In the landmark case against former President Donald J. Trump (R-FL), the verdict is finally in: guilty on all thirty-four counts of falsification of business records.
The charges are all considered felonies in New York, to which Trump has pleaded not guilty.
Continued on page 8
In addition to the ongoing conversations of open-space preservation and conscientious development, another topic of frequent discussion is that zoning is cognizant of community needs and input.
The Mount Sinai Civic Association recently made their concerns known to the Town Council, which recently adopted the responsibilities of the nowdefunct Planning Board, regarding a proposal to rezone a parcel of land from J Business District (Transitional Business Zone) to L Industrial 1 (Light Industrial Zone).
New Leaf Energy proposed a battery energy storage system facility in Mount Sinai, which would have required a rezoning of the property. The proposed facility is part of a state effort to achieve the goal of 2019 New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which hopes that by 2030, 70% of electricity used should come from renewable sources.
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Thursday, June 6, 2024
The battery storage system proposed by New Leaf would have offset lack of wind and solar power in the off-season by storing excess energy. The facility would have also been able to distribute energy when needed.
The 40,000-square-foot facility was slated to contain twenty-four Tesla Megapack 2XL containers, capable of powering 16,000 homes. The proposed site was adjacent to Mount Sinai-Coram Road and Route 25A.
The Mount Sinai Civic Association was among the most vocal community stakeholders in opposition to the plan, stating fears of safety, proximity to high amounts of lithium, and possible fires. Estimates of the last meeting state that 70-80% of attendees were opposed to the plan.
Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) released a statement on Wednesday, stating the Town has elected not to consider New Leaf’s proposal, primarily due to community opposition in the Mount Sinai area.
“In the Town of Brookhaven, we spend a great deal of time on our Community Based Land Use Plans, actively engaging our communities and residents, to enact land use plans which reflect the character of our communities,” said Panico. “At a recent meeting of the Mount Sinai Civic Association, I listened carefully to the concerns of area residents, and two things were readily apparent to me. The first was that people preferred the current zoning and/or the possibility of the redevelopment of the parcel into a use more compatible with the zoning.”
On May 30, Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) returned to Empower Martial Arts to join in their first anniversary ribbon cutting celebration. He was joined by parents, students and members of the Greater Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches to congratulate the owner, Sensei David Schnopp.
One year ago, then-Councilman Panico attended the grand opening of the center, located at 15 Frowein Road in Center Moriches. Empower Martial arts was founded to create a safe and supportive community for learning Martial Arts. The modernized curriculum, inspired by Karate, integrates various Martial Arts, including striking, grappling, and more to offer a well-rounded training experience. For more information, call 631-400-9000, email empowerfitmma@gmail.com or go to www.empowerfitmma.com.
“The second, and more salient point, was that there is significant confusion regarding the New York State Climate Action goals and implementation of these battery energy storage systems,” Panico continued. I have spoken to New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), and he wholeheartedly agrees that far more needs to be done on in terms of education on this issue. He is a committed partner and engaged public servant who supports Brookhaven’s position and decision.”
Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point), who represents the area within the Second Council District, echoed Supervisor Panico’s points.
“I have spoken to so many residents on this issue and believe the Supervisor is 100% correct. There has been a great deal of misinformation on this matter,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Under New York State law, zoning power rests with the Town of Brookhaven and we are going to uphold the integrity of our zoning for our residents in this case. I thank so many people for reaching out directly to me on this matter whom I have come to know personally over the course of my tenure here as Town Councilwoman for our area. I welcome this direct dialogue and strongly caution against relying on social media for factual information on issues like this because social media has proven to be more than somewhat unreliable.”
The Town Board hears all zoning proposals and applicants are not guaranteed a hearing. Since the Town has elected not to consider the proposal, the application is effectively dismissed.
On May 29, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (R-Selden) brought his “Mobile Office” to the Comsewogue Public Library. This program makes it convenient for residents to connect with the Town Clerk, get their questions answered and receive important information about the Town of Brookhaven.
The Clerk’s office, which is often considered the center of town government, provides services that include Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates, Parking Permits for Persons with Disabilities, Amusement Permits, Special Event Permits, and much more. Due to privacy laws, passes or certificates are not issued during the Town Clerk’s Mobile Hours, but he can assist residents to get the process started.
