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Government-Run Healthcare? Thursday, October 19, 2023 ~ Volume 68 ~ Issue Number 46 ~ $1.00
By Matt Meduri
Steve Englebright Denies Using Government Office for Medical Business
Two weeks ago, The Messenger exclusively reported on the financial disclosure statements of former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) filed with the Legislative Ethics Commission that he filed during his time in Albany. The forms showed his personal investments in hydro-fracking ventures in Kansas and Texas while he was simultaneously sponsoring legislation to ban fracking for oil and natural gas in New York State. It calls into question his environmental bona fides while raising some ethical questions regarding potential investment conflicts. Now the former lawmaker faces new questions. Three weeks out from the 2023 local elections, in which Englebright is a candidate for Suffolk County Legislator, The Messenger can exclusively report on findings that may provoke legal interest.
Continued on page 8
Suffolk County Executive By The Editorial Board The beauty of local politics is that we often get to see our own elected officials out in the field every day, truly making Suffolk County a better place to live. From our local State officials, to our County Legislators and Town Councilmembers, and everyone in between, we truly appreciate the transparency, openness, and accessibility. But transparency, openness, and accessibility go deeper than just what meets the eye. It’s more than press conferences and speeches. It’s about delivering results, not just on big-ticket items, but year over year on the items that seem innocuous, but really preserve our culture and make Suffolk County a place to truly call home. It’s said that it’s the little things that truly count, but we can’t call governing the largest municipality in the state by area and the second-largest municipality in the state by population something “little.” Supervising Brookhaven is comparable to governing an entire state, and a complicated one at that. With such a massive responsibility that has been handled with professionalism and integrity by a true Suffolk native, The Messenger is proud to endorse Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) for Suffolk County Executive for 2023. Continued on page 16
FULL STORIES ON:
Candidate Spotlight: Anthony Figliola Page 13
Town Council Previews Page 15
Soundview Opens New Center Page 20
Credit: Romaine for Suffolk
Endorsement Alert: Ed Romaine for
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State News Thursday, October 19, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
We Need a Plan, Not a Ban! Mattera Hosts Rally Defying NYS Gas Stove Ban By Matt Meduri The rally against New York’s gas stove ban continues as Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) spearheaded an energetic rally outside the Perry Duryea Building in Hauppauge Wednesday morning. Mattera, the ranking member on the Senate Energy Committee, has been a fierce opponent of Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) provision in the 2023 budget that would require allelectric appliances and heating in buildings seven stories or shorter. The provision in the budget bans appliances and heating that utilize propane, gas, and other mixed fuels. A massive rally was held in Hauppauge featuring not only a large cast of elected officials from across Long Island, but also local labor unions and representatives, as well as those from across New York State and even Washington, D.C. The rally was held to highlight a joint lawsuit being filed by many stakeholders, including dozens of local labor unions and elected officials. The plaintiffs stated their anticipated precedence for the case in response to the Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling that the similar California ban was unconstitutional. Mattera started the rally and press conference with a moment of silence for military members and all citizens currently fighting in Israel. Mattera then opened the conference: “I am proud to be the highest Republican on the Senate Energy Committee. For the past three years, I’ve been raising awareness of issues of the ill-conceived gas ban that is slated to begin in 2025. 2025 is practically here. Buildings seven stories and under will not be able to have natural gas, propane, or any kind of mixed fuels; it will all be electric.” “We care about renewable energy, the future, our environment,” Mattera stipulates. “But to take natural gas, propane, and mixed fuels out of our lives is not right. We know this will hurt not just our economy, it will hurt our homeowners. We are here today in hopes of stopping this ban and that we can come together and create a realistic plan. ” Mattera announced a rally cry that was echoed by nearly all who spoke at the hour-long presser: “We need a plan, not a ban!” “We want to make sure that any energy mandate is safe, reliable, and cost-effective, and we cannot rely on electrical energy,” said Mattera. “We need to transition into renewable when it’s perfected and it’s the furthest thing from being perfected. Governor Hochul had this plan in her budget; to go all electric right now is premature. Wind, solar, and battery storage is not going to do what the State of New York is going to do. We will be facing blackouts and brownouts.” “Everyone knows what happened with the city of Berkeley, California,” continues Mattera. “The Restaurant Association there filed a federal lawsuit against similar bans in California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals deemed it to be against federal law, which supersedes state law.” Babylon Town Supervisor and Chair of the Suffolk Democrats Rich Schaffer joined the Republicans in
the rally to stand against Albany: “I’m here to speak on behalf of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island, I’m their Executive Director,” said Schaffer. “They decided they wanted to put their money where their mouth is and join on as a plaintiff in the litigation. The same attorney who won the Berkeley case is our attorney in the New York case. New York State’s law violates the United States Constitution, period. It’s an opportunity to go back to the drawing board. We’re working backwards here. We strongly support what Senator Mattera is doing and what you will be doing through the Energy Committee. We will make sure New York is not above the law. We need a plan, not a ban.” Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick said: “Look behind us. All of the gentlemen and women of labor whose jobs, livelihoods, families, and industries are going to be adversely affected by Governor Hochul and the administration in Albany. No consideration was given to those people whose jobs are on the line. We need a diversified energy portfolio to meet the demands of today’s economy. I was in Ireland last week and a couple we were with said that the biggest problem is energy. It takes them five hours just to dry their laundry. What they’re doing in Europe is what they want to do here.” Joe Scettrini, a representative of Plumbers Local 200, represents 1,100 members and their families. “This natural gas ban is unnecessary,” says Scettrini. “Natural gas is one of the cleanest fuels. This is our livelihood. This gas ban is too premature. We have our brother and sister locals from Buffalo to New York City and Long Island who are going through the same hardships.” From Washington, D.C., Mark Valentini, Director of Legislative Affairs of the New York State Association Plumbing and Heating Cooling Contractors Association, came up to join the press conference. Across the state, the association represents over two hundred plumbing and heating contractors, employing thousands of open shop and union professionals. “Thousands of New Yorkers rely on us for safe gas connections for cooking and home heatings,
especially a warm home in the cold winter months,” said Valentini. “This is an otherwise healthy and comfortable quality of life for New York families that is often taken for granted and overlooked. The statewide ban will undermine that quality of life. For the organizations represented here today, the federal court is the only recourse available when Legislators in Albany simply wouldn’t listen to them, except Senator Mattera, of course. Jobs are already being impacted. A lot of these guys will tell you that contracts are being canceled or modified because building plans are now calling for an all-electric spec. It’s putting plumbers out of work, it’s increasing construction costs, and contracts will be eating that cost, besides whatever is cast onto the consumer. This will needlessly render a key skill set obsolete.” In addition to Mattera, fellow Senators included Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore), Jack Martins (R-Great Neck), Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) Hailing from the New York State Assembly were Assemblymembers Mike Durso (R-Massapequa Park), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James), Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), Keith Brown (R-Northport), and Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). Reporting from the Suffolk County Legislature were Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Steve Flotteron (R-Bay Shore), and Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue). In addition to Schaffer, Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth (R-Huntington) and Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) were also in attendance, and the rally was even addressed by Brookhaven Town Supervisor and county executive candidate Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). Smithtown Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo (R-Kings Park), Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown), Suffolk County Clerk Vinny Puleo (R-Nesconset), and Huntington GOP Chair Tom McNally were also present, along with 2023 candidates Manny Vilar (R-Springs) for Suffolk Legislature District Two and Mike McElwee (R-West Islip) for Islip Town Council District Three.
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Messenger Papers
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
DAN PANICO
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School Highlights Thursday, October 19, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Photos courtesy of Sachem Central School District
Wenonah Giving Garden Benefits Local Pantries
Fifth graders at Wenonah Elementary School in the Sachem Central School District are helping fight food insecurity in their own community. Fifth graders, along with members of the school’s garden club, have been
harvesting fresh food to donate to local food pantries. It’s part of a project led by fifth grade teachers Jamie D’Andrea and Deena Kay, that cycles through Wenonah students each year. Students begin planting the seeds indoors while it’s still cold outside. Each spring, fifth graders clean out Wenonah’s garden and bring the seeds outdoors. Come summertime and into early fall, fresh produce is ready to be harvested by the next fifth grade class. Not only is Wenonah’s Giving Garden benefiting the community, but it is also an opportunity for students to get their hands dirty and participate in exploratory learning. The garden has provided students with an outlet to connect with each other and the greater community, while embodying the Culture of Care that exists throughout Sachem.
The Connetquot school community came together to celebrate and educate one another on health and wellness during the district’s annual Community Wellness Day. This year’s event boasted twenty-nine vendor tables, all focusing on different ways to be healthy. It was a great turn out with twenty-one student volunteers and more than 375 students and their families in attendance. The day was filled with activities and exercise for kids, including making mini sand art and mindfulness jars. The event also included a family wellness workshop, yoga classes, mindfulness workshops and painting classes. Molloy College’s mobile health van provided blood pressure checks and raffles and prizes were offered through many generous donations. The Mental Health Advisory Council brought the event to the Connetquot school community, and the Connetquot Public Library kindly offered a space to host the event.
Connetquot Prioritizes Health with Community Wellness Day
School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
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Ward Melville High School twins Michael Lascarides and Katie Lascarides have each received Town of Brookhaven Youth Volunteer awards for their outstanding work in the community. Michael works with kids at local beaches and teaches them about conservation, recycling and how to take better care of the environment. Meanwhile, Katie focuses on helping young musicians in the community. She works with students from the elementary and middle schools and helps them prepare for NYSSMA auditions with free music lessons. Michael and Katie were honored for their efforts by the Three Village School District Board of Education on October 11 for their great work in the community. When asked if the honor was unexpected, Michael said, “I was surprised, but not that Katie got it.”
National Recognition for Rocky Point HS Students Four Rocky Point High School seniors have been named Commended Students in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Students Jacob Donovan, Rhiannon Donovan, Sofia Haviland and Parker Matzen have been recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated on their outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They each received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program. Each student is very involved in all aspects of their high school careers and recognize that this achievement is vital to the advancement of educational excellence. The Rocky Point School District congratulates these exceptional students for demonstrating outstanding potential for academic success.
Photo courtesy of Three Village School District
Rocky Point High School students Rhiannon Donovan, Parker Matzen, Sofia Haviland and Jacob Donovan (Credit - Rocky Point UFSD)
Photos courtesy of Three Village School District
Photo courtesy of Three Village School District
Ward Melville HS Twins Receive ‘Deadliest Catch’ Town of Brookhaven Honor Star Teaches Students to ‘Become Your Captain’
Nick Tokman, also known as “Sunshine” on the Discovery show “Deadliest Catch,” visited eighth graders at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District for an inspirational and empowering presentation. Tokman walked students through his journey of traveling to Alaska and ultimately becoming a cast member of the Emmywinning show. He outlined all the “coincidences” that led him to appearing on “Deadliest Catch,” and while many of them appeared to be negative at the time, he shared how each circumstance led him to his dream. Students were empowered to take control of their lives, or become their own “captains,” and overcome obstacles to achieve their own definition of success. Tokman encouraged students to surround themselves with people who support them, never give up and to be themselves. The eighth graders left the auditorium feeling hopeful, inspired and better prepared for their futures.
Editorial
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
The Many Woes of Steve Englebright When people have such long and storied careers, it’s almost sad to think that in just one quick moment, it can all simply disappear in an instant. It’s even sadder to think that a career of such epic proportions can be pulled underwater by the weight of multiple ethical and legal woes that were hiding in plain sight.
private, and highly-sensitive health and insurance information over a government fax.
would be more convenient to just have a different machine or work solely out of 290 Main.
