Elmont Online

Patrick Nicolosi -  the Elmont East End Civic Leader took on State Senator Craig Johnson and his hired gun lawyers, numerous political machines and just about single handedly won a State Assembly seat. Nicolosi has come a long way, and isn’t afraid to stand up and speak loudly for the community. We may not always agree with Nicolosi, but you have to admire and respect his consistency and his love of community.

Senator Craig Johnson - arrogance and ego were what brought down the first Democratic Senator in Elmont. His refusal to listen, the demeanor of his staff, the games, rumor mongering and threats caught up to him. The Senator never had an original idea and ignored Elmont. If that wasn’t enough, his treatment of Pat Nicolosi, Civic Leaders, volunteers at the 3-on-3 tournament and Assemblyman Tom Alfano, earned him the disdain of the community.

Sandra Smith - the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development Co-Chair is one of Elmont’s best cheerleaders. Known for her straight talk and listening skills, Smith has won the respect and admiration of the community. She also has the ears and confidence of State Senate leaders who respect her “get it done and get it done right attitude.”

Muzzio Talini - this Elmont business dynamo has one thing on his mind. Revitalize and create jobs in Elmont. A quiet man with great ideas, Muzzio has won the respect of many and continues to show what a little research, elbow grease and positive attitude can accomplish. The only question is when will he take the reins of the Chamber of Commerce?

Senators Dean Skelos and Jack Martins - they are now Elmont’s dynamic duo in the new State Senate Majority. Skelos and Martins campaigned on the streets of Elmont with both of them ringing doorbells and listening to the people. The experience seems to have motivated these guys to deliver big time. After elections, some politicians go on vacation. These two guys came back to Elmont and spent an evening with 200 residents listening and getting ready to make things happen! Sounds like Elmont made the right choice.

Patrick Emeagwali – This Elmont School Trustee has emerged as the most credible voice for education in Elmont. He sees things clearly.  His community involvement keeps him connected locally and his quiet outreach to state officials opens doors to Albany.

John Ciotti - the County Legislator who represents Elmont has put his money where his mouth is. Projects are getting done, revitalization initiatives are getting completed and it seems like he’s just getting warmed up. Ciotti has taken up the mantle of social justice that Assemblyman Tom Alfano created in Elmont.

Dorothy Werner - this community dynamo puts us all to shame. She is everywhere. She comes to meetings, listens, offers advice and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Dotty Werner is "Elmont" and we are very lucky to have her.

Elmont Soccer - a group that continues to impress the community and all who come in contact with them. Led by a dynamic ELMONT Board of Directors, Elmont Soccer has developed a positive outlet for young people. Graduates like Ahkeel Rodney, Ajani Jones, Aaron Dennis and Diana Allen are our future leaders. Great Job Elmont Soccer!

Scott Cushing- the Chairman of the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament truly made his mark this year as the Elmont Battlefield General in the Martins and Skelos Senate Election. The Martins victory helped put control of the Senate in another Elmont Senator’s hands, Dean Skelos. Cushing has helped insure that Elmont’s voice isn’t a whisper in Albany, it’s a roar.

John Capozzi- Sporting a new look, the Elmont Memorial High School Principal continues to impress the community with his hands-on approach to the school and its students. When a Principal knows the names of all of his students, and with “just a look” can change the tone in the room, you know you have a winner.

Claudine Hall- Her work with Habitat for Humanity and making her community’s voice heard, makes her a winner.

Kevin Johnson, Qusarn Caldwell, Brian Wint, Gregory Senat- these Elmont young men show all of us that you can play sports and have the grades to follow it. Each of them has won plaudits from sports writers and community members for their leadership, character and community spirit. We only hope that they continue to lead the way in Elmont.

Elsy Guibert- health educator, breast cancer advocate, Haiti relief effort volunteer and representation advocate. That is Elsy. Guibert’s leadership has won her praise from national press and cancer specialists where she has educated and saved countless lives. Her work on AIDS relief in the Caribbean and in Nassau County have earned her the respect she deserves.

Warren Meierdiercks - the Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent was a surprise to us all on this list but here goes. Warren needs to clean up Sewanhaka High School starting with the Principal now. Enough of the excuses. Next, the perceived slights to Elmont Memorial by his office and his team have parents openly questioning his comittment to the students at the Junior-Senior High School.

Pat Boyle - when does an after-school program get used as a political tool? Just ask Pat Boyle. This year, Boyle’s organization was ensnared in controversy related to the Mimi Pierre-Johnson for Assembly Campaign. If that wasn’t enough, the lines of parents who are put through the indignity of waiting overnight for a necessary but cheap after-school program is a disgrace.  Boyle should hang his head in shame.

Carrie Solages - waving a flag in front of Elmont Memorial High School on Election day and yelling to voters to vote for a candidate because she was black wins you no respect in a community that boasts of children hailing from over 140 countries and speaking 77 different languages. In fact, you get the raspberry for that one. Unfortunately, by taking a page from the notebook of Craig Johnson, you have damaged your reputation by playing to people’s fears and by promising all thing to all people. Elmont is much bigger than one person and their ambition.

Mimi Pierre-Johnson - When you lose a primary, have fraud on your petitions and then lose a general election, you need to take a step back and think about what you have done. If you cared about the Democratic party, you would have conceded in the primary and let the Democratic winner have a clear path to victory.  You also have to learn that when you make statements at a Senate hearing that is not truthful, it has consequences. Shame on you.

Lorraine Ferrigno- the Elmont School Trustee learned a very valuable lesson this year, don’t take credit for a shell game school tax cut. The school trustee tried to tell the community she was being fiscally prudent with tax dollars in announcing a fake tax cut when in actuality, the gesture was meaningless (less than $1.00/family/year).  On the other hand, she is still unwilling (or hiding) to explain her health insurance scandal at a public Board of Education meeting.

Jon Johnson- the Elmont Cardinals President continues to mismanage the club.  The club was the only organization to receive funds from Senator Craig Johnson (~$50,000) and we are yet to see how it benefitted the club as a whole.  After all is said an done the organization continues to be mismanaged and is in need of leadership.

Elmont Chamber of Commerce- is it a chamber of commerce or a good old boys not-for-profit gathering? It’s a question that everyone is asking. The Chamber’s lack of focus on revitalization, bringing in business and creating jobs has been a sore bone of contention for quite some time. In fact, the CCC has now openly questioning the Chamber’s effectiveness. Can someone save it? Calling Muzzio Tallini!

Debbie Lidowsky- she holds the title of Principal, but she surely does not have the respect of the community. The Principal of Sewanhaka High School has been on thin ice for quite some time. Unfortunately, she doesn’t care. Debbie has made payback, gossip, not returning calls, shutting out civic leaders, not caring about students (unless you are honors) and exacting revenge into an art form. The problem is that our young people who walk the halls are the losers. She should do some soul searching this winter break and brush up her resume. The people have had it.