VETERANS DAY
Thursday, November 9, 2023 ~ Volume 68 ~ Issue Number 49 ~ $1.00
ROMAINE VICTORIOUS
GOP Flips County Executive Office and Forms Supermajority in Legislature (Pictured) Executive-elect Ed Romaine addresses supporters after being declared victorious in the County Exective race. By Matt Meduri
The Suffolk County Republican Party had its third consecutive favorable election Tuesday night, as Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) routed Dave Calone (D-Setauket) by a whopping fifteen-point margin for the open county executive seat being vacated by term-limited incumbent Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). Additionally, as Romaine cruised to victory, the GOP formed a supermajority in the Suffolk County Legislature, by flipping two seats, even while losing one. The 2023 elections are just one in a series of successful election years for the Suffolk GOP since it came under the leadership of Chairman Jesse Garcia. The first significant election cycle occurred in 2021, in which the GOP captured the Suffolk Legislature for the first time in nearly fifteen years
and the District Attorney’s office for the first time since 2002 with the election of Ray Tierney (R). The 2022 elections are considered a strong year for the GOP as well, as then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) shocked the country with a near-upset of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) while the GOP took control of all Long Island Congressional districts for the first time since the 1990s and expanded their caucuses in both chambers of the state legislature. Tuesday night’s Patchogue rally was headlined by Chairman Garcia and Conservative Party Chairman Mike Torres and opened by Lee Zeldin, all of whom were fired up and created an energetic, optimistic mood as results began to pour in. continued on page 12
GOP Defends Brookhaven, Maintains Deep-Red Turf
continued on page 13
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Messenger Papers
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
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News
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Bavarian Shores: Shore of Lake Ronkonkoma Renamed in Honor of Bavarian Inn By Matt Meduri Lake Ronkonkoma has long been a recreational and cultural touchstone for many Long Islanders. Bordering the three towns of Brookhaven, Islip, and Smithtown, the Lake has served the community for decades with summer recreation, rich local history, and natural beauty. One of the mainstays of the Lake was none other than the Bavarian Inn, which stood for nearly one hundred years on the northern shore of Lake Ronkonkoma off Lake Shore Road. The Inn was originally called “Ronkonkoma Shores” when constructed in the 1930s as a seasonal business that served concessions and provided access to the beach. In 1939, German immigrants William Huber and Rudolf Lipponer purchased the property and began offering locker rooms and canoe rentals in addition to beach access and food and beverages. In 1955, the business was renamed to “The Bavarian Inn” as the business shifted its seasonal recreational focus to one of year-round dining and catering. The building was later expanded and could accommodate seating for 140 people or catering parties of 400. Over the years, the Inn fought many battles with the Lake’s perennial tides and rising waters. In 2007, the property was flooded and was forced to close. The Inn sat for several years thereafter, a blighted, dilapidated property that became a hotbed for graffiti, criminal activity, and homelessness. In 2012, Suffolk County purchased the property, and in 2013, the building was razed. The property sat vacant for years as questions swirled around the land’s future. Today, the former parking lot is an open field with young trees and new benches, as well as access to the beach. Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) sponsored legislation that was unanimously approved by all eighteen County Legislators that would rename the property “The Bavarian Shores,” in honor of the long-beloved, legendary property. A gathering held on Saturday, November 4, not only included a slate of local elected officials, including County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon), who signed the bill into law on site, but also former employees of the Bavarian Inn. “The first thing you notice when you walk up here is noticing the beauty we have,” said Executive Bellone. “It’s always been an extraordinary spot and one of the best we have in the region. There was a period of time when some of the things surrounding the Lake did not reflect the beauty we see now. When we razed the building ten years ago, there was sadness in the community because of the memories attached to the Bavarian Inn. But that building coming down was the beginning of something new, and a lot of the change that’s happened has been community-driven. Today’s legislation reflects and pays tribute to the history of this place, but also helps communicate rebirth. What’s coming is still to be determined, but I’m excited to see what happens here. This is a place that’s been really special to the community and it will continue to be so in the future.”
Legislator Kennedy, the bill’s sponsor, said that while “two people can’t agree on anything,” it was “miraculous” how three towns cooperated to revitalize the land. “We are standing on land that has hosted hundreds of weddings, communions, confirmations, birthdays, and holiday parties since 1939,” said Kennedy. “This is a community area that we have all loved. I hope this always stays a park and that we make it into one of the best parks available. I love driving by and seeing people fishing and boating.” Kennedy also mentioned that the son of the original owner lives in California but could not attend Saturday’s naming of the park. She said that he is “thrilled” that the land has been preserved. “As long as I’m alive, I’m taking care of this, even if I’m not in office,” Kennedy vowed. Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) also gave her remarks. “It’s always an exciting day when we preserve history,” said Carpenter. “My memories of the Inn are coming here every year for their annual Salvation Army Kettle Drive kickoff luncheon. Having that ‘Bavarian’ name for Bavarian Shores is a great tribute to the family that ran the Inn for so many years. It’s miraculous how the community, multiple levels of government, and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) came together to get this done. This
seemed to be impossible, but it happened because of the community members here today.” New York State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) discussed how well-known the Inn was and how salient an issue the remediation of the property has been across Long Island. “I’m thrilled that this is new territory for me [in my district],” said Murray. “But understand that this is not in a bubble; this location is iconic. People from all over come to Lake Ronkonkoma. Listening to the history of this location is interesting, but the future is a new beginning. The credit really goes to you [the community] for your efforts and your caring for your area. I’m excited that this is a mixture of the old with the brand new; there’s a great future ahead.” Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) said: “The reality is, the attitude of every single person here has been ‘let’s get it done,’ and that continues today. It’s a refreshing day to see government come together and see something come to fruition. This is not the end, this is the beginning. With the incoming Lake Keeper position to maintain Lake Ronkonkoma, it’s only going to get better as the years go on.” Matt Balkam, co-founder of the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group (LRIG), thanked members of the community who were instrumental in the revitalization of Lake Ronkonkoma, but also mentioned several others whose history and involvement with the property deserved recognition, including a late friend and former employee of the Inn. All speakers were sure to credit Evelyn Volgraff, co-founder of LRIG, for her yearslong passion for the cleanup of the Lake and her tenacity in herding community leaders and elected officials to contribute to the project. The bill was signed into law on site by Executive Bellone and the new sign bearing the name of the shore and the history of the Bavarian Inn was unveiled. The sign was designed by Darryl Walsh of Walsh Signs. At the entrance to the property from the Lake Ronkonkoma County Park driveway was the original wooden Bavarian Inn sign. Faded and chipped, the sign sat for photos before being transferred to a local museum.
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School Highlights Thursday, November 9, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc. Photos courtesy of Port Jefferson SD
Port Jefferson Students Track Down a Mystery Writer Students in Rachel Erickson and Jacqueline Gandolfo’s third grade class at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School have started their mystery unit. The students received a letter, but the author’s name was missing. The note read, “Sorry, my dog took a bite.” The students used the clues to narrow down the author to Principal Amy Laverty and Assistant Principal Miss Brianne Antenucci. “It came down to a writing sample and a pink pen for them to figure out that it was me,” Laverty said. “What a fun way to practice their learning about clues, motives and suspects.”
Fire Safety in Sachem October marked Fire Prevention Month and elementary students across the Sachem Central School District learned about ways to prevent fires and steps to take in case of an emergency. Local first responders paid visits to several schools to show students the equipment they use and some of the emergency vehicles they may see on the road. The Holbrook Fire Department visited Tamarac Elementary School for an interactive presentation. Firefighters demonstrated how to stop, drop, and roll and dressed up in their equipment. Students then got to check out a firetruck and ambulance, and even received junior firefighter helmets to wear during the visit. Photos courtesy of Sachem SD Photos courtesy of Connetquot SD
Connetquot Emergency Med Students Learn from EMS Providers
Students in the Emergency Medicine class at Connetquot High School received a visit from Community Ambulance Company in Sayville. EMT Laura LoPreto and Paramedic Chris LoPreto shared their experiences as emergency medical service providers with the students.
They discussed what it’s like to be healthcare providers and the training that’s involved in becoming an EMT. Students explored the back of an ambulance and were able to see the equipment they learned about in class used to help patients suffering from chest pain, difficulty breathing, and cardiac arrest.
School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Fourth Graders Turn Engineers in ‘Ship a Chip’ Experiment
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Fourth graders in Ms. Toner’s class at Nassakeag Elementary School collaborated with Mr. Gustafson’s fourth grade class at Setauket Elementary School for a “Ship a Chip” challenge. In the science lab, students worked in small teams to design a package that will protect a potato chip as it is shipped through the mail to the other school. Students had access to the same materials including tissues, foam, foil, and cardboard. They worked under a time constraint as they packaged up their Pringles and left them in the hands of the postal service.
Once the packages arrived at each building, Ms. Toner and Mr. Gustafson’s classes livestreamed the unwrapping. Students patiently waited as their teachers opened each package to see if any of the chips were broken. They drew conclusions such as what worked as the best protective materials and which designs proved to be the safest for the chip inside. Through this hands-on STEM activity, students stepped into the role of a packaging engineer and found real-world solutions to the challenge at hand. Throughout the process, they planned, created, tested, and evaluated. Additionally, students were excited to interact with their peers at a different building in the district.
Rocky Point SD Represents at PEAK Festival Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School fourth grade students Logan Kantor, Michela Minardi, Kaitlin Neligon, Madelyn Nolan, Kaylee Perillo, Haylee Stewart, and Aengus Walsh were selected to participate in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association PEAK (Parents, Educators and Kids) Festival, held at Northport High School on October 28. During the festival the children, parents and music teachers rotated through three different workshops, where they learned and participated in music activities together. The children and parents sang, danced, played games, improvised, and played instruments cooperatively. Morning classes included Chorus, Drumtastic Drums Alive: Drumming and Fitness, Folk Dance, Parachute, Singing Games, Ukulele, and World Music Drumming. The sessions also provided a great professional development opportunity for the music teachers. The event culminated with an afternoon “Informance,” which was an informative and informal performance and group sharing session. The parents, students and JAE music teacher Miss Cailyn
Monastero had a tremendous amount of fun together “We are very proud of the students selected to participate at the SCMEA PEAK Festival,” Mr. Knapp and Mrs. Amy Schecher, Rocky Point music department chairpersons, said. “Their accomplishments are to be admired and recognized. It is a high distinction to be accepted into this festival along with many fine student musicians from across Suffolk County. The smiles on the faces of all those involved during the festival, especially the parents, speaks volumes about the magnitude of this extraordinary event.”
Makerspace Opens at Setauket Elementary School Setauket Elementary School was excited to welcome students into its brand-new makerspace this fall. Located in the library, the makerspace is a dedicated room for students to collaborate and explore hightech tools. It’s the first makerspace across the district’s elementary schools. “Makerspace activities support 21st century digital technology skills to help students thrive in a technologically driven world,” said Setauket librarian Joannie Lauria. “It’s a place to design, create, and make with emerging technologies, such as the 3D printer and robotics. This hands-on experience is empowering for our youngest students!”
The space was previously a computer room; however, with a new computer science curriculum adopted in the library department last year, Setauket decided it was the perfect opportunity to create a dedicated makerspace. Ms. Lauria worked with art teacher Michele Muzzonigro and sixth graders to bring the room to life with a mural. Just this fall, students got to step inside the makerspace for the first time. Recently, fourth and fifth graders participated in a Halloween-themed activity with Ozobots. They worked in small teams to code a path for the robot to navigate as if it was “trickor-treating.”
