(10/31/06) ISLIP - Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced Tuesday he will ask the FAA to perform a complete safety audit of Islip's MacArthur Airport.

Schumer, who made the announcement while stumping for Islip town supervisor candidate Phil Nolan, says cracks in the concrete runways are a serious safety risk. Critics believe Schumer is politicizing the concern. They point to the fact that a safety investigation is already underway and the Town of Islip has already been ordered to fix the problems. The senator says one review could catch something others have missed.

Islip Councilwoman Pamela Greene and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Barraga are also running for Islip Town Supervisor.