For more information about the Brookhaven Town Clerk’s office, go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov/Town Clerk, email TownClerk@BrookhavenNY.gov. call 631-451-9101
Town Clerk Kevin LaValle’s Library Tour is scheduled to be at the following locations in 2024:
• June 21 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden
• July 25 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
South Country Public Library, 22 Station Rd, Bellport
• August 1 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Mastic/Shirley Library, 369 Neighborhood Rd, Mastic Beach
• September 26 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Longwood Public Library, 800 Middle Country Rd, Middle Island
• October 3 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main Street, East Setauket
• November 15 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Patchogue Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue
Email: editor@messengerpapers.com www.messengerpapers.com
The Brookhaven Messenger serves Centereach, Lake Grove, Selden, Coram, Farmingville, Rocky Point, Patchogue, Medford, Miller Place and Mt. Sinai 69 Years of Service to Our Community
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In a bipartisan effort aimed at revitalizing one of Long Island’s most esteemed institutions, Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) co-lead and have introduced a landmark bill to update and modernize the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point.
The proposed legislation seeks to enhance and modernize facilities, expand educational opportunities, and ensure the academy’s continued prominence as a premier training ground for future maritime leaders. This has garnered additional support with cosponsors signing onto the legislation including Congressmen Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park).
Situated on the scenic shores of Long Island Sound, the USMMA has a rich legacy of producing distinguished graduates who serve as officers in the Merchant Marines and other branches of the armed forces. However, in recent years, the academy has faced infrastructure challenges and funding constraints that have hindered its ability to provide a state-of-the-art education and training experience. Specifically, the legislation would authorize funds to support the implementation of the Full Speed Ahead infrastructure plan, created by The Maritime Security Infrastructure Council (MSIC) to address critical infrastructure needs at the USMMA. Funding would be authorized from FY24-FY34 in the amount of $54 million the first year, and $107,333,333 each subsequent year.
“The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is one of our nation’s five federal service academies and responsible for educating and training mariners who are committed to serving the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces,” said Congressman Garbarino. “Maritime security is critical to our national security, and yet the Academy has been allowed to fall into disrepair - threatening recruitment efforts as well as the quality of education the Academy can provide. With this legislation, we aim to upgrade and modernize the USMMA’s facilities so that we may continue to produce best-in-class mariners and ensure the strength of our national sea power.”
Central to the proposed bill is a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan that would address critical maintenance needs, renovate aging facilities, and enhance campus amenities. Many of the buildings at the Academy date back to the 1940s and are unable to meet the needs of
current and future midshipmen. Nearly every building on campus has exceeded its life expectancy, and reports of flooded classrooms, a lack of hot water for Midshipmen, and broken air conditioners and heating units, are commonplace. These campus conditions are unacceptable and have a direct impact on the quality of the education provided to current Midshipmen, as well as on the ability to attract new entrants to the Academy. From modernizing classrooms and laboratories to improving athletic facilities and dormitories, the proposed improvements aim to create a conducive learning environment that meets the evolving needs of cadets and faculty.
“For more than 80 years, USMMA has trained Midshipmen and merchant mariners who have faithfully served our nation in times of war and peace. I am proud to serve on the Board of Visitors of this historically rich institution,” said Congressman Suozzi.
“After facing setbacks for years, the Merchant Marine Academy is now positioned for a major turnaround. This legislation for the rehabilitation, modernization, and construction of facilities and infrastructure will greatly contribute to ensuring that USMMA remains a premier institution for years to come.”
“This important bill allocates crucial funding to update the aging infrastructure of the Merchant Marine Academy, some of which dates back to the 1940s. These outdated facilities compromise the education and training of our future leaders in national security, marine transportation, and economic fields,” said Congressman LaLota. “This investment is vital for ensuring that the academy continues to develop top-tier Merchant Marine Officers and leaders. By modernizing the Academy, we will not only enhance the quality of education but also bolster the academy’s capacity to attract and train the brightest new students.”
As the bill moves through the legislative process, Congressmen Garbarino and Suozzi are working to garner bipartisan support and build consensus around the importance of investing in Long Island’s Merchant Marine Academy. With backing from local stakeholders, industry leaders, and advocacy groups, they remain optimistic about the bill’s prospects for passage and its potential to secure a brighter future for the academy and its cadets.
The summer months played host to a contentious local law issue: a ballot measure that would allow Suffolk residents to approve or reject an eighthcent sales tax increase to fund sewer and Innovative Alternative Wastewater (I/A) Systems across the county and phase out outdated cesspools and septic systems.
The Suffolk County Legislature tabled the initiative, as many Legislators said they were uncomfortable with the lion’s share of projected tax revenue going to I/A systems, for which there is much less demand than sewers.
This year, the Legislature and County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) passed a revised initiative to be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to allow Suffolk County voters to amend the tax code. Governor Hochul signed the legislation at Captree State Park last month.
The public portion of the bill, I.R. 1461-2024, was closed after Tuesday’s general meeting in Hauppauge. Many community stakeholders came to support the initiative.
Peter Topping, Executive Director of Peconic Baykeeper, said that he supports the plan.