We could play Devil’s Advocate and say that if it was his and his staffs’ eyes only, then it’s not quite akin to the documents just being “out there.”
This leads us to believe that Englebright’s wife and associated practitioners were conducting business out of the main district office. We’re comfortable with this assumption because there is no readily apparent alternative that satisfies the fragments of the case.
Former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) was an Albany mainstay for thirty years who was viewed as the chief counsel and legislator on all things environmental. From conservation, ecology and geology, protection of coastal waterways, and even pledges to green energy, Steve Englebright had his finger in every pot.
This does beg the ultimate question though: did Englebright and company ever think they would have to answer? We don’t believe it’s too off base to assume that Englebright’s ego had preceded him by the end of his tenure in Albany, mainly due to constituent complaints, a proclivity for him to be more reclusive except during campaign season, and his humiliating upset by Ed Flood in what was previously known as the most Democratic part of Brookhaven.
Like him or not, Englebright did have some fairly large claims to fame, even if some didn’t pan out. Of dubious note, and as reported on in The Messenger, is that of his 2013 bill to ban hydro-fracking New York State, while at the same time investing in oil and natural gas fracking ventures in Kansas and Texas. Perhaps the practice was simply so damaging to the environment that Steve had to short the supply in the Northeast and head for the Plains to go find out with his own wallet. By the way, The Messenger reached out directly to the New York League of Conservation Voters, urging them to reevaluate their endorsement of Englebright for the Suffolk County Legislature this year. We have yet to hear back from them. Another mark of distinction, as reported in the New York Post, is that of his ban on commercial fishing which led to an increased shark population and attacks on swimmers. Although a fairly logical conclusion for most, Englebright’s admission that no one could have seen it coming was a cheap cop-out at best or a solid “politician’s” moment at worst. We say “like him or not,” because it’s almost amazing how he managed to hide his oil ventures in plain sight, or somehow pull the wool over the Assembly’s eyes regarding his pathological environmentalism. But pure environmental hypocrisy barely compares to pure, unadulterated lack of responsibility. Our latest revelation that Englebright used his taxpayer-funded government resources to conduct personal business is nothing short of what we’d expect from a decades-entrenched incumbent in what was seen as an unflinchingly-blue part of Suffolk County. Unethical? Yes. Against state laws? Absolutely. However, where simply unethical by the books turns to reprehensible by any other standard is how Englebright abused his power and betrayed his constituents’ trust to handle personal,
Additionally, Englebright’s ego and arrogance check out when compared with his out-ofstate oil investments and his lack of foreknowledge for a fairly logical assumption regarding his commercial fishing ban. He was the long-served Assemblyman of thirty years. His reputation preceded him before his ego did.
While his then-girlfriend, now-wife Susanne Meyers and fellow practitioner Christina Stern were using the government-issued fax number to process health information, the problem becomes much more complex when we realize that this team of bureaucrats never really had a contingency plan for when Englebright inevitably lost to shifting political moods fomented by a statewide red wave and voters’ growing dissatisfaction with their increasingly out-of-touch Assemblyman. What we do know, according to trusted statements and letters, is that Englebright used the government fax line to receive personal, unredacted medical data. We can’t really build a case for cost either since a private fax machine and line do not equate to that much money at all. Additionally, if Englebright and his associated practitioners were conducting private business out of the main district office, then a separate fax machine wouldn’t have remedied this issue. Even a theory of pure convenience ultimately doesn’t pan out because of the addresses. We know the 290 Main Street address is the one linked to the practitioners, but the government fax number is linked to the main district office. It
We don’t think he realistically considered an environment that would see him lose his seat, nor do we think his lack of empathy for voters would be something called into question by Flood. When his office was vacated, Flood and his incoming staff had nothing; Englebright had taken all constituent case paperwork and left behind an empty shell of an office. We’re left to assume he did not want even the smallest chance that private documents would end up in the wrong hands. So, does Englebright’s career go out with a bang or a whimper? We’re inclined to think he is not victorious in this Legislative race, but if he is, then there will only be mounting pressure for investigations, resignations, and criminal charges. You could argue that’s a bang, but maybe also a whimper. One last piece of the arrogance puzzle: Englebright can’t just retire to Fort Myers - where he already purchased a home in a joint venture with Susanne - he has to redeem himself and prove that he’s still the king of northwestern Brookhaven, even if it is just for two years in the Legislature. He can’t just bow out gracefully; he needs to continue fooling his voters into thinking he cares about them, while using government apparatus to imperil his wife’s customer’s information. We think Steve should take the high road and end a forty-year-plus political career with a whimper. The last bang was for us.
Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
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Want to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion? Embrace meritocracy By Jack Miller | Jack Miller Center - The Center Square In 2020, many American corporations and academic institutions adopted new policies to promote “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI). Among these, Boston University decided to build an “anti-racist” research center around activist Ibram X. Kendi. Now, however, Kendi and his center are under fire for mismanaging resources and failing to deliver on the racial reconciliation they promised. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are all laudable virtues– unfortunately, though, Kendi’s ideology fails to live up to these high ideals. In his book “How to be An Anti-Racist,” for instance, Kendi offers the nonsensical statement that, “The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.” That is not what America is about. Achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion starts with recognizing we are all individuals first. Instead of assigning collective guilt or praise to arbitrary groups, we need to recognize the promise of the Declaration of Independence. We are all, as that document says, “created equal,” not in some physical or other attributes way, but with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” America is a very diverse nation. Every age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and socio-economic background is represented in this country. This contributes to a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Genuine diversity means celebrating these differences, not trying to homogenize individuals into group identities that claim a special “oppressed” status. We are also a nation striving for equity for all, which means focusing on the principles of fairness and justice for all. America is built not on the false promise of equal outcomes, but on the notion that everyone is owed an equal opportunity to succeed. We haven’t fully achieved this goal, but
we are getting ever closer. And the same applies to “inclusion,” the concept that we have a society where “all individuals, regardless of their background, characteristics or differences are treated with respect, fairness and equity and are provided with equal opportunities.” Diversity, equity, and inclusion are virtues that should spark a powerful movement to unify Americans. We should insist that we, as a nation, live up to those rights that we are guaranteed. DEI should not be a movement that tears us apart, but rather a movement that unites us as Americans. Our Declaration goes on to state that since we are all equal, we all are guaranteed our life and our liberty. But what about that last guarantee, the guarantee of, “the pursuit of happiness?” Notice that it does not guarantee happiness – only the “pursuit” of happiness. In America it is up to each individual, based on their own abilities and their own efforts, to achieve their own happiness. This is what is meant by meritocracy, the notion that we can each rise into success according to our abilities and hard work. To make all this a reality, everyone should have as equal a place at the starting line as possible. And the best way of assuring that is by giving everyone the best education possible. So, where do we start? Since over two thirds of high school graduates do not go to college, and many who do go drop out, the obvious place to start is in the K-12 system. Everyone should receive a great education in reading, math and other basics. Everyone should also learn what has made America “the land of the free” where living “the American Dream” is possible for all in their “pursuit of happiness” so they are prepared to help achieve that vision for themselves. To make this happen, we need the best teachers possible. Teaching is a noble profession and teachers should be well paid, with the
best receiving more and the worst being fired. We should look to promote competition in other parts of our school system, as well. One policy we should consider is voucher programs, in which parents can choose the best schools for their children, whether public, religious, charter or private. That kind of competition is what has made our economy the strongest in the world. It would also work in education. We also need to devote more resources to improving higher education for those who do go to college. And for that vast majority who do not go onto college, the educational opportunities should not stop on graduating from high school. There is a wide array of internships, trade schools and junior colleges available that will help young people find good, well-paying careers. There should be more such post high school training opportunities and young people should be encouraged to attend them. What unites all Americans is a shared belief in the power of opportunity. We are a vast, diverse nation, with a multitude of identities and social groups. And yet all Americans should be able to affirm the individualism at the heart of our experiment. As an Orthodox rabbi recently asked me, “Are you an American first or a Jew first?” Without a pause, I said, “I am me first, an individual, and I am also a very proud American and a very proud Jew. In America that is possible.” In America the belief in diversity, equity and inclusion combined with my own hard work, meritocracy, has led to a great life for me and my family. This should be possible for all. Instead of tearing down what we have already achieved, we must build on it to make it a reality for all. Jack Miller is the founder and chairman of the Jack Miller Center, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to reinvigorating education in America’s founding principles and history, from K-12 through college.
