make up whatevers needed to sound good...but never say how to accompllish anything.! Because you have no clue, you can throwout anykind of bullshit you want. The bottom line is the PUBLIC's SAFETY!!!!!!!

[Unregisteredhey]

Wink Wink.

[thetruth864]

its sad no one want wants to take over GH fire districted i think yaphank is going to end up taking over the fire part there taxes are going up and medford and coram will share the ems part medford ems i wouldint really want helping me lol
long island is out of controll thats the problem these dept have enough money to buy beer and have all this other crap but dont have enough radio for every memeber getting on the truck

[UnregisteredCoram]

its sad no one want wants to take over GH fire districted i think yaphank is going to end up taking over the fire part there taxes are going up and medford and coram will share the ems part medford ems i wouldint really want helping me lol
long island is out of controll thats the problem these dept have enough money to buy beer and have all this other crap but dont have enough radio for every memeber getting on the truck

Dont wait on Coram we already know how they feel about people who are not of the master race. Just ask the four ex chiefs who stood up for a member at the installation dinner.

[Unregisteredwhogivesashit]

Shut the fuck up about GHFD, you all sound like a bunch of uneducated assholes. Like what you say is true and you have all the answers or no whats going to happen. Your better off stuffing your head up your own ass because your clueless. For me, I don't give a shit because no matter who takes it over we will still pay high fire taxes but not as high if we had a paid fire service. Do me a favor, go grab a tissue and please wipe your vagina, its leaking all over the place!!!!

[Unregisteredhey]

such language.

[Unregistered828]

This is just all so childish! The rethoric, twisting the truth and poor behavior is getting old.

Of course those few individuals in GHFD want status quo - they are so comfortable with the way things were/are they will do and say anything to keep it going.

They wouldn't dream of working or cooperating with the Town or the other districts for the good of the people, because it's all about "them" masquerading their self centered interests under the pretense of safety.

[Unregistereddeepockets]

Shut the fuck up about GHFD, you all sound like a bunch of uneducated assholes. Like what you say is true and you have all the answers or no whats going to happen. Your better off stuffing your head up your own ass because your clueless. For me, I don't give a shit because no matter who takes it over we will still pay high fire taxes but not as high if we had a paid fire service. Do me a favor, go grab a tissue and please wipe your vagina, its leaking all over the place!!!!

And what if we are taken over and the taxes are reduced to be in line with the other Brookhaven fire districts?

And what if the service levels are equal (if not better)?

Then what will you say?

P.S. your language is vile.

[fire123]

You taxes won't go down that much at all. If it was that easy, things would of been done already and change would happen all over the island. Honestly, its a fact its still cheaper for the service you have now then it would be for a paid fire service. Not sure what the fire tax is GH, (1300) a year, how much would it be??? Any answers???

[Unregistered828]

You taxes won't go down that much at all. If it was that easy, things would of been done already and change would happen all over the island. Honestly, its a fact its still cheaper for the service you have now then it would be for a paid fire service. Not sure what the fire tax is GH, (1300) a year, how much would it be??? Any answers???

That's not the reason it hasn't been solved yet. Trust me. And let's put it another way.
The houses in the GHFD pay twice for VOLUNTEER fire service than PAID Police, so you can't scare us with a paid fire service. We are the only district that is off the charts which is why is has to go.

[Unregistered8732]

That's not the reason it hasn't been solved yet. Trust me. And let's put it another way.
The houses in the GHFD pay twice for VOLUNTEER fire service than PAID Police, so you can't scare us with a paid fire service. We are the only district that is off the charts which is why is has to go.

Just because you and your people couldn't come up with a solution doesn't mean there isn't one. You have 2 on the board now what are their ideas to lower the taxes and keep the fire district? Maybe you didn't look in the right place. And what do you mean it has to go? Go where?? I thought you were for keeping the fire house open? If the fire district goes then so does the fire department that's what the attorney read at Town Hall from the law. Not his opinion but the LAW.

[Unregisteredout to lunch]

Just because you and your people couldn't come up with a solution doesn't mean there isn't one. You have 2 on the board now what are their ideas to lower the taxes and keep the fire district? Maybe you didn't look in the right place. And what do you mean it has to go? Go where?? I thought you were for keeping the fire house open? If the fire district goes then so does the fire department that's what the attorney read at Town Hall from the law. Not his opinion but the LAW.

You didn't listen carefully at the Town but I am sick of trying to educate you.

You have a very bad habit of taking sentences out of context and spinning them into a fantasy.

[Unregistered828]

Just because you and your people couldn't come up with a solution doesn't mean there isn't one. You have 2 on the board now what are their ideas to lower the taxes and keep the fire district? Maybe you didn't look in the right place. And what do you mean it has to go? Go where?? I thought you were for keeping the fire house open? If the fire district goes then so does the fire department that's what the attorney read at Town Hall from the law. Not his opinion but the LAW.

Oh, is that why your candidate stood on the Deli corner screaming at people to come out and vote based on your lie of the firehouse being shut down? The department existed before the district was created. They are not one in the same. If the men quit that is there decision, but no one is asking them to. The District has to go because it is unsustainable and tearning apart the community like the parasite does to a host. The department CAN remain in tact if you had better leadership and I hope the men rise above the politics and do what is right in their heart.

Truth is people like you are in for yourselves and not for service of the community like the Volunteer Fire Service was designed to do. What difference does a "district" title make??? You will always be "The Gordon Heights Fire Department"

[JV13]

That's not the reason it hasn't been solved yet. Trust me. And let's put it another way.
The houses in the GHFD pay twice for VOLUNTEER fire service than PAID Police, so you can't scare us with a paid fire service. We are the only district that is off the charts which is why is has to go.

It's a fact that to have a paid fire service cost a lot more than the police services. Just look at the equipment used and all the NFPA standards and what fire departments are told to have by the government. Not scaring you off, there was a studying done by an independent firm and they compared a paid fire service in Suffolk county, NY to Fairfax county, Virginia because of the same demographics and census results and what they found was the average tax burden for all tax payers in Suffolk county from the east to the west border would cost an average of $1800-2000 a year per household. This was even public up until they took it off the internet. I have been trying to find it and I even printed it out when I first saw it but after I moved, i can not find it. It was 300 pages I believe. See in Fairfax County they still have 12 volunteer departments but they are manned by paid Fairfax County Firefighters and the county leases those 12 departments equipment and buildings. Personally I think we pay way to much in taxes in everything on Long Island. Tell you one thing though, I would no want any delay in emergency responses.

[Unregistereddeepockets]

It's a fact that to have a paid fire service cost a lot more than the police services. Just look at the equipment used and all the NFPA standards and what fire departments are told to have by the government. Not scaring you off, there was a studying done by an independent firm and they compared a paid fire service in Suffolk county, NY to Fairfax county, Virginia because of the same demographics and census results and what they found was the average tax burden for all tax payers in Suffolk county from the east to the west border would cost an average of $1800-2000 a year per household. This was even public up until they took it off the internet. I have been trying to find it and I even printed it out when I first saw it but after I moved, i can not find it. It was 300 pages I believe. See in Fairfax County they still have 12 volunteer departments but they are manned by paid Fairfax County Firefighters and the county leases those 12 departments equipment and buildings. Personally I think we pay way to much in taxes in everything on Long Island. Tell you one thing though, I would no want any delay in emergency responses.I am not advocating that we turn Long Island into a paid service because as you said the average firetax with the exception of GORDON HEIGHTS is about $400. However, I am in the GORDON HEIGHTS FIRE DISTRICT and I pay $2,300.00
This is the DISPARITY that we are fighting and intend on restructuring. There is NO REASON we should be paying so much more than everyone else. As for response times - I know too much to know that it depends on many circumstances such as: Time of Day, If your need arises at the same time as someone else's etc. Even though I appreciate the help, if you have a fire on Long Island, it's best you and your family get yourselves out because the fire department may arrive to put your neighbors' house out and perhaps supress your house from burning completely, but the inherent lag time (men need to arrive at the station, get dressed, wait for a second person, etc.) won't necessarily save human life. As for ambulance service, here again it depends on the call volume and in Gordon Heights they have a habit of going OUTSIDE our boudaries and assisting other districts which means our PAID personnel are not within great response distance 30% of the time which is not fair. We are paying top dollar and others are benefiting. Not cool! More of a reason why it makes sense to dissolve the "District" and make it a substation

[JV13]

Yeah if that's true with GH residents paying 2300 a year then WOW!!!! Last I heard it was 1300 but things change. Good Luck!!!

[allhands]

Yeah if that's true with GH residents paying 2300 a year then WOW!!!! Last I heard it was 1300 but things change. Good Luck!!!

The problem is with no commercial base and only 800 homes in the district its simple math that the residents will be paying the highest taxes in Suffolk County. That's the problem with this state, we pay to much taxes for everything. The question is how much will the taxes go down if some other district takes them over? Must say though, shut the district down watch out for your insurance premiums because of response time if nobody takes them over. If it was that easy, I think this would of happened a while ago.

[Unregisteredresearch]

The problem is with no commercial base and only 800 homes in the district its simple math that the residents will be paying the highest taxes in Suffolk County. That's the problem with this state, we pay to much taxes for everything. The question is how much will the taxes go down if some other district takes them over? Must say though, shut the district down watch out for your insurance premiums because of response time if nobody takes them over. If it was that easy, I think this would of happened a while ago.

Gordon Heights is very small and within the mileage limits for insurance purposes of other fire houses . Your homeowners rates will remain the same.

Check it out. We did.

[UnregisteredHey]

1. The average is $ 1500 not $ 1300 based on NYS Comptroller report.
with some people paying well over $ 2000 just in fire taxes alone.

2. The Town came up with the ideal solution to save the District and lower the taxes but the majority of the commissioners voted NO ! They want Status Quo. Which is to keep the Killer Fire Taxes.

3. GHFD is out of the district 30% of time servicing other fire districts on GH taxpayers dime.

4. The Flyer about the petition being to shut down the fire house. that misinformation has been circulated since 2006. The petition is to dissolve the district. Two different things. Please speak the truth.