“I’m happy to have a clear path forward to generate the funding that we need to both improve sewering and upgrade the over 300,000 septic systems that are polluting the ground and surface waters of Suffolk County,” said Topping. “I’ve borne witness to this issue since I was a kid in the 1980s with brown tide. I see rust tide, bluegreen algae blooms, mahogany tides, macroalgae blooms. All these things are proliferating in our creeks and embayments as a result of putrefaction from nitrogen and other nutrients in our waterways.”
Conservation Voters, said that the act would “improve drinking water, protect public health and boost the economy.”
“The funds, much of which will be paid from visitors, will create thousands of good local and union jobs, revitalizing business districts and increasing property values,” said Petrachek. “We know a bipartisan majority of voters are in favor of state and local initiatives to safeguard clean drinking water.”
Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), posed a question to Petrachek inquiring about his age. Petrachek replied that he is thirty-four years old.
“In 1987, this body passed a quarter-cent sales tax for clean water and open space. Since then, in the past couple of years, we raided it for $200 million,” said Trotta. “We have not paid it back. Out of that about $100 million a year in the quarter cent sales tax, $39 million goes into the general fund. It isn’t even used for $300 million. So, if you were to take the $39 million on the quarter-cent sales tax, add it to the $11 million a year that we could do for the next twenty-six years to pay back the $200 million, we would have the same amount of money this eighth-cent [tax] would do without raising the taxes.”
Bob DeLuca, President of Group of for the East End, said that the initiative is “one of the most important clean water actions set forth in the county’s adopted sub-watershed wastewater plan.”
“After more than a decade of research, analysis, broad-based stakeholder engagement, technological advancement, and related rule-makings within the Suffolk County Sanitary Code, and a fair amount of hard work by all of you [Legislators] and others, the passage of these two resolutions is the essential last legislative step in Suffolk County’s generational commitment to a clean water future,” said DeLuca. The other resolution DeLuca referred to is I.R.1460, which will consolidate the sewer districts into two zones of assessment.
Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, spoke in favor of the bill as well.
“Long Island is a community of communities and that’s when the individual communities themselves and their leaders speak; they’re the most important voices in my view,” said Alexander. He listed twenty communities for which Vision Long Island has advocated sewers, or communities who have reached out to Vision Long Island directly on the matter. Within Islip Town, Alexander listed Central Islip, Brentwood, Sayville, and Holbrook. WIthin Smithtown, Kings Park and Smithtown hamlet. Within Brookhaven, North Bellport, Gordon Heights, Mastic Beach, Coram, Mastic, Middle Island, Shirley, Farmingville, and Port Jefferson Station.
Alexander said that small businesses “thrive” when sewage treatment is accessible, reinforcing the importance of downtown revitalization initiatives.
Casey Petrachek, a representative for the New York League of
Matt Aracich, President of the Nassau Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council, thanked the Legislators for their efforts in putting this referendum on the November ballot.
“[I.R.] 1461 is something that the Building Trades [Council] sees as an opportunity for everyone, for the county, for the workers, for the residents, and for the environmentalists,” said Aracich. “There is not one thing that we’re looking to change other than the idea that we want to expand everything we can and move this as quickly as possible.”
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director for the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, also thanked the Legislature and County Executive Romaine for guiding this bill through to the Governor’s desk.
“Today is the day when we turn the page in history for Suffolk County’s future. Today is the day where we make history in creating a cleaner, safer, healthier Long Island for generations to come,” said Esposito. “We long for the day when Suffolk County will no longer be known as the septic capital of the world. We need a different title and we’ll get a different title with this project.”
Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) asked George Hoffman, of the Setauket Harbor Task Force, what consequences could be faced from pumping “millions of gallons of water” into the ocean instead of letting the wastewater percolate into the aquifer.
Hoffman said that under the current sewer districts, some waterpump into the harbors, while other waters go into individual septic systems, which recharge the groundwater over time.
“Right now, it’s recharging the ground with nitrogen-laden septic waters, which is not good,” said Hoffman. “Most of the homeowners around the shore of Port Jefferson Harbor have antiquated septic systems.”
The bill’s public portion was closed with all seventeen Legislators present voting in the affirmative. Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) was absent.
When The Messenger took the trip into New York City last week to witness history outside Trump Tower, we weren’t exactly sure what we would see. We figured, at the very least, most of the crowd would be protesting Trump and celebrating his conviction, while what little Trump supporters were there would be targeted for their red hats and campaign merchandise. We were certainly hoping there wouldn’t be physical altercations there, but we weren’t ruling it out, as that’s unfortunately a reality of some venues of modern political discourse.
