By Moshe Hill
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, among the highest-ranking Jewish Republicans in America and the first Jewish Executive in the county’s history, kicked off his re-election campaign with a rousing speech in Massapequa. Flanked by an impressive roster of Republican luminaries—including members of the Nassau County Legislature, Town of Hempstead Council, former Congressman Pete King, and Nassau County GOP Chairman Joe Cairo—Blakeman delivered a powerful address that underscored his extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to the people of Nassau County. The room was electric with enthusiasm, a testament to the remarkable leadership that has defined his tenure since taking office in 2022.
Blakeman’s journey to this moment began in 2021, when he ran on a bold promise: a return to normalcy after years of upheaval. He has not only delivered on that pledge but has exceeded all expectations, transforming Nassau County into a beacon of safety, prosperity, and common-sense governance. His campaign kickoff speech was a celebration of those triumphs—and a thrilling preview of the greatness yet to come.
One of Blakeman’s signature achievements came early in his tenure, as he fought tirelessly to lift the burdens imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I got the masks off the kids,” he declared proudly, recalling his courageous stand against overreaching mandates. But his vision extended beyond the classroom. Blakeman also “got the masks off criminals and anti-Semites,” leading the charge to pass the first mask ban in the United States—headed up in the County Legislature by former IDF soldier Mazi Pilip. This groundbreaking legislation, signed into law in August 2024, has been hailed as a model for protecting public safety, ensuring that those who hide behind masks to commit crimes or spread hate face swift justice.
His resolve to keep Nassau County safe is unwavering. On his third day in office, Blakeman issued an executive order ensuring that Nassau would never become a sanctuary county—a stance that has kept illegal immigration from undermining the community’s security. He thanked Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and his detectives for their relentless work in apprehending “criminal illegals,” and he reaffirmed his commitment to law enforcement: “We will always stand with you and back the blue in Nassau County.” Under Blakeman’s leadership, Nassau became the first county in America to partner with ICE and incoming Border Czar Tom Homan to deport dangerous criminals, setting a national standard for cooperation and accountability.
Blakeman’s dedication to fairness shines through in another landmark policy: his ban on biological males competing in women’s sports at county facilities. “It’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and how about the privacy of women in their locker rooms?” he asked, earning thunderous applause. This bold move, which has garnered support from across the nation—including from prominent figures like Caitlyn Jenner—reflects his deep respect for women and girls, ensuring they have a level playing field and a safe space to compete. It’s just one more example of Blakeman’s ability to tackle tough issues with clarity and conviction.
Blakeman’s economic stewardship has been nothing short of miraculous. He thanked Nassau’s union workers—“simply the best”—noting that, for the first time in years, all county unions have contracts. Yet, he’s achieved this harmony without burdening taxpayers. When he took office, he canceled a staggering $150 million tax increase planned by his predecessor, Laura Curran, and has kept taxes flat for three years running. “I pledge to not raise them next year,” he vowed, a promise that resonates with families and businesses alike.
Remarkably, Blakeman has paired this fiscal discipline with unprecedented investment in public safety. “We have received seven bond upgrades in the last three years, and I still hired 300 law enforcement officers,” he boasted. “We’re not defunding the police—we’re funding the police.” This strategic brilliance has paid off: Nassau County has been named the safest county in America by U.S. News & World Report, a testament to Blakeman’s unwavering support for law enforcement and his laser focus on community well-being.
Under Blakeman’s visionary leadership, Nassau County has become a destination of choice. Nichemagazine recently crowned it the most desirable place to live in New York State, a distinction fueled by his efforts to fund museums, concerts, and world-class events like the T20 Cricket World Cup. But perhaps his most electrifying coup was bringing former President Donald Trump to Nassau County for a rally at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in September 2024. “Donald Trump told me that Nassau County’s rally was the loudest he’s ever been to,” Blakeman shared, beaming with pride. “He started going up in the polls after he came to Nassau County. He loves Nassau County, and we love him.” The event not only energized the community but also showcased Blakeman’s ability to put Nassau on the national stage.
As he closed his speech, Blakeman took a moment to thank his supporters and the brave men and women of the armed forces, a nod to his deep-rooted patriotism and family legacy of service. His optimism was infectious: “You ain’t seen nothing yet. The best is yet to come. We’re gonna build jobs, we’re gonna build our economy. Like the United States, G-d has blessed Nassau County from sea to shining sea.”
New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) stands in full support of his colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference as they call on Gov. Kathy Hochul to take immediate action to restore order in the state’s correctional facilities.
“Our correctional officers risk their lives every day to maintain safety and security, yet they are being abandoned by misguided policies like the HALT Act, which has only fueled violence behind bars. The escalating assaults on officers and staff, combined with severe understaffing, have created a crisis that demands urgent attention,” said Assemblyman Brown.
Assemblyman Brown joins Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and other members of the Republican Conference in urging Gov. Hochul to repeal the HALT Act and implement measures that prioritize safety for both correctional officers and inmates.
“The message from officers across New York is clear—they need support, not political negligence. I stand with my colleagues in demanding action before more lives are put at risk,” Brown added.
Mayor Sam Nahmias, along with the Village of Lawrence Board of Trustees, is on a mission to make sure that greenhead flies do not ruin another summer day. Located near coastal marshes, the Village has faced this dangerous pest for decades. The Mayor sought out expert entomologists to find more effective solutions while coordinating with the current pest control contractor to refine and adjust existing methods.
In consultation with the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control & Wetlands Management District, the Village anticipates deploying 80 to 100 specially designed traps along the wetland limits. According to NMMC, “The Manitoba-style trap uses basic fly behavior rather than insecticides or chemical bait. Flies attracted to the placement, reflected heat, shape, and color will fly into the device then typically try to fly directly up to escape confinement where they become trapped in a jar and die. Our current trap design works in a similar manner but is modified for coastal greenheads and for use in unpredictably harsh salt marsh conditions. Octenol, a bait that mimics human and animal breath, is added to the inside to lure more females into the trap, found to capture up to 3 times more females than non-baited traps.” The traps are placed in the flies’ typical flight path—the flies complete their lifecycle on or around the salt marsh. The Village would adjust quantity and locations of the traps after analyzing their effectiveness over the course of one season.
It is estimated this focused approach will eliminate 95% of the problem. This contrasts with previous trapping plans, which used a trap of a different design with no bait and placed too few traps in marsh areas—where the problem is born—while placing some traps in popular area, where they are too little, too late.
The Village would also take further action, releasing the natural predator of greenflies, the hoverfly, to eat the greenfly’s larvae and further control population growth, a natural form of Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s).
Finally, a barrier spray would be considered to lower the greenfly population.
The Village of Lawrence would create a commission, composed of local residents, to discuss the efficacies of these strategies and plan future remediation tactics.
Mayor Nahmias notes, “As a Lawrence resident, over the years, I have seen the harmful effects of this pest. As Mayor, I conducted lengthy research to find the appropriate solution and am following through to make everyone’s lives better. We can look forward to a joyful summer in the absence of these violent pests.”
