Hempstead Republicans are taking on Nassau Legis. Jeffrey Toback (D-Oceanside) over his vote to approve a sewer consolidation plan that calls for sewage now processed in Lawrence and Cedarhurst to be pumped to the county’s Bay Park treatment plant in his district.
At a stormy first meeting of the legislature this year, the 10-vote Democratic majority approved the plan over objections of residents from Bay Park and East Rockaway, both GOP strongholds.
Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Board member Anthony Santino wrote Toback, in photo at left, asking him to change course. They also issued a news release announcing a petition drive against the plan as well as a protest rally on March 1 at the entrance to the Bay Park plant.
“Residents of Bay Park and East Rockaway already are burdened with a large volume of sewage being pumped into their neighborhoods along with accompanying odors and health concerns,” said Murray. “Enough is enough.”
Toback responded, “It is unfortunate that Hempstead officials routinely use taxpayer funds for political purposes.” He said he had invited Murray to a briefing on the issue but had received no response.
“Our mutual constituents will be well served when their elected officials work together to build bridges rather than burn them down,” he said.
Celeste Hadrick