Editorial
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
A Republic, If You Can Keep It... “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” This is one of the most common adages that perfectly sums up passive appreciation, sometimes for the little things, but other times for the more important ones. But the phrase misses a vital part of passive appreciation, in that whatever is “had” and then “gone” is not necessarily unappreciated, it’s that the concept of losing it was never considered a realistic possibility. So, while people might value what they have on a daily basis, thanking each other, our community, or God for it all, the glass of gratitude is only half full until the reality of loss is considered. And that reality is rarely considered in such a way. Each year, the common man is taught to remember the Veterans who have fought for this country in the most self-sacrificial ways possible. It’s often repeated that while some have sacrificed time away from families, mental health, physical abilities, or even senses, others have made the “ultimate sacrifice,” and have selflessly paid for this country in the most honorable way possible. We here at The Messenger cannot thank or honor those men and women enough for those sacrifices and we fear a future in which those selfless service members cease to be recognized. Which leads us to our point on passive appreciation: while we can host annual memorials, wreath-layings, monument dedications, and other public displays of appreciation, honor, and remembrance, it’s only the first half of the equation in preserving the legacy of
the most honorable citizens in our country’s history. When asked about the type of government we have in the United States, Benjamin Franklin replied: “A republic, if you can keep it…” Maintaining a certain form of government is one challenge, but maintaining a cultural identity, a shared spirit, a work ethic, a consistent list of values, a society, and a nation overall is perhaps the most difficult challenge that every civilization in history has at some point faced. This is not a feat to be managed on one day a year, nor is it one just immortalized through dedications and plaques. This type of remembrance is one that requires generational stewardship and an intimate understanding of our founding as a country and the values that have been retained through hard-fought efforts and sacrifice.
The United States is perhaps the only country on earth actively teaching its children to hate their country, to label each other, and to find power in division and along cultural and ideological lines. It’s not enough that many Americans are unaware of how their government is supposed to be run from an objective standpoint, but they must also have a brewing discontent with the very essence of their country as well. When this is the mood of the current and next generations of Americans, it stands to reason that the outward displays of gratitude for those who served and died for our country are not rooted in true appreciation, rather one of a formality that inevitably loses its meaning as our country loses its luster in the eyes of those set to inherit it. And when intrinsic value is no longer appreciated, why would the threat of loss be the least bit intimidating? The reverence for our values and our Veterans must be rooted in more genuine and legitimate pensiveness, not only regarding the magnitude of what countless have done to protect them, but also in what we as a country stand to lose in its wake. The Messenger wishes all a happy, esteemed Veterans Day to all who served and are serving, as well as the families affected by the monumental loss from the monumental sacrifice made. We hope that the United States soon understands the profound selflessness of our great Veterans, as well as the profound values of our country… …if we can keep them.
The “Red Wave” is the New “Red Norm” While Tuesday’s elections were no doubt stellar for the Suffolk County Republican Party, as well as the residents of Suffolk who have put their trust in the impressive slate put forward by the party, media outlets and pundits alike continue to brand this year’s elections as the third consecutive “red wave.” While this is certainly the third consecutive favorable election for the party, we cannot, by the very logic of a “wave” election, brand this year’s elections as a wave. This is the new norm. In 2021, the GOP ended a fifteen-year-long drought by retaking control of the County Legislature by flipping three long-Democrat held seats and by running Ray Tierney (R) to oust corrupt District Attorney Tim Sini (D). In 2022, the GOP came historically close to flipping the New York governorship with Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley). Although the loss was disappointing, the close result was enough to start the conversation that New York voters - especially those in Suffolk County - are looking for fundamental change to how our state is run. Zeldin’s coattails also allowed for Long Island’s entire Congressional delegation to be held by the GOP for the first time since the 1990s and for gains to be made in the state legislature. Now, in 2023, Republicans have obtained the final prize they have been seeking for years: the coveted
County Executive seat. The seat has long eluded them since Steve Levy’s election in 2003, and further exasperated by Steve Bellone’s (D-West Babylon) three terms since 2011. The GOP has managed to claw back all county-wide offices, but the County Executive race still proved to be their white whale. Not only have they finally won this seat for the first time since 1999, their star candidate, Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), won it by a fifteen-point landslide over Dave Calone (D-Setauket). Additionally, the monumental win was accompanied by the cementing of a Republican supermajority on the County Legislature, even as one seat was flipped by Democrats. The complete control of county government in Suffolk is not only a generational first, but it also marks the first time in decades that the GOP possesses full control of county government on Long Island, as the Nassau GOP began taking their own control back in 2021. To put it simply, a wave election is one in which performance greatly exceeds not only expectations, but history, statistics, and conventional wisdom. While the 2023 victories are nothing short of impressive, they are fully in line with what was expected pursuant to local trends. The local GOP has absolutely thrived under the leadership of Chairman Jesse Garcia. Since
Garcia took the reins in 2019, the GOP has had one successful election after another and there seems to be no signs of slowing down. Vulnerable freshman Republican Legislators doubled their margins relative to their 2021 performances and Republicans picked up two fundamentally conservative seats that were uncharacteristically represented by Democrats for the past decade. The wheels are finally turning in a party that has only recently come back to life under Chairman Garcia, leading us to believe that these are not anomalous results. We categorically cannot classify these as wave elections. Rather, these seem to be the new norm in Suffolk County. Democrats unilaterally held county leadership for nearly twenty years and the voters have decided that they have had enough. And with shocking results across New York throughout the last couple of cycles - a near-upset in the 2022 gubernatorial race and a full upset in a Bronx-based New York City Council race this year, to name just two - it seems voters in New York overall have had enough. So, while we can absolutely classify Tuesday night as a success for the GOP, we cannot assert that it was an anomaly. This appears to be the norm for a party in touch with the voters who have long requested a party who will listen.
Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
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A Good GOP Year, but a Horrible Democratic Slate By Jay Kanulitz While Republicans are rightfully celebrating a fantastic election night for them - they have consolidated full control of county government for the first time in over a generation - there is another side of the coin, as there always is in politics. We can only pat the GOP on the back so hard, but we need to address the dearth of quality candidates on the Democratic side this year. Suffolk County is the largest suburban county in the country, with a population of about 1.5 million. Suffolk is one of the most expensive places in the entire country, and the county faces a large set of concerns and unique circumstances to which most other regions of the United States are not accustomed. We need accountable leadership who is in touch with the voters on a regular basis, not just a biannual, election-year basis. Suffice it to say, many were shocked to hear what some of these candidates had to say and just how single-issue they are. Lillian Clayman (D) who was defeated by Deputy Supervisor Dan Panico (R) in a landslide for the position of Brookhaven Town Supervisor, vacated by our County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine (R). Clayman not only asserted that the ongoing migrant crisis is a product of GOP demagoguery and fear-mongering, but also went as far as to say those criticize Governor Hochul (D) and her handling of the crisis are simply misogynistic, and that any woman in power receives, in her words, “Seventeenth Century ‘burn the witch!’” treatment from constituents. In the world of common sense, to not criticize a female elected official simply because she is a woman is misogynistic. It’s equivalent to being handed a drawing from a three-year-old and hanging it on the refrigerator and complimenting them on their work. Are we expected to treat the Governor of the fourth-largest state in the country - or the supervisor of the second-largest town in the state - like a preschooler who can’t take realistic criticism? Someone so out of touch does not deserve to run the post office, let alone a complicated town like Brookhaven. Clayman also said in her interview with The Messenger back in September that she doesn’t govern based on “hypotheticals.” That’s something she won’t have to worry about since she did not come even remotely close to winning the supervisorship, and with comments like hers on Hochul and apparent “misogyny” of ordinary peoples’ valid concerns of safety and resources, it seems like she wasn’t even trying. Then we move to the County Legislature races, where most candidates seem single-issue and half-baked. Thad O’Neil (D) running against Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R) in the Third District considers himself a staunch environmentalist. While he railed against the GOP for what he called “semantic political gamesmanship” regarding their tabling of the sewer bills this summer, he admitted to The Messenger in his September interview that he had not read the bills himself. Even more telling of the desperate nature of the Democratic Party this year was none other than their running of former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D), whose embarrassing loss to Ed Flood (R) last year in his district who had sent him back to Albany for thirty years was perhaps the greatest upset of the 2022 cycle. The party brought him out again to buoy their chances against a GOP supermajority - which failed - but Englebright managed to win the Setauket-based Fifth District against the
fantastically qualified Anthony Figliola (R). Englebright himself seems set on redeeming his humiliating loss last year by returning to the site of his first elected role back in the 1980s. Englebright curried a reputation as New York’s mainstay environmentalist, working to ban hydro-fracking of oil and natural gas in the state in 2013. During this time, he somehow flew completely under the radar with his personal investments in oil and natural gas hydro-fracking in Kansas and Texas. The Messenger had written that they reached out to the New York League of Conservation Voters, who endorsed Englebright for the Legislature this year, but the NYLCV remained silent. Furthermore, the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, led by Adrienne Esposito, was also particularly mum on these revelations, as their website features a republished Newsday retrospective on Englebright’s thirty years in Albany. Furthermore, The Messenger also exclusively broke alleged misuse of government property and the compromising of patient information through use of the Fourth Assembly District Office fax machine to conduct personal medical business on behalf of Englebright’s wife and another practitioner. Is this really the best the Democratic Party can offer? Someone whose hypocrisy has far outlived his claims to fame should not be touted by his party as the best they can offer. Furthermore, perceived ego in allowing Englebright’s career to end on a high note should not be a reason a candidate is offered to the public for representation. In Smithtown, three of the four Democratic candidates were perennial reruns. Only one, Amy Fortunato (D-Smithtown), waged a friendly campaign and held a generally positive view of her Town. Maria Scheuring’s (D) angry and cynical view of Smithtown leaves nothing to imagination as to why she placed dead last in the four-way Council race, while Bill Holst’s (D) adversarial tactics for the apolitical position of Town Clerk only resonated with about a third of the Town’s voters. Additionally, Holst referenced former Clerk Vincent Puleo (R) so much to the point it seemed as if he was running against him. With many candidates presenting a smug, arrogant, and almost asleep-at-thewheel disposition in terms of their grasp on reality, it’s no wonder why they lost so terribly. And on election night, News 12 reported that many at the Democratic watch party were crying at Dave Calone’s (D) loss to Ed Romaine. Frankly, the party doesn’t deserve to cry if they’re out of touch with reality and can’t see past their own terrible slate of candidates. Democrats constantly bring up the importance of “democracy,” but had four legislative candidates not running active campaigns, put up no opponent whatsoever against Rob Trotta (R), had town-level candidates in Brookhaven go radio-silent halfway through the campaign, and then have the audacity to cry and act surprised when things don’t go their way on election night. It’s understood that a party might not want to use their best ammunition when examining the writing on the wall that foretells a bad election year, but this slate was historically poor. Who needs enemies with friends like those running the Suffolk Democratic Party?
New York Voters Approve Constitutional Amendments By Christian Wade | The Center Square New York voters on Tuesday approved a pair of constitutional amendments to provide more money to local governments to upgrade aging schools and sewage treatment systems. In Tuesday’s elections, voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Proposal #1, which will eliminate a constitutional debt limit on small city school districts with fewer than 125,000 people. The measure passed with nearly 65% of the vote, according to preliminary election results. Many small school districts have complained that the debt limits – which can’t be higher than 5% of the value of taxable real estate in the district — are unfair and prevent them from making much-needed upgrades to school infrastructure. Critics also note that a constitutional amendment doesn’t bind larger school districts and has a state-imposed debt limit of 10% of the value of taxable real property. Ballot proposal #2, which voters also approved on Tuesday, extends the authority of local governments to exclude from their constitutional debt limits
any debt incurred for the construction of sewage facilities for another 10 years. The referendum passed with nearly 68% of the vote, according to the results. The state Constitution limits the debt counties, cities, towns and villages can rack up. But, the debt limit doesn’t include debt for sewage treatment and disposal construction projects. The amendment will extend the sewer debt exception until Jan. 1, 2034. The exemption was set to expire in January. Besides the amendments, New York City voters cast ballots in city council contests while voters nationwide decided races for mayors, district attorneys, judges and county executives. In Suffolk County, Republican Ed Romaine defeated Democrat David Calone in a major upset to become the county’s next chief executive. A Democrat has held the seat for nearly two decades. And in Erie County, incumbent Democrat Mark Poloncarz fended off a challenge from Republican businesswoman Chrissy Casilio to win a fourth term despite criticism that he has encouraged migrants to relocate.
