At its September general membership meeting, the Nassau County Village Officials Association (NCVOA) addressed the timely topic of emergency management. The NCVOA represents 64 incorporated villages with more than 430,000 residents.

The presentation by Nassau County and New York State Emergency Management officials focused on the role of the state, county and villages in implementing the evacuation and relocation of residents in the event of a catastrophe or emergency.

Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna, shown left, who also serves as NCVOA first vice president, is shown here discussing emergency management procedures in the Village of Massapequa Park with guest speakers, left to right, Ted Fish, Long Island regional director, State Emergency management Office (SEMO); Debbie Bullock, director of recovery operations, Nassau County of Emergency management and Tom Fargione, SEMO deputy director.

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, shown left, recently met with Governor Pataki for the signing of Hate Crime legislation. Assemblyman Saladino co-sponsored a bill to create a felony crime for the making of a swastika, the burning of a cross and the desecration of a cross or religious symbol in an effort to harass or intimidate. "This has been an example of working with our Governor and cooperation between Republicans and Democrats to send a strong message that the people of New York State will not tolerate hate crimes targeted at people of the Jewish, Christian or any religion or race. This new law signed by Governor Pataki will help to ensure that everyone will receive equal protection", said Assemblyman Joseph Saladino.