Latest news with #Blakeman
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Nassau County exec Bruce Blakeman's shocking move throws wrench in Hochul's hospital ‘takeover'
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman refused to nominate anyone to Nassau University Medical Center's board — saying in a surprise announcement Tuesday he was protesting Gov. Kathy Hochul's 'illegal' takeover. Blakeman, a Republican, was set to announce his picks for board after at least 10 executives resigned in protest to New York state's takeover of the facility — but instead said he will not be naming anybody to the Democratic governor's 'puppet board.' 'The state blatantly passed a law, which is illegal, to take over Nassau University Medical Center with the sole interest in closing the hospital as we know it,' Blakeman told reporters at a press conference outside of the hospital. 3 Nassau exec Bruce Blakeman announced Tuesday that the county will not participate in Gov. Kathy Hochul's 'illegal' takeover of the Nassau University Medical Center. Brandon Cruz/NY Post He called NUMC 'one of the finest medical facilities in the United States,' and said he won't stand for state officials shutting it down. The state has denied allegations that it plans to shut down the hospital or convert it into a mental or behavioral health facility. But a 2024 letter from the state Department of Health, which was obtained by The Post, said the agency determined that the only way for the hospital to be fiscally sustainable is to cut staff and multiple departments and convert to a behavioral health facility. The letter was signed by Hochul. Blakeman blasted Hochul and state officials, accusing them of bringing on a financial crisis. 3 Blakeman said he will not be naming anybody to Hochul's 'puppet board.' Lev Radin/Shutterstock 'The state has defunded this hospital with the intent to take it over and make this bogus claim that there is a financial crisis,' Blakeman said. Former NUMC Chairman Matthew Bruderman has filed a lawsuit accusing the state of systematically defunding the hospital in a convoluted scheme. The allegations sparked a federal investigation. 3 Nassau University Medical Center Stefano Giovannini 'Now the state, without any transition plan, without any coordination whatsoever, has taken this power grab, and let's be clear, this is nothing more than a cover up,' Blakeman said, citing the allegations.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Republicans roast Democrats in trying to ban ‘Chiefs,' Native-American mascots in NY schools
Republicans are planning to attack their Democratic opponents over New York's effort to force Massapequa to drop its Chiefs mascot as part of a ban on Native-American imagery in school logos. The GOP sees the mascot controversy as another example of Democratic-run Albany pushing fringe issues, and wants them to pay a political price for it. 'We have a lot of chiefs in volunteer fire departments in New York,' said John McLaughlin, a pollster for New York Republicans and President President Trump — also known as the commander-in-chief. 5 New York Republicans are planning to bash state Democrats over the controversy surrounding Massapequa High School being pressured to change its Chiefs mascot. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post 'Hochul and the Democrats should focus on improving reading and math and not indoctrinating our students,' he said. McLaughlin noted that Hochul is already unpopular on Long Island — she has a 55% unfavorable rating in the New York suburbs compared to 36% favorable in a recent Siena College poll. She is up for reelection next year. The comments come after US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Massapequa on Friday and threatened to bring a civil rights case against the Empire State for forcing the high school to ditch its mascot. The event was coordinated by Nassau County Executive and Trump pal Bruce Blakeman, who is up for re-election this fall. 'Denigrating whole communities like Massapequa and Wantagh is not a good look for Governor Hochul, who seems hell bent on making as many enemies as she can on Long Island,' Blakeman, who also is also eying a run for governor next year, told The Post Sunday. 5 Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman holding up 'Chief Nation' shirts at a press conference at Massapequa High School on May 30, 2025. Courtesy of Nassau County Executive Blakeman's Democratic opponent for county executive, Seth Koslow said, 'School pride matters, but it's hard to believe this is the top concern of the federal government right now.' The New York Board of Regents' and state Education ordered schools to ban Native American mascots back in 2023. The members of the education policy-making board are appointed by the Democratic-controlled state legislature. The National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee is using the controversy to tar Democratic incumbents up for re-election next year on Long Island and elsewhere, including Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen. 5 Blakeman accused Gov. Hochul of 'denigrating whole communities' in Long Island by forcing schools to abandon their mascots. Stephen Yang 'It's another day that ends in 'y,' so obviously Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen's Democrat Party is more concerned with demonizing a high school mascot than lowering taxes and costs for Long Island families,' said NRCC spokeswoman Maurenn O'Toole. 