News
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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Continued from front cover
Government-Run Healthcare? Englebright Denies Using Government Office for Medical Business
A concerned citizen contacted The Messenger after filing a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the New York State Assembly. He did so after overhearing a patient agonizing over the fact that a prior authorization of her information had ended up on a government device belonging to the Fourth District Assembly office, previously occupied by Englebright. The affected patient was furious about the fact that her Social Security number and health insurance information were being sent to a random, unauthorized office, let alone a government one. The New York State Assembly acknowledged receipt of the FOIL request in a letter dated October 6, 2023, and Assemblyman Edward Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), who defeated Englebright last November, confirmed the citizen’s suspicions in a reply letter dated September 29, 2023: “The Fourth District Assembly Office has received pharmacy prescriptions, laboratory results, disability claims, prior authorization requests related to medications, oncology reports, and other healthcare information intended for Susanne Meyers, the wife of former Assembly Member Steve Englebright, and Christina Stern, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with offices located at 290 Main Street, East Setauket, New York.” In a call with The Messenger, Flood stated that he has referred the matter to the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Ethics for appropriate guidance. He referred the matter to the correct departments and organizations as instructed by the State Assembly. After a phone interview with The Messenger, Englebright said “it sounds like there was some information sent to my office in error. For all practical purposes, if Ed Flood had concerns, he should have called me.” “When it was my office, we did not conduct private business through the office,” said Englebright. “I am married to Sue Meyers, perhaps somebody through the information sphere thought they could reach her by coming through my office, but they didn’t need to because she has her own communication vehicles and certainly did not set up my office as a new vehicle for receiving information – especially medical records and social security records. That was certainly not a practice that she or I had to do with.” There are three components to this case that can be found online and through other records: the address of the practice, the government fax number, and the medical profiles of Meyers and Stern. The Address – 290 Main Street, East Setauket Firstly, the address of the practice that received medical records and patient information is listed as 290 Main Street in East Setauket. According to financial disclosure forms filed with the Legislative Ethics Commission, Englebright has owned the building since 1983. He lists the property as a Corporation and Family Partnership for Commercial Retail and Office space in which he has 50% ownership. In his 2021 financial disclosure form, he not only lists the Setauket address, among several others, but also a Fort Myers, Florida, address, which he lists as a joint venture with Susanne Meyers. The 290 Main Street address is linked with Susanne Meyers as a medical professional on Yellow Pages. The address is also linked to Christina Stern, a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, on Sharecare. The Fax Number: (631) 751-3082 The second aspect is the fax number. The District Office fax number is listed as (631) 751-3082. A quick Google search of this number will produce several results bearing former Assemblyman Englebright’s name, the top results being one produced by Yellow Pages. Additionally, the number is also linked with Christina Stern, whose connection with Meyers and the Setauket address has already been established. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), providers must use, under most circumstances, a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. According to the Center for Medical Services (CMS) website: “The NPI is a unique identification number for covered health care providers. Covered health care providers and all health plans and health care clearinghouses must use the NPIs in the administrative and financial transactions adopted under HIPAA. The NPI is a 10-position, intelligencefree numeric identifier (10-digit number). As outlined in HIPAA, covered providers must also share their NPI with other providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and any entity that may need it for billing purposes.” Stern’s number is listed on the NPI database, HIPAA Space, and Open NPI as 1023781499. The number’s issue date is listed as July 30, 2021. This fax number is listed on all three databases with
Englebright’s government fax number (631) 751-3082. Stern has linked her mandatedto-be-public NPI number with former Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s District Office fax number. These websites also list the 290 Main Street, Setauket, address as the provider practice location, the building owned by Englebright. Violating HIPAA is an extremely serious concern for healthcare professionals. The American Medical Association (AMA) outlines a tiered list of violations and their respective penalties, ranging from “Unknowing” to “Willful Neglect.” In a case of willful neglect wherein the violation is corrected within a certain time frame, the penalty can range from a fine of $10,000-$50,000 per violation, with an annual maximum of $250,000 for repeat violations. If the neglect is not corrected, the penalties start at $50,000 per violation, with an annual maximum of $1.5 million. Criminal violations of HIPAA are handled by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The AMA outlines: “Covered entities and specified individuals, as explained below, who “knowingly” obtain or disclose individually identifiable health information, in violation of the Administrative Simplification Regulations, face a fine of up to $50,000, as well as imprisonment up to 1 year. Offenses committed under false pretenses allow penalties to be increased to a $100,000 fine, with up to 5 years in prison.” The Parties Involved – Stern & Meyers Online searches can find both or either of their profiles on common health directory sites including Psychology Today, ZocDoc, Sharecare, Doximity, and others. Tabatha Fajardo, a former legislative aide for Assemblyman Ed Flood, provided a direct comment to The Messenger, discussing the steady flow of classified materials and the eerie radio-silence from the intended recipients. “I started working for Assemblyman Flood in February 2023. During my time there, we kept receiving medical documents that were faxed to our government machine,” says Fajardo. “We alerted both the Assembly and the involved practices or hospitals from which we received the faxes. I worked at that office until August 2023, and we would receive faxes several times a week.” Fajardo also says that personal or medical business being conducted from within the office was not readily apparent. “I didn’t know that Englebright was in any way implicated; we just thought people were typing in the number wrong or there was a bad link somewhere,” says Fajardo. “But as the same addressees came through, we realized these were meant for someone specific.” Fajardo also describes the abysmal state Flood’s team received upon succeeding Englebright. “We found that his government mail was being forwarded to his personal address,” she says. “We also had no records of constituent cases. We had nothing to work with; we often needed constituents to forward us copies of whatever they had been working on with Englebright to reinitiate the process. This is not typical; you don’t mix government and political work. At the end of the day, constituents want to be done right by their officials. Regardless of transition, there needs to be that respect. You need to make sure these peoples’ lives and livelihoods are not affected because you’re embittered by loss. It gives me the impression that he didn’t care about his constituents, or that there might have been an overlap between government and personal business.” Fajardo also says that misuse of government property was not only the norm for the office staff, but people outside the office as well. “People would come into our office asking if they could print items or fax things through,” says Fajardo. “We would just tell them that this is a government office, and the fax machine is for intergovernmental use only.” Summary Former Assemblyman Steve Englebright appears to have allowed his government office and taxpayer-funded resources to be used to conduct not only personal business, but also transactions involving sensitive, personal medical information. The business was apparently conducted by his wife, Susanne Meyers, and another medical professional, Christina Stern. Stern’s multiple official online medical profiles, and those linked with NPI and HIPAA databases, list her validated NPI number along with the Fourth District Assembly Office fax number. Stern and several other professionals have practiced out of 290 Main Street in Setauket, a building Englebright has owned since 1983. Assemblyman Ed Flood responded to a FOIL request stating, without divulging personal information, that the government office has been receiving highly sensitive medical and insurance information directed to Susanne Meyers and Christina Stern. The matter has been referred to the Assembly Ethics Committee. Steve Englebright denies any wrongdoing without giving an explanation of how this all happened. Englebright is now running for Suffolk County Legislature’s Fifth District against Anthony Figliola (R-East Setauket) on November 7.
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri National
Office of United States Congressman Jeff Landry
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured below right) announced Tuesday that low-income families with children will be able to receive a one-time stimulus payment from New York State. Over $12 million will be administered through the federal Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund. Qualifying households - those with children aged 17 or under - will receive a one-time payment of $100 in assistance. $19 million from the fund was used in February 2022 as support for low-income families on public assistance or SNAP benefits, rendering $140 per child aged three or under. In May 2022, the fund was used to support over 200,000 families on public assistance with a child aged 17 or under with a $250 payment. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) used $12.7 million
Local Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) (pictured below right) led a bipartisan letter directed to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Creswell requesting an update on FEMA’s implementation of a monthly payment policy for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders. The House members wrote: “Flood insurance is an essential tool for homeowners, renters, and communities to proactively protect against flooding. Those with flood insurance are able to recover quicker and more comprehensively in the wake of a flood, making flood insurance a commonsense financial choice. A simple step toward ensuring broader flood insurance affordability would be to allow premiums to be paid in monthly installments, rather than on an annual basis...FEMA’s implementation of an installment payment system is long overdue, and we seek to understand what has contributed to the delays in carrying out this statutory directive.” The letter includes a 2021 report from the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate recommending that FEMA offer a monthly premium payment option to possibly assuage affordability concerns. The members also point out that the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 required FEMA to provide policyholders with the option of paying premiums annually or monthly.
clerk.house.gov
State
from the fund to assist survivors of domestic violence. “Due to our success in providing assistance from the federal Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund to some of our most vulnerable residents, New York has qualified for additional funding that went unused by other states,” said Governor Hochul in a statement. “This federal funding further helps households that suffered from the economic toll caused by the pandemic and gives these families a quick infusion of cash to assist with their expenses.” In a separate development, Governor Hochul is traveling to Israel, hanging up New York State and City as both continue to deal with the ongoing migrant crisis. Hochul has been a vocal supporter of Israel, despite the Democratic Socialists of America openly voicing their support for Palestine and, in some cases directly, the terrorist organization of Hamas that has gripped the Palestinian territories since the mid-2000s. Hochul’s support is seen as symbolic of the United States’ support for Israel as New York is home to the world’s largest Jewish population outside Israel. “During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel,” Hochul said in a statement. “I’ll be traveling to Israel for a solidarity mission where I plan to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks. New York will show the world that we stand with Israel — today, tomorrow and forever.”
Getty Images
Election season got its first official kickoff with the gubernatorial election in Louisiana. Republicans secured a key pickup ahead of the 2023 elections, most of which are conducted on a local level, but will feature some big-ticket races that could have national implications. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) (pictured below right) won a jungle primary on October 14, with an outright majority, earning him the position of Governor of Louisiana. The Pelican State’s primary system is only similar to those of a few other states, and Louisiana remains unique in its own. All candidates, regardless of party, appear on the same ballot. If no candidate clears a majority - defined as 50% of the vote plus one - the top two votereceivers, regardless of party, will advance to a runoff scheduled after the country’s Election Day. This is typical of statewide contests and most jungle primaries in Louisiana result in a post-Election Day runoff. Landry’s Saturday victory comes as something of a surprise as, not only are expectations perennially high for a Louisiana runoff, but preliminary polling had him running at much lower than the required 50%. The seat was never viewed as immediately endangered for the GOP, it just meant that the campaign would be extended for another month as Landry - long presumed to be the frontrunner - would have to battle for the governor’s mansion with just one other candidate. Only two polls gave Landry 40% of the vote, with Shawn Wilson (D), the former Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, typically taking second place. Wilson, however, was routinely defeated by the “Undecided” option offered in the polls. Landry’s ceiling of 40% in just two of the many polls conducted led many prognosticators, including The Messenger, to believe that he was almost certainly headed to a runoff in which he would be heavily favored. Fifteen candidates – eight Republicans, two Democrats, and five Independents, coalesced on the Saturday ballot. Landry won with 51.6% of the vote to second-place Wilson’s 25.9%. Landry won sixty of Louisiana’s sixty-four parishes (county equivalents). He is the first candidate to win a Louisiana gubernatorial election with an outright majority since Bobby Jindal (R) was re-elected in 2011. Jindal also won his first election with an outright majority in 2007. Louisiana had been an anomalous blue dot on the national gubernatorial map since outgoing Governor John Bel Edwards (D) flipped the office in 2015. Jindal earned state and national chagrin as he spent much of his time after 2011 chasing the GOP nomination for president. He ran as a minor candidate in the 2016 election and dropped out before the primaries. Back home, his state struggled with budget problems and infrastructure shortfalls. Jindal’s poor image and negative approval ratings allowed Edwards to leverage his fiscal conservatism and iconoclastic social conservatism - he is one of the only pro-life Democrats
on the national stage - into a 2015 flip for the Democrats. Edwards advanced to a runoff with thenU.S. Senator David Vitter (R) and won by a relatively large thirteen-point margin. No Democrat has carried Louisiana in a presidential race since 1996, but Democrats last won a Senate race in 2008, with Mary Landrieu (D) going down in 2014. Gubernatorial elections, however, are typically not a barometer for shifting political moods, but rather they indicate intrinsic political profiles and echo the retail politics of the voters. Since candidate quality and localized issues will resonate more in a gubernatorial race, it’s not typically surprising that states elect governors of different parties. Republicans currently govern Vermont, often seen as the most liberal, while Democrats currently govern Kentucky and Kansas, two of the more staunchly conservative ones. Once Landry is sworn in, Republicans will govern twenty-seven states to the Democrats’ twenty-three. Going into November, two competitive gubernatorial elections will be held, one with moderately popular Tate Reeves (R) of Mississippi, and one with popular Andy Besehear (D) of Kentucky. On the November ballot are also state legislative races in Virginia and New Jersey. Democrats hope to claw back a narrow majority in the Virginia House of Delegates after losing in 2021, while Republicans hope to flip the narrow Democratic majority in the State Senate to establish a Republican trifecta. A trifecta occurs in a state when the same party controls the governor’s office and both chambers of the state legislature simultaneously. Both chambers are seen as highly competitive and something of a jump ball as post-Census redistricting has created new boundaries that will be fully tested on Election Day. Republicans only need to pick up six seats in the New Jersey State Senate to claim a majority. Additionally, the GOP would need to flip seven seats in the New Jersey General Assembly to stake a majority there. The state is governed by Phil Murphy (D), who was narrowly re-elected in 2021 in a near-upset by Jack Ciattarelli (R).
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Human Trafficking Awareness Workshop
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, New York State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) hosted an awareness workshop on Human Trafficking: “Look Beneath the Surface,” presented by The Crime Victims Center and LI Against Domestic Violence at the Patchogue Family YMCA. The participants learned what human trafficking is, the signs of a person who may be trafficked, risk factors that increase victim vulnerability, and about the many resources available to prevent and respond. “Many people recognize that this is a problem, but they think it’s a problem that happens “somewhere else,” said Senator
Murray. “That’s simply not true, it’s a horrific problem that’s happening more and more in communities all across Long Island. That’s why it’s imperative that we educate people on what to look for and what to do to protect our loved ones.” Human Trafficking is a global crime of exploitation and occurs when a person uses force, fraud, or coercion to exploit the labor or services of another person. The human traffickers’ prey upon people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities for their own profit. The United States Department of State website states there is an estimated 27.6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide at any given time. Unfortunately, this crime is happening in our own backyard.
DAN LOSQUADRO Defending what’s most important
PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT Dan Losquadro is the proven, forward-thinking leader Brookhaven needs to secure a brighter future.
RE-ELECT
DAN LOSQUADRO for Brookhaven Superintendent of Highways
Tuesday, November 7th www.DanLosquadro.com
Paid for by Friends of Dan Losquadro. Not paid for at taxpayer expense.