5. The bullet point in the flyer about LIVES WILL BE LOST. How can anyone make such a statement. Under the GHFD watch, lives have been lost. I am not blaming them, it's just a fact of life. There is only one GOD and he determines who lives and dies. Not the GHFD.

6. I hope that your candidate didn't use taxpayers to print his flyers, the way he did when he voted to spend $ 1000 of taxpayers dollars to buy another commissioner a BRACELET from Rocky Point Jeweler.

[Unregistered8732]

1. The average is $ 1500 not $ 1300 based on NYS Comptroller report.
with some people paying well over $ 2000 just in fire taxes alone.

2. The Town came up with the ideal solution to save the District and lower the taxes but the majority of the commissioners voted NO ! They want Status Quo. Which is to keep the Killer Fire Taxes.

3. GHFD is out of the district 30% of time servicing other fire districts on GH taxpayers dime.

4. The Flyer about the petition being to shut down the fire house. that misinformation has been circulated since 2006. The petition is to dissolve the district. Two different things. Please speak the truth.

5. The bullet point in the flyer about LIVES WILL BE LOST. How can anyone make such a statement. Under the GHFD watch, lives have been lost. I am not blaming them, it's just a fact of life. There is only one GOD and he determines who lives and dies. Not the GHFD.

6. I hope that your candidate didn't use taxpayers to print his flyers, the way he did when he voted to spend $ 1000 of taxpayers dollars to buy another commissioner a BRACELET from Rocky Point Jeweler.

If your petition is to dissolve the district, and that IS what it's for, then the fire department is dissolved along with the fire district. They are no longer separate and have been one agency for over 60 years. The fire DEPARTMENT is a division (for simplicity) of the fire DISTRICT. The fire district is responsible for and controls everything the fire department does. I'm sure Herb explained all this to you and Sabatino. Your A.D.D. might have kicked in at that point.

No fire department means increase response times = people will die!! It puts your family at risk and everyone in the community.

If GHFD is outside of their district 30% of the time (according to you) then who will answer those alarms if GHFD isn't there to help out plus the alarms within GH?

YOUR plan puts the community at RISK and people will DIE.

Besides...what experience can Joyce Bourne bring to the table?

What has the 2 tea party commissioners done to lower taxes in the past 2 years since they have been in office?

[Unregisteredjustasking]

When a NYC fireman ran for office a few yrs ago you ran HW
who's only experience was to buy a truck that was shiny red and chrome plated ! isn't that when you purchased that lemon?

and You thought she did such an awesome job you wanted to reward her with a $ 1000 shiny bracelet. !

[Unregisteredgofe]

If your petition is to dissolve the district, and that IS what it's for, then the fire department is dissolved along with the fire district. They are no longer separate and have been one agency for over 60 years. The fire DEPARTMENT is a division (for simplicity) of the fire DISTRICT. The fire district is responsible for and controls everything the fire department does. I'm sure Herb explained all this to you and Sabatino. Your A.D.D. might have kicked in at that point.

No fire department means increase response times = people will die!! It puts your family at risk and everyone in the community.

If GHFD is outside of their district 30% of the time (according to you) then who will answer those alarms if GHFD isn't there to help out plus the alarms within GH?

YOUR plan puts the community at RISK and people will DIE.

Besides...what experience can Joyce Bourne bring to the table?

What has the 2 tea party commissioners done to lower taxes in the past 2 years since they have been in office?

The Fire District Dissolution law has been on the books since 1936. Are you questioning the sanity of this law? Obviously our forefathers had enough sense to give people like us (GHFD taxpayers) an exist strategy to this nightmare. The GH fire department existed for several years (1948) before the TOB formed a taxing district in 1951. Check the Longwood Alliance History records - it's in there.
The truth is you don't want to serve if the cookie jar isn't in your hands any longer. It's appauling that you would tell residents "they will die". You will do anything for your love of money and power. I really don't know what is worse, your deep ignorance or your defiant arrogance.

[Unregistered828]

Why are Coram Fire District Residents trying to interfere in the GHFD Election?

When are you going to sell your houses and move in the GHFD and help pay them taxes or PETITION the town to have you removed from Coran and added to our tax base since you have so much to say?

i really think you should mind your own business!

[klooliss]

The Fire District Dissolution law has been on the books since 1936. Are you questioning the sanity of this law? Obviously our forefathers had enough sense to give people like us (GHFD taxpayers) an exist strategy to this nightmare. The GH fire department existed for several years (1948) before the TOB formed a taxing district in 1951. Check the Longwood Alliance History records - it's in there.
The truth is you don't want to serve if the cookie jar isn't in your hands any longer. It's appauling that you would tell residents "they will die". You will do anything for your love of money and power. I really don't know what is worse, your deep ignorance or your defiant arrogance.

You know what's worse? Your spelling and grammar. Worser than anything.

[Unregistered828]

The Fire District Dissolution law has been on the books since 1936. Are you questioning the sanity of this law? Obviously our forefathers had enough sense to give people like us (GHFD taxpayers) an exist strategy to this nightmare. The GH fire department existed for several years (1948) before the TOB formed a taxing district in 1951. Check the Longwood Alliance History records - it's in there.
The truth is you don't want to serve if the cookie jar isn't in your hands any longer. It's appauling that you would tell residents "they will die". You will do anything for your love of money and power. I really don't know what is worse, your deep ignorance or your defiant arrogance.

There is no plan to shut down the fire house. How low can you go - telling people such lies? Is power and money that important to you that you would spread this type of mis-information to the community? Many folks don't know the diffence between a fire department and a fire district and you are taking advantage of that. But why am I surprised - you've been taking advantage of them all along.

[UnregisteredCoram]

why are people from the Coram side of GH, who don't pay the killer fire taxes, out on the street screaming to vote for Mr. Dean?

[UnregisteredCoram]

Coram Residents absolutely have a stake here.

If GHFD is dissolved & some, (if not most) is absorbed by Coram, our taxes will go up. Sorry you're in the situation you're in but I'm doing my best to go out to the residents of Coram & spread the word of what will happen if they dissolve. It's all about numbers. The number of registered voters in Coram far outnumber the number of registered voters in the Heights. If our taxes go up, the powers that be in Brookhaven will feel it come election time. If your taxes go up, or even stay the same, they won't even notice.

DISSOLUTION IS NOT THE ANSWER! :)

[Additup]

Coram Residents absolutely have a stake here.

If GHFD is dissolved & some, (if not most) is absorbed by Coram, our taxes will go up. Sorry you're in the situation you're in but I'm doing my best to go out to the residents of Coram & spread the word of what will happen if they dissolve. It's all about numbers. The number of registered voters in Coram far outnumber the number of registered voters in the Heights. If our taxes go up, the powers that be in Brookhaven will feel it come election time. If your taxes go up, or even stay the same, they won't even notice.

DISSOLUTION IS NOT THE ANSWER! :)

Go back and do the math again. If done right you shouldn't feel it. GHFD residents could pay the same rate as Coram. The Coram district would probably be able to take over some of the equipment and facilities in the heights once the existing board settles their indebtedness. Think about it and ask to see the balance sheet. Just a thought. Stay safe.

[Unregisteredbigmouth]

Coram Residents absolutely have a stake here.

If GHFD is dissolved & some, (if not most) is absorbed by Coram, our taxes will go up. Sorry you're in the situation you're in but I'm doing my best to go out to the residents of Coram & spread the word of what will happen if they dissolve. It's all about numbers. The number of registered voters in Coram far outnumber the number of registered voters in the Heights. If our taxes go up, the powers that be in Brookhaven will feel it come election time. If your taxes go up, or even stay the same, they won't even notice.

DISSOLUTION IS NOT THE ANSWER! :)
BUY ANOTHER AMBULANCE AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN RESIDENTS

Your District is so big you won't even notice the tax increase

Your taxi is about to get sold

[Unregisteredcoram]

They have published on several occasions the $ increase for each District that takes on the Heights.

Although you're not talking about double diget % increases, the residents of Coram will see an increase. The Fire Tax in Coram has gone down by 2-3% every year over the last 4 years & when the firehouse is paid off, it will go down even more. There is no benefit to Coram to take on the Heights, none. It only hurts us, the taxpayers.

Sorry Heights, I feel your paid, I really do. But, I'm not in a position to take on more tax burden because you're in a bad situation. I will do my best to see that doesn't happen. You speak of majority rules, I agree with that 100%. There is a much bigger voter base in the Hamlet of Coram than in the Heights. I really hope the Town & County pay attention to who puts them in office!

[Unregisterednocoram]

GHFD will not merge with Coram, so don't worry about it.

[Unregisteredcoram]

GHFD will not merge with Coram, so don't worry about it.

They won't merge, but Coram, along with the other surrounding districts, will absorb the District. No good for any of us!

We pay taxes, we vote. We WILL be HEARD!

[Unregisteredcomm]

They won't merge, but Coram, along with the other surrounding districts, will absorb the District. No good for any of us!

We pay taxes, we vote. We WILL be HEARD!

You dont want Coram involved in any part of your district as we all know how the commissioners feel about people other than the whites. Says it all on the front of the new ladder only Irish allowed Ask the four ex chiefs and you will get an ear full.

[GHFD the truth]

GHFD have continued with this constant comment that one of the surrounding districts will take over. The only probelm it is not true. The surrounding districts cannot be forced to take over GHFD. If they want to bid on it they can. They can bid whatever they want. The cost can be more or less than what is currently charged.

[Unregisteredquestion]

Election Signs Torn Down.
Election Signs Ripped Up.
Can voter fraud be next?
Not like it hasn't happened before.
Just looking at the history,will it be repeated?
Stay tuned.

[Unregisteredsigns]

Election Signs Torn Down.
Election Signs Ripped Up.
Can voter fraud be next?
Not like it hasn't happened before.
Just looking at the history,will it be repeated?
Stay tuned.