We couldn’t have been more wrong in what we saw. Not only was the crowd civil and no violence was waged from either party, the Trump supporters easily outnumbered the Trump protestors about ten-to-one. Flags, hats, signs, and other paraphernalia were fully on display on Fifth Avenue, as only a couple signs protesting Trump were seen.
The other thing that should make Democrats nervous, not just in New York, but on a national scale, is the fact the pro-Trump crowd in NYC was majority-minority. Hispanic voters said that Trump is primed to win the Latino vote. Black voters said that many were “leaving the Democratic plantation” and backing Trump. Chinese-Americans who escaped Communist China said that the political persecution is all-too familiar from their homeland and are concerned to observe it in the United States.
From what we believe, putting Trump on the stand and convicting him over something that, frankly, every other president has done at some point - Bill Clinton, anyone? - is perhaps the best gift they could have ever given to his campaign.
Biden’s support among minority voters has been deteriorating since the start of his term, but now more than ever do some core Democratic voters find discomfort with the way things have been run. Ironically, Democrats preach a message of “institutional” bias or racism against minorities, especially regarding the justice system. If that’s true, then wouldn’t those people supposedly victimized by the system only identify with Trump as he’s being victimized simply for who he is?
Even non-Republicans admit this is a travesty. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., this year’s top Independent candidate said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “The Democratic Party’s strategy is to beat President Trump in the courtroom rather than the ballot box. This will backfire in November. Even worse, it is profoundly undemocratic.”
The DNC called him a “useful idiot” in response. Typical.
Congressman and former long-shot presidential candidate Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) listed all of Trump’s faults on X, before saying that Governor Hochul (D-NY) should pardon him. He doubled down on his comments, diffusing claims of sarcasm, by writing:
“You think pardoning is stupid? Making him a martyr over a payment to a porn star is stupid. (Election charges are entirely different.) It’s energizing his base, generating record sums of campaign cash, and will likely result in an electoral boost.”
Phillips is seeing the writing on the wall.
Think others aren’t? Governor Hochul (D) directed the MTA to suspend the congestion pricing plan in NYC. Everyone, including Democrats, was quick to call her out on the
election-year stunt, which amounts to nothing more than damage control to keep voters at least somewhat complacent about the weights of their pocketbooks going into the polls in November. After all, “it’s the economy, stupid.”
Furthermore, The Messenger was able to pick the brains of legal counsel, and the unanimous opinion is that Judge Juan Merchan’s operation of his courtroom is truly unconventional. Not requiring a unanimous agreement to deliver a guilty verdict is unprecedented. We believe that Merchan made such a staggering rule change to extort the outcome he wanted. If there’s no point in being unanimous, the jury might as well just all vote guilty and head home. No deliberation, no sequestering, no debate until a verdict is reached. Wasn’t that the premise of Twelve Angry Men? Why wasn’t Trump afforded a fair shake in the eyes of the justice system?
Perhaps the blindfold wasn’t covering the eyes of Lady Justice as it typically does. But that hasn’t slowed Trump’s momentum one bit. In the twenty-four hours after the verdict, Trump recorded a staggering $54 million in campaign contributions - a new record. Trump had already eclipsed Biden’s April fundraising numbers, but now he is cruising past him, all while the polls continue to tighten in blue states.
Virginia, New Hampshire, and Minnesota now no longer display the decent leads for Biden they once did. Biden seems to be in such a deficit in Nevada, Georgia, and Arizona, that it’s a tough feat for him to close those gaps by Election Day. Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas aren’t even remotely in play this year.
But that’s not where it stops. Biden has aggregate single-digit leads in New Jersey, Illinois, and Colorado. Single-digit polls continue to come out in New York, Washington state, and even Hawaii. In fact, Trump leads the aggregate in Maine, a state that has not backed a Republican since 1988.
The electoral map could not favor Trump more. Andrew Giuliani told The Messenger that he now sees a path to 360 electoral votes for Trump. This would include all of the swing states and battlegrounds he won in 2016, which would give him 307 votes, as well as those he didn’t win: Nevada, Minnesota, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Colorado, and Virginia, which would put him at 357. At this point, New Jersey seems like the best bet for him, as New Jersey residents told The Messenger last week that they believe Trump will carry the Garden State this fall. That would put him past 360 at 371, a landslide win of proportions we have not seen in over a generation.
At this point, we’re simply prognosticating. Maybe it’s New Jersey and not Colorado, maybe Connecticut or Oregon gets in the mix. The point is, from what we’re seeing on the ground and from the data, Giuliani’s figure is grounded in reality.
If New York were able to enter the fold, an admittedly tough task for Trump, that would likely mean Trump has far surpassed 400 electoral votes.
Still, the election is five months away, and that’s an eternity on the campaign trail. All we can say is that the profound legal circumstances of this case appear to be delivering a profound effect on one of the most important elections of our lifetime.
