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County title for girls lacrosse
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VOL. 112 NO. 20
JUNE 3 - 9, 2026
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Lepre, Ocuto reelected by wide margins By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Erik H. Lee/Herald
COUNTY CHAMPIONS! Plainedge High School’s baseball program captured its first Nassau County title since 2012 last Friday afternoon with a 6-3 win over Wantagh in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals at Farmingdale State College. Story, more photos page 12.
TOBAY holds hearing on proposed ‘Peace and Good Order’ local law By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Highlighting the May 19th Meeting of the Oyster Bay Town Board was the public hearing on a proposed new Chapter 170 to the Town Code, entitled “Peace and Good Order,” that would impose fines on any person or persons who urinates or defecates in a public place other than in a urinal or toilet. The proposed fines range from $150 to $300 for a first offense, to $500 to $750 for a second offense within a period of three years, to $1000 to $1500 for a third offense within a three year period. Third and subsequent violations within a six month period shalll be deemed a misdemeanor and subject to Court jurisdiction. As explained by Michael Montesano, Special Counsel to the Town Attorney, the newly pro-
posed Local Law stems from the suggestion of Nassau County Police officers who are unable to deal with situatioms like this under existing Town Law. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is an enthusistic supporter of new Section 170. “While Albany and New York City officials continue to downplay quality-of-life concerns statewide, Town of Oyster Bay families know strong community standards are essential to protecting safe, clean, and livable neighborhoods,” he said. “We continue to strengthen quality of life laws to protect your neighborhood, parks and open spaces.” Similarly Councilwoman Laura Maier stated, “We are prioritizing public order, neighborhood safety, and clean streets because strong communities are built on accountability and respect for CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
Incumbent Massapequa Board of Education members Cher Lepre and Danielle Ocuto were reelected May 19, according to unofficial results, as voters also approved the district’s budget for the 2025-26 school year. Ocuto led the field with 4,692 votes. Lepre received 4,532 votes, while challengers Lynn Russo and Bobby Bonett received 2,309 and 2,227 votes respectively. As a result of the large and unexpected turnout, the district ran out of ballots and had to print more for voters two hours before the polls closed. In contrast to the more than 7,000 voters who went to the polls this year, only 2,177 voters showed up for the School Budget and Trustee vote in 2025. Observers characterized the vote as among the most contentious school board elections in Nassau County this year, as residents debated proposed state legislation tied to the Massapequa school district’s mascot and name and the district’s stand in opposition to New York State law regarding transgender bathrooms. After the vote, Lepre thanked
the Massapequa community and reflected on the district’s recent challenges. “We had to stay positive throughout,” Lepre said. “I don’t take anything for granted, but my gut was telling me that we represented what the community wanted, and I was right.” Lepre added that she hopes the district can move beyond recent disputes and focus on education. Looking to the future, Ocuto emphasized what she and the board believe are priorities for the district. “We’re starting to utilize a data forward approach to the learning outcomes of our students, and that will be my primary focus,” she said, also pledging to continue the district’s current approach to financial planning and accountability. Bonett said the campaign was an educational experience for him as a first-time candidate. “I am proud of the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers who helped support me,” Bonett said. “I’m confident that other parents like me will take what we built the past several months, and channel that into CONTINUED ON PAGE 2