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
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Candidate Spotlight
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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Brookhaven Town Council
Brookhaven Town
Candidate Gary Bodenburg Councilman Jonathan Kornreich By Matt Meduri Candidate: Gary Bodenburg Residence: Port Jefferson Station Office Sought: Brookhaven Town Council, District One Previous Elected Office: None Party Endorsements: Republican, Conservative Gary Bodenburg is entering the political sphere for the first time to take on Brookhaven’s lone elected Democrat Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). Bodenburg faces an uphill battle in the most Democratic part of Brookhaven, but he might catch a break with intense Republican coattails in a region that has raced to the right in recent years. Gary Bodenburg sat down with The Messenger for a one-on-one interview. Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for Town Council? A: I’m a special education teacher and administrator and have been in the classroom for over twenty years. We provide services for not only our strongest students but also our weakest students. I think that we have to examine areas that are of most need to be able to address those concerns and do our best to support any type of member in our community. Being in a school district that is representative of Long Island as a whole - the district is very diverse it’s important to identify those issues. Somebody who has clinical, hands-on experience with that would serve nicely on the Town Council. A few years ago, there was an issue where we couldn’t get ahold of our Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) at the time in relation to government overreach and removing religious exemptions from parents making the decision to vaccinate their children. It was inexcusable that we could not get in touch with him. I worked hard on Ed Flood’s (R-Port Jefferson Station) campaign, and it’s part of why I’m running now. Q: What would you say is your best or proudest professional accomplishment? A: I am most proud of being able to serve a population of young people with varying needs from different environments. We have some kids who come in luxury cars and others who don’t come with lunch. I’m not only able to address their needs academically, but socially and emotionally with a comfortable learning environment. Someone who can relate to you if you’re wealthy or living on $15 a day is what we need on the Town Council. We need to be able to service all different types of people in Brookhaven. Q: What do you think is the most important political issue facing Brookhaven today? A: Zombie homes are a big issue; we want to maintain the appearance of our neighborhoods for people who pay very high taxes. Another issue is finishing the jobs that we start. We have projects like the 25-A Corridor project. We’ve had studies done, such as an environmental impact study, and we need to complete these projects. Q: What is your top priority if you win this election? A: Public safety. I’m from a family of teachers
Candidate: Councilman Jonathan Kornreich Residence: Stony Brook Office Sought: Brookhaven Town Council, District One First Elected: March 2021 special election Party Endorsements: Democratic, Working Families Notable Endorsements: LIFI, LiUNA, CWA 1109
and police officers. I unapologetically “back the blue” and we need to give them the ability to do their jobs, whether that’s refining town codes or making them aware of town codes that allow them to do their jobs in the appropriate capacity. The current councilman refuses to work with the Sixth Precinct, namely in referring sites of routine criminal activity to the proper professionals. It puts everyone at a disadvantage when we don’t work with law enforcement to help make our communities safer. I will have a proud relationship with everyone at the Sixth Precinct. I also want to make government more accessible. Everyone will have my personal number. As an educator, we’re in the people business. On the Town Council, you’re also in the people business. Q: What’s your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic? A: My grandmother was an original patriot. She was the wife of a World War II Veteran, she started AMVETS Post 18 in East Islip, and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She won local, state, and national awards. She was an incredible woman. One thing she said that stuck with me is when she pointed to a basket of apples and she said, “You see that apple on top? The reason why that apple is on top is because of all the others on the bottom, holding that one up.” She never took sole credit for anything. Part of my campaign is dedicated to her and what she taught me. Whatever we achieve, we achieve together. Q: How do you like to connect with and enjoy your community? A: I love being in the gym. I was also a former professional wrestler for charity events. I do like to study law and enjoy reading in my spare time. Old Town Pizza is a great place in Port Jefferson Station, I’ve always supported them. It’s amazing living so close to such a great area, such as the Village, the Harbor, Westmeadow Beach, and so many other places that some people don’t get to explore. I’d be very proud to represent this district. The Messenger thanks Gary Bodenburg for taking time to sit down with us for this candidate spotlight. The Messenger’s forecast for Brookhaven Town Council, District One: Leans Democrat
Jonathan Kornreich was elected to the Brookhaven Town Council with a lopsided 85% of the vote in a March 2021 special. He is running for his first full term on the Council. Councilman Kornreich sat down with The Messenger for a one-on-one interview. Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for Town Council? A: One of the most important jobs on the Council is land use. In order to make good policy, we need to understand it. I have a twenty-year background in construction, construction management and real estate investment and management. I understand what makes the numbers work and not work and how things can get built or not. I also served for eleven years on the Board of the Three Village Civic Association, the last seven of which I was president. Many responsibilities, such as land use and community outreach, overlap between Council and Civic. I was also elected to the Three Village Board of Education for fifteen years and served as vice president. It taught me how to work with diverse opinions and come to consensus. It’s a nonpartisan environment that serves as a great marketplace for ideas. I was also vice president of the Boys and Girls Club in Port Jefferson Station. That taught me a lot because I worked face-to-face with families who have challenges. It helped me walk in the shoes of all different backgrounds. I was then elected to the Town Council in 2021. Q: What would you say is your best or proudest professional accomplishment? A: For many years, I know the people of Port Jefferson Station felt unseen and unheard by their Councilmember. I made it a point to meet with the civics and chamber right after I got elected. One of the things that was important to them was the train car park on the corner of 111 and 347. It was frequented by homeless people and drug users. It’s in a highly-visible location with no amenities. There was a $6-7 million plan to build the park and it sat on the shelf because it was too expensive. Piece by piece, we’ve built all the components, including landscaping, fencing, a covered stage for summer shows, now we’re going to build a parking lot. It’s important to elect people with extra-government and real-world experience. Q: What do you think is the most important political issue facing Brookhaven today? A: Our top concern is land use. The challenge is balancing the need for redevelopment of existing real estate inventory in a way that’s coherent with the current needs of our economy against the reality that we’re at or near carrying capacity of this fragile little sandbar we live on. We have
beaches that are closed all the time and we sit in traffic 24-7. Our current infrastructure as built can’t handle any more population. Residential should only be used as a catalyst for blighted commercial space. Q: What is your top priority if you win this election? A: Sewer infrastructure to spur new development and revitalize blighted properties. The Suffolk Legislature needs to get their act together. Clearly, we need the bills they downvoted. I’ve heard all the hideous politics. At the end of the day, they need to quit playing politics and act like adults because Suffolk County needs this. I read summaries of the bills; I understand they’re hanging it up allocations of sewers vs. I/A systems, but let’s get the money and let’s get to work. Q: What’s your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic? A: I try not to get caught up in the issue of the day. This migrant issue will come and go, just like Governor Hochul’s (D) housing plan. The different political parties have important perspectives and we make our best decisions when put those perspectives on the table and shape something out of that. This is a historic community with hundreds of years of history. What we’re seeing on Long Island is a result of lack of planning. “Great societies are built when people plant trees in whose shade they know they will never rest.” Additionally, “politics is show business for ugly people.” Q: How do you like to connect with and enjoy your community? A: My district has become a great restaurant destination because this area is one of the most diverse areas in Brookhaven. That diversity has been reflected by the entrepreneurial spirit that people have brought here with their food and culture. You drive down 25-A and it’s like the United Nations. The Messenger thanks Councilman Jonathan Kornreich for taking time to sit down with us for this candidate spotlight. The Messenger’s forecast for Brookhaven Town Council, District One: Leans Democrat
TOWN SUPERVISORS Safe Dem
Likely Dem
East Hampton Southampton Shelter Island
Southold
Leans Dem
Toss Up
Leans GOP
Likely GOP
Safe GOP
Islip
Brookhaven
Riverhead
Candidate Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
13
Anthony Figliola
Suffolk County Legislature District Five By Matt Meduri Candidate: Anthony Figliola Residence: East Setauket First Elected: 2015 Office Sought: Suffolk County Legislature District Five Prior Elected Experience: None Party Endorsements: Conservative, Republican Notable Endorsements (including, but not limited to): Suffolk PBA, Deputy Sheriffs, Superior Officers, Suffolk County Detectives, Local 393 (SCWA) Anthony Figliola gained county-wide name recognition in last summer’s primary for New York’s First Congressional District. After essentially tying Michelle Bond for second in the GOP primary, Figliola is looking to parlay that name recognition into the most competitive Legislative District on the ballot this year: long-Democratic-held District Five. Anthony Figliola sat down with The Messenger for a one-on-one-interview. Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Legislature? A: My background is economic development. I work with companies who look to expand their operations and help identify incentives and capital. I run a government relations practice, so I work with businesses, not-for-profits, and local governments who have issues with the state government. I have an understanding of how both the private and public sectors work individually and how they work together. I am an executive vice president of a company called Empire Government Strategies. I’ve worked with corporations as big as Canon - I was on the team that kept Canon on Long Island because we secured $103 million in incentives that created and retained over 5,000 jobs here. I was part of a small team that we created ourselves made up of attorneys, accountants, and even former Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford), and we - for free - helped our clients and businesses try to understand and navigate the height of COVID. We were able to have King funnel information to then-Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s office to tell him what was and wasn’t working. Small businesses are the backbone of Suffolk County and our country and I want to bring that experience to the Legislature. I’ve had and run a few small businesses, including my wife’s gourmet cookie company she started as a side-gig to her job as a full time Registered Nurse (RN). I worked for the Town of Brookhaven for three years, first in economic development and then as Deputy Chief of Staff, which was a Deputy Supervisor position.
Q: What would you say is your best or proudest accomplishment in your professional career? A: Frank Lowe Rubber & Gasket Company was looking to move down South. We were able to help keep them here and they had over 100 employees. They spent $10 million on a new facility in Yaphank. The workers were so happy that they got to keep their jobs and not have to move to a new state. It was very rewarding. A few years ago, I championed a bill that was unanimously approved by the Assembly and the Senate that strengthened the statute of limitations to allow the taxpayers to sue those who knowingly pollute our drinking water. There was a lawsuit against Dow Chemical in Bethpage filed by the Suffolk County Water Authority that got thrown out on a technicality. Previously, if you found one contaminant, the five-year clock started on every contaminant present, even ones you weren’t looking for or hadn’t found yet. The bill I championed set separate clocks for each individual contaminant. It’s the strongest law in the country regarding the statute of limitations on water pollution. For parents of special needs children, I was able to help secure $200,000 in a state grant to expand an Islandia facility that does therapy with horses. The funding was able to expand their programs to Veterans and battered women, which is important to me since my mother was a survivor of domestic violence. Q: What do you think is the most important political issue facing Suffolk County today? A: We’re in an economic crisis. I’ve talked with dual-income families in Port Jefferson Station who are paying a second mortgage just to put their kids in daycare. The struggle is real. Groceries have risen 50% in price and people can’t just stick to one supermarket anymore. I’m doing the exact same thing. I’m not running to feather my nest - unlike my opponent, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), who’s made hundreds of thousands annually off the government dime while making millions in his real estate and oil ventures. The state and federal governments have also failed us on our garbage solution. They left it to the local municipalities to find a solution, which I think is terrible. We could explore burning the ash to turn it into energy; we need to protect our environment while also offsetting costs. We need to run our county like a business. Q: What are your thoughts on the sewer bills downvoted by the Legislature earlier this summer? A: I am in favor of creating a countywide sewer district. We also need to create sustainable, revenue-generating sewer facilities. I’ve worked with other municipalities who have technologies that do that. I’ve worked for some clients who are practically “off the grid,” through anaerobic digestion that takes methane and
turns it into power. Our trap grease from restaurants can be turned into biofuels and energy to power our facilities. Ideas to utilize fossil fuels to eventually move away from there are being used; so far, no one at the county has discussed items like these. Democrats talk about being environmentalists, but they’re being disingenuous. The GOP was kept in the dark by the State Legislature and framed the sewer bills as “take it or leave it.” It’s not a political issue; we all flush the same toilets and drink the same water. These I/A systems work in some places, but not others. A process like this where everyone will get taxed needs to be transparent. The Democrats are not telling you that when you want to sell your house in ten years, the buyer will have to put an I/A system in. They don’t talk about it because it’s not a good talking point. I will absolutely lead a bipartisan charge on this; I believe in sewers where applicable. In the bill, only 25% of the money would go to sewers, which is very little when you look at projects like the Forge River sewers. They’re looking at $225 million; the countywide bill is only around $60 million annually. How could it even scratch the surface? The monies in our current sewer fund need to make more money as well. I want to find a mechanism to make our money make money. We need discretionary grants from the state and federal governments - the federal government hasn’t given us sewer money in decades. We need to ease the burden on the taxpayer. Q: What is your top priority if you win this election? A: Our county workers need the resources to help our residents, namely in the Department of Health and Social Services. Would you believe that there’s only one person who’s reviewing all sewer applications for businesses and developers, for a county of 1.4 million people? The current administration has left a lot of vacancies. If I want to invest in sewers, wouldn’t you think I’d invest in the manpower to review projects to make it a reality? We also have Social Services, namely regarding Thomas Valva, who was murdered by his father. If we’re talking about case overloads, then we need to hire more case workers. Q: What’s your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic? A: General George Washington led from the front. His saying was that he “wanted to partake in every inconvenience with his men.” He slept in tents with his soldiers during the brutal winters and war. When you’re an elected official, you’re just a servant for a period of time. I want to continue the legacy of George Washington. Q: How do you like to connect with and enjoy your community?
