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Sanitation probe findings revealed by firm ters and emails to schedule a face-to-face meeting at sanitation headquarters, where a court The Oceanside Sanitation reporter would have recorded District No. 7 board of commis- the conversation. Hemsley sioners is seeking to move for- refused, however, after the saniward and put controversy tation district’s insurance combehind it after an independent pany declined to cover his legal law firm revealed the findings of fees. its probe into Com“We were in a missioner Ryan position where we Hemsley at the had this material b o a rd ’s Ju n e 3 and were not able meeting. to inquire of the Hemsley was alleged originator,” accused of authorWi l l i a m s - I s r a e l ing racist, homosaid at the meeting. phobic, misogynis“We were not able tic and intolerant to say, ‘Did you post Fa c e b o o k p o s t s these messages?’ after do zens of . . . We really were them were anonynot able to ascermously unearthed tain the ideology or in October and sent AUSTIN GRAFF the origination of to his fellow board Chairman, board things without members. Though doing some sort of of commissioners they asked Hemsfact-finding misley to resign in sion.” light of the controversy, he had Williams-Israel said that most refused, and the board brought people who are accused of somein the Valley Stream-based thing they didn’t do would Chander Law Firm to investi- defend themselves, and Hemsgate. ley’s decision to stay silent and A representative of the firm, not meet with the firm could La Wanda Williams-Israel, noted have been a sign that the allegathat it attempted to contact tions against him were true, but Hemsley several times between January and May via phone, letCONTINUED ON PAGE 22
By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com
Herald file photo
Summer readings return The Oceanside Library has resumed in-person summer gazebo readings this year, every Monday night in June, July and August. Director of Community Services Tony Iovino, above, said he was excited about the return. Story, Page 4.
Mask mandates for students puzzle parents, officials Residents offer mixed opinions on face coverings By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com
Though Gov. Andrew Cuomo last announced that a mask mandate would be lifted in schools, state officials decided Monday that students should wear them inside for the rest of the school year, while parents expressed varying views about unmasking their children in school going forward. Districts can, however, choose to opt out
of masking requirements. Oceanside School District Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Harrington wrote to residents before Monday’s update, noting that the district planned to follow unmasking guidelines if approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state health commissioner. “We understand that people have different comfort levels regarding masks,” Harrington wrote. “Mask wearing will be
optional, leaving the choice a personal one. In the event that [state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard] Zucker’s proposed guidance is not accepted by the CDC, we will keep you updated. One thing is for sure, we are heading in the right direction, and this is all a great sign for September.” Cuomo said that state officials spoke to the CDC on Monday morning, and the federal CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
T
he matter is behind us and it’s put to bed, and there’s nothing more to do.