The Suffolk County Legislature closed a public hearing at Tuesday’s general meeting on I.R. 1371, a bill sponsored by Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) that would ban restaurants and food delivery services from issuing single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets unless requested by the customer.
To say we’re conflicted on this matter is an understatement. As stated by Englebright and others at the general meeting, the most important “R” of the “Three R’s” is “reduce.” We would agree that many of our waste and pollution problems would be abated simply by reduction.
We also don’t think that adding a step to add utensils to a mobile order is the world’s biggest inconvenience, especially in light of the problem.
But where our conflicts lie is the role of government in this case. The basic mantra is: if people took more personal responsibility and did their part, we wouldn’t need legislation like this.
Majority Leader Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) invoked this logic at the meeting. At the end of the day, litterers will still litter, whether they requested the utensils in their fast food order or not. Plastic forks and empty ketchup packets still end up out the window, on our beaches, or scattered in the streets. Legislation should not be used to change behaviors. We understand
times are difficult, especially as microplastics continue to invade every tenet of our health, but it’s a sad reflection on society that responsibility must be legislated from a governing body rather than implicitly understood by the public.
We don’t blame Suffolk County for the lapse in personal responsibility in certain corners of society. We blame them on the overall, far-reaching, nihilistic worldviews perpetrated by society’s largest stakeholders. The truth is, Americans have had it too good for too long. We’re used to the government rushing in to fix every problem that we’ve forgotten that’s not the classical purpose of government. Personal responsibility is no longer the way to live your life, consequences be damned. We opened a door long ago that effectively makes us okay with the government utilizing its power to legislate change in habits and behavior.
We’d say that we’re less comfortable with the precedent and the current state of society than we are with the core aspects of this legislation.
We will, however, take chagrin at what some of the speakers at the horseshoe said. There is, in fact, no Pacific “garbage patch” that is “twice the size of Texas.” It’s a marketing strategy to illustrate the importance of microplastics in the ocean. Passing it off as fact is disingenuous and only diminishes any positive effects this type of legislation can have.
The latest bills of discussion in Albany are those that would modify state laws pertaining to the intrastate and interstate commerce of certain alcoholic beverages in New York.
In short, the bills would allow out-of-state, direct-to-consumer shipment of alcohol that would not only circumvent New York’s “three-tier” system of ensuring safe and legitimate products, but also cause the state to lose millions of dollars in tax revenue from the products.
About 20% of liquor sales are constituted by New York State taxes. Federal liquor taxes are paid by the distilleries, while state taxes are paid by the consumers or wholesalers thirty days after they pay for their products.
The legislation would allow for out-of-state distilleries to sell liquor, cider, mead, and braggot directly to New York consumers and businesses. Multiple opponents of the bill, including the Northport-based Retailers Alliance says that collecting state taxes from out-ofstate shippers is “difficult, if not impossible.”
We think Albany should put down the bills regarding these changes. Not only are
we concerned about product integrity and possible sales to minors, but it would have a large negative impact on the small businesses and liquor stores in Suffolk County and across the state.
Jim Beam, one of the largest distilleries in the world, is lobbying for the legislation, despite not having a distillery in New York.
The big guys are looking to cash in on the pricy New York market if these bills pass, a tough scenario with which small businesses might not be able to compete.
Plus, going to a local liquor store is part of the experience. Getting in-house expertise on best qualities, tastes, mixing capabilities, and just seeing what new products are featured is the reason we take a drive (or Uber) to the stores.
Albany should forego these bills in favor of the small businesses, and for the sake of tax revenue it so desperately needs.
If they don’t, we’ll have what you’re having.
The federal government currently imposes an $11.20 9/11 Passenger Security Fee on every domestic round trip. However, a staggering one-third of these funds—totaling over $19 billion—has been diverted from their intended security purposes to the Treasury for unrelated expenditures. In response, I’ve introduced a bill in Congress aimed at halting this misallocation and dedicating the entirety of these funds to bolstering air travel safety and efficiency.
This diversion of the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee not only undermines the trust of air travelers but also exemplifies a stark case of governmental overreach by misappropriating crucial security funds. In response, I have sponsored the bipartisan Stop the Scam Act to ensure that these fees are exclusively allocated to essential aviation security initiatives, aimed at preventing another catastrophe like September 11th. Impressively, my bill has garnered unanimous support from all members of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security, underscoring a shared commitment to rectify this issue.
My commitment to public service is deeply rooted in my family history. I grew up in a family dedicated to service—my father and grandfathers were police officers, my step-father served in the Navy, and my brother spent 20 years in the Marine Corps. I continued this legacy by attending the U.S. Naval Academy, which instilled in me a profound sense of duty and patriotism.