SUFFOLK LEGISLATURE Safe Dem
Likely Dem
LD-09
LD-02
Leans Dem
Toss Up
Leans GOP
LD-17
LD-16
LD-01 LD-07
LD-15 LD-05 LD-18 LD-06
Likely GOP
Safe GOP 3,4,8,10 11, 12, 13, 14
A: I have three kids and care tremendously about my community. I have people from both sides of the aisle supporting me. The Fifth District is a beautiful part of Long Island. Not to be biased, but we love Via Pizza in Setauket, they’re a hidden gem. Our kids love RocketShip Park in Port Jefferson. I’d love to see a nice playground in Setauket because there’s so many young parents there. I’m also a boater; our bays and beaches are tremendously important to me. I think we have a gem of a district. The Messenger thanks Anthony Figliola for taking time for this interview. NOTE: After multiple calls, emails, and texts, former Assemblyman Steve Englebright did not return The Messenger’s request for interview. The Messenger’s forecast for Suffolk Legislature’s Fifth District: Leans Republican (Flip) About the Fifth District and Our Forecast The Fifth District encompasses the most Democratic part of Brookhaven that has trended towards the GOP in recent years. Ed Romaine’s (R-Center Moriches) ability to win significant crossover support here bodes well for him in the County Executive race, but also in terms of down ballot energy for Figliola. The Fifth District includes Stony Brook, Setauket, Old Field, East Setauket, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Terryville, Belle Terre, and parts of Coram and Lake Grove. The seat is currently vacant after the resignation of Kara Hahn (D-Setauket). Hahn won by large margins in the first five of her terms, but barely got by on a five-point margin in the red wave year of 2021. Last time, the GOP didn’t give the seat a serious try. Now, they have a serious contender, message, and environment to flip the bluest part of Brookhaven red. Furthermore, Englebright’s ethical and possible legal problems make it difficult for us to believe he is in the driver’s seat in this race based purely on partisan lean.
History
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Kansas - The Sunflower State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the thirty-fifth of a series column that will look at the history of all 50 States, all 5 territories, and the Capital and the influence history has on our current political environments. The aim of this column is to capture that our country is not just red or blue, but rather many shades in between. Each Lower 48 state’s current political landscape can be traced back to its early settlement and geography and its particular involvement in the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Era.
By Matt Meduri Few states have had as tumultuous a history as Kansas has. Located in the geographic center of the Lower 48, and as a more unassuming state overall, Kansas has actually played a central role in almost every major political era and event in the United States. Early History - Heart of the Great Plains Kansas was first explored by Europeans as early as 1541. This was the first time Native Americans had seen horses, which they later obtained from the Spaniards and completely changed their way of life. Kansas was included in the Louisiana Purchase and had been mostly unsettled. Lewis and Clark as well as Zebulon Pike mapped the area and called it the “Great American Desert,” a label that would chart Kansas’ history for the next fifty years as a relocation grounds for Native tribes. Fort Leavenworth became the first permanent European settlement in Kansas in 1827 as the country’s westernmost military outpost as a line of defense for the Santa Fe Trail, a branch of the Oregon Trail. Because of the Trails’ confluence in Kansas, the state became a crucial stopover for pioneers heading west. Initially, Kansas was only for transplanted Native tribes and completely closed off to whites. As white settlers began squatting on the land and more forts along the Oregon Trail were built, petitions to open the territory to settlement began. When the Kansas-Nebraska Territory was formed, Natives were then moved south to present-day Oklahoma. Civil War - Bleeding Kansas Kansas’ role in the Civil War is unparalleled by that of any other state. The admission of the territory repealed the Missouri Compromise, which delineated slave states from free states at the 36th Parallel. Instead, the legality of slavery would be decided by popular sovereignty, wherein residents would vote on the issue. Within days of the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, proslavery Missourians crossed the border into Kansas to gain the upper hand to make the KansasNebraska Territory a slave territory. In response, Massachusetts sent anti-slavery settlers, known as “Free Staters” - later Jayhawks - along with settlers from other Midwestern states to change the balance of power. New Englanders founded Topeka - now the capital - as well as Manhattan and Lawrence, both college towns, the latter of which is home to the University of Kansas. Settlers didn’t resort to violence until pro-slavery forces stuffed ballot boxes and elected a proslavery Territorial Legislature. The ensuing period of violence and war between the two forces would start a period known as “Bleeding Kansas,” which was essentially the preamble to the Civil War overall. Several state constitutions were presented with varying levels of progressivism and conservatism. Eventually, the Wyandotte Constitution resulted in the formation and admission of Kansas as a free state on January 29, 1861. Once Kansas was admitted as a free state, the period of Bleeding Kansas was over, but the Civil War was just about to begin. Despite Kansas having started the war with virtually no military organization, the state would actually suffer the highest amount of fatalities than any other state involved. Kansas’ first election was in 1864, in which it proved to be Abraham Lincoln’s (R-IL) best state
that year; he captured 79% of the vote. Today, it remains the strongest presidential performance in the state’s history. Kansas’ political history going forward is fairly simple: Since its inception in 1864, the state has only backed six Democrats to the present day, four of which were in landslide elections. Populist Era & Industrialization The Center of a Movement Kansas’ favorable climate, fertile ground, cheap land, and construction of the Kansas Pacific Railway would see the population skyrocket. More people would flock to the state in the thirty years after the Civil War than they would over the next 110 years. Cattle ranching became a big industry since railroads didn’t reach Texas after the Civil War as the state also became a Union haven for freedmen fleeing the South. In addition to social libertarianism - at the time - the state was deeply religious. Kansas was the first state to amend its constitution to prohibit the sale of all alcoholic beverages in 1881. Today, the state has twentynine semi-dry counties. The city of Topeka is also the birthplace of the phrase “What would Jesus do?” as well as the de facto home of the Pentecostalist movement. Harsh weather and dry topsoil from wheat farming with very little rain are what contributed to the Dust Bowl, where financially ruined farmers left for California - as depicted in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men - while others protested under the Populist Era. The era instituted federal aid, crop insurance, new farming techniques, and the movement for coined silver. William Jennings Bryan (D-NE) is one of only six Democratic presidential candidates to carry Kansas since its founding based on these principles. Kansas was also the center of the Progressive Era, which primarily consisted of conservation, direct primaries, women’s suffrage, railroad regulation, and isolationist foreign policy. 1892 became the first of seven times in which a Republican did not carry Kansas’ electoral votes, as James B. Weaver of Iowa won the state by a slim margin on the Populist ticket. The tapping of the El Dorado Oil Field near Wichita sharply declined Kansas’ emphasis on wheat, although it is still the nation’s leading producer of wheat today. Already home to an aviation sector, World War II made Wichita, Kansas, the “Air Capital of the World.” With a diversified population and economy, the state’s two biggest cities, Kansas City and Wichita, were put firmly on the map. Simultaneously, Kansas played host to one of the most significant developments of the Civil Rights Era: the landmark Supreme Court decision of Brown Vs. Board of Education of Topeka, the decision of which declared segregation of schools unconstitutional.
Kansas would narrowly back Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) in 1912 and 1916 and would not back a Democrat again until FDR’s (D-NY) landslide wins against 1932 and 1936. In 1936, Roosevelt would become the first presidential candidate to win more than 500 electoral votes against Kansas Governor Alf Landon (R). Kansas would solidly back native son Dwight Eisenhower (R-KS) in 1952 and 1956, currently the only president with historical ties to the state. With less emphasis on organized labor and a dissatisfaction with Democrats’ price manipulation of wheat, Kansas would only back one more Democrat: Lyndon Johnson (D-TX) in 1964. Since then, Kansas has exclusively backed Republicans on the presidential level. Geography - The Sunflower State While Kansas does have distinct geographic regions, the rural, small-town politics always dominated the county map, rather than specific geopolitics. Overall, Kansas’ 105 counties have been spotty for either party, but today, the bluest part of the state is Kansas City-based Wyandotte County, which has backed a Democrat in every election since 1932, except for Richard Nixon (R-CA) in 1972. The majority of Kansas’ counties are firmly Republican, due to their agricultural, industrial, and small-town tendencies. Current Political Leanings College Town Oases While Kansas is a firmly Republican state in many ways, its intrinsic populism insulates it from some aspects of the national political stage. Democrats can only overcome the staunch Republican hue of the state on gubernatorial elections, due to these elections being more about candidate quality and local issues. The missteps of former Governor Sam Brownback (R) made it easier for incumbent Laura Kelly (D) to win in the blue year of 2018. She narrowly won reelection in 2022. Kansas also tends to elect its governors in patterns, preferring two terms of one party, and then two of the other. Kansas currently holds the record for the longest party winning streak for both U.S. Senate seats. No Democrat has held a U.S. Senate from Kansas since 1939. Additionally, only three Democrats have ever held a Senate seat here, the last of whom, George McGill, is the only one to have been elected by direct popular vote. The other two were elected by the state legislature before the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment. Republicans’ winning streak of the Class 2 Senate seat since 1919 makes it the longest active victory streak in the country. Kansas is one of two states, the other being Vermont, in which Democrats have never held both U.S. Senate seats concurrently. Despite this, Democrats have come close to capturing Senate races here, most notably in 2020. Watchdogs show slipping margins for the GOP in the traditionally-Republican college counties. Joe Biden became the first Democrat since Wilson in 1916 to win Johnson County, home to Olathe, a suburb of Kansas City; the first Democrat to win Shawnee County, home to Topeka, since Bill Clinton in 1992; and the first Democrat to ever win Riley County, home to Manhattan. Sedgwick County, home to Wichita, the state’s largest city, is still Republican-leaning. These college towns are small oases for Democrats in a state that has otherwise been averse to them since the Civil War. Ancestral opposition is difficult to overcome, but as the state continues to bleed population, and as the nationally high-ranking suburbs, like Overland Park, continue to attract young voters, it’s possible Democrats could come within striking distance in the Sunflower State within the next twenty years. Until then, the GOP can revel in its historically-long winning streaks that have yet to be paralleled nationally or upset outright.
