Imagining a Summer White House in Seaford

It has a certain ring to it: President King.

Rep. Peter King, R-Seaford, who still represents a portion of the Town of Oyster Bay, again floated the idea of a potential run for the White House, this time in 2016.

That's a long way off, but can you imagine what it would be like for our prominent, outspoken area Congressman making a serious bid for the GOP nomination? What if he won the presidency?

First, the news frenzy: dredging up the congressman's controversial past and, then, media hordes descending on Massapequa and Seaford and making comparions between King and Theodore Roosevelt, another Long Island guy who made good. There would also be traffic nightmares known as "frozen zones" when Candidate King came to town.

News outlets have already begun the speculation, but just consider: Have you ever met King? He's different in person than on TV. He's warmer and comes off more sincere, more genuine. And, he's all Long Island.

And, what would it be worth the GOP (and Nassau County, and the Town of Oyster Bay for that matter) to have an outspoken veteran who is well versed in foreign affairs in contention? What if he a straight shooter who hasn't always stuck to the Republican script, especially that of the extreme right of the party?

That's someone who could potentially win New York as well as the big states in the South. The Midwest might like him. It's just speculation at this point, a long shot: Still, we'd like your thoughts.

First Public Discussion about 'Wonder.'

Oyster Bay Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia moderated a panel of disability advocates Thursday as part of this year's "One Town, One Book: Oyster Bay Reads" program.

The book is Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, the remarkable story about a disfigured boy and how he sees the world reacting to him. This town-wide event at the Hicksville Community Center featured disability advocates from across Long Island. 

The guest speakers included Dr. Gloria Rothenberg, school psychologist at the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, Mikki Lam, nationally renowned disability advocate and post-polio survivor, and Dr. Lynn Pickus, a school psychologist in the Plainview area and mother of a child with multiple disabilities.

The panel helped to foster a dialogue with residents about Wonder and what it can teach us about treating people who are different from us. The program continues through the summer and we'll keep you posted.

Town Reminder on Garbage Ordinances

Oyster Bay Councilman Joseph G. Pinto reminds residents that there are some important rules to remember when it comes to putting out the garbage.

“No one wants to look at garbage or rubbish piled up for days or see someone’s empty containers rolling around on a non-collection day,” Pinto said.

A town ordinance stipulates that garbage may be placed at the curbside only after 5:p.m. the night before a scheduled collection and that containers must be removed from the curb by 8 p.m. on the day of collection. The ordinance also stipulates that containers should be placed at the curb, not in the roadway.