Did you know that all signs whether they are political, fire related, buisness must have a permit number on them from the town. Maybe Connie had them taken down or maybe they were blockinging somebodys line of sight.Stop the madness and give up and close that money pit

[Unregistered:signs]

Did you know that all signs whether they are political, fire related, buisness must have a permit number on them from the town. Maybe Connie had them taken down or maybe they were blockinging somebodys line of sight.Stop the madness and give up and close that money pit

Shut 'er down and end the madness !!!

[Unregistered98765]

Dean Wins!!!!!!!! I guess we really know how the majority feels!

[deanwon]

Yeah dean wins! And guess what! That one vote dose hurt the most you can goto who ever you want no one can help you! Face it the people has spoken.

[UnregisteredEnglish]

I hope that the families of the people who have died under Dean's watch,
will sue the fire district.

Apparently, if you pay $ 1500 in fire taxes you are guaranteed to live.

Someone should tell Pinto's daughter. Because she died under Dean's Watch.

As I hear it, Medford Ambulance was on the scene before GH.

I'm sure the 24/7 paid ambulance guy was out on another call. Yeah, Right. Probably visiting his gf on the next block over. Or least that is the latest GH rumor.

[Just 1]

I hope that the families of the people who have died under Dean's watch,
will sue the fire district.

Apparently, if you pay $ 1500 in fire taxes you are guaranteed to live.

Someone should tell Pinto's daughter. Because she died under Dean's Watch.

As I hear it, Medford Ambulance was on the scene before GH.

I'm sure the 24/7 paid ambulance guy was out on another call. Yeah, Right. Probably visiting his gf on the next block over. Or least that is the latest GH rumor.

As usual you have your facts wrong again.

Just understand this... the PEOPLE have SPOKEN!!!

They saw right through your white lies...no pun intended

[Unregisteredfiftyfifty]

Yeah dean wins! And guess what! That one vote dose hurt the most you can goto who ever you want no one can help you! Face it the people has spoken.

The vote was 270 to 271-hardly a mandate.

That 1 vote does not hurt at all. The election proves just one point. The community is evenly divided .

Joyce Bourne lost but she told the truth.

You on the other hand, in order to win, spread lies about Joyce, lies about the petition, lies about Alex and Maryanne , lies about the firehouse etc.

And worst of all you put on the uniform of a trusted public servant, stood up in church. the house of God, and spewed your deceitful hateful filth.

[Unregisteredbigdeal]

As usual you have your facts wrong again.

Just understand this... the PEOPLE have SPOKEN!!!

They saw right through your white lies...no pun intended

Please don't take a victory lap. One vote is pathetic - You should have won by a land slide, but you didn't - You really should be embarrassed by a one vote win, but as usual you will spin, spin, spin.

[Unregistered828]

Incumbent Avery Dean held his seat by a single vote, 271-270

Dean called his win "a victory for the people of Gordon Heights" and added, "We want to remain as a fire district, intact, and not compromise at all." Newsday

------------------------------------------------------------------------

See - here is where the problem lies... "No compromise at all" - just tierny.

The good people in Gordon Heights came out last night and voted for Joyce - Bravo!

[just asking?]

Please don't take a victory lap. One vote is pathetic - You should have won by a land slide, but you didn't - You really should be embarrassed by a one vote win, but as usual you will spin, spin, spin.

How many votes does it take for someone to win an election? In sports whether you win by 100 or 1 it's still a WIN!!

[eyes open twice]

Incumbent Avery Dean held his seat by a single vote, 271-270

Dean called his win "a victory for the people of Gordon Heights" and added, "We want to remain as a fire district, intact, and not compromise at all." Newsday

------------------------------------------------------------------------

See - here is where the problem lies... "No compromise at all" - just tierny.

The good people in Gordon Heights came out last night and voted for Joyce - Bravo!

Is that the lady who came in huffin' and puffin' then sat down the tellers didn't know whether she was there to vote or needed an ambulance. Is that who you had representing your side? Sad....just plain SAD!

[Unregisteredoaktree]

Is that the lady who came in huffin' and puffin' then sat down the tellers didn't know whether she was there to vote or needed an ambulance. Is that who you had representing your side? Sad....just plain SAD!

Actually that was one of your peeps along with the crackheads who you brought down and the out of towners who came back to visit the Heights cause they are still on that old, stale registration list you won't clean up.

Just another stolen election, that's all that was.

[Unregisteredmedford]

Congrats to the GHFD! Big win & you're right, the MAJORITY has spoken!

[Unregisteredseeall]

Actually that was one of your peeps along with the crackheads who you brought down and the out of towners who came back to visit the Heights cause they are still on that old, stale registration list you won't clean up.

Just another stolen election, that's all that was.

Don't forget the drunk who came down with his dirty toenails showing through his moldy slippers holding a piece of paper in his shaking hand.

I know, I know he has a right to vote--He's not one of ours-just another one of your cronies-which is why you want to keep the status-quo

Believe me I know all your dirty secrets. Compassion is not one of your strong points-only control. You don't give a crap about the community because if you did you would take steps to clean it up.

[lies once again]

Don't forget the drunk who came down with his dirty toenails showing through his moldy slippers holding a piece of paper in his shaking hand.

I know, I know he has a right to vote--He's not one of ours-just another one of your cronies-which is why you want to keep the status-quo

Believe me I know all your dirty secrets. Compassion is not one of your strong points-only control. You don't give a crap about the community because if you did you would take steps to clean it up.

Alright then what the hell are you doing i don't see you or any of your people out cleaning or anything. But i do see dean out. I don't even know who joyce is all she is a old lady who cant even walk and about to move you think we don't know who you are? When you come out and stop hiding and stop sending people to be puppets for you. YOU NEED TO STOP TELLING LIES ITS NOT ABOUT TAXES!!!!

[Unregisteredhohoho]

The coram side of GH has always been jealous of the GHFD side of GH

The GHFD side of GH is the upper crust of the community. While
those who live in their grandma's house on Teller ave try to
bring down the GHFD side of GH. Because you know what they say,
Misery Loves Company !

[Unregisteredyesitis]

Alright then what the hell are you doing i don't see you or any of your people out cleaning or anything. But i do see dean out. I don't even know who joyce is all she is a old lady who cant even walk and about to move you think we don't know who you are? When you come out and stop hiding and stop sending people to be puppets for you. YOU NEED TO STOP TELLING LIES ITS NOT ABOUT TAXES!!!!Really - how about you charge us what our neighbors pay and watch us all go away!

[vollies needed]

Really - how about you charge us what our neighbors pay and watch us all go away!

How about if we just charge Pennsylvania taxes which is next to NY and they pay nothing in property taxes and you can still enjoy the luxury of services that Long Island has to offer. Would that be fair to you? Then when you need the service you can have your cake and eat it too. We need volunteer paramedics to reduce the biggest portion of the fire budget so when are you joining and taking the paramedic course? I'm sure you are willing to do whatever it takes to reduce taxes and keep the GHFD open right??

Don't go away just join and volunteer and make your required points like everyone else.

[UnregisteredLOSAP]

Watch the LOSAP payments kill the community off in 2013.

Stay tuned.

[vollies needed]

Watch the LOSAP payments kill the community off in 2013.

Stay tuned.

All of the surrounding fire districts have LOSAP they will feel a bigger increase because they have larger districts right?? Isn't that your theory?

You could volunteer and opt out of the LOSAP therefore saving you and your neighbors money. :)

[Unregisterednotpolcorrect]

Congrats to the GHFD! Big win & you're right, the MAJORITY has spoken!

I say Big Loss guys- You have an "army" of men (vollies) and politically activist in the heights and all you were able to get out was 271 to their 270?

[gh voter]

I say Big Loss guys- You have an "army" of men (vollies) and politically activist in the heights and all you were able to get out was 271 to their 270?

Our goal was not set out to see how we could impress you we hope you are not offended it was ti win the election...mission accompolished.

Instead of you creating more division try working with Commissioner Dean to keep the firehouse open and lowering the taxes.

[Unregistered98765]

I hope that the families of the people who have died under Dean's watch,
will sue the fire district.

Apparently, if you pay $ 1500 in fire taxes you are guaranteed to live.

Someone should tell Pinto's daughter. Because she died under Dean's Watch.

As I hear it, Medford Ambulance was on the scene before GH.

I'm sure the 24/7 paid ambulance guy was out on another call. Yeah, Right. Probably visiting his gf on the next block over. Or least that is the latest GH rumor.

Plain and simple your an ASSHOLE!!!

[Unregisteredlol]

Our goal was not set out to see how we could impress you we hope you are not offended it was ti win the election...mission accompolished.

Instead of you creating more division try working with Commissioner Dean to keep the firehouse open and lowering the taxes.

Dean already voted not to this very workable option.

[Unregistered98765]

Dean already voted not to this very workable option.

He voted no. That funny your own saviors, Maryanne and Alex voted no to this years budget!! (not increasing the budget by the standard 2% but lowering it by 130,000.00 dollars) Whats tthe matter it wasnt enough for them so they vote no? maybe they wanted to raise taxes so there could be a more exotic menue at the installation dinner. They bitch and moan but they sure seemed to enjoy themselve.. bunch of hipocrits

[UnregisteredHAPPY]

I Am So Happy To Hear Avery Dean Has A Plan To Reduce Taxes And Protect Our Safety.

I Am Anxiously Awaiting The Unveiling Of This Masterpiece

[Unregistered:)]

He voted no. That funny your own saviors, Maryanne and Alex voted no to this years budget!! (not increasing the budget by the standard 2% but lowering it by 130,000.00 dollars) Whats tthe matter it wasnt enough for them so they vote no? maybe they wanted to raise taxes so there could be a more exotic menue at the installation dinner. They bitch and moan but they sure seemed to enjoy themselve.. bunch of hipocrits

These two commissioners voted no to the Proposed budget because they felt
More could be trimmed off the budget however, if you were paying attention
You would know that voted yes to adopt the reduced budget because they know a small token of a reduction is better than no reduction at all.

Do you eve get the facts straight ?