Candidate Spotlight Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Councilwoman Jane Bonner Brookhaven Town Council, District Two
By Matt Meduri Candidate: Councilwoman Jane Bonner Residence: Rocky Point Office: Brookhaven Town Council, District Two First Elected: 2007 Party Endorsements: Republican, Conservative Notable Endorsements (including, but not limited to): Suffolk PBA, Suffolk County Correction Officers Association, Coram Civic Association A well-known Brookhaven mainstay, Councilwoman Jane Bonner is running for re-election in the Rocky Pointbased Second District. Councilwoman Bonner responded to The Messenger’s direct request for a candidate spotlight. Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Council? A: I have been a Rocky Point resident for over thirty years, served as president of the Rocky Point Civic Association and as a member of the Rocky Point School Board.
Prior to taking office as Councilwoman for Brookhaven’s Second District, I worked with former Suffolk County Legislator Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham). Q: What do you think is the defining political issue facing Brookhaven? A: Crime and public safety. Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. These issues also contribute to the success of businesses and property values which help create thriving, vibrant, and desirable communities. Q: What’s your top priority if you win this election? A: Keep the Town’s finances strong, enhance public safety, prevent overdevelopment, and safeguard our environment. Q: What’s your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic you live and work by? A: “Well done is better than well said.” – Benjamin Franklin Q: How do you like to connect with the Second District? A: My favorite place is any beach, especially our north shore beaches. The Messenger thanks Councilwoman Jane Bonner for returning our questions.
Candidate Karen Dunne Kesnig Brookhaven Town Council, District Six
Candidate: Karen Dunne Kesnig Residence: Manorville Office Sought: Brookhaven Town Council, District Six Prior Elected Experience: None Party Endorsements: Republican, Conservative Notable Endorsements (including, but not limited to): AFL-CIO, LIBI, LiUNA, CSEA, Suffolk County Corrections Officers. Karen Dunne Kesnig has big shoes to fill in the wake of Dan Panico’s (R-Center Moriches) run for Town Supervisor. She’s making a strong push to retain this solidly-Republican seat for her Party. Karen Dunne Kesnig directly responded to The Messenger’s request for this candidate spotlight. Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Council? A: I have been an attorney in private practice for thirty-eight years with a specialty in estate planning and administration. I served on the Eastport South Manor Board of Education from 1997 to 2019 and was either President or Vice President for many of those years. I have been President of the Manorville Chamber of Commerce since 2006, and I have been on the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board since 2013. In all of these roles I have evidenced my strong leadership skills and
ability to make hard choices. Q: What do you think is the defining political issue facing Brookhaven? A: As I have been speaking to many of the residents in the Sixth District, their top two concerns are safety and affordability. Q: What’s your top priority if you win this election? A: My top priority if elected is land preservation and intelligent redevelopment of existing developments by keeping clean water and energy at the forefront in our decisions moving forward. Q: What’s your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic you live and work by? A: “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do at all, or can not so well do, for themselves - in their separate, and individual capacities” Abraham Lincoln. I have always put my community first and aspire to follow Lincoln’s wisdom. Q: What is your personal background and how do you like to connect with the Sixth District? A: I am married to Richard, we have four adult children and three grandchildren. Our favorite local restaurant is La Volpe and our favorite local small business Bruno’s farm stand! The Messenger thanks Karen Dunne Kesnig for returning our questions. The Messenger’s forecast for Brookhaven Town Council, District Six: Safe Republican
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Candidate Carol Russell
Brookhaven Town Council, District Two
The Messenger did not receive a response from Councilwoman Bonner’s opponent, Carol Russell (D-Coram). According to her campaign website, Russell lives with her husband on the small farm he was born and raised on. She worked as a critical care nurse and would begin studying law during the medical malpractice crisis to represent nurses, physicians, hospitals and health care providers for nearly thirty years. Russell has since been a community and church leader. Russell’s platform discusses needing a solution to the Brookhaven landfill closure, ensuring that residents have clean drinking water, and that “Our Local Elected Officials and our Local Government agencies should look like and have similar life experiences as our residents. We must strive to create that balance.” The Messenger’s forecast for Brookhaven Town Council, District Two: Safe Republican
Candidate Kerry Spooner
Brookhaven Town Council, District Six Candidate: Kerry Spooner Residence: Calverton Office Sought: Brookhaven Town Council, District Six Prior Elected Experience: None Party Endorsements: Democratic, Working Families Notable Endorsements (including, but not limited to): AME, CWA 1109, Eleanor’s Legacy Kerry Spooner has taken on the formidable task of flipping perhaps the reddest seat on the Brookhaven Town Council. Kerry Spooner directly responded to The Messenger’s request for this candidate spotlight. Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Council? A: Education, entrepreneurship, union work and my prior tenure as an elected finance chair for Custer Institute and Observatory, my prior work as a labor technician specialized in creating pathways to employment, particularly for underserved populations, founder and president of Sound Justice Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for justiceinvolved individuals. Founding companies like the Ivy Writing Scholar—an online tutoring venture, demands exceptional and creative problem-solving skills. I have also been a Party Committee
Member since 2021. I also served two years as elected Executive Council Member of Suffolk Community College Faculty Association. Q: What do you think is the defining political issue facing Brookhaven? A: Quality of life, unaffordable housing, the landfill debacle, unsafe drinking water, and the lack of living-wage jobs with benefits. Q: What’s your top priority if you win this election? A: Development of an environmental and economic plan that prioritizes the closure of the landfill. In addition, I will scrutinize the conditions under which our public officials operate in Brookhaven, focusing on critical areas such as land-use and zoning decisions, town procurement, and permit systems. Q: What is your personal background and how do you like to connect with the Sixth District? A: Having called Brookhaven home for two decades and earned a Ph.D. from Stony Brook University, I am deeply invested in our community’s well-being. My wife, Anne, and I are dedicated to raising our beloved young son here. I’m also a proponent of practical governance. To have a more direct impact, I believe council members should maintain small offices strategically located in the most underserved parts of the members’ district. This approach ensures accessibility and responsiveness to the unique needs of different communities. The Messenger thanks Kerry Spooner for returning our questions. The Messenger’s forecast for Brookhaven Town Council, District Six: Safe Republican
News
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Continued from front cover
Endorsement Alert: Ed Romaine for Suffolk County Executive
No doubt that with nearly 500,000 residents, a complex ecosystem - the only town in Suffolk to border the Long Island Sound, the Great South Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean - varying, diverse communities with diverse interests, and the intrinsic complications of governing Brookhaven means governing Long Island’s most complicated town. A massive concern that faces all Suffolk County residents is that of cost of living and fiscal responsibility. While Suffolk County has dealt with the state comptroller’s perennial dead-last ranking out of all New York’s sixty-two counties in terms of fiscal stability, Brookhaven has received a perfect score from the state comptroller regarding fiscal stress. Romaine was elected Supervisor in 2012, and after just two years of his fiscal policy, all Wall Street credit agencies have given the town triple-A bond ratings every rating period. This has not only saved the taxpayers massive amounts of money by being able to bond at low interest rates, but has allowed the Town to bond projects to improve infrastructure, safety, and services.
“The importance of this race cannot be overstated. We stand here united, a coalition of lawenforcement and labor, in support of Ed Romaine because of his experience as an elected official. Now is not the time for on-thejob training. We need the strong proven leadership of Ed Romaine to invest in our law enforcement and keep Suffolk County safe for all residents.” - John Becker, president of the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs Police Benevolent Association County Legislature and Brookhaven Town Supervisor.
Romaine’s commitment to the environment precedes John Becker (center), president of the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs him, as he understands the need to protect our coastal Police Benevolent Association, gives his endorsement to Ed Romaine at the PBA Headquarters. waterways to protect our tourism and commercial fishing
“The first and most important duty of any government is public safety.”
- Ed Romaine
Suffolk County, especially in times of fiscal uncertainty on the state and federal levels, needs a leader proven at balancing a budget fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility. Ed Romaine is the man for the job. Public safety, another issue that concerns almost all suburban voters, is especially at the forefront due to a nearby New York City that continues to seep crime and disorder into its bedroom communities and a state that refuses to prosecute criminals with cashless bail, creating a revolving-door justice system where repeat offenders have more safety than our parents, children, and communities. Romaine has been endorsed by all major law enforcement agencies. Romaine is the first Republican county executive candidate to receive this distinction since he himself received those endorsements in 2003 against Steve Levy. John Becker, president of the Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs Police Benevolent Association said in his endorsement of Romaine on October 6: “The importance of this race cannot be overstated. We stand here united, a coalition of law-enforcement and labor, in support of Ed Romaine because of his experience as an elected official. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We need the strong proven leadership of Ed Romaine to invest in our law enforcement and keep Suffolk County safe for all residents.” In terms of common-sense application of the law and a tough-oncrime approach to keep our quiet, suburban communities safe and as un-New-York-City-like as possible, Ed Romaine is the right man for the job. Preserving our suburban, small-town-like culture is important to many Suffolk residents. Many believe Nassau is becoming the new Queens, while Suffolk is becoming the new Nassau. Romaine has understood improving existing infrastructure and working to receive as much grant money as possible from state and local funds to ease the burden on taxpayers, while also developing smartly and as needed. The Suffolk culture of needing one strip mall or complex and building thirteen is understood by Romaine to be poor stewardship of land usage. When it comes to preserving our intrinsic Suffolk culture, while also addressing developmental and infrastructural needs, Ed Romaine is the right man for the job. Perhaps no other Suffolk elected official has been as staunch on environmental protection as Ed Romaine. After serving two stints the County Legislature representing the North Fork, and after ten years of governing the most environmentally complicated town on Long Island, Romaine has earned coveted endorsements of the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) and the Sierra Club - somewhat anomalous endorsements for a Republican. Romaine has had no problem earning their blessing each time he’s run for
industries, the need to protect our sole-source aquifer through instituting appropriate wastewater measures where applicable, and the need to preserve our open-space for recreation and less population density. Romaine was also an early advocate for sewers in Brookhaven, enforcing town code that residential and commercial space within 500 feet of an aquifer must be connected to sewers. When it comes to realistic environmental protection, without pathologically chasing green solutions that are not yet scientifically developed and fiscally reliable, there is no question that Ed Romaine is the right man for the job. Romaine’s service as supervisor of the second-largest municipality by population in New York State would not go unnoticed if he was not a proponent of job creation. His solidarity with labor unions, as well as his understanding that small businesses are the backbone of Suffolk - and the United States - have earned him the highly-sought-after endorsement of the Suffolk Association of Municipal Workers (AME) and dozens of trade unions. In terms of job creation in Suffolk, Ed Romaine is the right man for the job.
“...Long Island’s most effective town executive.”
