Rosanna Clavin congratulated her son, Donald, after beginning a new term as receiver of taxes.

Hempstead town officials touted past successes and looked to the future during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday at Town Hall. After being re-elected in November, Supervisor Kate Murray, council members Edward Ambrosino, Angie Cullin and Jim Darcy, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin began new terms.

Murray talked proudly about the town’s strong financial standing, despite tough economic times and the struggles at other levels of government. She cited the high Wall Street bond ratings, tax-freeze 2012 budget and avoiding the use of one-shot revenue sources. “Our budgetary policies have blazed a trail of best financial practices for other governments to follow,” she said.

Town officials are committed to growth, Murray said, saying they have reached out to developers to improve several areas in the town. The supervisor said that communities including Elmont, Baldwin and Uniondale are on the town board’s radar for redevelopment.

Appointed in 2003, and re-elected five times, Murray said the proudest accomplishment of her tenure is actually the beginning of construction on a new, permanent home for Camp ANCHOR’s recreation programs in Lido. The program, which serves children and teens with special needs, is the “heart and soul” of the town, Murray said. Ground was broken on the $6 million facility last year.

Ambrosino, representing the 2nd Council District, said the town has much work to do beyond paving the roads and trimming the trees. There are a lot of challenges ahead, he said, including redevelopment of the Coliseum property, Belmont racetrack and several downtown communities. Affordable housing must also be a priority, he added.

“We have done much,” Ambrosino said, citing the demolition of the crime-ridden Courtesy Hotel in West Hempstead and the creation of a vision plan for Elmont. “We have much more to do.” The councilman from North Valley Stream was first elected in 2003.

In the neighboring 3rd District, Darcy, of Valley Stream, began another term after he was first elected in 2000. He said that town officials can’t rest on their laurels, and must continue to do the people’s business. “I pledge myself to continue to work as hard as I can,” he said, “and earn the trust that the people have given me.”

Cullin, of Freeport, was the first woman elected to town government in 1987. In her brief remarks on Tuesday, she said it was a great honor to be re-elected and thanked her constituents in the 5th Council District for returning her to a job she loves.

Bonilla and Clavin’s speeches both had a common theme — they thanked their respective staffs. With more than 100 employees, Bonilla said he was blessed to have a hard working group of employees.

Clavin said there is no better part of his job than when he is out in public and someone tells him how they were helped by one of the Tax Department’s employees. He said his staff knows how to treat people right. “I was elected,” he said, “but they deserve the accolades as well.”

While receiver of taxes isn’t an elected office many people aspire to, Clavin, of Garden City, is happy. He described it as a wonderful job, and said it is all about providing great services to the residents. In his coming term, Clavin said he is looking to expand on his office’s use of technology, to allow town residents to receive their tax bill and pay their taxes online.

Murray said that all elected officials in the town will continue to work together to do what’s right for the residents. “We care,” she said, “and we want to ensure that America’s largest township is also the greatest town to live, work and raise a family.”

January 4, 2012

By: Andrew Hackmack

Source: LI Herald

Clavin will discuss important issues such as assessment challenges, tax exemptions, tax discounts, property tax payment dates and convenient tax payment options. The forums are free and open to the public.

“As we approach the annual grievance period during which property owners may apply for a reduction in assessed value of their property, it is important that residents understand the steps they can take if they believe that their home’s assessment is out of line (too high) with comparable properties in their neighborhoods,” Clavin said in a statement.

Forums will be held throughout the town:

Jan. 12 at 2 p.m., Lynbrook Library, 56 Eldert St.

Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Rd.

Jan. 19 at 1 p.m., Hewlett-Woodmere Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

Jan. 25 at 2 p.m., Oceanside Public Library, 30 Davison Ave.

Jan. 26 at 2 p.m., Levittown Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane

Feb. 2 at 2 p.m., Hempstead Library, 115 Nichols Ct.

Feb. 8 at 1 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke.

Feb. 9 at 2 p.m., Baldwin Library, 2385 Grand Ave.

Feb. 21 at 2 p.m., Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave.

For more information, call the Office of Receiver of Taxes at 516-538-1500.

Friday December 23, 2011 2:25 PM

By Aisha Al-Muslim

Source: Newsday

Clavin captured 66.32 percent of the total vote against the non-incumbent, Robinson.

“The residents of our town deserve responsive and hardworking government that shows respect and compassion during difficult economic times,” Clavin told Patch. “I have been proud to work with Supervisor Kate Murray and all of the members of the town board to deliver a tax freeze budget that shows the highest regard for residents while preserving a superlative quality of life experience for neighbors across America’s largest township. Thank you to all of those who voted in Tuesday’s election.”

Clavin has been receiver of taxes since 2001.

Prior to his work with the town, Clavin gained experience in local government while working in the Office of the Nassau County Attorney as deputy county attorney. In the county attorney’s office, Clavin was responsible for defending various agencies of government ranging from the Department of General Services to the Nassau County Police Department.

After leaving the county attorney’s office, he entered the private sector and went on to defend various corporations ranging from Home Depot to General Motors.