[Unregisteredcrm]

After Tuesday's election, one district backer took to the streets with a bullhorn, declaring slogans such as: "We are not defeated."

This backer does'nt live in the district but somehow believes she is the community spokesperson. 271 vs 270 does not declare anything other than compromise needs to be achieved. That compromise is the firehouse remaining (for safefty - manned by your department) under another district - removing all duplicated costs, expanding the taxbase and reducing and achieving parity with surrounding areas.

[so you saying]

After Tuesday's election, one district backer took to the streets with a bullhorn, declaring slogans such as: "We are not defeated."

This backer does'nt live in the district but somehow believes she is the community spokesperson. 271 vs 270 does not declare anything other than compromise needs to be achieved. That compromise is the firehouse remaining (for safefty - manned by your department) under another district - removing all duplicated costs, expanding the taxbase and reducing and achieving parity with surrounding areas.

So you saying if tis district go under someone else we will still be here? But as someone else? That's a damn lie if we go under someone else name we will be closed or we will be never in the area you bitch now that the GHFD people is never in the area well guess what if we go under someon else we will never be here we will have to go over there everytime they call and they get a lot of calls. SO NOW HOW YOU FEEL?

[Livid]

I hope that the families of the people who have died under Dean's watch,
will sue the fire district.

Apparently, if you pay $ 1500 in fire taxes you are guaranteed to live.

Someone should tell Pinto's daughter. Because she died under Dean's Watch.

As I hear it, Medford Ambulance was on the scene before GH.

I'm sure the 24/7 paid ambulance guy was out on another call. Yeah, Right. Probably visiting his gf on the next block over. Or least that is the latest GH rumor.

First and foremost, Commissioner Avery Dean had nothing..I repeat nothing.. to do with the death of Tanesha Pinto.
Secondly - please tell me what the Fire Tax money has to do with anything?
How dare you insinuate that she did not receive the care necessary! Everything that could have possibly done was AND was done by the Staff and Members of the Gordon Heights F.D., SCPD and MIFD. The care provided was outstanding and very professional. MEDFORD Ambulance never was activated nor did they respond!
You are using the death of our family member to TRY..and further a cause that is TRULY loaded with many untruths, and pure hatred.
Let me give u a history lesson - The Hylton - Pinto - Wilson - Brown is deeply inbedded in the Community of Gordon Heights in all aspects. We have very deep fountains and even deeper roots. We take your comments as a personal attack on OUR family and our committments.
The Gordon Heights FD has always provided the best care available to all of our residents, taxpayers or not. Money is not the issue! The fact that those TWO sitting Commissioners, are a hinderence to the program and should not even be a sitting Commissioner since there only function to to CLOSE us down.
Listen, the bottom line is your comments are unnecessary, untimely, crude insensitive and the ONLY thing you said that was the truth was that a Victor Pinto lost his daughter. Tanesha's -Room Was Ready - and Our Lord said for her to come home.
Now, do us a favor - go back into your dirty little hole and LEAVE our family alone!
The Family of Tanesha N. Pinto

[Unregistered6930]

A win by 1 Vote, are the results verified and final. Did they have any chalange ballots cast. I have never seen a Fire District election were at least 20 people had to vote on chalange ballot because their names did not apear in the Districts books.

In a race this close the chalange ballots need to be verifyed by the Suffolk board of elections

Same goes for absente ballots, did they have them. If not did they pass a resolution to not have them, it shoud be part of their meeting minutes

[Unregisteredumakememad]

First and foremost, Commissioner Avery Dean had nothing..I repeat nothing.. to do with the death of Tanesha Pinto.
Secondly - please tell me what the Fire Tax money has to do with anything?
How dare you insinuate that she did not receive the care necessary! Everything that could have possibly done was AND was done by the Staff and Members of the Gordon Heights F.D., SCPD and MIFD. The care provided was outstanding and very professional. MEDFORD Ambulance never was activated nor did they respond!
You are using the death of our family member to TRY..and further a cause that is TRULY loaded with many untruths, and pure hatred.
Let me give u a history lesson - The Hylton - Pinto - Wilson - Brown is deeply inbedded in the Community of Gordon Heights in all aspects. We have very deep fountains and even deeper roots. We take your comments as a personal attack on OUR family and our committments.
The Gordon Heights FD has always provided the best care available to all of our residents, taxpayers or not. Money is not the issue! The fact that those TWO sitting Commissioners, are a hinderence to the program and should not even be a sitting Commissioner since there only function to to CLOSE us down.
Listen, the bottom line is your comments are unnecessary, untimely, crude insensitive and the ONLY thing you said that was the truth was that a Victor Pinto lost his daughter. Tanesha's -Room Was Ready - and Our Lord said for her to come home.
Now, do us a favor - go back into your dirty little hole and LEAVE our family alone!
The Family of Tanesha N. Pinto
Please stop with the "holyer than thou" serman. As so called Christians, I am glad you recognize that the Lord determines when your life ends, which is why we find it so disgraceful that you blanketed the community with your propaganda about how people will die if they don't vote for Avery Dean.

We realize the pain of the death of Mr. Pinto's daughter and there have been several other painful deaths in this community including The Scott's nephew and Jim Miner just to mention a few. The truth is you are holding all of us "hostage" to the status quo. You are preying on people's fears and intaganizing the politicians with your race rethoric from moving forward with a smart and sensible plan. I called the Town the other day and asked if any of the options on the table include the "closure" of the GH Fire House" and the answer was NO.

The truth is You don't want to serve the people of your community unless it is an exclusive arrangement and you get to keep your hand in their wallet.

[UnregisteredFFF]

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/vow-to-keep-fighting-tax-in-gordon-heights-1.3390150
Vow to keep fighting tax in Gordon Heights
December 14, 2011 by PATRICK WHITTLE / patrick.whittle@newsday.com

A day after an incumbent commissioner won a pivotal election in the Long Island fire district with the steepest taxes, some residents vowed to keep fighting for lower taxes.

Gordon Heights Fire District's commissioners -- and the district's supporters -- said Avery Dean's win was a victory for public safety and the community's identity.

Dean defeated Joyce Bourne by a single vote in an election that garnered a record total of 541 votes in the 900-home hamlet in Brookhaven. Some residents of the community, where fire taxes are more than four times the Long Island average, pay more than $1,500 per year to the district.


Bourne said opponents of the taxes will pit a candidate against incumbent Commissioner James Kelly in 2012. Opponents will also continue to work with the town on a plan to drastically reorganize the district.

"We will continue to fight until our taxes are like everyone else's," said Bourne.

The Gordon Heights fire commission consists of three district-backed members and two others.

Kelly, who is backed by the district, said Dean's win will allow the district to trim its budget without jeopardizing service.

"Fire safety and life and property is very important today, and you'd have to be kind of looney not to recognize that," Kelly said.

The Gordon Heights fire commission race was among the most watched of its kind on Long Island in Tuesday night's district races. The district has become a touchstone for the Islandwide debate about special district taxes.

District backers say the Gordon Heights Fire Department is historically significant because it was the first all-black force in Suffolk County.

After Tuesday's election, one district backer took to the streets with a bullhorn, declaring slogans such as: "We are not defeated."

Brookhaven Town officials are working on a plan to reduce district taxes by restructuring the district. The district could merge with a neighboring force or the town could seize the district's finances, officials have said.

"The Town will continue to work with the Gordon Heights Fire Commissioners and the community to find ways to reduce the costs of their service while ensuring public safety," Supervisor Mark Lesko said in a state

[UnregisteredGoCuomo]

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/vow-to-keep-fighting-tax-in-gordon-heights-1.3390150
Vow to keep fighting tax in Gordon Heights
December 14, 2011 by PATRICK WHITTLE / patrick.whittle@newsday.com

A day after an incumbent commissioner won a pivotal election in the Long Island fire district with the steepest taxes, some residents vowed to keep fighting for lower taxes.

Gordon Heights Fire District's commissioners -- and the district's supporters -- said Avery Dean's win was a victory for public safety and the community's identity.









Dean defeated Joyce Bourne by a single vote in an election that garnered a record total of 541 votes in the 900-home hamlet in Brookhaven. Some residents of the community, where fire taxes are more than four times the Long Island average, pay more than $1,500 per year to the district.


Bourne said opponents of the taxes will pit a candidate against incumbent Commissioner James Kelly in 2012. Opponents will also continue to work with the town on a plan to drastically reorganize the district.

"We will continue to fight until our taxes are like everyone else's," said Bourne.

The Gordon Heights fire commission consists of three district-backed members and two others.

Kelly, who is backed by the district, said Dean's win will allow the district to trim its budget without jeopardizing service.

"Fire safety and life and property is very important today, and you'd have to be kind of looney not to recognize that," Kelly said.

The Gordon Heights fire commission race was among the most watched of its kind on Long Island in Tuesday night's district races. The district has become a touchstone for the Islandwide debate about special district taxes.

District backers say the Gordon Heights Fire Department is historically significant because it was the first all-black force in Suffolk County.

After Tuesday's election, one district backer took to the streets with a bullhorn, declaring slogans such as: "We are not defeated."

Brookhaven Town officials are working on a plan to reduce district taxes by restructuring the district. The district could merge with a neighboring force or the town could seize the district's finances, officials have said.

"The Town will continue to work with the Gordon Heights Fire Commissioners and the community to find ways to reduce the costs of their service while ensuring public safety," Supervisor Mark Lesko said in a state



http://www.newsday.com/news/breaking/spin-cycle-1.812042/cuomo-on-the-radio-again-1.3395228
Spin Cycle
Cuomo on the radio -- again
Friday December 16, 2011 7:46 PM By Ted Phillips


Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo took the airwaves Friday for the third time this week, talking with his predecessor about streamlining government next year.

“Next year I’m going to shift to more of an operational front, the state government, the machinery, the programs, the agencies, the local governments the number of local governments, the mandates, this whole system was designed at a different time, a different place, and it needs serious reorganization,” Cuomo told former Gov. David A. Paterson on the latter’s radio show.