- Newsday Editorial Board, October 23, 2017
Lastly, Romaine does not need to convince the voters of Suffolk County that he is a home-grown public servant. The Messenger recognizes this over his opponent. While Dave Calone’s campaign coffers are filled with five-figure donations from out-of-state business magnates whose ventures in which he himself invested through his private equity firm, Romaine’s coffers are Suffolk-grown. Additionally, Romaine did not have to lend himself $750,000 to bolster his summer finance report, unlike his opponent. Romaine’s expenditures consist of hosting fundraisers and paying Suffolk-anchored staff, while Calone has spent six figures on consultation and a campaign manager from Connecticut, despite himself being from Setauket. Furthermore, Ed Romaine does not have to go out of Suffolk to appear at ritzy fundraisers with nationalized politicians, unlike his opponent, who in July attended a Manhattan fundraiser with the Governor of Colorado Jared Polis (D), and just this week attended a Zoom fundraiser with Polis and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08). Romaine’s donations and endorsements are rooted in Suffolk and are easily accessible by Suffolk residents, regardless of party. Lastly, 20% of Calone’s finance numbers - as per the July report - are linked to Colorado addresses, leading The Messenger to dub him “Colorado Calone.” We just refer to Ed Romaine as Ed Romaine, because he needs no further introduction or distinction. Romaine does not have to convince us that he’s a Suffolk man; we know instinctively that he is. Moreover, he does not give the appearance that he’s not despite his life-long residence here. Overall, in terms of fiscal responsibility, public safety, preservation of Suffolk life and culture, environmental protection, job growth, and an honest, home-grown home-rule message, The Messenger has no doubts about endorsing Ed Romaine for Suffolk County Executive.
“My opponent would like to dismiss me because of my long record in government and my age…I may have to get my knee replaced in the future, but if I do that, I’m getting an experienced surgeon, not someone with ‘new ideas’.”
- Ed Romaine, Stony Brook AARP forum 10/10/2023
Falling for Fall Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Haunted Houses of Long Island
This is the third of a weekly column for the month of October that looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
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By Kaitlyn Foley With chilled and damp weather guiding us through fall, Halloween is slowly creeping up and we are excited to find all the different ways around Long Island to celebrate. Haunted Houses are one of my personal favorites, and some of the spookiest Halloween attractions can be found right in our area. Haunted Hallways of Centereach is a rare attraction, only opening for a few days a year right before Halloween. This year, doors are open between 6:30p.m. and 10:30p.m. on October 20, 21, 27 and 28. For four days only, you can have the Haunted Hallway experience that some are calling “the best in town.” “There are no tickets or scheduling this year, you just have to show up and get in line. Entrance is free,” said Haunted Hallways on their Facebook page. The organizers are a local Long Island family opening their home and backyard to interested neighbors. They do not have a webpage but release the dates each year through their Facebook page. Be prepared as annual attendees say the wait is long, but completely worth it. One anonymous reviewer said: “So much better than I expected. Definitely recommend! Homeowners are so humble, I had to ask twice if I could leave a donation, which was so deserving considering they do all this just for fun. Support this great group to keep cost-friendly fun available to our community and our kids! Thank you so much, we absolutely LOVED it and really appreciate your work! Very professionally done! Still don’t know how you got all the sound effects and lighting in all the right places at all the right times. Actors were amazing as well! You should really open your own business; it IS that good!” Please note that the Haunted Hallways experience is appropriate for teens and up, or “very brave young’uns.” For those who are truly in for the scare, rated New York’s number-one haunt by New York Haunted Houses, Chambers of Hell in Hauppauge will make you second-guess the actor’s humanity. With the purchase of one ticket, you will have access to three different haunted houses on the property, as well as some
This Week’s
Mummy Brie
Fall
Provided by The Girl Who Ate Everything
Favorite Recipe
additional experiences such as haunted laser tag, escape rooms, and other limited time activities. The organizers of Chambers of Hell reinvent their spooks to make the experience longer and scarier every year. In 2023, visitors can experience Bourbon Street in New Orleans with Vampires and Witches, an underground cave system with creatures you couldn’t imagine in your wildest nightmares, and finally, the fiery depths that are out of this world. “We checked out Chambers of Hell over the weekend and it is an absolute scream-inducing masterpiece of horror! From the second we walked in, I was on edge. The vibe even in the waiting area was incredible, and the attention to detail in the lounge decor while we waited to go in was
unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a haunt before,” said a reviewer on LI Haunted Houses.
INGREDIENTS: 1 (17.3 ounce) package frozen puff pastry (see Note) 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (16-ounce) wheel Brie 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg, beaten Sliced apples (for eyes) Pecans pieces, craisins, or raisins (for eyes) DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Thaw puff pastry on the counter for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and unfold. 3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté pecans in butter until golden brown, approx. 5 min. Add the cinnamon and stir until pecans are coated well. Set aside. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry into a 14-in. square.
Please note that Chambers of Hell is not appropriate for children, and parents should use discretion when bringing them along. Spooky Walk in Center Moriches will have you scared for a good cause. “Started in 1989, the Spooky Walk is a fundraiser hosted by the Moriches Paquatuck Squaws to benefit Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, a camp for children and adults with special needs,” says Spooky Walks. The walk is about 45 minutes long, making it the longest lasting haunted walk on Long Island. Only available on October 20, 21, 27, and 28, all of the proceeds are donated to the camp, including profits made at the beer tent and food trucks.
Cut off corners making a circle. 5. Place Brie in the center of the pastry. Place the pecan mixture on top of the Brie and sprinkle brown sugar over the mixture. 6. Fold pastry over cheese, trimming as necessary, and pinch edges to seal. 7. Place on parchment lined baking sheet, seam side down. Use scraps that were cut off into 1-inch strips. Wrap strips around Brie, trimming as necessary. You don’t want to make too thick of a layer of strips or it won’t cook all the way through. Discard scraps. Brush the beaten egg over top and side of Brie. 8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 9. For eyes, cut two circles from apple slices or use sliced almonds; place on top of Brie as eyes. Top each circle with a dried cranberry, raisins, or pecan pieces. Serve warm with apple slices and crackers.
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
Suzanne Somers Dies at 76 By Kaitlyn Foley
Beloved actress Suzanne Somers died earlier this week at the age of 76. After a long and hard fight, the lovely actress succumbed to breast cancer on October 15, 2023, one day before her 77th birthday. Despite beginning her career and often being known for her role in the Emmy award-winning comedy Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers was anything but the ditzy blonde she played as Chrissy Snow. In addition to her success as an actress, Somers was an accredited author, talented singer, and intelligent businesswoman. Her love for fitness and healthy habits are arguably what made her a multimillionaire, the ThighMaster being the most lucrative of her business endeavors. The piece of equipment was originally designed in Sweden for physical therapy of the hip adductors. However, Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel, invested in it after it was introduced to America in the early 1990s. Somers quickly became the spokesmodel and made it trendy for women all over the country. As the early 90s would have it, the ThighMaster was mainly purchased through infomercials. Eventually, the married couple took over the company and continued to sell millions throughout the thirty years it’s been on the market. It is still available for purchase to this day. After the collaboration with ThighMaster, Somers continued her fitness and health business career through weight loss programs like “Somersizing” focused on creating whole and healthy meals rather than obsessing over calorie intake. Somers went on to write seventeen books, including a number-one New York Times Bestseller Ageless and fan favorites A New Way to Age and I’m Too Young for This. Her books discussed ways to lose weight through hormone solutions, supplements, and recipes for healthy eating and drinking.
Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and underwent treatment for one year before telling the public in 2001 on Larry King Live. According to Somers in the interview, her doctor found the cancer after a routine mammogram, reminding everyone how important it is to keep up with regular appointments. After twenty-three years of fighting the aggressive cancer, Somers passed away peacefully in her sleep. “It’s not who you are. It’s not what you have. It’s not what you do. It’s only about who you love and who loves you… and I love you.” – Suzanne Somers
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Soundview Pregnancy Opens Third Location, Celebrated at Annual Banquet By Diane Caudullo In a world that seems to grow more hopeless each day, there are some organizations that remind us that we should have hope, even in the most stressful and confusing of times. Soundview Pregnancy Services is one of those organizations. Soundview Pregnancy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) affiliated with medical professionals to provide free on-site services that assist in the challenges faced by both women and men in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. They understand that all circumstances are unique and help clients make informed decisions about their pregnancy. Soundview has operated out of two locations, 1919 Middle Country Road in Centereach and 1975 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 304 in East Meadow assisting these women for over thirty-four years. Recently, Soundview has unveiled a third center, located at 1149 Old Country Road in Riverhead (pictured right). Doreen Jansson, CEO of Soundview Pregnancy, (pictured below) and her growing team of medical professionals and volunteers hosted a fundraising banquet on Thursday, October 12, at the Marriott in Melville. Well over five hundred people attended, which is not unusual for their yearly events. Soundview provides services such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, as well as emotional and situational support. Their team will walk alongside a pregnant woman during and even after the pregnancy. Counseling involves informing and educating her of the variety of options available, with education being the key factor, explaining in detail what all the choices are and what moving forward entails. If a woman had or chooses abortion, which Soundview does not refer or provide, Soundview is there for her with after-abortion recovery and counseling services. A common misconception is that after an abortion, all parties involved continue their lives as if nothing happened. But for many women, and even men, that is simply not the case. Now with easier availability of the abortion pill, some women find themselves taking the pill and then immediately having regrets after. Soundview has found some success with helping reverse that
action if addressed in a timely fashion. Once again, Soundview is there as a resource in a difficult time. If a woman decides to have her baby, she can, of course, keep and parent her child, or adoption is also an option. Soundview has resources to continue to assist her regardless of which path she chooses. When a mom-tobe chooses to keep her baby, Soundview is there in a practical sense as well. They host baby showers to provide material items for the baby and new mom, addressing the many physical needs that come with a newborn. They continue to help provide diapers, clothes and formula after the child is born. They also offer parenting classes and mentors if the mom-to-be does not feel she is completely ready for the new role. They continue these services in their New to 2 program - up until the child is two years of age. Not to be forgotten in all of this are the men involved. They may also be in need of counseling or guidance. Would-be-fathers may have their own feelings, in agreement – or not, with the would-be-mother. They also may need some assistance in stepping up to the new role they find themselves in. Soundview is there for them as well. They have a team of just men to be there solely to offer them this much-needed support with their Fatherhood Mentoring program. Women, who come through the centers doors, are in some cases victims of human trafficking - domestic abuse - or have drug or alcohol addictions. The clients are screened in a way to alert Soundview personnel if this may be an issue. Licensed Social Workers are on staff to detect these issues and connect the women with the proper services needed to safely and effectively address these all-to-real life situations. The annual banquet serves as one of their main events for fundraising so Soundview Pregnancy Services can continue to provide their many services to any and all women and men for free. They now have three centers to run, meaning more staff and more clients which means more costs to complete their mission, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. They serve their purpose with pleasure so more women (and yes, the men too) in this situation realize that although an unplanned pregnancy may alter the path you thought you were on, it can still be a great path, and maybe even a path that leads to something amazing that you didn’t realize you were meant for. Doreen happily states that Soundview now “lines the spine” of Long Island, hoping to be the resource for any and every woman looking for someone to walk alongside of them as they go through this very difficult time in their life. For more information visit www.soundviewpregnancy.com.
LONG ISLAND CARS
Presents ‘Super Swap Sunday’
CAR SHOW & SWAP MEET Sunday, November 5th - 8am-4pm LICH Amphitheater at Bald Hill 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville, NY 11738
Show or sell your collectible car with admission $10 Admission • Children 12 & under FREE Register at the gate 7am to 10am.
Live Music by The Fugitives Plus Food & Refreshments!
