Nassau County Flags Not Lowered To Honor Late President Carter

MINEOLA, NY — Next week, Americans will say a final farewell to Jimmy Carter, who was the longest-living former president. Carter was 100.

President Biden ordered flags at half-staff on federal buildings and locations, as did Governor Hochul at state locations.

However, at Nassau County facilities, including the legislative building in Mineola, flags have not been lowered.

"It's a complete disregard for the law," said Nassau Legislator Seth Koslow (D-Merrick).

Carter was in home hospice care for nearly two years. The one-term Democratic president left office in January 1981. But at the forefront of charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Carter sealed his post-presidency legacy.

While Nassau can act on its own, led by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in honoring Carter's life, "It's interesting to override or ignore both the federal and the state saying we should lower our flags," Koslow told Patch.

Patch attempted to get a comment from Blakeman's office.

While Koslow doesn't know the rationale for the county's decision, the legislator has received complaints from constituents.

"Consistent with the way [Blakeman] operates, when you ask him why, he just ignores you," Koslow said. "[It's] the Blakeman administration doing what they see fit and not what's best for anybody else."

Carter's funeral is scheduled for January 9.