The appearance followed live radio interviews on Thursday on Susan Arbetter’s show, where he talked about education spending, and Fred Dicker’s show, where he spoke on a broad range of topics.

Cuomo, who this month got the State Legislature to pass a tax increase on the wealthy, said budget battles have a positive side.

“Closing a deficit is a pain, as we both know, but it also brings a discipline that can be good,” Cuomo said. “That deficit means you have to go back and you have to scrub, you have to scrub every agency and ask for efficiency from every program.”

Cuomo is expected to flesh out his second-year agenda in more detail in January in his State of the State speech.

< back to article

[Unregisterediagree]

http://www.newsday.com/news/breaking/spin-cycle-1.812042/cuomo-on-the-radio-again-1.3395228
Spin Cycle
Cuomo on the radio -- again
Friday December 16, 2011 7:46 PM By Ted Phillips


Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo took the airwaves Friday for the third time this week, talking with his predecessor about streamlining government next year.

“Next year I’m going to shift to more of an operational front, the state government, the machinery, the programs, the agencies, the local governments the number of local governments, the mandates, this whole system was designed at a different time, a different place, and it needs serious reorganization,” Cuomo told former Gov. David A. Paterson on the latter’s radio show.

The appearance followed live radio interviews on Thursday on Susan Arbetter’s show, where he talked about education spending, and Fred Dicker’s show, where he spoke on a broad range of topics.

Cuomo, who this month got the State Legislature to pass a tax increase on the wealthy, said budget battles have a positive side.

“Closing a deficit is a pain, as we both know, but it also brings a discipline that can be good,” Cuomo said. “That deficit means you have to go back and you have to scrub, you have to scrub every agency and ask for efficiency from every program.”

Cuomo is expected to flesh out his second-year agenda in more detail in January in his State of the State speech.

< back to article
oh Good - he can start scrubbing in Gordon Heights - certainly "another time and place there" and in serious need of reorganization and no doubt highly inefficient!

Thanks Cuomo, good looking and smart!

[UnregisteredGoCuomo]

‎"One man with courage makes a majority." Andrew Jackson

[Unregistered6511763]

pPI hope that the families of the people who have died under Dean's watch,
will sue the fire district.

Apparently, if you pay $ 1500 in fire taxes you are guaranteed to live.

Someone should tell Pinto's daughter. Because she died under Dean's Watch.

As I hear it, Medford Ambulance was on the scene before GH.

I'm sure the 24/7 paid ambulance guy was out on another call. Yeah, Right. Probably visiting his gf on the next block over. Or least that is the latest GH rumor.

[Unregistered6511763]

This is so unbelievably disrespectful. A young woman unexpectedly lost her life. Her family - mother, father, siblings and children are still grieving and the best you could come up with is her death under someone's watch? How blatantly irresponsible. Instead of worrying about who was on the scene first you should pray that in your time of need a volunteer and/or paid responder shows up to assist you. Stop yielding to rumors and get your priorities straight!

I hope that the families of the people who have died under Dean's watch,
will sue the fire district.

Apparently, if you pay $ 1500 in fire taxes you are guaranteed to live.

Someone should tell Pinto's daughter. Because she died under Dean's Watch.

As I hear it, Medford Ambulance was on the scene before GH.

I'm sure the 24/7 paid ambulance guy was out on another call. Yeah, Right. Probably visiting his gf on the next block over. Or least that is the latest GH rumor.

[Unregistered6511763]

This is so unbelievably disrespectful. A young woman unexpectedly lost her life. Her family - mother, father, siblings and children are still grieving and the best you could come up with is her death under someone's watch? How blatantly irresponsible. Instead of worrying about who was on the scene first you should pray that in your time of need a volunteer and/or paid responder shows up to assist you. Stop yielding to rumors and get your priorities straight!

[UnregisteredTOB]

Lesko is leaving the Town.

[Unregisteredamazing]

This is so unbelievably disrespectful. A young woman unexpectedly lost her life. Her family - mother, father, siblings and children are still grieving and the best you could come up with is her death under someone's watch? How blatantly irresponsible. Instead of worrying about who was on the scene first you should pray that in your time of need a volunteer and/or paid responder shows up to assist you. Stop yielding to rumors and get your priorities straight!

You are such masters of "spin". I find it more disrespectful how you claim to be God Loving Christians and yet are committed to waging a war against the residents with your racial hatred and divide. I hope keeping your beloved idol of a district is worth destroying your community over? The love of Money is the root of all evil. Your church pastors should be ashamed for spreading the lies and elevating you above the white man. That is not why Martin Luther died. You have serious issues within your little "hate group" and like to point fingers at others for being guilty of what you are guilty of. God sees your heart as you know. He is faithful and patient and I don't believe he will allow you to get away with this. He is just giving you opportunities to redem yourselves. Hope you wake up.

The only reason the point of Ms. Pinto's death was even discussed on this blog is to expose the fact that you have had the audasity to go around the community with your lawn signs saying" What's your life worth"? "You will die if the GHFD is dissolved" so we find it ironic that this happens regardless and wanted you to see that. We are just as grieved for your loss as we are for any human life (we are all PRO LIFE) by the way. So please do not label us anymore than you have. We have respect for all people of all colors and all faith. We are just amazed at how "backwards" and "self centered" all of you are. If you had put 10% of your energy into working with the residents instead of the political and secular filled hatred you have engaged in, we could all live together in peace and have found a compromise. You have not compromised on anything from day one and for that you should be ashamed.

[UnregisteredTOB]

While Supervisor Lesko lives in a house valued at over $ 400,000 and pays $ 417.47 in fire taxes,

you live in a house valued at under $ 100,000 and pay $ 1500.00 (on average) in fire taxes.

[Unregistered45678]

You are such masters of "spin". I find it more disrespectful how you claim to be God Loving Christians and yet are committed to waging a war against the residents with your racial hatred and divide. I hope keeping your beloved idol of a district is worth destroying your community over? The love of Money is the root of all evil. Your church pastors should be ashamed for spreading the lies and elevating you above the white man. That is not why Martin Luther died. You have serious issues within your little "hate group" and like to point fingers at others for being guilty of what you are guilty of. God sees your heart as you know. He is faithful and patient and I don't believe he will allow you to get away with this. He is just giving you opportunities to redem yourselves. Hope you wake up.

The only reason the point of Ms. Pinto's death was even discussed on this blog is to expose the fact that you have had the audasity to go around the community with your lawn signs saying" What's your life worth"? "You will die if the GHFD is dissolved" so we find it ironic that this happens regardless and wanted you to see that. We are just as grieved for your loss as we are for any human life (we are all PRO LIFE) by the way. So please do not label us anymore than you have. We have respect for all people of all colors and all faith. We are just amazed at how "backwards" and "self centered" all of you are. If you had put 10% of your energy into working with the residents instead of the political and secular filled hatred you have engaged in, we could all live together in peace and have found a compromise. You have not compromised on anything from day one and for that you should be ashamed.

Here's a spin for you, instead of this back and forth rehtoric how about a public debate on the issue?

[Unregisteredtop]

Here's a spin for you, instead of this back and forth rehtoric how about a public debate on the issue?

LMAO

[Unregistered492952]

LMAO

Whats the problem "Chicken Shit" afraid you and all your propaganda BULLSHIT will be exposed!! No more hiding behind reporters, blogs and so on.
Straight up debate, I would jump at the moment to expose all of your crap for what it is. You want to talk about trying to spin things your the Queen!!

[Unregistered0911]

Whats the problem "Chicken Shit" afraid you and all your propaganda BULLSHIT will be exposed!! No more hiding behind reporters, blogs and so on.
Straight up debate, I would jump at the moment to expose all of your crap for what it is. You want to talk about trying to spin things your the Queen!!

big words coming from another anonymous person...LMAO

[Unregistered8916]

big words coming from another anonymous person...LMAO

Send the invitation to the District it will be accepted!!! now im LMAO

[Unregisteredtop]

If you wanted to have a REAL debate then you would have ...

Allowed the residents to speak at the many "Open Forums' held at the GHFD whereas the people were not allowed to speak but force to Listen to the same old rhetoric.

You would have had a "meaningful" debate at the Town of Brookhaven instead of drum banging, screaming "investigate" and calling everyone who oppose killer fire taxes "racists".

Why would anyone want to have a debate with someone who only blah blah blah but never listens to the facts presented by :

NYS Comptroller, Cameron Engineering, Vision LI, Connie Kepert, ESCI and Andrew Cuomo. hmmmm?

[YouDontHaveAClue3]

You really just don't get it! The only thing I hate is your ignorance. No District. No Department, No Building. The building is owned by the District, if you disolve the District all of it's assest's are sold off. If another entity of whatever kind has to buy the building that cost's money and operating it costs money AKA taxes so how do you fiqure the taxes are going down?

Listen up numbskull- the GH Fire District, and all of it's assets, are and will remain the property of the G.Hts. TAXPAYERS. The district is NOT the property of the district commissioners or the vollie FF's.

When GHFD is dissolved, it's assets, including the fire house, will most likely be tasferred to whatever neighboring district takes over, and likely the GH Firehouse will become a subststion of that department.

If you think the building and assets are sold, tell us who gets the proceeds brainiac.

Wait don't answer I allready know your answer another larger surrounding District right? The only problem is then they have to pay for it, that means an adjustment to their current budget and theres the start of your problem. The current taxpayers of that District are not going to vote to take on Gordon heights and have their taxes go up reguardless of how little it may be. So once again come up with a real plan and the we'll talk untill then get used to it

The root problem is that GHs is so small a tax base while it's fire distict spends like the larger ones. Fewer taxpayers + the same tax burdeon = higher taxes. Once the district becomes part of a much larger one, taxes in GH will be the same tax rate as that larger district. With the possibility that district taxes in the newer, larger district could go DOWN since there will probably be excess apparatus that could be sold off.

[Unregistered((]

Listen up numbskull- the GH Fire District, and all of it's assets, are and will remain the property of the G.Hts. TAXPAYERS. The district is NOT the property of the district commissioners or the vollie FF's.

