As Patch reported Monday, Nassau legislators voted along party lines to of the county's police precincts on Monday.
In a 10-9 final tally, the Republican majority voted in favor of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano's , which merges the police department's eight precincts into four.
The 10-9 vote was one of three such totals on the day – the other two coming on votes for commissioner and tabling the precinct vote until next week.
The often-heated legislative session featured a number of speakers – including residents – who were quick to voice their opinion, even when presiding officer Peter Schmitt, R-Massapequa, hadn't asked for it.
According to Newsday [paid link]:
The most dramatic scene, however, occurred as Legis. Joseph Belesi, R-Farmingdale, a retired Nassau Police sergeant, cast his vote. With tears in his eyes, Belesi quietly said, "I vote yes. I vote aye," and then stood up and walked somberly out of the chamber to catcalls and hisses. One audience member screamed out: "You are a coward."
The plan, according to Mangano, will go into effect 30 days from its approval. Each merger will then take place two months after the previous merger, until there are four remaining precincts.
