Latest news with #BruceBlakeman
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elise Stefanik, a potential candidate for governor, focuses on New York's local races
ALBANY, New York — Republican Elise Stefanik, who's considering a run for governor next year, is turning to races close to home. The House Republican on Wednesday will announce the creation of a political action committee to raise cash on behalf of local Republican candidates in New York. She's expected to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to start. One check will go this week to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's campaign through an existing New York GOP account she oversees. Blakeman, like Stefanik, is a staunch ally of President Donald Trump. And like Stefanik, he also has not ruled out a gubernatorial campaign next year. 'Candidates know that when they have the support of Team Elise — this is a highly professionalized team that knows how to turn out the vote and win, and we're going to do that across statewide,' she told POLITICO in an interview. Formation of the PAC — dubbed Save New York — is the latest indication that Stefanik is moving toward a possible 2026 run for governor. Contributions to local-level candidates in otherwise low-profile elections for town supervisor, city council or county office will help strengthen her standing with Republican leaders who will be influential in determining their party's standard bearer against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul next year. Stefanik indicated the money will be spread widely among Republicans, though there is no fundraising target for the PAC. Ideal candidates are 'someone who is saving New York and they're a Republican on the ballot,' she said. Stefanik has raised millions of dollars over the years to Republican candidates around the country. Her record is mixed. A notable miss was her backing of controversial businessperson Carl Paladino in a House GOP primary over Rep. Nick Langworthy. She has since mended her relationship with Langworthy. Training Stefanik's formidable fundraising network on local races will be a boon for local Republicans who may otherwise struggle for attention and money, Langworthy said. 'It used to be all politics is local. Unfortunately, all politics has become national,' he added. 'If she can focus some of that back on our Republican infrastructure in New York, it will help pave the momentum for what we have to do in 2026.' Stefanik represents a deep red and largely rural House seat that borders Canada. She has a national profile, but is making a clear effort to solidify her ties with downstate Republicans. Stefanik spoke this week at a GOP confab on Staten Island and will be appearing with Republican officials on Long Island as well as Erie County in western New York. She's also set to host a June 17 fundraiser in New York City with state and city Republican lawmakers. The effort is the latest political turn for Stefanik, who withdrew her nomination as Trump's United Nations ambassador earlier this year over concerns her vacancy would damage the House Republicans' razor thin majority. Now weighing a bid for governor, she would have to surrender a safe seat to run statewide in New York, a deep blue state that has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki's third term win in 2002. Hochul has middling approval numbers, but Trump is deeply unpopular in his native state — further complicating a Republican's chances next year. Hochul's estranged lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, announced Monday he will challenge her in a Democratic primary. In addition to potentially facing Blakeman, Stefanik stands to contend against Rep. Mike Lawler, a suburban New York City moderate who is considered by many Republicans to be the most competitive candidate to take on Hochul. A Siena College poll last month showed Stefanik is the early frontrunner with Republican voters over Lawler and Blakeman. Stefanik already has a strong relationship with statewide political leaders whose support will be crucial for the nomination. 'She is moving in the direction of running,' said Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar, whose organization will honor her at a June 18 event. 'The Conservative Party would be leaning her way in the event she was planning to run. She's very popular in the party.' Lawler, who was recently endorsed by Trump to run for reelection in his swing House seat, has said he will make a decision on running for governor this month. Stefanik does not have a specific timetable for her announcement, but indicated she will campaign aggressively if she does. 'We don't run for second place,' she said. 'We run to win and I'm going to make the decision in the coming months.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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.' 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. '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. 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.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Nassau County bill would slash ‘shakedown' fees for business licenses
Small businesses in Nassau County could catch a break from the avalanche of local fees tied to dozens of required permits and licenses. Democratic county legislator Seth Koslow, who is running against County Executive Bruce Blakeman for his seat in November, proposed legislation last week to cut up to 85 percent of local licensing fees for businesses. 'If you want to groom dogs, hang a sign, or fix locks in Nassau, you're looking at hundreds of dollars in yearly fees — it reads less like a licensing schedule and more like a shakedown list,' Koslow told The Post. 'Small businesses are getting squeezed.' The proposed legislation would slash fees for more than 30 types of business licenses — including those involving dry cleaners, locksmiths, dog groomers, health clubs and home-service providers — which currently cost Nassau business owners anywhere from $650 to $1,300 a year. That's more than triple what businesses in neighboring Suffolk County pay for the same licenses, which typically range from just $100 to $200 annually — making Nassau's fees 225% to 550% higher depending on the license. Koslow told The Post that Suffolk's model was essentially the blueprint for his bill. 'Why should a young entrepreneur in Nassau pay triple what someone pays across the county line,' Koslow said. 'That's not competition, that's punishment. These fees hit hardest for women, minority, and veteran-owned startups. This bill is how we level the playing field.' David Adeoya, a Nassau County-based financial adviser who works with small businesses in the area, told The Post that the proposed legislation could provide much-needed breathing room for entrepreneurs struggling to stay afloat in a tough economy while making Nassau a more competitive place to do business. 'Many small businesses are facing rising costs and higher import prices, so lowering these fees can offer meaningful relief,' Adeoya said. 'Lower licensing fees mean business owners have more room in their budgets for necessities like inventory, staffing and equipment while also having the potential flexibility to add more tax efficient assets — things that directly support their businesses growth and stability.' Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he would be on board with the legislation. But he also noted licensing fees bring in so much money for Nassau that lowering them by nearly 80% could significantly impact the county budget. 'I am happy to cut the fees, provided Democrats come up with matching cuts to spending,' Blakeman told The Post.
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
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nassau Dems threaten funding freeze over $150K needed for Hempstead park rehab: ‘Completely ridiculous'
Nassau Democrats gathered at Mirschel Park Monday — a crumbling Hempstead hub in desperate need of an overhaul — and blasted the county executive for playing favorites with projects in Republican-led districts. Democrats are seeking $150,000 to repair the park, but also claim $9 million worth of projects are being stonewalled by Bruce Blakeman, the Republican county executive. The Dems — if they don't get their way — are threatening to withhold key votes to block a funding transfer to the county's parks department budget. Blakeman called the claims 'completely ridiculous.' He slammed Democrats and pointed to approvals he gave for Hempstead projects like $1 million for water treatment, $400,000 for the African American History Museum, $100,000 for a fire truck, and more than $350,000 for license plate readers. They acknowledged Blakeman signed off on those projects — although they say it was separate from the capital money they're looking for to fund the park rehab — but said the OK's didn't come without a partisan fight. 'They never have anything good to say,' Blakeman told The Post. 'What they should say is thank you.' Mirschel Park is operated by Hempstead, not the county, according to Blakeman. He added that Roosevelt, a Democratic district, just received a brand-new state-of-the-art facility at Eisenhower Park known as 'The Dream Court' in 2023, named after hometown legend Julius 'Dr. J' Erving. But Dems said the $9 million in question is already allocated in approved budgets and Blakeman just needs to release it. 'This funding has been backloaded since 2023 — and there is no reason for that besides blatant politics,' Legislator Scott Davis, a Democrat, said outside Mirschel Park Monday. 'We are going to hold up the transfer until we see movement on our projects,' added Democratic Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, claiming roughly 34 projects across GOP-controlled districts have been approved without one of the Dems' 32 proposals being passed. Blakeman said he has given plenty of funding to blue districts and the village of Roosevelt in particular. 'They're trying to pick on us because we're holding a $150,00 request when we've already given $3 million to the village — it is totally ludicrous,' he said.