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County News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Comptroller Kennedy’s Audits Net Suffolk County $2.8 Million in Pharmacy Benefit Recoveries Suffolk County Comptroller, John M. Kennedy, Jr. (R-Nesconset), has recovered $2.8 million in misspent taxpayer funds as a result of settling five audits of the County’s previous pharmacy benefit manager, WelldyneRX, Inc. The County ended its administrative service agreement with WelldyneRX, Inc. in December of 2021 after seven and a half years of administering the pharmacy benefit portion of its self-insured medical plan. In 2022, the County contracted with Express Scripts, Inc. to administer its pharmacy benefits. The Comptroller’s Office, in conjunction with the Plan’s Labor Management Committee, engaged the Segal Group to perform the five financial and benefit design audits of Welldyne for the period January 2017 through December 2021. The audits revealed that Welldyne did not achieve contracted terms and found substantial shortfalls in rebates, pricing, discounts, and fees due to the County as defined in the administrative services agreement. These audits were settled with the vendor in September resulting in payment to the County of $2.8 million. A prior audit of Welldyne for the period May 2014 through December 2016 recovered $2.6 million in misspent taxpayer funds.
The County’s self-insured employee medical plan covers over 45,000 active employees, spouses, dependent children, dependent survivors, and retirees making it one of the largest medical plans in Suffolk County. The plan has an average yearly spend of over $550 million which is offset by employee contributions. Since taking office in 2016, Comptroller Kennedy’s Audit Division has been aggressively auditing each of the vendors that provide benefit services to the plan (major medical/ hospital, pharmacy, and behavioral health) to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and industry best practices. This effort has yielded over $7 million in recovered taxpayer funds and recommendations that have resulted in cost saving measures. “These audits underscore the need for fiscal management and vendor oversight through audit especially during a time of record inflation, high taxes, and ever-rising medical expenses,” said Comptroller Kennedy. “Medical benefit costs are a major portion of the County’s budget, it is my obligation to ferret out fraud, waste, and abuse to preserve these benefits for the employees of Suffolk County and to ensure that taxpayer funds are not misspent.”
This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri
Tate Reeves (governorreeves.ms.gov)
Governor Andy Beshear (governor.ky.gov)
In addition to the local elections in Suffolk County, elections were also held in several other states that are assumed to have national implications for the 2024 races. Gubernatorial contests were held in Kentucky and Mississippi, in which both incumbents were narrowly re-elected. These contests come off the heels of the Louisiana gubernatorial election held last month, in which Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) won the seat in a multi-candidate jungle primary, avoiding a runoff and flipping a Democratic-held seat blue. Louisiana will have a Republican trifecta in January, as they already control both chambers of the state legislature. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear (D) (pictured right) was re-elected by a relatively thin five-point margin over Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R). Beshear won a razorthin contest over deeplyunpopular Governor Matt Bevin (R) in 2019, a year which not only spoke to the unstable local political environment in Kentucky, but also the anti-Republican appeal after the 2018 midterm elections that benefitted the Democrats. Beshear campaigned against the unpopular and out-of-touch Bevin by also leveraging his name recognition. His father, Steve Beshear, served two terms as governor from 2008 to 2016. Although Kentucky is considered a deeplyRepublican state on most levels, the gubernatorial level is on the table for two reasons. The first is extended to all fifty states, as parties diametrically opposed to the state’s typical political lean can win gubernatorial races when framed correctly around local issues. New York’s 2022 gubernatorial election is a perfect example, as then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) almost won a statewide contest in one of the most Democratic states in the country. For that reason, no state can ultimately be considered “safe” for the typically-favored party. The other reason Kentucky’s gubernatorial contest was not a slam-dunk flip for the Republicans is because of Beshear’s approval ratings. Even governors with break-even approval ratings have been historically and notoriously difficult to take down. Beshear was no exception, as he enjoyed positive ratings not only across the board and among Independents, but also among Republicans. While Beshear might not be a member of most Kentuckians’ party of choice, he’s done a good enough job to not make a switch. Kentucky’s political ancestry also allows some working-class regions of the state to still flirt with the Democratic Party on the local level, as Democrats were once a more dominant force in the state legislature and the Congressional
delegation until the 2010s. Republicans only took control of the State House as recently as 2016. Republicans held the Attorney General seat, vacated by Daniel Cameron, (pictured right) by a commanding margin. Cameron is the first black Attorney General elected in Kentucky’s history and would have been the first black governor in the state’s history if elected Tuesday night. Beshear will serve until 2028 when his second term ends. Kentucky remains with a divided government as Republicans overwhelmingly control the state legislature. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, moderatelypopular Governor Tate Reeves (R) (pictured right) was also narrowly re-elected in his own right, besting Mississippi Public Service Commissioner and distant cousin of Elvis Presley, Brandon Presley (D). Reeves won a tight race against thenAttorney General Jim Hood (D), considered by both Democrats and Republicans as the strongest Democratic candidate in the Magnolia State. Hood ultimately came up short to Reeves, but during Reeves’ first term, his seemingly-apathetic handling of large-scale problems, like Medicaid expansion and water quality issues in Jackson, never allowed his approval ratings to significantly climb. Furthermore, his relatively milquetoast demeanor never afforded him the chance to stand on the national stage, further dampening his already obscure name recognition. Reeves ultimately prevailed by 4.5 points, the closest gubernatorial race in Mississippi since 1999, the last time a Democrat was elected governor of the state. Reeves slightly underperformed his 2019 margin by about one percentage point. Hot legislative races were held in Virginia and New Jersey, as Democrats flipped control of the Virginia House of Delegates and expanded their narrow majority in the State Senate. In New Jersey, Democrats have expanded their delegation by one seat, according to unofficial results. The Virginia races were seen not only as a referendum on Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), who won a semi-upset in 2021, but also on national moods among suburban swing voters ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. Republicans narrowly took control of the House of Delegates in 2021 as Youngkin was elected governor in what many have considered to be a “new” blue state. Campaign messaging on the Republican side ensured a new direction for Virginia under a Republican trifecta, under the conditions they flipped the narrowly-divided Senate and retained
Daniel Cameron (Getty Images)
National
their control on the House. On the other hand, Democrats warned of a total conservative overhaul in a blue-leaning swing state. The latter messaging - along with redrawn lines due to the Census changes from last year - appears to have worked on some level, as Democrats have so far net three seats in the House. However, the results appear as a somewhat mixed bag, as Republicans have net two seats in the Senate. Competition was mostly concentrated around the key suburban areas, such as Richmond, Hampton Roads, and the D.C. collar counties. In New Jersey, results are still being tabulated, but Democrats have ousted Senator Ed Durr (R) from South Jersey, who gain ed national attention for ousting the long-served Senate President Steve Sweeney (D). State
In addition to the strong night the GOP had in Suffolk County, New York State had several key victories, the most monumental of which came from the Bronx. While Democrats retained their firm hold on the fifty-one-seat New York City Council, Republicans will represent the Bronx for the first time in over forty years. Kristy Marmorato (R) defeated Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez in the Thirteenth District, one of the few competitive seats in the New York City Council. Marmorato’s stunning upset is one of the GOP’s most impressive feats of the night, as it ends a forty-year drought for Republicans in Bronxbased Council Districts. This is the first victory of any level for Republicans in the Bronx since 2004. Marmorato bested Velázquez by about six points. Velázquez won by about ten points in 2021. Local Congressman Nick LaLota (R), a Navy Veteran, released a statement ahead of Veterans Day: “I’ve always said my favorite job was when I served as a young officer in the Navy and it is a close second to now advocate for Veterans in Congress. So many Americans gave so much to defend our livelihoods and we must do whatever we can to support them now,” said LaLota. “As a Navy Veteran, I’m proud to represent so many fellow Veterans in Congress. I will always fight to ensure our heroes have access to the benefits and services they have earned.” Congressman LaLota serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House and the Homeland Security Committee, as well as the Bipartisan Veterans Caucus.
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Local Spotlight Thursday, November 9, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Women of Distinction Honored by DeStefano and Thorne
Six women who have set themselves apart through their service to the community were honored last week as Women of Distinction by local officials in a special ceremony attended by their families and friends. “It was quite a moving experience when we listed the accomplishments of each of these women and got a full grasp of how much they have contributed to their communities,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), who organized the annual event at the SSG. Keith Bishop VFW Post in Medford. “They deserve every accolade we can give them and much, much more,” DeStefano said in honoring Samantha Morales, Beth Wahl, Cathy Ann LoSchiavo, Talia Maria Mochi-Cliffe, Debbie Loesch, and Sheila Skidmore. The accomplishments of the Women of Distinction were also recognized by Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), and Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), who gave them official certificates of recognition. “ Our town is fortunate to have such dedicated and hardworking individuals who live each and every day with the single mission of helping others,” Romaine said. Samantha Morales Samantha started the nonprofit Branches Long Island in 2019 to help local residents in need and, within six months, opened an outreach center in Middle Island. Her community center focuses on education and advocacy programs, including afterschool care, helping moms with budgeting, nutrition assistance, and help with applying for social services. They have a food pantry and distribute weekly blessing boxes with necessities for families in crisis. She also works as a veterinary technician, volunteering with Jacob’s Hope Rescue and fostering animals. Beth Wahl Beth began volunteering when her children were in school, becoming active in the PTO and serving as president of the PTSO for William Floyd High School. She was on the first Shared Decision-Making Team and helped create the training manual for future members. Beth has been president of the William Floyd Community Summit since 1998 and served as president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley from 2014 to 2023, as well as secretary of the Atlantic Community Activity Center. Her record of achievement includes commissioner for the Mastic Ambulance District for several years and member of Brookhaven’s Airport Advisory Committee and the Tri-Hamlet Community Day Committee. Beth was part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program Task Force, the Rita Rech Memorial William Floyd History Museum, the Military Enlistee Recognition Committee, and the Career and Technical Advisory Board of William Floyd High School. After Super Storm Sandy swept through the area, Beth served on the Relief Committee.