When GHFD is dissolved, it's assets, including the fire house, will most likely be tasferred to whatever neighboring district takes over, and likely the GH Firehouse will become a subststion of that department.

If you think the building and assets are sold, tell us who gets the proceeds brainiac.



The root problem is that GHs is so small a tax base while it's fire distict spends like the larger ones. Fewer taxpayers + the same tax burdeon = higher taxes. Once the district becomes part of a much larger one, taxes in GH will be the same tax rate as that larger district. With the possibility that district taxes in the newer, larger district could go DOWN since there will probably be excess apparatus that could be sold off.

Are you still shooting heroin or did your attorney really tell you this BS? I suggest you get another attorney to interpret the law correctly for you. Another fire district CANNOT acquire the assets from another fire district unless it was sold from district to district. If a district is dissolved by the way of a petition then the assets MUST be auctioned off. The proceeds you speak of, since GHFD has NO debt, will be used to offset the fire protection district or refunded to the taxpayer. That decision will be decided once the district is dissolved.
Those proceeds would only last one year if that because at an auction items will not be sold at top dollar this isn't Christie's Auction House.

I notice you use phrases like "most likely or probably" an awfull lot. Those are not words of certainty there's no foundation because you are just guessing. One you have NO experience at this so all you can go on is emotions. I get that, HOWEVER; you are confusing the public with your pipe dreams.

If you were listening at town hall the GHFD property CANNOT be transferred to another fire district if it could don't you think the Town would have done something by now. Unfortunately it's not as easy as you think because it's an emergency service agency that has a very good record of protecting its community and every study has said response times will be compromised if it were to be dissolved. So the question is how do to maintain the level of service and reduce the fire tax to a reasonable rate? You cannot argue the fact that increased response times means lives will be lost that's a fact in any fire district all across this nation. I understand your frustration but it's not an easy fix.

[UnregisteredFYI]

The three stooges are voting to buy yet another truck !! Yaaaah !

[Unregisteredsaywhat]

No one who spoke to our attorney posted that.

So now it seems we both have supporters who are not aware of the facts.

[UnregisteredAC]

Remember Hempstead Sanitary District No. 2, where six years ago an audit disclosed homeowners were paying over $700 a year for garbage collection, twice what residents served by Hempstead Town were paying?

Well, it may come as no surprise that a group is gathering signatures to do away with the sanitation district, taking advantage of a new state law making it easier to call for a referendum to disband it.

So far, say leaders of Residents for Efficient Special Districts, they have gained more than 3,000 signatures, more than half of what’s required for an election. Their aim is to have the town pick up their trash.

If the drive succeeds, it will bring Long Island’s first election under the new consolidation law, drafted by Governor Cuomo while he was attorney general.

Another sign of life in the consolidation movement comes from Albany, where state Education Commissioner John King recently suggested that by adopting countywide school districts, Long Island could reduce 124 districts to two.

Never going to happen. Yet, there’s no reason why Long Island districts pay so many school administrators so much–for example, paying the superintendent and vice superintendent in Syossett over $485,000 and $350,000 respectively.

Governor Cuomo wants to limit school superintendent’s pay to $175,000. In New Jersey, Governor Christie has already done this, and the state is now threatening to withhold state aid to Englewood because it agreed to pay its superintendent $200,000.

In short, you don’t need to consolidate schools to cut the cost of running them

[Unregisteredbible]

Avery Dean won the Commissioners election by 1 vote. A win yes but hardly a mandate.

At the GHFD Commissioners meeting last night Avery Dean gave thanks to God for his win. I do know that God loves a righteous man, one who obeys His commandments. May I remind Avery Dean of the 8th Commandment DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR.

Avery Dean's 1 vote win came as a result of allowing his supporters to spread lies and fear in the community

Perhaps Avery should, as the Bible commands, go apologize to Joyce Bourne for his behavior and then present himself before God.

[Unregisteredbible11]

Sinning 6 days a week and then showing up to Church on Sunday to ask
for "Forgiveness" is not the way to get into Heaven.

Being a Mean and Hateful fireman in your own community is a disgrace to the entire fire service.

[byebye1234]

i thought yaphank and coram are taking over goden heights district? no one else wants it. why is gordon heights wasting any money let the new dept waste there money they have to buy all the vecs from the districted anyway.

[additup]

Avery Dean won the Commissioners election by 1 vote. A win yes but hardly a mandate.

At the GHFD Commissioners meeting last night Avery Dean gave thanks to God for his win. I do know that God loves a righteous man, one who obeys His commandments. May I remind Avery Dean of the 8th Commandment DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR.

Avery Dean's 1 vote win came as a result of allowing his supporters to spread lies and fear in the community

Perhaps Avery should, as the Bible commands, go apologize to Joyce Bourne for his behavior and then present himself before God.

Oh stop the Bullshit already. What about " thou shall not steal "

[UnregisteredCD]

West Islip to shut 2 elementary schools


January 12, 2012 by CHAU LAM / chau.lam@newsday.com

West Islip Schools will close Paul E. Kirdahy and Westbrook elementary schools to help address declining enrollment and a multimillion-dollar budget gap.
The school board voted Thursday night to shutter the schools in June, sparking a flurry of concerns from parents who packed the West Islip High auditorium.
Faced with a $6 million budget deficit, board members said before the vote that they had little choice but to make a "tough" decision.
"We will pull together as a community, as we always do," Board president Steven Gellar told parents.
Jenifer Gross, 34, burst into tears afterward. She has two children at Kirdahy: a son in third grade and a daughter in first grade.
"It's sad that my kids are going to be split up between their friends, and they have to go to a whole new school," she said.
Amy Dowdell, 35, whose 5-year-old son is a kindergartner at Westbrook, said she is "devastated" by the closure.
"If we put on a brave face and look at this as a new adventure, hopefully our kids will, too," Dowdell said.
Over the next three months, district officials will work with parents to redraw elementary school boundaries. At the end of April, officials expect to notify students and their parents of their new school assignments.
The district intends to lease out the vacant buildings to generate additional revenue.
The decision came 10 months after the board commissioned a study that looked at the district's enrollment history and projections for the next decade.
"I have been impressed with the desire of everyone involved in the process to try and find solutions," Superintendent Richard A. Simon said in a statement.
Simon has recommended later consolidating the middle schools to further reduce costs.
Currently, the district has six elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school.
The district -- which has 5,100 students -- laid off 35 workers in 2010, including five administrators, 20 teachers and 10 support staff. It also cut programs and reduced library hours to save money.
Simon said to keep taxes under the 2 percent property tax cap that New York State lawmakers passed in June, the district, which has a $107 million budget, needs to make major spending cuts.
< back to article

[Unregistered:)]

Don't worry; be Happy

[UnregisteredCD]

Residents seek to end sanitation district
Originally published: January 15, 2012 8:25 PM
Updated: January 15, 2012 9:09 PM
By AISHA AL-MUSLIM aisha.al-muslim@newsday.com
Those circulating a petition to dissolve the sanitation district based in Baldwin hope to trim property taxes, but district representatives say the change would cost jobs and save little money.
Spearheading the effort with taxpayers in the district are two grassroots groups: Residents for Efficient Special Districts (RESD), based in Baldwin, and Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC), of Massapequa.
Members hope to collect 5,000 signatures from residents to call for a referendum to do away with the nearly 84-year-old Sanitation District No. 2 that serves Baldwin, Roosevelt, South Hempstead and sections of Freeport, Rockville Centre and Uniondale.
"These districts are not economically sustainable," said Laura Mallay, RESD's executive director and a 20-year Baldwin resident who lost a bid for district commissioner in 2005. "Services will go down if we don't do anything now."
The New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act of 2009 gives residents a mechanism to consolidate and dissolve local governments. If advocates can secure the signatures of 10 percent of registered voters in the district, or 5,000 residents, the issue can go on the ballot.
Advocates wanting to get rid of the sanitation district have collected more than 3,000 signatures since March, Mallay said.
"Many of the residents of the area have been saying taxes are high," said Serena Liguori, coordinator of LIPC's Government Efficiency Project. "We certainly want to help support residents and help them save money if they can."
State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) introduced a bill last January to amend the consolidation law to require a detailed alternate plan when there's a vote on consolidation. Now, if residents vote to consolidate a local government, it must formulate a plan on how the services will be picked up. "Residents should know how those services are going to be provided and the cost of providing those services after the special district is eliminated," Martins said.
Residents in the district would pay half of what they pay now if the district is dissolved and the Town of Hempstead picks up the sanitation services, Mallay said. A home assessed at $400,000 serviced by the Town of Hempstead paid $267 in sanitation taxes in 2010, while an identically assessed home in District 2 paid $509, advocates said.
"We feel that in one town there should be one tax rate," Mallay said.
Hempstead Town spokesman Michael Deery said it's "premature" for the town to consider taking over the district because no detailed plan has been made.
Former district board secretary Bob Noble, who spoke for the district, said the advocates' claims are misleading. He said it appeared that their taxes are higher because insurance costs are calculated in the district budget. "Their cost analysis is faulty," he said. About 70 people could lose their jobs if the district were abolished, he said.
"Is bigger always better?" Noble said. "We are small enough and responsible enough to get to people right away. Most people are not willing to give that up."

[UnregisteredMLK]

Fact of the day : Martin Luther King Jr was a Republican.

Because the Democrat party was the party of the KKK.

and this is why Dr. King was a Republican and not a Democrat.

Don't believe it? www.nbra.info

[UnregisteredFeb]

GH History lesson 101.

In the 1920's, Gordon Heights Community was born for one simple reason so that Black people could live the American Dream; home ownership.

That is the True Legacy of Gordon Heights.

More facts that you might find interesting :

Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President.
He not only united a divided nation but he also freed the slaves.

Martin Luther King Jr was a registered Republican


Happy Black History Month !!

[Unregistereddeepbreath]

Time to open the doors and windows and let fresh clean air sweep out the stagnant air.

[Unregisteredgoforbroke]

I have a question and would like an answer from each of the readers of this post.

