Montauk Pioneer - October 10, 2008

Suffolk County Legislator And Montauk Resident Jay Schneiderman Rocks Montauk With His Band "Living Rhythm"

"WHEN A GUY WHO WALKS ON FIRE RUNS FOR OFFICE" was the Montauk Pioneer's lead headline in May 1999, announcing Jay Schneiderman's bid for East Hampton Town Supervisor. A guy, not afraid to stand for his convictions and who was endorsed by the Republican Party, ran on an Independent ticket.

His mission then as it is now, nine years later, is to continue to do his job by representing everyone regardless of political ideology. As the independent representative who has never lost an election, his initiatives have been realized. On the national level he believes in some of the current political cries for chae, yet warns us that, "not all change is good change."

At the county level Jay has worked to trim over $100,000,000. Today county government is smaller than when Jay took office. For his nine years in elected office Jay Scheiderman has voted every year not to increase taxes successfully. Today you might see him on his bicycle carrying groceries from the Montauk IGA to his home.

One of the most recent needed additions in Montauk, announced by Schneiderman this spring, is the emergency communication complex, which is located at Third House and is a wireless equipment network at the Ground Air Transmitter Receiver (GATR). Praised by Montauk's Emergency Medical Service personnel and anyone dialing 9ll, the much-awaited network is a relief for all.

Our fragile coastline, always a concern, but especially during the hurricane season, needs to be remedied by an initial investment of sand and beach grass, insists Schneiderman. Until we rebuild our beaches, FEMA will not replace them if, indeed, a hurricane destroys any or all of them. FEMA only reimburses man-made structures; a natural beach is not man-made.

Jay Scheiderman's efforts and achievements are many and formidable yet our charming, determined, multi-talented and focused advocate has also made time to contribute culturally and is well known for his musical attributes. As a drummer since he was 7 years old and as a worldly student of percussion from Africa to Cuba as well as a Ross School music instructor, his love for music is evident.

Mixing business with pleasure, Jay and his band "Living Rhythm" entertained the enthusiastic crowd at the Surf Lodge last weekend, playing original jazz/reggae sensational music. At the same time, Jay thought the way to alleviate the parking situation there would be to have the cars park at the Montauk Playhouse in exchange for a monetary donation to enhance their fund raising in order to complete the much awaited second phase of the historic building. Certainly an equitable offering would be a great help. The Surf Lodge recently raised $30,000 for the Montauk Fire Department that was definitely appreciated.

Just as Jay has made a wonderful life in Montauk, he is focused on keeping our young here - sort of the "cradle to the grave" idea, if you will, he told me. Jobs and starter affordable apartment rentals, leading to affordable starter homes which will lead to larger homes as one gets older, together with an assisted living facility and a nursing home are ways in which to ensure that Schneiderman's dream for our youth, including his two precious youngsters, Ruben and Magda, to remain and prosper in their village become a reality.

Much admired and respected, Jay Schneiderman is the guy who honors our bygone era, promotes a sense of freedom and serenity, appreciates our pristine surroundings, rewards us with his diligent participation, and enhances our connection to the East End.