Great Neck - Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel recently received the Friend of Local Government Award from the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) at their annual conference in Saratoga, New York. This is the first time a state legislator has received an award from NYCOM. Assemblywoman Schimel was about to give a presentation to the Mayors and Trustees at their morning business meeting when Executive Director, Peter Baynes, surprised Ms. Schimel with the award.

Mr. Baynes told the assembled audience that Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel had proven to be the best friend of villages and all local governments, as well as a staunch advocate for protecting and preserving home rule. Her legislation, Assembly bill A.10432, works to correct the many technical flaws in the new law that consolidates/dissolves local government entities by the petitioning of citizens.

Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel receiving the Friend of Local Government Award from the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM). Pictured (L to R) are Mayor Gary Vegliante of West Hampton Dunes, the Immediate Past President of NYCOM, Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, and Peter Baynes, the Executive Director of NYCOM.

Pictured left to right are (front row) Mayor Barbara Donno, Village of Plandome Manor, Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, Mayor Diana Merenda, Village of Plandome Heights, (back row) City Council President Chuck Lesnick, City of Yonkers, Trustee George Farenthold, Village of Aurora, and Mayor James Gaughan, Village of Altamont.