'Democrats are completely missing the plot, and voters will hold Suozzi and Gillen accountable for their utterly foolish, destructive, and out of touch agenda next fall.' But Suozzi told The Post Sunday, 'I support the Massapequa Chiefs.' 5 A Chiefs mural seen at Massapequa High School. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post Suozzi said Republicans are engaging in cheap politics to change the subject. 'This is nonsense, and just another distraction from national Republicans. Congressman Suozzi supports the Massapequa Chiefs, but not the petty partisan politics that people can't stand,' said Suozzi senior campaign adviser Kim Devlin. 'National Republicans should spend their time reducing prices, negotiating a bipartisan fix on immigration, lowering their own proposed record-breaking deficits, and protecting people's healthcare—not cutting it. Congressman Suozzi has always stood with our communities, and no amount of desperate distortion will change that.' State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs, a close ally of Hochul who also is the Nassau County Democratic leader, said Trump and the GOP are trying to deflect from their unpopular policies in DC by focusing on mascots. 'This is a Republican distraction. The Democrats have not made this an issue,' Jacobs insisted. 'The Republicans are trying to distract from all the damage they're doing in Washington. They want to talk about mascots instead of tariffs, cuts to Medicaid, SNAP benefits and education programs,' Jacobs said. 'This is what Republicans do every election — they try to scare and anger people.' Hochul, through a rep, sought to distance herself from the mascot controversy. 5 A Massapequa Chiefs scoreboard at the high school's baseball field. AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File 'The decision being discussed was made by the independent State Education Department, which is not under our Administration's jurisdiction,' said Hochul spokesman Gordon Tepper. 'While Secretary McMahon focuses on WWE-style distractions, Governor Hochul is focused on what matters: fully funding Long Island's public schools and making sure every kid gets a high-quality education.' Last year, Trump and the GOP successfully slammed Democrats for supporting the unpopular policy of allowing transgender athletes to compete against biological females in sports. Republicans said they are pleasantly surprised — even baffled — at state officials going after local school districts on Long Island, of all places. Numerous Long Island towns have native American names — honoring tribal history — Massapequa, Wyandanch, Manhasset, Mineola, Quogue, Amagansett, Patchogue, Hauppauge, Patchogue, among others.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Nassau County holds Memorial Day tributes to fallen troops with parade, moment of silence: ‘Say a prayer for them'
Nassau County paused in solemn tribute this Memorial Day honoring Long Island's fallen troops with a county-wide moment of silence, a patriotic parade, and heartfelt words from veterans and elected officials alike. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside members of the county legislature — spoke to a crowd of roughly 150 people in Glen Cove Monday afternoon, honoring the area's historic veteran population for the third year in a row. 'This is the day where we remember those who died in the line of duty defending our country,' Blakeman told The Post. 'Say a prayer for them, for their soul, for their families.' 6 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman marching in the Memorial Day parade in Glen Cove on May 26, 2025. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 6 Blakeman was joined by other Long Island officials for a county-wide moment of silence for fallen troops. Brandon Cruz/NY Post Veterans and civilian residents alike came to the ceremony to honor those who gave their life for the country. Michael Renga, a 17-year-old high school student from Glen Cove who was rocking a full-blown American Flag suit jacket, said the county's celebration is important to him and his 'patriot family.' 'We enjoy this weekend for being the unofficial start to summer, but these ceremonies are important so we can reflect on what the day truly means and how much sacrifice has gone into protecting the freedoms that we have,' Renga, whose grandfather served in World War II, told The Post. But the day means more to those who served — like Howard Stillwagon, a disabled combat veteran who fought in Vietnam. 6 Blakeman encouraged county residents to keep the fallen soldiers in their prayers. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 6 Nassau County residents waiving flags during the Glen Cove parade. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 'I saw about 20 soldiers get killed over in my time in the jungle,' Stillwagon solemnly remembered. 'It really bothered me to see them in a bag going home to their families.' 'It's a party day full of barbeques, but you have to stop and think of the guys that sacrificed their lives.' After the ceremony, Stillwagon led his troop of local combat veterans in the city's parade alongside Blakeman down Glen Cove's Main Street — where businesses were offering deals and specials after the march. 6 Blakeman shaking hands with 95-year-old Ben Farnan — the oldest veteran in the parade. Brandon Cruz/NY Post 6 Blakeman greeting local Vietnam vet Howard Stillwagon and his service dog Cruiser. Brandon Cruz/NY Post A second county-wide moment of silence was scheduled for 6 p.m. later that day, alerting residents with church bells and fire alarms from departments and houses of worship all over Nassau.