On September 11, 2001, soon after my graduation, I was serving on my first naval ship. I witnessed the horrific attacks alongside my shipmates, many of whom, like myself, were from New York and lost friends and family that day.
As a Judge, I have Never Witnessed Such an Abuse of Judicial Authority
In my 57 years practicing law, 12 of them as a Judge, I have never witnessed such an abuse of judicial authority as is being imposed by Judge Juan Merchan. He is replacing competence and impartiality with incompetence and prejudice. As a result, he is dragging the entire New York State judicial system in the cluttered gutter of partisan politics.
With all due respect, I urge the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct to consider admonishing Judge Marchan and also consider removal from the Bench.
Hon. Martin J. Kerins, former Acting State Supreme Court Judge, County Court Judge, District Court Judge, Counsel to Speaker of Assembly, and Brookhaven Town Attorney. Eastport
In the wake of that tragedy, we made a solemn promise to prevent any such attacks from recurring on our soil.
In the months following the attacks, Congress established the TSA and introduced the Passenger Security Fee to finance the continual update of security technologies at our airports. Despite these measures, the TSA recently disclosed that the deployment of critical technologies like the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and Checkpoint Property Screening Systems will be delayed until 2049 and 2042, respectively. This is due in part to significant cuts in funding for these technologies—from $80 million to $35 million in the FY24 Appropriations bill.
It is imperative that we equip our security personnel with the most advanced and effective tools available to ensure the safety and freedom of movement for all. By restoring transparency and ensuring that funds are appropriately allocated, we can rebuild trust with the public. I am committed to ending the diversion of the Passenger Security Fee and will tirelessly advocate for the safety of all travelers.
Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) is the Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security and currently represents New York’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
This case should have never been brought forward in the first place. This political persecution, designed to interfere with the 2024 election, was a disgusting abuse and weaponization of the criminal justice system. This ruling is obviously going to be overturned on appeal, but, for Democrats, this case was never about the merits. This was a coordinated effort by a District Attorney fulfilling a campaign pledge to prosecute Trump without the slightest clue of the possible charge. With the help of the Biden Justice Department, this sham trial was a campaign inside of a campaign to secure a talking point, regardless of how much damage it could cause to our country and criminal justice system.
The Democrats tried their political prosecution in Manhattan, where it would be virtually impossible for President Trump to get a fair jury of his peers. They secured a judge in Juan Merchan who should have been recused due to his clear conflict of interest. Merchan is a Biden-Harris donor who is suspiciously the same guy who presided over a Trump Organization case, the Weisselberg prosecution and Bannon prosecution. On top of it all, his daughter works for a firm actively raising millions of dollars leveraging this case for Democrats across the country. Merchan was totally conflicted, showing bias at every turn, issuing an unconstitutional gag order on the defendant and allowing
salacious testimony from a porn star that had nothing to do with the case.
The Department of Justice, Federal Election Commission, and Bragg’s predecessor all previously declined to proceed with these charges. Bragg took this zombie case on, well after the twoyear statute of limitations had expired, and elevated 34 misdemeanor counts to felony charges without ever identifying, let alone proving, what underlying crime was committed. The Judge and DA even went as far as telling the jury they can make a conviction by choosing whatever underlying, uncharged crime they want without the jurors even coming up with the same crime or disclosing which laws in the books they use.
There is no greater threat to Democracy than Joe Biden and the Democrats trying to lock up Biden’s chief political opposition for the rest of his life, keep Trump off the campaign trail, bankrupt him and his family, remove him from the November ballot, and deny Americans the right to choose for themselves who they want to elect as their next President. This all serves as a reminder of just how urgent and necessary our victory will be November 5.
Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) represented the Third District in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and New York’s First Congressional District from 2015 to 2023. He was the Republican nominee for New York Governor in 2022.
Each charge pertains to an invoice paid either from Trump’s personal account or from his revocable trust to his former attorney, Michael Cohen. Cohen allegedly paid off adult film actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about a relationship with Trump before he became president. Cohen sent invoices for each installation of his payment with the memo as “retainer” for his legal services. Bookkeepers logged the payments as legal expenses. Prosecutors assert Trump was aware he was sending “hush money” to Cohen and, vicariously, Daniels.
Judge Juan Merchan presided over the case and the jury found Trump guilty on each of the thirty-four allegedly falsified records.
Trump held a press conference at Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue last Friday, which attracted hundreds of supporters and onlookers throughout the afternoon. The Messenger took the trip into Manhattan to interview spectators witnessing the historic moment. We also bumped into a familiar face and name around the Big Apple: Andrew Giuliani, 2022 gubernatorial candidate in the Republican primary, and son of former NYC Mayor and Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani (R).