charts; the Make-a-Wish Foundation, making graphics for parades; St. Baldrick’s Foundation, as a Crusader of the Cure; the New York Blood Center, serving as a school event coordinator; Community Cleanups in Bellport; St. Sylvester’s Church, as a Catechist and Minister of Communion; the Carol Baldwin Cancer Center, making wig stands for (Left to right) Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Patricia Peterson (representing outpatients; Head Start honoree Debbie Loesch), Beth Wahl, Cathy Ann LoSchiavo, Talia Maria Mochi-Cliff, Sheila Patchogue’s mural artist Skidmore, Samantha Morales, and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) and a Wounded Warrior fundraiser. Cathy Ann LoSchiavo A Patchogue-Medford High School grad who is a lifelong resident of Medford, Cathy became the district’s youngest certified teacher at twenty years old when she was hired at Eagle Elementary School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree from Dowling College. She hosts an online and inperson children’s art class at the Patchogue-Medford Library called “Miss Cathy’s Crafty Creations” and has a passion for singing and currently takes vocal lessons. Some of her volunteer efforts include organizing the 2021 and 2022 Medford Holiday Parade, which led to her being named Miss Christmas in 2021, organizing the Medford Chamber of Commerce Spring Festival and Fashion Show, and organizing fundraisers to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Sylvester’s Knights of Columbus, St. Sylvester’s Columbiettes, Medford Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Medford Post, and the Medford Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a member of several Medford boards and organizations, including but not limited to, the Medford Chamber of Commerce, the Medford Chamber Sunshine Committee (chairperson), and the Columbiettes (vice president). Talia Maria Mochi-Cliffe Having moved to Medford from the Bronx at age five, Talia graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School and attended SUNY Geneseo and New Paltz, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education. She further received her Master of Science from the New York Institute of Technology. She began as a teaching substitute in Sachem/PatchogueMedford, spent time as an MV-Sport graphic artist, taught advertising art and design at NHB Ward Technical Center, Milliken Technical Center, and Brookhaven Technical Center, as well as adult education and a watercolor class at Center Moriches High School. Talia is a valued volunteer with organizations such as SkillsUSA, where she is a lifetime member; the Center Moriches Floatilla, creating the annual Tides
Debbie Loesch Debbie founded the thrift store Angels of Long Island in 2015, which began as a small Facebook group to help one family and has evolved from a small social media campaign into two thrift stores, a corporate office, a donation center, and community outreach center, as well as a recycling center serving thousands of community members and families in crisis. In honor of Debbie’s hard work and selfless dedication to helping her community, she has been recognized with several awards and achievements, including the Angel Award by the Equity 1st Foundation and the Business of the Month by town Supervisor Ed Romaine in 2018. The town gave her the 2020 Woman of Recognition Award, and she received a Special Commendation for Outstanding Service to the Community by the Office of Women’s Services in Brookhaven. Sheila Skidmore Sheila attended Sachem High School and graduated from Farmingdale College, where she studied dentistry and has been a dental hygienist for twentysix years. She acquired her EMT certification and has been a volunteer member of the Yaphank Fire Department since 1991. She also volunteers for the Shirley Ambulance and Town of Dolgeville Fire Department in upstate New York, where she has a second home. She served with the Yaphank Juniors Fire Department, and she has been on the Yaphank Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners since 2014. Sheila was honored after saving the life of a motorist involved in a horrific vehicle accident. In addition to her volunteer activities, Sheila has several interesting hobbies and passions, including equestrian shows and spending time training her dogs in agility activities; she is also a beekeeper with hives in both Yaphank and her upstate property.
News Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
Veterans Honoring Veterans: Recognizing Post 651 By Kaitlyn Foley Veterans at the Sayville American Legion have risked their lives for this great country. Yet they have come home and continued to serve our community and their fellow departed Veterans. About twelve years ago, John St. Lawrence (pictured right) was assigned to his very first job after joining the Legion. He was asked to place flags at the headstone of each Veteran in the cemetery. As John walked the cemetery, he noticed that the distinguishing marks for some Veterans were sinking into the ground and some names that he knew had served, were not distinguished at all. John then tasked himself with the mission to recognize each and every Veteran buried in Saint Ann’s Cemetery or Union Cemetery in Sayville who has departed. No matter what branch they’ve served or how long they’ve served for, John - a Veteran himself - ensures that in death, these men and women are given the honor they so rightfully deserve. With the help of his wife, who has a great passion for genealogy, John has spent thousands of hours over twelve years doing research to find every Veteran’s name. He’s used resources like ancestry.com, which allowed him to find Veterans through family members and relatives as well as many trips to the library. “To actually sit down at the library like I used to do, I’d read the Suffolk County news on Microfilm for hours, just looking at obituaries,” said John. The work put into this project by John, his wife, and additional members of the Legion like Commander Steve, is overwhelming. Now, after twelve years of working hard, John has found and honored over 600 Veterans between Saint Ann’s and Union cemeteries that were not recognized as Veterans, distinguishing them with a silver medallion designed by John. Some of these buried Veterans date back to the Cold War, others are recently departed. The very idea that there have been over 600 of our local Veterans laying without their proper recognition and honor is upsetting for our community, however we are happy to know that they are getting what they so greatly deserve.
Throughout this process, John has established working relationships with Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home and other homes in Sayville, local cemetery workers, and community members to ensure no Veteran goes unnoticed. When these organizations hold a funeral for a departed Veteran, they let John know almost immediately, so that he can honor them in the proper way. “Now the research is done, we don’t do any more research. Now, we depend on [funeral homes], cemetery managers to let me know if one of the people they’ve just buried is a Veteran,” explains John. Now, John is building his team of post historians with Sayville Legion Post 651 members Joe Gallo and Mike Takis.
Joe is excited and proud to get involved with this project, as it hits close to home for him and his family. “To me, every male in my family, my grandfathers, myself, my brother, my cousins, we all served. We all joined for different reasons, but to me, it’s an honor to be recognizing these local people,” Gallo tells The Messenger. “When you sign onto that line, you’re paying a price up to your life. And now, it’s mainly voluntarily, which is a whole different ball game. But we have a lot to be thankful for and we should be paying our respects to these people who came before us.” Each Veterans Day and Memorial Day, members of Post 651, along with community members and volunteers gather together at Saint Ann’s and Union Cemeteries to place flags at every departed Veterans gravestone using detailed maps that John has created ensuring nobody is missed, bringing this whole project full circle to John’s first experience at the American Legion. “We’d like to pass it on to some younger guys, and if there are any younger guys out there who would like to join the American Legion, there is a place to come here for you to sit with other Veterans and need to talk or discuss something that you can’t really discuss with someone who doesn’t know,” says Gallo. Sayville American Legion Post 651 will be celebrating Veterans Day this Saturday at Sparrow Park in Sayville, across from their Post, in addition to placing flags at Saint Ann’s and Union Cemeteries. If you know a Veteran who was laid to rest in these two Sayville Cemeteries who is not recognized at their gravestone, reach out to Post 651 here. (Scan QR Code at right)
Together, they will continue to honor their fellow Veterans by recognizing their bravery and fortitude. “This is John’s baby, him and Steve put this together,” says Gallo. “It’s the least we can do for these guys who died for their country or served their country. You have to honor the past as well.” “Joe Gallo and Mike Takis volunteered to see what it’s all about, how it works,” John says, explaining why the project needs some extra hands. “I just needed someone to back me up. There just wasn’t anyone who knew enough to take it over if necessary.”
If you are a Veteran interested in joining the Sayville American Legion Post, visit their website here. (Scan QR Code at right)
Post 651 placing flags for Veteran laid to rest at Saint Anns.
Election Results
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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Romaine Victorious GOP Flips County Executive Office and Forms Supermajority in Legislature
Continued from front cover
COUNTY EXECUTIVE The race for County Executive was called around 11:00p.m., as Romaine opened up a fifteen-point lead over Calone that only solidified as the night carried on. “We sent a message and we painted this county red,” said Executive-elect Romaine. “As your County Executive, I intend to bring all of Suffolk together for a common-sense agenda that will move us forward, that keeps our taxes low, that keeps us affordable, that makes sure that we’re safer, that our law enforcement has the tools they need to do the job.” Romaine’s win not only marks the first time in twenty years that Suffolk County has had a Republican county executive, but also marks the final piece of the Long Island puzzle, as the GOP now controls all county-wide offices and legislatures in both Suffolk and Nassau counties. “The last time Suffolk County elected a Republican county executive, I was a teenager; this has been a long time coming,” said former Congressman Zeldin. “What I love about Ed Romaine is that he knows every street in Suffolk, he knows every issue everywhere in this county, he knows the people who are in charge of all the local civic associations and what their asks are. He’s doing this for all the right reasons. I am grateful that Romaine stepped up for this race; he is the right man for the job.” Chairman Garcia thanked all who were involved in the hard-fought campaign and celebrated the winning of the last county-wide office not held by the GOP. “To win a county executive race takes a candidate who is outstanding, qualified, experienced, battle-tested, and that’s who we got in Ed Romaine,” said Garcia. “It takes every group, ethnicity, and community; it takes law enforcement, small businesses, labor; it also takes a team of each and every one of you and your families to do what needs to be done. Each and every one of us owns a part of that 57% victory for county executive.” In a statement, outgoing Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) acknowledged Romaine’s victory and vowed a professional transition of power. “I would like to congratulate Ed Romaine on his victory last night after a hard fought campaign,” said Bellone. “Our communities have placed their trust and confidence in him to lead our county forward. I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition and handover of responsibilities to the new administration beginning on January 1. To that end, I have asked Chief Deputy County Executive Lisa Black to lead our administration’s efforts to coordinate with the incoming administration.” Calone called Romaine to concede the election around 10:30p.m. Suffolk Democratic Chair and Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer (D-West Babylon) acknowledged that the political environment produced by their state and federal counterparts proved toxic for them across the county. “Tonight’s one of those nights that just didn’t go our way,” Schaffer said in a statement. “Obviously we wanted to be on the winning side tonight, but we’re up against the atmosphere in Albany and Washington and that has hurt us as a brand in Suffolk County.” SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATURE The GOP excelled in their legislative races, delivering strong performances in nearly all eighteen districts. Two races, so far, are projected to flip the GOP. Note: Results are unofficial, asterisks denote an incumbent FIRST DISTRICT (FLIP FROM DEMOCRAT TO GOP) The North Fork-based First District has gone to Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), a legislative aide to Southold Town Supervisor-elect Al Krupski (D-Cutchogue). The First District contains parts of eastern Brookhaven, northern Southampton, and all of Riverhead, Southold, and Shelter Island. Stark bested her opponent Catherine Kent (D-Baiting Hollow), a former Riverhead councilwoman, by seven points. Stark (R): 53.15% Kent (D): 46.82% SECOND DISTRICT (DEMOCRAT HOLD) The South Fork-based Second District was one of Democrats’ shining moments of the night. In the race to succeed outgoing Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac), Republicans had a rare opportunity to give Democrats a run for their money in this Democratic stronghold that encompasses all of East Hampton township and most of Southampton township. Ann Welker (D-Southampton), a Town Trustee, handily defeated East Hampton Town Republican Committee Chairman Manny Vilar (R-Springs) by twenty-three points. Welker (D): 61.41% Vilar (R): 38.58%
Mazzarella’s near 70% of the vote is his best margin yet, and is a monumental shift from what was once a bluer part of Brookhaven at the beginning of last decade. Mazzarella* (R): 68.98% O’Neil (D): 30.95% FOURTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) was re-elected by a handsome margin to a second term in the Selden-Centereach-based Fourth District. His opponent, Tim Hall (D), was not actively campaigning. Caracappa* (C): 63.75% Hall (D): 36.08% FIFTH DISTRICT (DEMOCRAT HOLD) In one of the most watched legislative races this year, former Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) appears to have defeated Anthony Figliola (R-East Setauket) in this formerly deep-blue district that encompasses Setauket, Port Jefferson, and Stony Brook. Englebright (D): 53.09% Figliola (R): 46.81% SIXTH DISTRICT (FLIP FROM DEMOCRAT TO GOP) The first flip of the night came in the form of the long-Democratic held Sixth District. This Rocky Point-based seat has been represented by term-limited Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mt. Sinai), who won several close elections in a staunchly Republican part of Brookhaven year after year. Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), a Marine, combat Veteran, military lawyer, and congressional aide to Congressman Nick LaLota (R), easily defeated Legislator Anker’s chief of staff Dorothy Cavalier (D-Mt. Sinai). Lennon (R): 61.23% Cavalier (D): 38.72% SEVENTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Perhaps the greatest upset of the 2021 elections was that of Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) over then-Presiding Officer Rob Calarco (D). Thorne took this Patchogue-based seat by five points in 2021 and expanded on that margin Tuesday night against union representative Ryan McGarry (D-Patchogue). Thorne* (R): 54.24% McGarry (D): 45.70% EIGHTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) was easily re-elected over Heather Gallagher (D-Sayville) for a third term in this half-Brookhaven, half-Islip district. Piccirillo* (R): 69.43% Gallagher (D): 30.49% NINTH DISTRICT (DEMOCRAT HOLD) A more shocking result came out of the intensely Democratic Ninth District, centered around Brentwood, as a district not seen as competitive was decided by just about ten points. Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), who won his first two terms with over 70% of the vote, was held to a margin of just under 55% to Dr. Theresa Bryant (R). At the beginning of the 2010s, this district was not contested by Republicans. Gonzalez* (D): 54.98% Bryant (R): 44.71% TENTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD)
THIRD DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Incumbent Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) easily dispatched his opponent Thad O’Neil (D-Brookhaven) by a comfortable thirty-eight points. This Mastic-based district encompasses eastern Brookhaven and a small part of western Southampton.
Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) easily defeated her opponent Derek Stein (D-Central Islip), a legislative aide for Al Krupski, for a second term in the Tenth District that stretches from Lake Ronkonkoma down to Great River. Bergin* (R): 62.27% Stein (D): 37.43%
continued on back cover
Election Results Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
GOP Defends Brookhaven, Maintains Deep-Red Turf By Matt Meduri As Ed Romaine painted Suffolk County red in the county executive race, the Republican party also painted Brookhaven red as the GOP swept nearly every office on the ballot. With the town supervisorship being vacated by Romaine, Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) easily defeated Lillian Clayman (D-Port Jefferson), a SUNY Westbury professor and former mayor of Hamden, Connecticut. Clayman landed on the ballot in the wake of former Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant’s (D) departure from the ticket due to health concerns. Panico’s high name recognition and granular knowledge of the second-largest municipality in New York State allowed him to rout Clayman by a twenty-four-point margin. Panico ran on continuing the work of long-served Supervisor Ed Romaine, while appropriately addressing the closure of the landfill, working with the County on wastewater solutions, overseeing ongoing downtown revitalizations, and ensuring proper affordable and workforce housing to retain Brookhaven’s population. Clayman campaigned on her municipal experience in Hamden, hoping to parlay her time as mayor from 1991 to 1997 - during which the town had a population of about 52,000 to 56,000 - into governing New York’s second-largest municipality by population - nearly 500,000. Clayman chastised the Republican Legislators for their tabling of the “sewer bill” ballot propositions and repeatedly branded the Town as “Crookhaven.” In her September interview with The Messenger, Clayman posited that those who criticize Governor Hochul (D) over her handling of the migrant crisis only due so because they are “misogynistic.” Panico was overwhelmingly chosen by the voters to lead Brookhaven for the next four years. Panico (R): 61.94% Clayman (D): 37.97%
Brookhaven, from Mt. Sinai to Wading River. Bonner* (R): 64.59% Russell (D): 35.33% DISTRICT THREE Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden) won a special election earlier this year over attorney Alyson Bass (D-Ronkonkoma). Although he won by a relatively thin margin, Manzella cruised to victory with nearly two-thirds of the vote on Tuesday night. The special election results at first gave Democrats renewed optimism in what was already shaping up to be an uphill election year for them in a Republican town. The Third District spans from Ronkonkoma to Selden and was not a competitive race this year. Manzella* (R): 64.43% Bass (D): 35.38% DISTRICT FOUR The Fourth District is more competitive on paper, taking in diverse suburbs like Bellport. Councilman Michael Loguercio (R-Ridge) has won close elections before, and while Democrats could have contested this seat, Loguercio won by a large margin over Cameron Trent (D-Brookhaven). Loguercio* (R): 60.41% Trent (D): 39.51% DISTRICT FIVE Republicans typically win big in the Fifth Council District, and Tuesday night was no exception, as Councilman Neil Foley (R-Blue Point) was easily re-elected over Francis Salazar (D-Patchogue). Foley* (R): 66.18% Salazar (D): 33.77% DISTRICT SIX The Sixth District is a sprawling district that covers eastern Brookhaven. It has been represented for ten years by Supervisor-elect Dan Panico. Once a territory more friendly to Democrats, Republicans have fully asserted their dominance
here, with attorney Karen Dunne Kesnig (R-Manorville) routing her opponent Kerry Spooner (D-Calverton) with almost 70% of the vote. Dunne Kesnig (R): 68.21% Spooner (D): 31.71% Suffolk County District Court Judge, Sixth District For this County Court Judge position, Steve Weissbard (R) easily defeated Cynthia Vargas (D) by sixteen points. Weissbard (R): 57.97% Vargas (D): 41.94% Other Town Results at a Glance In Smithtown, the GOP reaffirmed their hold on the government by sweeping all offices on the ballot with at least 60% of the vote in each. Democrats ran three candidates who have run in Smithtown before, with one newcomer. In Islip, the GOP performed a clean sweep as Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) cruised to a third term over Ken Colón (D-Brentwood). Carpenter* (R): 63.22% Colón (D): 36.58% Republicans also swept the three other positions on the ballot with commanding margins: Town Clerk, Council District Three, and Council District Four. Republicans remained dominant in Riverhead and Huntington, while outgoing County Legislator Al Krupski (D-Cutchogue) was easily elected Southold Town Supervisor with over 70% of the vote. The GOP showing was comparatively not as strong in Babylon and Southampton, and Democrats maintained their ironclad hold on East Hampton Township. However, Republicans appear to have flipped control of the Shelter Island Town Supervisorship, as well-known Councilwoman Amber Brach-Williams (R) leads Arnott Gordon Gooding (D) by just under three points.
Republicans retained their two other town-wide posts, Highway Superintendent and Receiver of Taxes. Incumbent Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham) easily defeated Mike Kaplan (D-Coram) with 62% of the vote, while incumbent Receiver Lou Marcoccia (R-East Setauket) was re-elected with 63% of the vote over his opponent who was not actively campaigning. Losquadro* (R): 61.87% Kaplan (D): 38.04%
Marcoccia* (R): 63.21% Chiaramonte (D): 36.71%
Republicans also retained their five Town Council seats by impressive margins, while they also led a bold effort to oust the lone elected Democrat in Brookhaven, Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). Kornreich survived a spirited challenge from political newcomer Gary Bodenburg (R-Port Jefferson). The First Council District contains Setauket-Port Jefferson-Stony Brook territory that overlaps with the competitive Fifth District in the County Legislature, which gave the GOP a rare opportunity to contest this blue seat. Kornreich was elected in a 2021 special election with almost 80% of the vote. He won his first full term Tuesday night. Kornreich* (D): 54.91% Bodenburg (R): 45.00% DISTRICT TWO In this Rocky Point-based district, incumbent Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) easily dispatched her opponent, nurse, attorney, and farmer Carol Russell (D-Coram). The district covers northern central to northeastern
Chairman Garcia with the Brookhaven GOP Slate
History
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Nebraska - The Cornhusker State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the thirty-eighth 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 Early History - A Western Stopover European exploration of Nebraska started as early as 1682, with French explorers mapping the region, followed by Spaniards in 1720. Claim disputes ended when the French ceded its land west of the Mississippi River to Spain after its loss to the British in the Seven Years’ War. Nebraska then came under United States control after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The state then became involved in the fur trade, prompting the Missouri Company to fund trade route expeditions in the state, as well as construction of Fort Atkinson to protect the industry. This led to the founding of Bellevue, the first town in Nebraska, now part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro Area. In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act established Nebraska as a territory, which effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise, leading to violence in Kansas and greatly expediting the start of the Civil War. Nebraska became an agricultural state that was also largely defined by its stopover status for settlers heading west, namely during the California Gold Rush in 1848 and a subsequent Wyoming gold rush in 1859. The trails west allowed for permanent settlements and laid substantial groundwork for Nebraska’s greatest industrial boon: the railroads. Civil War & Industrialization A Brief Period of Democratic Dominance Like Kansas, Nebraska had many settlers from the North, creating an early abolitionist view in the state. Although no Civil War battles were fought in Nebraska, the state did lend 3,000 troops to the Union effort. Nebraska’s constitution originally only extended suffrage to whites, but the U.S. Congress voted to admit Nebraska as a state on the condition that suffrage be extended to non-white voters. The bill to admit Nebraska was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson (D-TN), which was overridden by Congress, making Nebraska the thirty-seventh state on March 1, 1867. Nebraska is the only state to have been admitted by congressional override of a presidential veto. The state’s population would balloon as the federal government signed the Homestead Act and the Union Pacific Railway - one of the three lines of the Transcontinental Railroad, the terminus of which was located in Omaha issued land grants for rail workers. Agriculture and railroads became the state’s top industries. The state attracted many Europeans, who could sell their farms and buy bigger ones in Nebraska, as well as single women, who were eligible to own land. During this period, Nebraska’s population would increase by one million people from 1860 to 1890, a higher population growth than the state would experience over the next 130 years. However, the economic fortunes would be temporarily suspended by the 1890s, which brought deflation, drought, and depression, giving way to the Populist movement in the United States. One act of national influence during this era was that of Julius Sterling Morton’s
proposed holiday to promote the planting of trees in Nebraska. The first “Arbor Day” saw the planting of one million trees in the state, and by 1920, forty-five states had adopted the holiday. Nebraska then became an unexpected center of the moment: the home state of silverite William Jennings Bryan (D). Bryan served as a Nebraska congressman for four years and became one of the most vocal advocates for the coinage of silver to combat falling crop prices and heavily-indebted farmers. He ran for president in 1896, 1900, and 1908. In the 1896 election, Bryan was just thirty-six years old, making him the youngest person in history to have ever received an electoral vote in a presidential contest. Additionally, he currently holds the record for the most electoral votes received without having been elected president. Between his three elections, he amassed 493 electoral votes, but never enough in one election to become president. Nebraska’s overall electoral history is fairly straightforward: Since its first election in 1868, the state has only backed a Democratic candidate seven times out of its thirty-nine elections. In 1892, James Weaver (I-IA) came two points away from carrying the state on the Populist ticket. Bryan won his home station in 1896, the first Democrat to do so. William McKinley (R-OH) narrowly flipped the state against Bryan, namely due to the dying energy of the already fractious Populist era. Bryan would carry his home state in 1908 against William Howard Taft (R-OH). From 1920 until now, Nebraska has only voted for three Democratic presidential candidates, all in national landslide elections: 1932 and 1936 for FDR (D-NY) and 1964 for Lyndon Johnson (D-TX). Twentieth Century Politics A Republican Stronghold The Great Depression and New Deal politics allowed FDR to deliver the best performance for a Democrat in Nebraska’s history in 1932. Owing to its ancestral Republicanism, Nebraska has not voted to the left of the nation since. The Democrats’ hold on farmers would erode as FDR would lose the state and other Great Plains states decisively in 1940 and 1944, but Omaha and its suburbs would narrowly back him. Nebraska’s economy changed during World War II, as the Army constructed an aircraft plant near Omaha, which introduced new manufacturing and defense sectors to the state. One plant became Offutt Air Force Base, which not only stimulated population growth in Omaha, but is now the headquarters of the U.S. Strategic Command.