How much (% wise) do you think the funding (taxes raised) for the fire district is coming from the white outside residents?

[Unregisteredwhatif?]

Just curious.

How many fires does Gordon Heights have a year, on avg? Also, when was their last fire? It doesn't seem that they have that many in a year but based on what I read in the reports, the EMS is a large part of their district budget.

What if they eliminated the Fire portion of the dept & kept the EMS? It doesn't seem like there is much of a need for the fire side where as the EMS side is quite busy. Perhaps, with the elimination of the FD, they could expand EMS and still be able to reduce spending.

Not hate, just looking at it from a business perspective.

[additup]

Just curious.

How many fires does Gordon Heights have a year, on avg? Also, when was their last fire? It doesn't seem that they have that many in a year but based on what I read in the reports, the EMS is a large part of their district budget.

What if they eliminated the Fire portion of the dept & kept the EMS? It doesn't seem like there is much of a need for the fire side where as the EMS side is quite busy. Perhaps, with the elimination of the FD, they could expand EMS and still be able to reduce spending.

Not hate, just looking at it from a business perspective.

Get rid of the whole friggin thing it's not cost effective.

[4756879]

Get rid of the whole friggin thing it's not cost effective.

The sad part, the Fire Dept. does a great job. The Chiefs and members try their best , this is a Fire District thing, they set the tax rate.

[Unregisteredddd]

The sad part, the Fire Dept. does a great job. The Chiefs and members try their best , this is a Fire District thing, they set the tax rate.

+1

[UnregisteredVoterFraud]

Once again, the GHFD supporters of the Status Quo steal an election from the taxpayers by people who were not qualified to vote in the election.

Even Nicole Christian husband attempted to vote and she of all people should know that she lives in the Coram FD.

Why isn't' she trying to get Tricia the district manager job - I don't hear her trying to help the Coram FD secretary !
ONly proves what a fraud NC really is.

[Unregisteredcock]

Once again, the GHFD supporters of the Status Quo steal an election from the taxpayers by people who were not qualified to vote in the election.

Even Nicole Christian husband attempted to vote and she of all people should know that she lives in the Coram FD.

Why isn't' she trying to get Tricia the district manager job - I don't hear her trying to help the Coram FD secretary !
ONly proves what a fraud NC really is.

Tricia will never get the job because she has a vagina, she's black and van has a son !

[UnregisteredCher]

Fire district election probe requested
Originally published: March 14, 2012 8:34 PM
Updated: March 14, 2012 8:44 PM
By PATRICK WHITTLE patrick.whittle@newsday.com
The U.S. attorney's office and Suffolk district attorney have been asked to investigate the results of a December fire district election in Gordon Heights that an opposition candidate lost by one vote.
Officials with the Gordon Heights Fire District -- where some residents pay more than $1,500 a year for fire service -- denied the need for a probe.
But four residents who oppose the district's high tax rate sent letters dated March 1 to Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota and Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The letters allege that four ineligible voters cast ballots in the election.
The letters do not identify the alleged bogus voters, whom the complainants identified for Newsday. They could not be reached for comment.
Commissioner Avery Dean won re-election to the board in a 271-270 victory over Joyce Bourne, who was backed by district opponents. If she had won, the opposition would have had three of the five fire commissioner posts.
Gina Previte, who sent one of the letters, said the election results should be investigated -- and elections should be subject to stricter oversight. "We should have control of that board," Previte said.
Representatives of Spota and Lynch declined to comment on the request.
James Kelly, a Gordon Heights fire commissioner who supports the district, said the opponents' request is "wasted paper" and the allegations are "untrue."
Kelly added: "The election was pretty close, and people have the right to question the fairness of the vote. The vote was legally done right."
The results of the election were certified with Brookhaven Town. Donna Lent, the town's chief deputy town clerk, said the town has received no complaints about the results.
The district serves about 900 homes in the hamlet. The taxes -- four times the Long Island average -- are so high in part because the district lacks commercial property tax revenue.
Brookhaven officials have considered remedies, such as taking over the district's finances or merging the district with a neighboring fire service. Supporters of the district have said it should remain intact to protect response times -- and because it is historically significant, as the first all-black force in Suffolk County.
"Folks are looking for some help to get some open and honest elections going forward," said Paul Sabatino, of Huntington, an attorney who represents district opponents.

[UnregisteredBBB]

Fire district election probe requested
Originally published: March 14, 2012 8:34 PM
Updated: March 14, 2012 8:44 PM
By PATRICK WHITTLE patrick.whittle@newsday.com
The U.S. attorney's office and Suffolk district attorney have been asked to investigate the results of a December fire district election in Gordon Heights that an opposition candidate lost by one vote.
Officials with the Gordon Heights Fire District -- where some residents pay more than $1,500 a year for fire service -- denied the need for a probe.
But four residents who oppose the district's high tax rate sent letters dated March 1 to Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota and Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The letters allege that four ineligible voters cast ballots in the election.
The letters do not identify the alleged bogus voters, whom the complainants identified for Newsday. They could not be reached for comment.
Commissioner Avery Dean won re-election to the board in a 271-270 victory over Joyce Bourne, who was backed by district opponents. If she had won, the opposition would have had three of the five fire commissioner posts.
Gina Previte, who sent one of the letters, said the election results should be investigated -- and elections should be subject to stricter oversight. "We should have control of that board," Previte said.
Representatives of Spota and Lynch declined to comment on the request.
James Kelly, a Gordon Heights fire commissioner who supports the district, said the opponents' request is "wasted paper" and the allegations are "untrue."
Kelly added: "The election was pretty close, and people have the right to question the fairness of the vote. The vote was legally done right."
The results of the election were certified with Brookhaven Town. Donna Lent, the town's chief deputy town clerk, said the town has received no complaints about the results.
The district serves about 900 homes in the hamlet. The taxes -- four times the Long Island average -- are so high in part because the district lacks commercial property tax revenue.
Brookhaven officials have considered remedies, such as taking over the district's finances or merging the district with a neighboring fire service. Supporters of the district have said it should remain intact to protect response times -- and because it is historically significant, as the first all-black force in Suffolk County.
"Folks are looking for some help to get some open and honest elections going forward," said Paul Sabatino, of Huntington, an attorney who represents district opponents.

GHFD has crossed the line!

[Unregistere]

Fire district election probe requested
Originally published: March 14, 2012 8:34 PM
Updated: March 14, 2012 8:44 PM
By PATRICK WHITTLE patrick.whittle@newsday.com
The U.S. attorney's office and Suffolk district attorney have been asked to investigate the results of a December fire district election in Gordon Heights that an opposition candidate lost by one vote.
Officials with the Gordon Heights Fire District -- where some residents pay more than $1,500 a year for fire service -- denied the need for a probe.
But four residents who oppose the district's high tax rate sent letters dated March 1 to Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota and Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The letters allege that four ineligible voters cast ballots in the election.
The letters do not identify the alleged bogus voters, whom the complainants identified for Newsday. They could not be reached for comment.
Commissioner Avery Dean won re-election to the board in a 271-270 victory over Joyce Bourne, who was backed by district opponents. If she had won, the opposition would have had three of the five fire commissioner posts.
Gina Previte, who sent one of the letters, said the election results should be investigated -- and elections should be subject to stricter oversight. "We should have control of that board," Previte said.
Representatives of Spota and Lynch declined to comment on the request.
James Kelly, a Gordon Heights fire commissioner who supports the district, said the opponents' request is "wasted paper" and the allegations are "untrue."
Kelly added: "The election was pretty close, and people have the right to question the fairness of the vote. The vote was legally done right."
The results of the election were certified with Brookhaven Town. Donna Lent, the town's chief deputy town clerk, said the town has received no complaints about the results.
The district serves about 900 homes in the hamlet. The taxes -- four times the Long Island average -- are so high in part because the district lacks commercial property tax revenue.
Brookhaven officials have considered remedies, such as taking over the district's finances or merging the district with a neighboring fire service. Supporters of the district have said it should remain intact to protect response times -- and because it is historically significant, as the first all-black force in Suffolk County.
"Folks are looking for some help to get some open and honest elections going forward," said Paul Sabatino, of Huntington, an attorney who represents district opponents.

Use the elected official before you use your attorney. Why isn't Sabatino looking into this if there was something wrong? Answer...the election was done RIGHT!!

"We should have control of that board," Previte said. sounds like an angry person. You had the secretary recount 3x...GET OVER IT!!

the TRUTH shall set you FREE just move your house to that other district then you can be happy. Otherwise...

We'll see you in DECEMBER and LET'S GET IT ON:)

[UnregisteredWTH]

As I read the article, the Federal Gov't has been notified therefore I am under the impression think that Mr. Sabatino has done his job.

How is Mr. Glass doing since the community kick him off the Fire District payroll?

I wonder how many $ 1000 bracelets your dept has bought for their commissioners in the past before the residents got wind of that little scam?

Saving people's lives and spending their money isn't a game !!

Please don't insult the fire service with your little "game on" comment.

[UnregisteredAllStar]

Use the elected official before you use your attorney. Why isn't Sabatino looking into this if there was something wrong? Answer...the election was done RIGHT!!

"We should have control of that board," Previte said. sounds like an angry person. You had the secretary recount 3x...GET OVER IT!!

the TRUTH shall set you FREE just move your house to that other district then you can be happy. Otherwise...

We'll see you in DECEMBER and LET'S GET IT ON:)


It doesn't matter how many times you count the ballots, they were incorrect ballots !! One of Avery Deans supporters is a dead guy and why are we not surprised with that one ! One lives in West Hampton, one in the Coram FD and the 4th one in the Medford FD and you think you ran a valid election. OH PLEASE !!!!

[UnregisteredVoterFraud]

A. there is none. The benefit of getting your commissioner elected thru documented voter fraud is that you get to vote to purchase a $ 50,000
SUV for the chief. I guess that is his "reward" for getting HIS MEN to vote
for A.D.