“As much as a travesty as everything in this courtroom that has happened over the last six weeks has been, I think they’ve persecuted Donald Trump into the White House to become the forty-seventh president,” Giuliani told The Messenger Giuliani said that if “somebody breaks the law, they deserve to go to jail and be reformed.” He then questioned why Hillary Clinton (D-NY) was not prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) over the infamous Steele Dossier, an opposition report financed by the Clinton campaign during the 2016 election to accuse Trump of collusion with the Russian government.
“What was the Steele Dossier filed as? A legal expense. What was the Cohen stuff filed as? A legal expense,” said Giuliani. “It’s selective prosecution.”
Giuliani says that he has regularly seen a path to 300 electoral votes for Trump in November. He says that he now sees 360 electoral votes as a likelier scenario.
“I think places like New Jersey, I think maybe even New York, may be on the map because I’m hearing from more and more Americans that maybe they didn’t vote for Donald Trump in 2020, maybe they didn’t love some of the Tweets, but they’re saying they don’t want a country where politicians persecute their opponents. And that’s what’s happening,” said Giuliani.
A 300-electoral vote victory would be relatively modest, but more than the 270 required to win the election. A 360-vote victory is one that has not been mirrored since Barack Obama’s (D-IL) 2008 campaign, and one that has not been matched by a Republican since George H. W. Bush (R-TX) in 1988.
Giuliani answered The Messenger’s questions on the ground game in New York and which other states the Trump campaign is targeting to help expand the map.
“I think the Bronx rally was a big part of that [New York ground game],” Giuliani told The Messenger, referencing Trump’s surprise rally in Crotona Park just two weeks before the verdict. The rally is estimated to have drawn 25,000-30,000 supporters in one of the bluest counties in the nation. Giuliani says that Trump has been able to engage with voters in a way that “no other politicians in the history of our country have been to engage with.”
“I think Minnesota is really, really in play,” said Giuliani, referencing a state that has long eluded Republicans since 1976. Trump came within two points of carrying the state in 2016, but Biden improved the margin to about seven points in 2020. “I think they [the Democrats] have a real issue in both Minnesota and Michigan with the ‘no contest’ votes,” Giuliani said of the protest primary votes against Biden for his action regarding the war in Gaza.
Giuliani also said that Virginia is also in play for November.
Recent polls show the state within the margin of error, despite Biden having won the state by about ten points in 2020 and no Republican having won it since 2004.
“My concern is getting to 270, and figuring out as many potential paths to get to 270 as possible. New York, I look at, is icing on the cake,” Giuliani told The Messenger. “It’s a place where I want Joe Biden to be able to have to spend resources here come September and October. If he could do that, then that’s a win. That’s less resources they’ll put into Pennsylvania. Maybe into places like New Jersey, which has been blue, but has had more of a tendency to go red than a place like New York.”
The Messenger made sure to speak with the dozens of Trump supporters outside Trump Tower, many of whom did not back Trump in the last election, but now solidly stand behind him this year.
Raul Rivera, a taxi driver and public policy advocate, says he last voted in a presidential election for Obama in 2008. He sat out the 2012, 2016, and 2020 elections, but now vehemently supports Trump in November.
“It [voting] wasn’t in me, I wasn’t into politics,” said Rivera. “I became a taxi driver in 2016 and started advocating for the drivers and I realized that what’s happening in the city [New York] is just disgraceful.”
Rivera describes himself as a “private person,” but felt he had to speak up on behalf of the drivers. He took chagrin with Democratic leadership who blame problems in the city on “white supremacy.”
“Many of the City Council members try to gaslight us with white supremacy, but it’s really our ‘own’ people blocking us,” said Rivera. “I’ve met with the Mayor [Adams] twice. Last time I checked, he’s not white. A lot of the Council members are black and Latino.”
Rivera, a proud New Yorker and a proud Puerto Rican, detests the racial politics that New York Democrats have played to entice minority voters to the polls. Rivera says that cab drivers, for one group, are not buying it.
“90% of the cab drivers are immigrants with a language barrier. Believe it not, they support Trump,” said Rivera. “A taxi driver in New York City is a small business owner. A lot of them support him.”
Rivera also says that observable minority support for Trump in places like New York is low because of the “hate” that it entices.
“You cannot walk around with a Trump hat or t-shirt because you’ll get punched in the face. There’s women getting punched in the face and they don’t even have a [Trump] hat on.”
Rivera says that he thinks that Trump will not only win the election, but that he will flip New York State.
“We’ve got to protect the Constitution, we have to have closed borders, we need legal migration. We don’t hate immigrants, New York City is the melting pot; it’s about safety,” said Rivera.