As agriculture continued to become less lucrative, factory farms expanded while family farms moved to the suburbs and cities. As the economy shifted, and the government kicked in tax incentives, Nebraska gained an oil profile as well, allowing Omaha to become a hub for business. One business, Berkshire Hathaway, chaired by Nebraskan Warren Buffett since 1965, is headquartered in Omaha, and is currently the seventhlargest component of the S&P 500. Railroads have continued to be one of the state’s largest economies, as Bailey Yard in North Platte is the world’s largest train yard, managing as many as 10,000 rail cars each day. Republicans would continue to dominate the state on the presidential level. The last Republican to win Nebraska by a single-digit margin was Thomas Dewey (R-NY) in 1948; victories since then have been blowouts. Current Political Leanings Red Nebraska, Purple Omaha In 1992, Nebraska adopted the Congressional district method of allocating electoral votes. The only other state that operates under this method is Maine. The popular-vote winner in Nebraska receives two electoral votes, with the state’s three congressional districts each providing one electoral vote. Republicans easily win four of the state’s five votes, but the fifth and final vote is determined by the popular vote winner in the Second Congressional District, centered on Omaha. While Omaha does have ancestral Republican DNA, the city did back Democrats - albeit narrowly - many times during the 20th Century. Barack Obama (D-IL) was the first presidential candidate to split Nebraska’s vote by winning Omaha in 2008; this was repeated by Joe Biden (D-DE) in 2020. This is why Nebraska receives some lopsided election coverage compared to its Great Plains neighbors. Additionally, it’s the only serious geographic caveat to Nebraska’s political landscape, as the rest of the state save for Lincoln’s Lancaster County - is firm Republican territory. Omaha’s Douglas County is responsible for the competitiveness of Omaha. Democrats were recently able to win Thurston County, with predominantly Native American communities, by regularly decent margins, but Donald Trump (R-FL) was able to win it both 2016 and 2020. In the U.S. Senate, Democrats last held a seat in 2007, and last held both simultaneously in 1997. Once again owing to the intrinsic Republican lean of the state, only one Democrat has ever held the Class Two Senate seat from Nebraska, and Democrats were not elected to the Senate until 1911. The last Democratic governor of Nebraska was Ben Nelson, who served from 1991-1999. No gubernatorial contest has been competitive here since 1998. On the Congressional level, Democrats last held the Omaha-based Second District from 2015-2017, with Rep. Brad Ashford (D) losing to Don Bacon (R) in 2016. Bacon has set himself apart as an iconoclastic member of the House, allowing him to retain this seat even in good Democratic years. Until Ashford, Democrats had not held this seat since 1995. Looking forward, it does not seem Democrats will be able to regularly contest Nebraska at-large in the near future. Even if Omaha does become a more reliable blue vote for them - which is possible considering the increased influence Democrats have had on suburbs nationally - the rest of the state itself is unflinchingly Republican and the population of Omaha cannot offset the rest of the state’s conservative population in statewide elections.
Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
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St. Joseph’s University Cuts Ribbon for New Student Center By Matt Meduri St. Joseph’s University - previously St. Joseph’s College until last year’s achievement of university status - has been a cultural icon in the Patchogue community for over a century. Originally founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1916 as an all-girls school in Brooklyn, the college began accepting men in 1969 and opened its Patchogue campus in 1979. The college is known for its hallmark child studies and business majors, as well as its nursing and hospitality programs. The Patchogue campus has grown exponentially in size over the years. What started with the main building in O’Connor Hall has grown into the quaint Clare Rose Playhouse in the woods near the Great Patchogue Lake, the comprehensive Callahan Library, the recreational John A. Danzi Athletic Center, and the avant-garde Business and Technology Center. Now, in its first major addition to the campus as a university, St. Joseph’s welcomes a futuristic Student Center in place of the former soccer and baseball fields just off the entrance from the south Sunrise Highway Service Road. The Student Center now offers recreational space, study lounges, classrooms, a food court, an art gallery, an e-sports gaming room (pictured right), and even a small church on the second floor (pictured top right). Owing to older infrastructure and rooms too cramped for club meetings and extracurricular activities, the need for a proper building for student activities has been adequately addressed. The ribbon cutting was attended by a large crowd of faculty, members of the student body, stakeholders, and elected officials. Father Francis Pizzarelli, Director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson and lecturer at St. Joseph’s University, issued a blessing and prayer over the new facility before speeches were given. Madison Frascogna, a junior majoring in math adolescent education and minoring in computer science, is serving her second year as Student Government Association (SGA) President after founding a chapter of Circle K International on campus. Circle K International is a collegiate service program that promotes service, leadership, and fellowship. Frascogna spoke on behalf of the student body at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I truly value all of my experiences on campus and strive to create an environment where all students want to be involved,” said Frascogna. “This year, the SGA Board has been working hard to grow campus involvement by hosting more large-scale on-campus events. We have been very successful and are excited to transfer that energy into our new space. Student government oversees about forty clubs and organizations that are eager and passionate to take full advantage of all of these opportunities [presented by the new Student Center]. However, the Student Center is not only full of opportunities for our student leaders; it’s truly a space for everyone.” “It’s the asset we have that makes us different from a lot of other places,” said Ponteri. “When we look at what we’ve done with the Village over the years, we always look at our assets. This university makes us a better place, a place where people want to come and create memories.” Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), who serves as the Ranking Member of the Education Committee of the State Assembly, graduated as a certified math teacher from St. Joseph’s College. “When I was a student here, I took so much pride in our community,” said Smith.
Frascogna mentioned that students were informally polled on their most anticipated feature(s) of the new building. While Frascogna said that such features are difficult to pinpoint as most anticipated or important, she added that the building represents “positive life and growth of the campus community as a whole.” Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri took the podium after Frascogna and described the university’s unique effect on the Village of Patchogue.
“We’re so excited for the future students who will get to enjoy this beautiful place. The measure of a higher institution of education is consistent praise, and that is achieved by building these types of structures to give back to the students to encourage them to stay here, spend time between classes, build the community, and foster relationships.” Smith then introduced the next speaker, his former professor of state and local government at St. Joseph’s, County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). “This was a college when we broke ground on this building, now it’s a university,” said Bellone. “It speaks to the growth and the dynamism that’s happening here on this campus. I’m proud of any way we associate with this great community.” Brookhaven Town Supervisor and county executive candidate Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) then took the podium with Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches), Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (R-Selden), and Sam Bifulco, President of the St. Joseph’s Alumni Association. “We love St. Joe’s, we hire St. Joe’s graduates, they do wonderful things, and I’m happy they’re here,” said Romaine. “The Sisters’ original vision, the current president and Board of Trustees, thank you for your leadership. At the end of the day, everyone who is preparing to enter the work world, we need you here on Long Island and in Suffolk County. We need the intellectual capital that this university will provide.” Donald Boomgaarden, President of St. Joseph’s University concluded the speeches before the ribbon cutting. “Our mission is to continue the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph,” said Boomgaarden. “We want to show unconditional love and transform people to dream the same dreams that God dreams for them. When we look at this structure, it is the living embodiment of that ideal. Our future generations are going to be transformed by this institution.” Pileigh Shahinian, 21, an English adolescent education major, communicated to The Messenger her thoughts on the new building. “This is an amazing day, I’m very excited for the building and to spend my time here,” she said. The ceremony moved to the main entrance of the building for the formal ribbon cutting. (photo left) Lunch was served afterwards in the new common area of the Student Center.
Entertainment
16
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
The Kelsey Outrage: Local Murder Inspires Riveting Novel By Kaitlyn Foley Local author Alison Hubbard will release her first novel in January 2024. The historical fiction novel will tell the story of the “crime of the century” historically taking place in Huntington, referred to in the novel as “Huntoria.” The Kelsey Outrage by Alison Hubbard is an adaptation of the eponymous tarring, feathering, and murder of Charles Kelsey, a schoolteacher and poet in the late 1800s. This astonishing and historical murder was a well-known crime back
in its time but has since been forgotten and sparsely spoken of. Hubbard, who grew up in Woodbridge Park, moved to Huntington with her husband. While raising her daughter in the small village, she repeatedly passed a curious sign located on the corner of Spring Road and Platt Place. This is the sign that started it all. “I felt a tingle. I just knew there was a story that wasn’t being told,” describes Hubbard. “You could almost feel the vibe of blood on the sidewalk, and the eeriness of the barn that’s there.” For thirty-five years, Alison Hubbard worked as a distinguished musical theater lyricist known for her exceptional work in the entertainment industry. Her transition to historical fiction marks an exciting new chapter in her creative journey. The book has taken about ten years to complete, as Hubbard’s exhausted research relating to this crime to prepare for writing this story. In her research she found many dead ends, halting the process of her writing or causing rewrites, as well as some deliberate removal of documents relating to this crime. “There was this document produced in 1873 by Barclay and Company in Philadelphia. Barclay was a small office; they wrote stories about
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lurid things that happened, and The Kelsey Outrage fell into that category.” Hubbard explains how this document follows the trials of the men who were charged with Kelsey’s murder, accounting witness statements, thorough questioning, and evidence that was very helpful to her. “But these town bigwigs [in 1873], bought up as many copies as they could and burned them. So, when I first started to research this, there was only one copy in the Huntington Public Library.” The document was one of very few from the time that survived the burying of evidence by townspeople in the 1800s. These “townspeople,” who are rumored to have burnt evidence and court documents, refer to the town doctor, store owners, teachers, etc. The novel takes on the story with a fictional twist. Certain fictitious details are dedications to different aspects of Charles Kelsey’s real life. For example, Hubbard refers to the town of Huntington in the novel as “Huntoria,” which is actually how Kelsey refers to his hometown in his poem The Vale of Huntoria. “When you are writing fiction, you’re creating something, you are hammering something, you’re chiseling,” explained Hubbard. “There’s one particular scene in the documentation [of the Kelsey Outrage], where
Kelsey was missing, and his sister discovered his articles of clothing with blood and things that turned out to be tar and feathers. She went to the door of the family [she suspected], pounded on the door and said, ‘I am going to pound all night until you open this door.’” Hubbard thought about what kind of person the sister had to be to have the strength, determination, and willpower to do that. “That’s how her character came to life.” The main protagonist of Hubbard’s novel is the sister (character name, Cathleen), of Charles Kelsey, (character name, George). In the story, she is a detective who discovers her brother is missing and is steadfast to find out what happened. The novel follows her investigation, and journey in finding what happened to her brother, leading the character to reinvent herself as a detective and confront the ruthless gang responsible. The novel also features point of views from supporting characters, telling the story in a multitude of perspectives, creating dynamic narratives. The Kelsey Outrage: The Crime of the Century by Alison Hubbard is a story that has everything: romance, violence, mystery, and internal reflection. The piece of fiction with a local and historical twist will be available for purchase on January 24, 2024, and available for pre-order on Hubbard’s website. (Scan QR Code at right)
Falling for Fall Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Celebrating Our Veterans
This is the fifth of a weekly column 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 This Saturday is National Veterans Day, where we as a nation celebrate those brave people who fight for our freedom every day and come back to tell their stories. November 11 has been reserved since the end of World War I when fighting ceased at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, a date cherished universally. On November 11, 1921, an unknown WWI soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery overlooking Washington D.C. According to the VA, similar ceremonies have occurred in other countries like England and France, where an unknown soldier is buried in various places of high honor like Westminster Abbey and the Arc de Triomphe. In 1926, Armistice Day was established in America after a congressional resolution, but was still not deemed a national holiday until twelve years later. The first known celebration coining the name National Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947, complete with a parade and activities for Veterans. Organized by Richard Weeks, a WWII Veteran, the celebration received nationwide recognition and resulted in celebrations throughout the country. U.S. Representative Edward Rees (R-KS) proposed that Armistice Day should be changed to Veterans Day, which was passed by Congress in 1954 and signed by President Dwight Eisenhower. In 1982, Raymond Weeks was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Ronald Reagan. Along with a national celebration at Arlington National Cemetery, states and cities hold their own celebrations to honor their local veterans who live in the community. Long Island will be doing just that this Saturday with events for Veterans all over the Island. The Veterans Day Cross Country 4K will be hosted by Sunken Meadow State Park, where all ages can sign up (Scam QR Code at right) to run for our Veterans. Neighbors and friends can also head there to cheer on the participants. The run will begin at 10:00a.m. Patchogue United Veteran Organization will host their annual celebration at 10:30 a.m. and the Four Corners in Patchogue Village recognizing “all Veterans, combat or non-combat, women or men, across all branches of service.” The celebration will include a parade, refreshments, and activities. These types of celebrations are important for not only our Veterans, but also our civilians and our children. On Veterans Day, we celebrate those who were fortunate enough to come home and tell their stories. It is our job to be here to listen to them, hear what the fight for our freedom is truly like, and thank them for their selfless effort.