Candidates Votes % Precincts Reported
Clavin 69,559 66.32
Robinson 35,288 33.65

November 9, 2011
Source: Patch

The position of receiver of taxes is one that is mostly managerial — managing the office, the workers and, of course, the money.

Because of that, we believe that the candidate with the most managerial experience is the best qualified for the position. And that’s why we endorse Republican incumbent Donald X. Clavin.

It seems odd to us that tax receiver is an elected position at all. It is, by its nature, nonpartisan: There’s no Democratic or Republican way to collect taxes.

The Democratic challenger, Wilton Robinson Jr., obviously cares about his community. In our interview with him, he struck us as a good-natured man who wants to effect real change in the Town of Hempstead. Robinson said he wanted to make the receiver of taxes a more advocacy-oriented position, but that’s just not what it is.

Because of his sincerity and his desire to change things, we can’t help but feel that Robinson is running for the wrong position. He would be much better suited to a seat in the County Legislature or on the Town Council.

Clavin has a proven record of working for the town’s taxpayers. He updated their tax bills so they can see where their money is going, and expanded the hours his office is open during the final days of tax season so residents have more opportunities to pay. He opened up a drive-through taxpaying service that is so popular that he plans to open another one. And he got New York state to pass a bill that will allow towns to give residents the option to receive their tax bills and receipts either by mail or electronically. Clavin says that if just 10 percent of residents opt for electronic bills, it will save the town tens of thousands of dollars.

For receiver of taxes, the choice is clear: Clavin is a charismatic and affable man with the experience the position requires and the vision to continue to build on the improvements he has already made. Robinson’s heart is in the right place, but he is the wrong fit for this position. We encourage him to run for a different seat in the future, one in which he would be able to fight for the changes he wants to see.

November 3, 2011

Source: Long Island Herald

Any firefighter will tell you that the best way to fight a fire is to prevent it from starting, and few know this better than Michael Kenny of the Lynbrook Fire Department.

For the past 28 years, Michael has been a member of Lynbrook’s Fire Prevention Bureau, helping to get out the message of fire safety and prevention to the Lynbrook community. Michael helps educate the public about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire safety for children and he helps coordinate fire inspection of residential and commercial properties.

According to his fellow firefighters, Michael has a unique ability to alter the way he teaches his fire-safety courses based upon his audience, such as when speaking to senior citizens and children. The community has taken notice, as demonstrated by the countless letters Michael received from appreciative Lynbrook residents.

For his commitment to fire safety and for protecting the residents of Lynbrook, we are proud to present firefighter Michael Kenny with the 2011 Town of Hempstead Firematic Award.

October 26, 2011

Source: Lynbrook Patch

Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin (center) and Councilman Jim Darcy (left) greeted a local town resident at a recent E-cycling program.

Have that old television set and VCR been taking up space in your garage for too long?

Well, the Town of Hempstead is here to help.

Over the past seven years, the town has successfully recycled over 858 tons of old electronics and other hazardous materials by hosting several “E-Cycling” events throughout the year.

On Oct. 15, town residents waited in line as early as 6:45 a.m.—over an hour before the event started— to drop off their unwanted computers, televisions, DVD players and other electronic devices. Sanitation workers also accepted pharmaceuticals and old documents for shredding.

In the past, two E-Cycling events occurred each year where residents could have their garbage properly recycled. The program has been so successful that Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray added two extra events as well as curbside pickup dates this year.

“It’s great for the environment, and the residents love it,” said Donald Clavin, Hempstead’s receiver of taxes. “Thousands of people come out.”

Recycling Coordinator Salvatore Saia said the total amount of recycled waste increases each year.

“When we started the events, we took in a total of 32.29 tons for one event,” he said. “The very next year, the number went to 102 tons for two events.”

In 2010, the program took in nearly 300 tons of unwanted electronics and other waste.

Clavin said that the town conforms to the standards of proper recycling. All the hard drives of the computers are wiped clean, and mercury tubes in old televisions and computer monitors are properly discarded, since they a major concern for the environment.

The E-Cycling program also works closely with another town program, Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (STOP). STOP holds similar recycling events several times per year to properly dispose of paints and chemicals. If incorrectly dumped, such hazardous materials could pollute Long Island’s groundwater.

STOP also holds a light bulb exchange where residents can trade old incandescent bulbs for newer energy efficient ones free of charge. The next exchange takes place Oct. 23 at North Woodmere Park.

For more information on the program, visit Hempstead’s E-Cycling homepage.

October 18, 2011

By: Matthew Ern

Source: Long Island Report

Supervisor Kate Murray (second left), Councilman Gary Hudes (second right), Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin (left) and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla (right) present the 2011 Town of Hempstead Hispanic Heritage Award to Nancy Fuentes of Levittown.

The Levittown resident was honored for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Town of Hempstead honored Levittown resident Nancy Lenis-Fuentes with one of its 2011 Hispanic Heritage Awards at a ceremony on Oct. 4.

A Blue Star Mother, Fuentes’ son Daniel was killed in Iraq in April of 2007 at the age of 19. Since then, she has gone to great lengths to honor his memory. She established a scholarship fund in his name at Island Trees High School. The scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who are academically and athletically outstanding.

