Mineola, NY - Honoring the legacy of the late legislator Barbara Johnson, Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) joined his Democratic colleagues at a June 24 meeting of the Nassau County Legislature in voting to change the name of Baxter Pond in the village of Baxter Estates to the Barbara Johnson Park and Preserve at Baxter Pond. The resolution was unanimously approved by the legislature.

Barbara Johnson was serving as Nassau County Legislator in the 11th district when she died in 2000, following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. During her two terms in office, she was known as a fiery and energetic advocate for her community and the environment. With strong public support, she spearheaded the restoration of Baxter Pond Park and the adjacent watershed valley, which had become severely polluted. The project eventually won approval and was recently completed.

Legislator Craig Johnson, who was elected to finish out his mother's term and re-elected this past November, said, "My family and I are deeply touched and honored that the Baxter Estates community has requested to rename the park in my mother's honor. The residents of Baxer Estate and all the residents of the11th district meant a great deal to her and she would have been very humbled to be remembered in this way."

Legislator Williams, who worked side-by-side with Barbara Johnson, said on behalf of the Democratic majority that renaming the park in memory of the late legislator is recognition she deserves for all of her years of hard work and dedication to the community.

The unveiling of the park's new sign will take place at a special ceremony held at the park on Saturday, October 12.

In other business, the legislature approved:

• A bond ordinance in the amount of $13,782,733.93 with $7,339,956.92 for New York Telephone Company, $5,107,476.84 for Long Island Lighting Co. and $1,335,300.117 for the New York Water Service Corp. The action was to correct a technical error.
• An ordinance appropriating monies to a program entitled "Nassau Community College Continuing education"
• A resolution confirming the appointment of Peter Gerbasi to the Nassau County Bridge Authority with the term expiring on 12/31/07.
• A resolution to accept a gift offered by Arthur Rollin (Baldwin) to the Police Department of a historic reproduction of a 1927 Police Booth. Arthur is an Eagle Scout and this project enabled Arthur to achieve his Eagle Scout rank
• A resolution authorizing a transfer of appropriations in the amount of $ 57,836 for payments owed Lido-Pt. Lookout Fire District.