This Week’s
Thanksgiving Waldorf Salad
Fall
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
Favorite Recipe INGREDIENTS 6 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp salt Pinch freshly ground pepper 2 green apples, cored and chopped 1 cup red grapes, halved ½ cup dried cranberries 1 cup celery, thinly sliced 1 cup candied walnuts, chopped DIRECTIONS: Make the candied walnuts:
Heat a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of halved walnuts, ¼ cup of white granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently so the mixture doesn’t burn. When the sugar begins to melt, stir the mixture constantly until all the sugar is melted and the nuts are evenly coated. Remove from heat and transfer to parchment paper, separating the nuts as much as possible to let cool. Move quickly, they cool fast! Once hardened, add to salad.
(Recipe Inspired by Simply Recipes)
Make the dressing:
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Make the base:
Stir the apples, cranberries, celery, grapes, and candied walnuts into the bowl with the dressing.
SERVE:
If you do not care for the presentation of the dish, this salad can be enjoyed any way you please. For a celebration like Thanksgiving or a dinner party, spoon the salad into a martini glass or coupe for a classy and unique appetizer presentation. As a side dish, spoon salad onto a bed of fresh lettuce for added color and texture.
NOTES: The original recipe of Waldorf
Salad is made with mayonnaise; however, many adaptations of the salad prefer to substitute it with Greek yogurt. If this substitution is made, we suggest omitting the lemon juice in the dressing and add 1 tbsp of honey to balance the tartness. Walnuts are commonly substituted with almonds or pecans. If candied nuts are not preferred, we recommend substituting with slightly toasted nuts.
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 9, 2023
TOWNLINE RAIL: WHY KINGS PARK? Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the Huntington-Smithtown waste-to-energy facility as well as Construction & Demolition debris off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. This ash is created from incinerated trash collected in the Towns of Smithtown and Huntington only. Townline Rail will not have the capacity to handle all of Long Island’s ash and debris. There are six active or proposed rail transport facilities on Long Island — all of which are local solutions to managing local ash and debris. Town of Smithtown recognizes the environmental and cost benefits to the taxpayers of shipping its ash by rail versus trucking it off Proposed Townline Rail Terminal Long Island (2015 Draft Comprehensive Plan). Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit 140 Old Northport Road the environment. To learn more Kings Park, New York 11754 visit www.townlinerail.com 631 368 4000 | CarlsonCorp.com
Expires 9/1/2024
Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C) (4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit www.amac.us
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Terrorists At Our Border? By Robert B. Charles | AMAC The FBI has troubles, but foreign terrorists coming here tops the list. On October 7, Hamas hit Israel. On October 15, FBI Director Chris Wray warned about a spike in anti-Semitism, and “increase in…threats.” On October 31, he raised the ante, Hamas-linked threats at a “higher level.” Privately, trusted sources tell me, lots of disturbing “chatter.” Here is what we know. As the FBI Director went on record arguing Hamas “will inspire the greatest US terror threat since ISIS,” law enforcement around the country is doubling down on security, surveillance, and contingency planning. Already, protests have erupted in response to Hamas attacking Israel, Israel’s self-defense response in Gaza, remarks by officials at the UN, in the US, and in European countries, with specific concerns tied to protests going violent, groups taking law into their hands, and “lone wolf” sympathizers. Here are hard facts, not to be overstated or ignored. First, whatever anyone else wants to argue, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are terrorist organizations supported by Iran, all involved in the current mayhem in Israel and Gaza. Second, while no terror by these groups has hit the US, a CBP memo reported in The Daily Caller distributing facts, not denied by CBP, although lacking “specific information.” Says the CBP memo: “Individuals inspired by or reacting to the current Israel-Hamas conflict may attempt travel to or from the area of hostilities in the Middle East via circuitous transit across the Southwest border” and “foreign fighters motivated by ideology or mercenary soldiers of fortune may attempt to obfuscate travel to or from the U.S. to or from countries in the Middle East through Mexico.” Asked to explain, CBP said – cryptically – it just “provides frontline personnel a wide range of context for situational awareness in order to ensure they remain vigilant in fulfillment of our homeland and border security missions,” adding “situational awareness briefs are not threat assessments.” So, be prepared but not scared? An elevated threat without specifics? Look at corroborating evidence: Every major police department in the country, from New York and DC to Los Angeles, is suddenly on watch, looking inward, 4000 elevating vigilance for this exact type of threat. On one hand, that is very reassuring; more eyes out for bad actors and sleeper cells means more likelihood they get detected, stopped, deterred, and stay docile. Over time, they may be identified, flushed or ferreted out, disrupted, dismantled, and eliminated. But right now, something else is afoot. Credible sources warn several things are
happening at the same time – which may spell trouble. The Southern border continues to be porous. Last month, CBP intercepted “more than 600” on the “terror watch list.” Who got through? More, Iranian warships are appearing in Venezuelan ports, an oddity, except that anarchists and communists, terrorists and those who aim to sow chaos, fraternize – and are plainly doing so. Add the relative ease by which actors arriving in Venezuela can travel up the Panamanian highway and into the US unless detected and reversed by Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, or Mexico, few of
which have capacity. So, where does that leave us? Not clear, except other sources confirm threats on critical infrastructure, which could be just “shadow boxing,” fear generating fear, or real, are up. Bottom line: Keep eyes open, as terror “over there” could become terror here. Second, trust and thank law enforcement, as they are on it. Finally, thank Mr. Biden, as terror like water goes to and through weak points, he has given us those. FBI does not always get it right, but this time, they have a bead on what matters most: foreign terrorist threats here – and we should too.
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Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 9, 2023
NYU Langone Orthopedics is expanding in Suffolk County. With a growing team of experts, we treat the full range of musculoskeletal conditions, from joint pain, tendinitis, and arthritis, to sprains, strains, and fractures. Our dedication to excellence has helped make NYU Langone Health a top performer in delivering high-quality outpatient care, as measured by the 2023 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking. Right here in Suffolk County, you'll find the general and specialized orthopedic services you need, including: • Adult Reconstruction • Concussion Management • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand & Wrist Surgery • Joint replacements of the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow
• Pain Management (cortisone injections, trigger point injections) • Physical and Occupational Therapy • Sports Medicine • Trauma Care
Schedule an appointment at nyulangone.org/doctors New locations:
Additional locations:
NYU Langone Advanced Orthopedic Associates—Long Island (Ages 2+) 285 Sills Road, Building 18 East Patchogue 631-475-1224
NYU Langone Medical Associates—Patchogue (Ages 7+) 100 Hospital Road, Suite 115 631-228-5801
715 Roanoke Avenue. Building A, Suite 4 Riverhead 631-475-1224 2500 Nesconset Highway, Building 20-A Stony Brook 631-475-1224 NYU Langone Orthopedic Associates—Hauppauge 517 Route 111, 3rd Floor, Suite 3B 631-486-8855
NYU Langone Huntington Medical Group (Pediatrics & Adults) 180 East Pulaski Road 631-425-2140 NYU Langone Medical Associates—Riverhead (Ages 13+) 889 East Main Street, Suite 308 631-386-3500 NYU Langone Long Island Family Medicine Associates—North Babylon (Ages 2+) 986 Sunrise Highway 631-587-6060
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Local History Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, November 9, 2023
Centennial Anniversary of Local World War I Monument By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc. It will be one hundred years this November 11 when the Patriotic village of Lake Ronkonkoma dedicated their World War I Memorial on the Lake Ronkonkoma School grounds. It was Armistice Day, November 11, 1923, a crisp and vibrant fall day, and all who could make it to the dedication arrived early. It had taken five years to collect, save, and arrange for the moment they were all waiting for. Lillian Devere, our local Suffragist leader, was Chairlady; Thomas Fish, Sr. and John O. Winshe were also on the committee as ViceChairmen. Three Veterans were appointed to join the committee - LeRoy Vollgraff, Frederick Amott, and Joseph Kirk. All meetings were held at the Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library. Lillian Devere and the others worked tirelessly to place another significant memory once again in our village. It was important to the community that the monument would last and endure the ravages of time so that the younger generation might know that the Hamlet of Lake Ronkonkoma’s sons and daughters had done their share in the defense of their Country’s Honor. Originally looking for a granite statue to be located in front of the Ronkonkoma Depot at the railroad station, the cost would be too high for the budget and there was a question of obtaining the Hallock Family permission to honor their son, William Merritt Hallock, who was killed in action in France. The family found this plan was not acceptable and asked the committee to drop the matter. New information enabled the committee to change the course and after careful consideration, they moved on to the plan which was to include all WWI Veterans in the area. The decision to have a bronze tablet with all the Veterans in the village who served in the World’s War listed would be struck and would pre-fix a gold star beside Hallock and French, indicating their status as “KIA.” Subscriptions began to be collected and glass jars were placed in all mercantiles. As the small change accumulated, Mr. Frank Newton took the responsibility of custodian of the subscribed funds until they knew it was time to move forward with the plans. Knowing of a native rock located in a roadbed of the Hoss Block at Holtsville, which had been used by the British Army during the Revolutionary War as Troop Road leading to their supply base at Coram, it was accepted, and a permit was obtained to move it. A local contractor was hired to excavate and move the boulder to the school location where Mr. Axel Hodges would erect the necessary foundation and set the stone. Once the budget was checked they could move the rock to the school grounds. The day had finally arrived, and all prepared to see the truck drive through town on its way to
the final destination. Mr. Winshe offered a design for the tablet, and once accepted by the committee with their specifications, it was sent to be cast. “The Memorial to Honor Heroes” took place before a gathering of 1,500, including ex-servicemen from all branches of military and naval forces, citizens from surrounding towns, churches, and residents of Lake Ronkonkoma. The festivities started from the Ronkonkoma Hook & Ladder firehouse with a parade of Veterans wearing their military uniforms who proudly marched to the site of the monument. The American Flag was draped ever so perfectly over the tablet and was removed as the tablet was unveiled after “The Star-Spangled Banner” had been sung by the entire assembly, accompanied by Sayville Fire Department Military Band. Lawrencee S. Deutzman, Chaplain of Smithtown Post American Legion led the prayers. Others spoke and the dream had been realized. Lake Ronkonkoma had a Memorial Boulder and Tablet; the exercises were most impressive, and the monument does great credit to the patriotism of the residents of the region around the Lake. Mr. Thomas Fish and Mr. Joseph Kirk then cared for the Memorial for years, placing wreaths as required at the school. After a fire at the Lake Ronkonkoma School in 1944, the Memorial had been abandoned for years in the woods on the side of the road. Eventually, it was re-established at our American Legion Post #155 where it sits today. There are sixty names on the rock, two of them women. Lillian Devere declined her name on the tablet, which would have shown three women, sixty-one total. Research finds many of the families of the Veterans are still in town, and while many are no longer in Lake Ronkonkoma, they do live in neighboring towns. A poem by John G. Winsche was written with the Rock as the main subject. His words have been immortalized in Lake Ronkonkoma for as long as the monument has stood.