(631) 567-5898 or LongIslandCars.com
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Thursday, October 19, 2023
Suffolk County Early Voting 2023 General Election
Vote at ANY Location found below: Voting Hours Date
Time
Saturday 10/28
10:00am6:00pm
Sunday 10/29
10:00am6:00pm
Monday 10/30
10:00am6:00pm
Tuesday 10/31
7:00am3:00pm
Wednesday
11/1
7:00am3:00pm
Thursday 11/2
12:00pm8:00pm
Friday 11/3
12:00pm8:00pm
Saturday 11/4
10:00am6:00pm
Sunday 11/5
10:00am6:00pm
Wyandanch Public Library 14 South 20th St Wyandanch, NY 11798
North Amityville Fire Department 601 Broadway Amityville, NY 11701
Robert Reid Recrea�on Center
Brookhaven Town Hall
West Islip Senior Center
Greenbelt
Defense Hill Rd, Shoreham, NY 11786
1 Independence Hill Farmingville, NY 11738
Babylon Town Hall Annex
281 Phelps Ln North Babylon, NY 11703
Ambulance Company
Islip Town Hall Annex
Greenlawn Fire Department
Nesconset Elementary School
American Legion Post 273
Shelter Island Youth
89 Hubbard Avenue Riverhead, NY 11901
1 Bateman Rd Shelter Island, NY 11964
Kings Park High School
SUNY Stony Brook Southampton
Board of
St. Mark’s Southold Town Episcopal Church Recrea�on Center
40 Main St, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
970 Peconic Lane Peconic, NY 11958
Manorville Fire Windmill Village Department 219 Accabonac Rd
Knights of Columbus
Dix Hills Fire Department
(Student Ac�vi�es Center) 39 Tuckahoe Rd Southampton, NY 11968
Bellport, NY 11713
East Hampton, NY 11937
96 2nd Ave Brentwood, NY 11717
200 East Main St Kings Park, NY 11754
Mount Sinai, NY 11766
739 NY-25A
16 Silas Carter Rd Manorville, NY 11949
281 Patchogue-Holbrook Rd
115 East Deer Park Rd Dix Hills, NY 11746
South Country Ambulance
1630 Montauk Highway
90 Higbie Lane West Islip, NY 11795
Holtsville, NY 11742
Rose Caracappa Senior Center
700 Yaphank Ave Yaphank, NY 11980
401 Main St Islip, NY 11751
54 Browns Rd Nesconset, NY 11767
are Accessible to voters with
Call 631-852-4500 Or visit www.SUFFOLKVOTES.com
23 Boulevard Avenue Greenlawn, NY 11740
Acampora Center 39 Montauk Highway Blue Point, NY 11715
Old Junior High School 151 Greeley Avenue Sayville, NY 11782
1335 New York Ave
or vote on
Elec�on Day Tuesday November 7th, 2023 6:00am-9:00pm You must report to your in order to cast your vote If you cast a ballot during early voting, you may not vote again on Election Day
*NEW LAW:
TOWNLINE RAIL: A CLEANER, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the HuntingtonSmithtown waste-to-energy facility, as well as Construction & Demolition debris, off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. Every rail car holds the volume of four trucks. Fewer trucks on our roads means: Reduced carbon emissions Reduced fossil fuel consumption Less congestion on already-crowded highways Less strain on the infrastructure
Because our local municipalities pay to dispose of incinerator ash, rail transport will save taxpayers nearly half the cost of trucking this material off Long Island. 140 Old Northport Road Kings Park, New York 11754 631 368 4000 | CarlsonCorp.com
Proposed Townline Rail Terminal
Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit the environment. To learn more visit www.townlinerail.com
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, October 19, 2023
Ve
CLAYMAN for CHANGE
Brookhaven deserves leadership that will fight for you, not against you. Brookhaven deserves Lillian Clayman for Town Supervisor!
Clean Water Brookhaven Republicans voted against the Clean Water Restoration Act! I’ll fight to protect our water and keep our beaches open.
Landfill Cancer-causing chemicals are in the groundwater near the landfill, but Republicans keep delaying its closure. I won’t play politics with your health. I’ll tackle this issue head on.
“
Crookhaven Why should the politically connected get special attention while you wait at the back of the line? I'll make Town Hall accessible to everyone and restore our good name.
As a former city Mayor, I was a hands-on problem-solver. I have a proven track record of delivering services while keeping taxes and costs low. I’ll do the same for Brookhaven. "
Ve
November 7th
Endsements
Find me on Facebook Clayman for Brookhaven Town Supervisor Paid for by Clayman for Brookhaven
EARLY VOTING INFORMATION Saturday, Oct. 28
10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, Oct. 29
10:00am - 6:00pm
Monday, Oct. 30
10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday, Oct. 31
7:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesday, Nov. 1
7:00am - 3:00pm
Thursday, Nov. 2
12:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, Nov. 3
12:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, Nov. 4
10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, Nov. 5
10:00am - 6:00pm
Neil Manzella is the right choice for our community. As our Councilmember, he will continue to: PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY & TRANSPARENCY
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE & AFFORDABILITY
KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE & CLEAN
Neil is a dedicated public servant who has prioritized
Neil is committed to protecting our suburban quality
Neil will keep a close relationship with local law
the needs of the community and ensured that the
of life by collaborating with community organizations,
enforcement to address issues of illegal housing and
government remains transparent and works for the
businesses, and residents to address responsible
abandoned properties, ensuring that our neighborhoods
benefit of the taxpayers.
redevelopment and improve local infrastructure.
are a safe and clean place to raise a family.
A Safer & More Affordable Brookhaven RE-ELECT NEIL MANZELLA
TUESDAY NOV. 7th
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23
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Visiting Sleepy Hollow: The Town of Halloween Legends By Kaitlyn Foley Sleepy Hollow, a small town in New York, is known for being peacefully quiet while terrifyingly haunted. It houses legends of the Headless Horseman and creepy school teachers, as well as celebrations of Halloween with various ghosts in attendance. October is the perfect time to make the quick trip north to Sleepy Hollow. Only about an hour and fifteen minutes from the center of Long Island, Sleepy Hollow can be a day trip, or a family-fun weekend. Tourism to the small town skyrockets during Halloween time, so there are a ton of events and activities to do. I visited the scenic riverside town on the first weekend of October. Colors of the leaves were already changing, neighborhood houses were decorated, and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery was open for tours. As I exited to Sleepy Hollow off of Route 9, signs directing me lined the streets. The town, which used to be called North Tarrytown, is not even a mile from Downtown Tarrytown, about a 15-minute walk. In an effort to reconnect the town with its famous and haunted past, the village proposed renaming their town Sleepy Hollow. A vote in favor of renaming was finally completed in 1996. The first thing I noticed about the neighborhoods of Sleepy Hollow was the bright pumpkin-orange signs that named each street. Beekman Avenue was the center of the town, booming with businesses at the top of the road, and adorable, quaint houses towards the Hudson River. At the top of the hill, towering over the small town, stands the mansion of John D. Rockefeller. In neighborhoods surrounding the town like Phillipse Manor and Sleepy Hollow Manor, many young families and professionals reside in architecturally beautiful homes. The decorations on houses as you drive through the neighborhoods range from traditionally spooky to modern and comical. Many of the houses used skeletons to create mini scenarios on the front lawn. One house had skeletons half buried into the ground, positioned to look like they were crawling out of graves. Another had a large skeleton, dressed in vampire fangs and a cape, standing over a group of smaller vampireskeletons who appeared to be praising their king. My personal favorite, however, included a skeleton Taylor Swift singing on a stage, with a skeleton Travis Kelce on one knee in a graveyard with tombstones marking the names of Swift’s ex-boyfriends, a hilarious pop-culture twist of Halloween. A close runner up was Skeleton Barbie and Skeleton Ken, standing beside each other in pink and black cowboy costumes. The creativity and work that went into many of these house’s decorations are amazing, and worth the drive to see in person. Next, I visited the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which is built into an extremely steep and hilly area with narrow and winding roads. The gravesites within the 90-acre cemetery look like they go on forever. The cemetery offers guided walking tours where visitors can learn the history of the grounds, its magnificent architecture and sculpture, as well as some of the legends that surround gravesites. These tours use all of their proceeds to the preservations and restoration of the grounds. I decided to go off on my own, driving through the grounds where I could, then walking the rest. The cemetery pays homage to Washington Irving, the author of the American short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The statue of a headless man reads a book, representing Irving’s story and calling him the Original Knickerbocker. (You’ll have to read the story to find out why). The guided tour will tell you Irving’s impact on American Literature and how his storytelling has lived on. The 174-year-old cemetery hosts the final resting places of many other famous and historical figures such as Andrew Carnegie, William Rockefeller, and Walter Gurnee. However, there also lies the bodies of ordinary people who died in unordinary ways. The Murder and
Mayhem lantern tour will tell you the haunting true stories of families who’ve died in some horrifying ways. Who wouldn’t want to hear true murder stories at night, in a cemetery, under the light of a small lantern?
Octagon House built in 1860, or you can attend Hulda’s Night of storytelling in Rockefeller State Park Preserve where you can sit around a fire listening to the local legends of the town. On Saturday, you can attend the town’s weekly farmers market, or do a self-guided tour of the Lyndhurst Mansion, only open the two weekends before Halloween. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is known to be absolutely breathtaking for both kids and adults. Next Saturday, October 28, the town will get together for the Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K, followed by live music, beer tastings, and a one-mile Fun Run. The Tarrytown Halloween parade will be hosted the same weekend followed by a block party that townies say not to miss. Sleepy Hollow is absolutely worth the trip any weekend of October. There is history and story-telling galore and always something happening around town. When visiting, be respectful of the cemetery, and the houses of people who live their everyday lives in the town, and for your own sake, I hope you do not see the Headless Horsemen during your visit! While walking the cemetery, I came across the Headless Horseman Bridge, which is not the same as Washington Irving describes, as it is now an adaptation. Technically, this bridge is the most popular tourist destination in Sleepy Hollow that doesn’t truly exist. The bridge was said to cross the Pocantico River in the late 1700s; however, it has since has rotted and been rebuilt less than half a mile from the cemetery’s south gate. As my day was coming to an end, I decided to eat an early dinner before heading out. Hudson Farmer and The Fish is a small restaurant with a beautiful view of the Hudson River and Tappan Zee Bridge. Their menu is designed for the season with options of pumpkin bisque, goat cheese brûlée, and sweet potato gnocchi. I sided with a more basic meal; however, I do not regret it for a second. My double stacked burger was topped with aged cheddar and a large slab of bacon. It came with a side of fries that were perfectly salted. They were short and thin, making a basket of crispy fries seem endless. I asked for a side of the sriracha aioli that comes with a few other dishes on the menu, to put on the burger and dip the fries into, making the whole meal even better. My day in Sleepy Hollow was all about sight-seeing. But as we move closer to Halloween, the town hosts hundreds of events and activities for townies and tourists. This coming weekend, you can attend a Myths and Mysteries tour of the
Dan Losquadro MAPPING OUT A BETTER FUTURE
In his time as Superintendent of Highways, Dan Losquadro has aggressively pursued and secured more than $150 million in state and federal grants to rebuild infrastructure across Brookhaven Town.
Paid for by Friends of Dan Losquadro. Not paid for at taxpayer expense.
WWW.DANLOSQUADRO.COM
Photo by Kaitlyn Foley
Entertainment
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, October 19, 2023
“...LONG ISLAND’S MOST EFFECTIVE TOWN EXECUTIVE.” —NEWSDAY EDITORIAL BOARD, OCTOBER 23, 2017
ED ROMAINE FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
ENDORSED BY All Suffolk County Law Enforcement Organizations Trade Unions Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees New York League of Conservation Voters
Faculty Association of Suffolk Community College
A Safer and More Affordable Suffolk “The first and most important duty of any government is public safety.” -Ed Romaine Brookhaven Town Supervisor
As Suffolk County Executive, Ed will ensure:
Fiscal Responsibility Safer Streets Economic Growth & Job Creation Environmental Preservation Clean Energy Infrastructure Improvements
7
NOVEMBER TH
ELECTION DAY
EARLY VOTING Oct. 28-Nov. 5
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.ROMAINEFORSUFFOLK.COM PAID FOR BY ROMAINE FOR SUFFOLK