New York Post
22-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Alarms to sound across Nassau County on Memorial Day, signaling a moment of silence for all residents
This Memorial Day, Nassau County is asking residents to pause not once, but twice, to honor the region's large and historic veteran community. All 71 fire stations across the county will sound their alarms and flash their sirens to signal two moments of silence in tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending the country. The synchronized observances will take place at 12 noon and at 6 p.m. this coming Monday, a yearly tradition since County Executive Bruce Blakeman took office in 2022. Advertisement 3 Nassau County is asking residents this Memorial Day to pause twice to honor the region's largest veteran community. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images 'There's a lot of things that we do on Memorial Day that are celebrations and fun things to do with our family — but we should never forget the reason for Memorial Day,' Blakeman said outside of Valley Stream Fire Department Headquarters. 'The importance of Memorial Day and remembering those 18, 19, 20 year-olds who never got to enjoy their life, never got to have a family or graduate college, never got to celebrate or enjoy holidays with their families — they they died for us and for this country — and the least we could do is make sure that while we're celebrating Memorial Day weekend, we take some time out to remember them in a solemn way, and a respectful way,' Blakeman said. Advertisement 3 All fire stations across Nassau County will sound their alarms and flash their sirens to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending this country. Williston Park Fire Department / Facebook 3 The synchronized observances have been done each Memorial Day since Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman took office in 2022. Brandon Cruz The County Exec urged every resident to stop what they're doing, whether it be barbecuing, swimming, or even driving — to pull over and take the few seconds that it takes to remember and honor the area's veterans who never came home. Advertisement 'When you hear that siren — wherever you may be — please take a moment, stand at attention, be silent, and think about those who gave their life for America,' Blakeman said. 'If you're in your car and it's safe to pull over, do so and turn off the radio.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Las Vegas Sands drops bid to open $4B casino complex at Nassau Coliseum site
Las Vegas Sands has withdrawn its planned bid to open a $4 billion casino complex at the site of the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. The gaming giant's announcement Wednesday caught some casino industry insiders by surprise. 'Crazy,' one industry source said. Sands had the strong political support of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Republican-run legislature — but there was some hard-core opposition led by nearby Hofstra University and residents living near the Nassau Coliseum hub in Uniondale. 'Hofstra University is pleased with Las Vegas Sand's decision to abandon their application for a license to build a casino at the Nassau Coliseum. Over the past 90 years, Hofstra has been deeply invested in the future of this region, and we are eager to be a part of planning for development in the Nassau Hub that would promote, sustainable economic growth, enhance the quality of life for all who live and work here, and serve the true needs of Nassau County and Long Island,' Susan Poser, Hofstra University President, said in a statement to The Post. In a statement, Sands said it wanted to focus its financial resources elsewhere and expressed concern about legislation introduced in New York to legalize internet or i-Gaming. 'For Las Vegas Sands, we believe the highest and best use of our capital in the near term is to purchase Las Vegas Sands and Sands China shares,' the gaming company said. 'Accordingly, Sands has decided not to bid for a casino license in New York.' While headquartered in Vegas, all of Sands' gambling operations are in Asia — with five in China-controlled Macao and one in Singapore. Sands' withdrawal comes at a time of a tariff war between the US and China, putting the gaming giant in a difficult position with so much of its business dependent on licenses overseen by the communist country, one industry source said. Last April, a top Sands Casino official ripped New York gaming regulators for a 'confusing' years-long review process to bid for a casino license. Las Vegas Sands was founded by billionaire Sheldon Adelson, a major Republican donor who died in 2021. His family still owns the gaming company. The state gaming commission is expected to approve up to three casino licenses in the New York City region by year's end. Sands has entered into a lease arrangement with Nassau County to build a casino-entertainment complex at the Nassau Coliseum hub. In its statement, the company said it would try to 'secure an agreement' from a third party to bid for a casino at the site. Blakeman said he will see if another developer wants to develop the Coliseum site — with or without a casino. 'County Executive Blakeman has been aware of certain pressures that have factored into Las Vegas Sands' rethinking of land-based brick and mortar casinos in the United States. The County Executive is grateful that Las Vegas Sands is committed to the development of the Coliseum site with or without a casino,' a spokesman for Blakeman said. 'There is strong interest from gaming organizations, which have been in confidential discussions with Nassau County in taking the place of Las Vegas Sands in the licensing application process. Nassau County will crystallize within the next 30 days whether or not to entertain a casino component or develop the site without. 'In either event, there will be an exciting new development that will create jobs and positive economic activity,' the rep added. Sands' exit could boost the odds of other bidders bordering Nassau, including Mets owner Steve Cohen's plan with Hard Rock to open an $8 billion casino complex next to Citi Field, and the Genting Resorts World slots parlor at Aqueduct race track, which is seeking to obtain a gaming license to offer table games. Among the other bidders vying for a gaming license include the Wynn NYC- Related Companies casino proposal for Hudson Yards; SL Green/Caesar's Entertainment/Jay-Z Roc Nation pitch in Times Square; Thor Equities consortium's push to erect a casino in Coney Island and Bally's proposed casino next to its golf course in the Bronx's Ferry Point.