PERSONAL ATTENTION AND DIGNIFIED SERVICE... OUR CONTINUING TRADITION
The BOULDER Let rocks their silence break. Let all that breathe partake. They call me the BOULDER? Nay! Nay! I am God’s soldier. A rock, a rock of ages. Well known to history’s pages. From whence I came, none can say. But here I am; and here I stay. My duty here is to appear. Stand guard, night and day, of every year. And hold this bronze shield to my heart so you might see. And do your part. I love my country, my country’s fame, And surely hope, that you will do the same. In your heart salute me, as you travel by. Also our flag. Old Glory, floating on high. Long live Democracy, the rule of our land. Let us all be true Americans, hand in hand. JOHN O. WINSCHE Dedicated to the people of Ronkonkoma, LI. Armistice Day 1923
Locally renowned for convening the community’s varied Veterans, the Lake Ronkonkoma Veterans Association, Inc., has plans to recognize the 100th anniversary of the World War I Memorial Rock throughout 2023-24 by shining a spotlight on the WWI veterans of our town, including the remaining veterans who followed and later built a legacy of respect and impact. Additional plans for the centennial will be announced throughout the year.
Kerry J. Maher
Kenneth Maher, Jr.
Lic. Manager & Director
Lic. Director
~ Home for Funerals & Cremations ~
~ In Honoring their Legacy ~ Deacon Kenneth J. Maher & Aelysche Marie Maher
Serving All Surrounding Communities Proud to Serve Our Veterans, Law Enforcement and Fire Service Our State-of-the Art Building Offers: Ample Easy Access Parking Spacious Chapels
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Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Banners Unveiled for Veterans By Diane Caudullo At the newly enhanced Middle Country Athletic Complex in Selden, a banner-unveiling ceremony to honor Veterans was held on Saturday, November 4. The Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of President Lenore Paprocky, wanted to honor our Veterans this Veterans Day by hanging banners highlighting our very own Hometown Heroes. The banners were and still are available to any member of the community who would like to have one to recognize the service of a family member. The Middle Country Athletic Complex itself is an amazing new addition to the Selden-Centereach area. Known for many years as Veterans Park, it became the obvious choice for the Chamber to join forces with the Town of Brookhaven through Town Clerk Kevin Lavalle (R-Selden) and Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden) as the perfect place to hang the banners.
LEGAL NOTICE
SEND LEGAL NOTICES TO: LEGALS@MESSENGERPAPERS.COM PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 effective April 9, 2022 through July 1, 2024, permitting local governments to hold public meetings by telephone and video conference and/or similar device as long as a quorum of Board members are present at the below stated time and place. The Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (the “Agency”) Board Meeting scheduled for October 23, 2023 at 12:30 P.M. will be held in person at the Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, in the 2nd floor Agency’s Conference Room. Members of the public may attend in person or may view the Board Meeting by accessing the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88692169745?pwd=TzEzeINsTVFZ K1IOcEk4ZEpFdFpEdz09 Passcode: 371031 Minutes of the Governance Committee Meeting may be transcribed and will be posted on the Agency’s website.
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 effective April 9, 2022 through July 1, 2024, permitting local governments to hold public meetings by telephone and video conference and/or similar device as long as a quorum of Board members are present at the below stated time and place. The Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (the “Corporation”) Board Meeting scheduled for October 23, 2023 at 12:30 P.M. will be held in person at the Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, in the 2nd floor Agency’s Conference Room. Members of the public may attend in person or may view the Board Meeting by accessing the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88692169745?pwd=TzEzeINsTVFZ K1IOcEk4ZEpFdFpEdz09 Passcode: 371031 Minutes of the Board Meeting may be transcribed and will be posted on the Agency’s website. 11-09-23
The banners are hung from the top section of the fence lining the multipurpose football, soccer, and lacrosse field. There is room for more and as they branch out into more sections of fence and fields around the park, it will become a “Walk of Heroes”. The banners, each with the same photo on both sides, honor a specific Veteran at the request of their family, stating which military branch and years served. The banners will hang proudly for two years and then the family can choose to continue or can take the banner home with them. To open the ceremony on Saturday, Lenore Paprocky invited Bob Boehning, of the Kathleen Daly Clark Division 8/9 of the Hibernians, to play the bagpipes in full regalia. Karen Roth and Ken Nevor, two members of the Chambers’ committee, were among the few
who spoke briefly. Ken Nevor, US Army, is a well-decorated and disabled Vietnam Veteran who continues to serve his fellow Veterans via numerous committees and organizations. Ken went one step further and called up others from the Vietnam era to present them with a pin to acknowledge their service and welcome them home. Frank Rudilosso, US Navy (pictured left in photo), is seen being saluted by Ken (pictured right) and receiving his pin (pictured above, inset) to appreciative applause. The Town of Brookhaven Parks Department were commended for their continued dedication to keeping this park well-maintained and for hanging the banners for the event. It is an absolutely beautiful complex in so many ways and now has risen to a higher purpose in honoring those who allowed us the freedoms we so enjoy today. For more information visit mchometownheroes.com
Annual Holiday Light Spectacular Returns to Holtsville Ecology Site Indoor, Walk-Through Light Show Will Open Weekends in December Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro (R-Shoreham) is announcing the return of the annual Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show benefiting the Holtsville Ecology Site. Over the years, thousands of families have walked through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take their photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, Veterans, and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at
www.BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday. Photos with Santa are available for an additional fee; credit cards only, no cash accepted. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site and go directly to the feed and care of the more than 100 animals residing there. The show will run December 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17; hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., Sundays, 5:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Holtsville Ecology Site is located at 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville. For more information, call 631.451.5330.
Sports Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Former Mets Stars Turned World Series Champs
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By James Haupt With a winner having been determined in the World Series, the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season comes to an end. The Texas Rangers officially won the MLB World Series on Wednesday, November 1. They defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games, marking their first World Series championship in franchise history. Throughout the season there have been some familiar faces on this Rangers team. Some hit a little too close to home for New York Mets fans, those being Jacob DeGrom and Max Scherzer. It’s a tale as old as time. Star players are attracted to the bright lights of New York and join the Mets. They have the highest payroll in all of sports allowing them to acquire whoever they want. But it never goes well and ultimately they leave and find success elsewhere. This was the case for both of these star pitchers who spent some time with the Mets and were arguably their “ace” at some point. Scherzer is the most recent example as he was traded at the deadline of the 2023 season after the Mets accepted their fate of not making the playoffs. His tenure in New York was complicated. He spent a lot of time on the injured list (IL) and was a shell of his former self. With that being said, he still produced quality numbers and performed as arguably the best pitcher on the team at times. During his time with New York he started in 42 games, posting a 20-9 record, 294 strikeouts, and a superb ERA of 3.02. His most memorable moment, unfortunately, is his blowup Wildcard game against the Padres in 2022. It marked the worst postseason performance of his career as he allowed 7 runs and 4 home runs.
Scherzer had his moments this year and seemed to be turning things around before the trade deadline. This allowed the Mets to at least gain a solid return in trading Scherzer making Mets fans somewhat satisfied. “Mad Max” ultimately got the better end of the deal as he got his second World Series ring. Now, it’s up for debate on whether Scherzer really impacted this Texas Rangers team enough, especially because of his poor performance in the playoffs. But the harsh reality is that when he left New York he immediately became a champion. Jacob DeGrom might be the more painful name to hear. He was a home-grown, New York-developed star. He’s been with the franchise since his debut in 2014 and has proven to be the best pitcher in baseball at times. His time here in New York will always be remembered. In 209 games, he had a 82-57 record, 1,607 strikeouts, and a 2.52 ERA. He broke countless franchise and MLB records, and earned 4 All-Star Game appearances, and 2 Cy Youngs. His one downside? He couldn’t stay healthy. The man was made of glass. This was ultimately the reason New York let him go this past offseason. With the Texas Rangers acquiring DeGrom, they instantly became one of the World Series favorites. His start to the year had Mets fans crying as he showed glimpses of his former self. In his first 6 games started,
he had a 2-0 record, 45 strikeouts, and a 2.67 ERA. It was early but he seemed like he could make a run for his third Cy Young award. But, as it was in New York, his season came to an abrupt end due to injury. For this reason, DeGrom was not physically on the roster for the World Series winning team, but he got the ring nonetheless. “After another tough year as a Mets fan, it only got worse seeing the Rangers win the World Series with Max Scherzer and Jacob DeGrom,” Patrick Mattia, a Mets fan from Commack. “While most fans like me are happy to see them be successful, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth having to watch former Mets players win everywhere but with the Mets. It’s not just this year though it’s every year with countless other players succeeding on other teams. Just to throw a few names out there: Justin Verlander, Justin Turner, and Zach Wheeler are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s getting hard to watch at this point, and it seems like talent is just being thrown away. There is no definitive solution, no one can predict the future, but something has to change.” It’s controversial whether or not these former star Mets’ pitchers had anything to do with the Texas Rangers first World Series. But the fact of the matter is that they both received a ring after leaving New York. The Mets have to figure out a way to turn their franchise around before they lose anymore of their star players. Fan morale is at an alltime low, but look out for next season to see if they can flip the script.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
GOP Forms Supermajority in Legislature
Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne addresses supporters after winning a second term.
Continued from front cover ELEVENTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) easily won a third term in this half-Babylon, half-Islip district. His opponent, Lucas Deitch (D), was not actively campaigning. Flotteron* (R): 66.49% Deitch (D): 33.35%
The Seventeenth District covers parts of Huntington, Babylon, and Islip. Donnelly* (D): 61.28% Corella (R): 38.12% EIGHTEENTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) One of the more competitive races came in the form of the Huntington-based Eighteenth District. Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) narrowly flipped this seat in 2021 to help the party recapture the Legislature. She faced a spirited challenge from Dr. Eve Meltzer-Krief (D-Centerport), and while viewed as vulnerable by some, she nearly doubled her 2021 margin. Bontempi* (R): 52.53% Meltzer-Krief (D): 47.37%
TWELFTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) was elected to a fifth term by nearly forty points over Denis Graziano (D-Centereach), who was not actively campaigning. Kennedy* (R): 68.68% Graziano (D): 31.21% THIRTEENTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) was elected to a sixth and final term and faced no opponent.
Lee Zeldin addresses attendees.
FOURTEENTH DISTRICT (GOP HOLD) Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) won a sixth and final term by forty points over Edward Buturla (D), who was not actively campaigning. McCaffrey* (R): 69.90% Buturla (D): 29.98%
Republicans now enjoy a twelve-seat advantage on the Legislature, giving them a working supermajority along with a Republican county executive.
FIFTEENTH DISTRICT (DEMOCRAT HOLD) Legislator Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) comfortably won a second term in his Babylon-based district over Richard Felix (R-Melville). Richberg* (D): 66.55% Felix (R): 33.23% SIXTEENTH DISTRICT (FLIP FROM GOP TO DEMOCRAT) So far, the only Republican loss of the night comes in the form of the Sixteenth District. Freshman Legislator Manuel Esteban, Sr., (R-East Northport) was denied a second term by nonprofit CEO Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station) by a six-point margin. Esteban was viewed as the most vulnerable Republican heading into the cycle, as his narrow 2021 upset victory over Susan Berland (D) in a blue district easily painted him as one of the Democrats’ top targets for this year. The horseshoe-shaped district covers parts of Huntington, Babylon, and Islip. Sanin (D): 52.77% Esteban* (R): 46.77% SEVENTEENTH DISTRICT (DEMOCRAT HOLD) Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) won a fourth term by a substantial twentythree point margin over Catherine Corella (R-Deer Park). Donnelly won his first two terms by margins greater than 60%, but won a single-digit race in 2021. The GOP didn’t fare as well this time around, but Donnelly was cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party.
Romaine flanked by Chairmen Garcia and Torres after being declared the winner.