Drive for veterans' cemetery dominates forum

'We deserve one here,' says leader, and candidates scramble to second notion

Saturday, October 21, 2006

By ROB HART

ADVANCE STAFF WRITER

This year's slate of candidates discussed veteran-friendly issues last night at a political forum sponsored by the Richmond County American Legion.

One passionate cause for Staten Island veterans -- estimated to be nearly 30,000 in number -- is a national or state veterans' cemetery within the bounds of the borough.

And veterans at the packed Kells-Grennie Post in New Dorp last night were quick to point out that their closest option is Calverton (L.I.) National Cemetery, which can take several hours to reach.

"We deserve one here," declared Victor Prevosti, a World War II veteran who chairs the cemetery committee for the United Staten Island Veterans Organizations.

Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) pointed out that there's movement on the federal level.

Democrat Stephen Harrison, the Brooklyn attorney challenging Fossella, said the tract of land in Bloomfield bought by International Speedway Corp. for the proposed NASCAR track should be an option.

Democrat Matthew Titone promised to be a partner in the fight, a sentiment echoed by City Councilman Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore). Along with Conservative candidate Charles Pistor, they are vying to replace retiring state Sen. John Marchi (R-Staten Island).

Assemblymen Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) and John Lavelle (D-North Shore) detailed the work they've done in Albany. Lavelle also posed the idea of looking at Fort Wadsworth as a possible site.

Republican Anthony Xanthakis discussed the federal guidelines, while Democrat Janele Hyer-Spencer talked about the legislation and properties necessary in Albany to make the idea a reality. The two are running to replace retiring Assemblyman Matthew Mirones (R-East Shore/Brooklyn).

And state Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn), who is running unopposed, updated the crowd on the work going on in the upper house to establish the cemetery.

The group also heard from Judges Barbara Panepinto and Philip Straniere, both cross-endorsed to run for re-election to Civil Court, as well as the Civil Court candidates, Republican Ralph Porzio and Democrat Kim Dollard.

Rob Hart covers state government for the Advance. He may be reached at rhart@siadvance.com.

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