Nancy also works to support the Verizon Paumanok Pioneers Chapter 85, which sends supplies and items designed to comfort soldiers who are fighting overseas, and played a significant part in organizing the inaugural “Commemorating New York State’s Fallen Heroes” at Eisenhower Park.

Fuentes has worked in the healthcare industry for over two decades and is a mother of three. She was one of six recipients of the award.

October 11, 2011

Source: Levittown Patch

Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Councilman Ed Ambrosino attend the Eagle Court of Honor Ceremonies for Andrew Belger of Troop 24 at the Cathedral House located on Cathedral Avenue in Garden City. L-R: Donald Brudie (Mayor of Garden City), Donald X Clavin (Receiver of Taxes), Andrew Belger (Eagle Scout), Ed Ambrosino (Councilman), Donald Belger (Father of Honoree)

September 30, 2011

Source: Garden City News

Sgt. Daniel Dillon of the Lynbrook Police Department was one of the officers honored by the Town of Hempstead recently. Pictured at the award presentation were, from left, Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, Supervisor Kate Murray, Dillon and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla.

Sergeant Daniel Dillon of the Lynbrook Police Department was one of 15 Nassau County police officers and 10 village officers honored by Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead at a ceremony on Sept. 20 at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Town Hall in Hempstead.

“Police officers in our town and villages make significant sacrifices every day to ensure our safety and maintain our peaceful neighborhoods,” Murray said. “When others are running away from danger, they run toward it, putting their lives on the line in pursuit of helping innocent bystanders and victims and pursuing criminals.”

As reported in the Herald last summer, on Aug. 26, 2010, a man wearing a pink jumpsuit and a blond wig, holding an off-white purse — and a silver handgun — entered C&R Stationery Store in Lynbrook and made off with a bottle of Gatorade. The firearm was evidence of “intent to harm,” according to police.

The man demanded money from the cashier, who was unable to open the register. The bandit then grabbed a bottle of the sports drink and was seen fleeing the scene northbound on Union Avenue on a light-colored bicycle. The cashier later told police he could see dark hair underneath the wig.

“His disguise was comical,” said Nassau County Police Lt. Michael Fleming, “but he did have the potential for violence. He was seriously threatening the [cashier].”
Dillon’s investigation led him along local streets, where he interviewed area residents, and the day after the holdup, he found a bike matching the description at a house on Tredwell Avenue in Lynbrook. Police were called to the home, where the subject’s mother answered the door and allowed them to come in.

The subject, identified as Robert King, 19, was home at the time and admitted to Dillon that he had committed the robbery. He was placed under arrest.
Fleming said that it is common for “stick-up” robbers to disguise themselves. The jumpsuit and wig were recovered at King’s residence.

“Because of Sergeant Dillon’s investigation and quick thinking, the robber was caught and a dangerous weapon removed from Lynbrook’s streets,” said Murray. “We are proud to present him with the 2011 Town of Hempstead Police Service Award.”

September 29, 2011

By Mary Malloy

Source: Long Island Herald

Four men who reside in East Meadow and Salisbury were among the honored recipients and included officer Daniel Steller from the 1st precinct, 3rd precinct officers Jeffrey Toscano and Basil Gomez and 3rd squad detectives Christopher Faltings and John Espina.

“From solving murders and extensive undercover work to patrolling our streets, our police honorees have distinguished themselves as local heroes,” said Murray.

“The town is proud to have the opportunity to recognize those who serve and protect our residents.”

The officers were honored for putting their lives on the line, pursing criminals, maintaining order and facilitating rescues in crisis situations.

“These enforcement professionals make sacrifices every day to maintain our superlative quality of life and ensure the safety of all residents,” said Murray.

September 29, 2011

By Shannon Koehle

Source: Long Island Herald

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin (right) gave a helping hand to Sue Bashian of Garden City (left) at the S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) Program recently held at the Village of Hempstead Sanitation Yard in Hempstead. The S.T.O.P. Program is designed to provide area residents with a safe, environmentally sound method of disposal of the many hazardous materials found in the average home. By bringing such toxins as antifreeze, drain cleaners and pesticides on the scheduled S.T.O.P. collection days, you and your family can make a significant contribution to the protection of our precious groundwater supply and the preservation of our bays and estuaries. For further information, call 378-2200.

Source: The Garden City News

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin (right) greets Rochelle Silbesmar of Atlantic Beach and her daughter, Sarah, at the recent Village of Cedarhurst Concert Series at The Gazebo in Cedarhurst.

Source: Five Towns Patch

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin (third right) took in the sounds of “Vintage Bliss” as part of the Town of Hempstead’s Neighborhood Concert Series at Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence. Band members pictured are Vincent Roccaro, Susanne LoFaso, Tim Ragusis, Jim Wodell, Tim Givens, Brian Lewis, Mike Sagarese and Chris Reinemann.

Source: Five Towns Patch

Girls from Garden City Baton Twirling had a lot of fun marching and twirling in this year's Garden City Memorial Day parade. They are pictured here with Town Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin and County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

Source: Garden City Patch

Recreational organization focused on “motivating and inspiring young children in the sport of baton twirling.