I wonder why we don't hear from Mr. Fred Brewington, the civil rights attorney that the GHFD spent the Taxpayers to hire, why isn't he ever quoted in the
Newspapers?

I guess he learned the truth, it isn't a RACE PROBLEM it's a MATH PROBLEM.

Have fun driving your new $50,000 truck thru the community !! I hope that you "are well received" by the taxpayers you are screwing over.

[UnregisteredVoterFraudx4]

1 x Dead.
3 x from out of the district

Guess what? Mr. kelly's seat is up for grabs this year. Wonder if he will
be crying foul on election night.

As I hear it, his own people are throwing him under the bus and he stands up
for those who will oppose him.

Hey what goes around; comes around.

When is the new $ 50,000 truck arriving?

[Ungist]

1 x Dead.
3 x from out of the district

Guess what? Mr. kelly's seat is up for grabs this year. Wonder if he will
be crying foul on election night.

As I hear it, his own people are throwing him under the bus and he stands up
for those who will oppose him.

Hey what goes around; comes around.

When is the new $ 50,000 truck arriving?

Since you are so concerned about the $50,000 truck (of course you have exaggerated the figure but that just shows your credibility) you can join and complete your training, get certified, qualify on all equment, and maintain your skills, alarm stats and run for chief. Get up all times of day and night answering the community's alarms, leave your family at the most inconvience times no matter what the weather is like. As a chief you can drive the truck home but you must maintain all the above otherwise you will loose your position.
Believe it or not there are some people who would really appreciate you if you did all of that.

By the way the TRUE price of the truck is less than $30,000 on NYS bid but it was a nice lie while it lasted.

[UnregisteredNotSoFast]

Since you are so concerned about the $50,000 truck (of course you have exaggerated the figure but that just shows your credibility) you can join and complete your training, get certified, qualify on all equment, and maintain your skills, alarm stats and run for chief. Get up all times of day and night answering the community's alarms, leave your family at the most inconvience times no matter what the weather is like. As a chief you can drive the truck home but you must maintain all the above otherwise you will loose your position.
Believe it or not there are some people who would really appreciate you if you did all of that.

By the way the TRUE price of the truck is less than $30,000 on NYS bid but it was a nice lie while it lasted.

The Legal Notice in Newsday for the Permissive Referendum was in the amount of $ 50,000.

Are the commissioners spending only $ 30,000 out of the $50,000 and returning the money back to the taxpayers?
Answer honestly !! Because you know that the price tag on the truck was more than $ 30,000 and you haven't even added the bells and whistles yet. Happy Spring.

[UnregisteredThat's you]

Since you are so concerned about the $50,000 truck (of course you have exaggerated the figure but that just shows your credibility) you can join and complete your training, get certified, qualify on all equment, and maintain your skills, alarm stats and run for chief. Get up all times of day and night answering the community's alarms, leave your family at the most inconvience times no matter what the weather is like. As a chief you can drive the truck home but you must maintain all the above otherwise you will loose your position.
Believe it or not there are some people who would really appreciate you if you did all of that.

By the way the TRUE price of the truck is less than $30,000 on NYS bid but it was a nice lie while it lasted.

DO ALL OF US A FAVOR AND RESIGN!

THE 20K DIFFERENCE IS PROBABLY THE BUILT IN KICK BACK!

[UnregisteredFrauds]

The experts from Cuomo right on down to the consultants suggest that downsizing the district would not affect service but would lower the taxes. The ESCI report suggested to sell off some of the trucks, ie. the 15 passenger van, which has no correlation to "response" time.

A number of residents in GH are collecting food stamps to help put food on their table and the GHFD continues on their INSENSITIVE SPENDING SPREE !!!

[UnregisteredCARMENS RIVER]

The Only Way You Can Save This Shithole Of A Depatment Is To Have The Carmens River Diverted To There Back Door Then Somebody Would Care.

[unregistered old timer]

The fault for the mess we are in can be traced back to two people CR and ER.

CR has always had delusions of grandeur but most people ignored him but then CR found his perfect soul mate--the unsuspecting ER who has a spending addiction and not a clue as to the real GH and it's problems. Both are full of sour grapes because they can't be the big shots in a big district.
so all they think about is spend spend spend.

Merge merge merge and maybe you will receive the recognition you are so hungry for. You are the 1% as outlined in Newsday. Wake up-- your thinking is outdated and insulting and doesn't get you respect from anyone!!!

[Unregistered0000000]

did any of you in the GHFD read the article in yesterday's newsday about Steve Levy? Well, the GHFD is #1 on his list with his new group to help the taxpayers end this lunacy and dissolve the district. (Check newsday from 3/23) It is only a matter of time. Heck, we have been working on this for 6 years and we will prevail. Now that the GHFD has been caught in voter fraud, they are going down. Did you guys and secretary who signed off on the votes really not think we were smart enough not to have this looked into? The secretary should go to jail for signing off as an official for the district when she KNEW there were illegal votes. Did you not think we would go to the Governor, our senator, the board of elections, the suffolk county executive and other high up politicians and report your dishonesty? Maybe some of the people who voted for AD thinking they would die in their homes (as they were lied to by AD and his supporters) will now believe that the residents supporting dissolution are looking out not just for some of us, but all of the residents of the GHFD. That is more than I can say for the other 3 lying, cheating and fraud committing commissioners. All they care about is power. You have stolen so much money from some of us - for some it is over $60,000 in excess taxes in 6 years we have been fighting for dissolution. What goes around comes around.

[Unregistered6930]

Remember the song "Everybody wants you"

Problem is nobody wants you, the merger will never happen. None of the other districts want any part of it.

Once GHFD is gone your homeowners insurance will skyrocket to equal what you originaly paid in taxes.

[UnregisteredRFP]

Remember the song "Everybody wants you"

Problem is nobody wants you, the merger will never happen. None of the other districts want any part of it.

Once GHFD is gone your homeowners insurance will skyrocket to equal what you originaly paid in taxes.


No body wants to take over the GHFD? Did the town send out the Request for Proposals and is that confirmed thru this process?

Your homeowners insurance will skyrocket? Your homeowners insurance is based on how close you are to a fire hydrant not a fire house. I could be wrong, so check with your insurance company and post your findings.

Thanks

[Unregistered6930]

Homeowners insurance pricing in a district are based on the ISO rating of the district.

ISO looks at a number of things, the first few being

Water supply
Number of stations and location based on area covered
Manpower response/time of day
Training
Etc

Having no stations in town and a neigboring dept contracting for fire response from a greater distance will drive homeowners pricing up. It may take a few years till ISO catches up but they will. Responding from GHFD stations will help with the ISO but will not save any money as the maintenance and vehicle costs will still be passed on via the contract.

The problem the other districts will have is why should their taxpayers subsidize Gordon Heights. It will require a vote by the other districts taxpayers and no none wants to pay higher taxes even to help out a neighbor.

The way I see it there is no winnng answer to this problem

[UnregisteredRFP]

There is a winning answer but those in power don't want an answer to the problem they want "Status Quo" and that's the REAL PROBLEM !!

[Unregisteredfact finder]

Remember the song "Everybody wants you"

Problem is nobody wants you, the merger will never happen. None of the other districts want any part of it.

Once GHFD is gone your homeowners insurance will skyrocket to equal what you originaly paid in taxes.

I have already checked it out with all the facts given to my insurance company. There will be no difference in my homeowners rate!!

Show me your documentation that your rate will go up equal to your fire taxes--come on put your money where your mouth is.

I can't believe how ignorant and stupid you are to run with a lie. You make such fools of yourselves. No wonder there are so many empty houses. Who wants to live around such morons.

[Unregistered6930]

I should not have used the word "equal" but trust me the rates will go up unless the new contract dept responds out of GHFD stations with equipment and manpower that will maintain the same ISO rating.

Do you think insurance companys charge the same rates for a residence that has a highly rated FD VS a residence that has no FD. They are in this to make money and reduce their risk, for this they rely on the ISO ratings.

Gogle ISO and do some reading, theres lots out there.

I do not have a sword in either fire, I do not even live in Suffolk and I do feel for the residents. The GHFD budget (as viewed from the outside) looks like almost every FD in Nassau and Suffolk. The area I am in has a large commercial tax base that keeps our taxes within reason Gordon Heights does not have the tax base.

[Unregistered6930]

For a little info on the ISO go to.

http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/0000/ppc0001.html

On this page click on 'Interested Citizens'

Gives a good explanition of what the ISO does relating to insurance premiums

[UnregisteredGetReal]

First, former Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy started a consulting business, Common Sense Strategies. Now he has added what he calls his "do-tank" -- as opposed to a think tank -- calling it the "Center for Government Savings."
Levy, at Long Island Metro Business Action, said Friday that his group, with an advisory board of 30 business leaders, is looking to help community groups that want to consolidate government functions, such as those seeking special-district mergers. He said his group could advise on preparing petitions, legal backup and field work.

[Unregistered???L]

First, former Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy started a consulting business, Common Sense Strategies. Now he has added what he calls his "do-tank" -- as opposed to a think tank -- calling it the "Center for Government Savings."
Levy, at Long Island Metro Business Action, said Friday that his group, with an advisory board of 30 business leaders, is looking to help community groups that want to consolidate government functions, such as those seeking special-district mergers. He said his group could advise on preparing petitions, legal backup and field work.

A republican left the Nassau County Exec years ago and left it in a financial mess. A republican leaves Suffolk County Exec and Suffolk is more the 1/2 BILLION in the hole. How is he going to help?

[UnregisteredBottomLine]

The bottom line is the GHFD is a disgrace. So entitled so self-centered and just so stupid. You have not cooperated with anything - all you do is frustrate, threaten and muddy the waters.
All the taxpayers are saying is that the situation they are in is NOT WORKING. It's unsustainable, it's unfair, it's hurting the community, it's hurting property values. You can't see the forest through the trees because of your self absorbed mentality. Any one can see this can we worked out. You have ruined your reputation and only made things worse for your community. You are the ones who have formed the cloud over your reputation - shame on you and how you have misused your positions of power and the money the community has entrusted in your hands.