Peter Schmitt, the Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature, died on Wednesday.
The Republican lawmaker was the Majority Leader and was elected to the first Nassau County Legislature in 1995 and served the 12th district which encompasses Massapequa, Massapequa Park and portions of Seaford and North Massapequa.
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano issued a statement saying: "Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant. My wife Linda and I lost a friend of over 20 years. Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt served the residents of Nassau County with great integrity and pride. I had the privilege of serving closely with Peter in the Legislature since its creation in 1996, where he distinguished himself as an outspoken advocate for the residents of the 12th Legislative District. Peter was a loving husband, father and most recently a doting grandfather. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Lois, his daughter Samantha and his entire family. Nassau County is a better place because of Peter's leadership, commitment and compassion and he will be greatly missed."
Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams issued a statement saying: "Our entire caucus is shocked and saddened by the passing of Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt. He was an iconic leader of our Legislature since its inception in 1995. Through his career spent in public service he has left an indelible mark on Nassau County. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
The Republican lawmaker was the Majority Leader and was elected to the first Nassau County Legislature in 1995 and served the 12th district which encompasses Massapequa, Massapequa Park and portions of Seaford and North Massapequa.
Statement from Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano issued a statement saying: "Nassau County has lost a dedicated public servant. My wife Linda and I lost a friend of over 20 years. Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt served the residents of Nassau County with great integrity and pride. I had the privilege of serving closely with Peter in the Legislature since its creation in 1996, where he distinguished himself as an outspoken advocate for the residents of the 12th Legislative District. Peter was a loving husband, father and most recently a doting grandfather. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Lois, his daughter Samantha and his entire family. Nassau County is a better place because of Peter's leadership, commitment and compassion and he will be greatly missed."
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:30:45 GMT
Nassau County police have identified the career criminal who allegedly shot and killed a Hofstra University student in a home invasion robbery early Friday morning.
Nassau County police have identified the career criminal who allegedly shot and killed a Hofstra University student in a home invasion robbery early Friday morning.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:40 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:40:30 GMT
A proposal to build a major Long Island casino with video slot machines is part of closed-door negotiations to expand casino gambling in New York.
A proposal to build a major Long Island casino with video slot machines is part of closed-door negotiations to expand casino gambling in New York, according to the head of the Nassau County Off-Track Betting Corp. and a legislative bill.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:59 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:59:22 GMT
USDA photo
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island.
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island, according to state agriculture officials.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to freeze Long Islanders' energy rates for three years as part of a proposal to end operating control of the Long Island Power Authority.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to freeze Long Islanders' energy rates for three years as part of a proposal to end operating control of the Long Island Power Authority.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:57 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:57:44 GMT
Students and staff at Baldwin High School on Long Island are seeing tighter security at the school on Monday following a threatening message found scrawled inside the building.
Students and staff at Baldwin High School on Long Island are seeing tighter security at the school on Monday following a threatening message found scrawled inside the building. Investigators won't say was said in the message discovered over the weekend.
Sunday, May 12 2013 8:33 PM EDT2013-05-13 00:33:35 GMT
On this Mother's Day, a mom on Long Island knew something was wrong when she saw another mother in need. A mother riding home to Dix Hills after a Mother's Day dinner became an animal rescue worker.
On this Mother's Day, a mom on Long Island knew something was wrong when she saw another mother in need. A mother riding home to Dix Hills after a Mother's Day dinner became an animal rescue worker.