The Messenger also spoke with a relatively new Trump supporter, Sid Winston, a former custodian for the New York City courthouse in which Trump was convicted. Winston refused to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandates and has since been doing odd jobs to make ends meet.
“I bought into the fear mongering, so I abstained,” said Winston of his vote in the 2016 election. He wrote-in for Bernie Sanders (I-VT). He says after “Hillary Clinton stole the primary,” he was “done with the corruption.”
“I got a chance to try America under Trump, and the proof is in the pudding,” Winston told The Messenger. A Brooklyn native, Winston says that he got into finance “for the first time” under Trump because he “actually started to make money.”
“After Obama, there was this talk of a post-racial America, which I did not believe for one second,” said Winston. “You can call Trump a racist all you want, but I had enough opportunity under him. I learned how to do finances.”
Countinued on page 11
According to the data, 2022 saw 36,000 migrants ordered to be removed from the U.S, 32,000 granted asylum, and 102,550 had their cases dismissed, compared to just 4,700 in 2020.
In 2023, 149,000 cases were dismissed. With 2024 roughly half over, the numbers look to surpass those of last year’s, with 114,000 cases dismissed.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers say that they have witnessed migrants commit crimes after their asylum cases were dismissed, only to result in a tedious removal process, which usually takes years.
Once the cases are dismissed, affected immigrants are not subject to deportation, unless otherwise specifically noted. Affected immigrants are also no longer required to regularly report to ICE.
Although a dismissed case prohibits migrants from receiving public benefits or work permits, the lack of obligation to leave the U.S. allows migrants to explore other avenues of legal status or re-apply for asylum.
In political news, the final big day of the primary calendar was held on Tuesday. Both parties held primaries in Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
Biden carried Montana with 92.1% of the vote, as of press time, to the “No Preference” option’s 7.9%. Trump took 89.6% to the “No Preference” option’s 10.4%. Both are expected to sweep all fifty-six counties and secure all twenty and thirty-one delegates, respectively.
Both candidates won New Jersey, with Biden taking 88.3% to the “Uncommitted” option’s 9.0%, and Trump winning by default due to no ballot opposition. Biden took all twenty-one counties and 126 delegates. Trump will earn twelve delegates, as New Jersey had its forty delegates removed as a penalty for scheduling the primary after May 31.
Congressman Andy Kim (D, NJ-03) has earned the nomination for New Jersey’s open Senate seat, currently held by
In South Dakota, Biden took 73.% of the vote and led in all but three of the state’s sixty-six counties. Results were not posted in the outstanding three as of press time. Long-suspended candidates Marianne Williamson (D-CA) and Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) each took about 10% of the vote. Trump won South Dakota by default due to no ballot opposition. Trump earns twenty-nine delegates; Biden wins sixteen.
Finally, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has earned ballot access in South Carolina, netting him nine electoral votes on his path to 270. Nevada’s Secretary of State is challenging the validity of his signatures due to his petitions having been processed before his running mate was named.
State
Albany is currently nearing an agreement on landmark legislation that would alter social media algorithms presented to children.
The Stop Addictive Feed Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act would prohibit the provision of addictive social media feeds to minors by means of algorithms used to make online content far-reaching and ubiquitous. The SAFE for Kids Act would also establish remedies and penalties.
The legislative intent for the Assembly version of the bill (A.8148) states that social media platforms “automatically process enormous amounts of data about the behavior of users.” The intent also states that in addition to typical “likes” and “follows” that certain content might receive from a user, social media apps are constantly logging other forms of engagement, such as time spent viewing a certain type of media or content. This allows the algorithm to make predictions regarding a user’s interests, attention span, and moods that keep the content the algorithm finds “relevant” regularly circulated in the feed.
Albany also finds that such assembly-line-like feeds have proven to be addictive and have “dramatic negative effects” on
Assembly co-sponsors from Suffolk include Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville), Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), Kimberly JeanPierre (D-Wheatley Heights), and Keith Brown (R-Northport).
Senate co-sponsors from Suffolk include Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), and Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood).
Congressman Nick laLota (R, NY-01), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus, recently helped secure $40 million for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Island Sound geographic program.
In 2023, LaLota introduced the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act, which would reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program through 2028. LaLota has reaffirmed his support for his 2023 bill this year, and has also supported reauthorizing the Long Island Sound Program in the biannual Water Resources Development Act.
The $40 million for the Long Island Sound comes from the Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill that was enacted in March.
“From fishing to tourism to its role as a critical natural resource, the Long Island Sound is much more than a body of water, it is a way of life. I’m thrilled to announce that I was able to secure $40 million to preserve the Sound in this year’s government funding process,” said LaLota. “This vital funding will help address pollution, improve water quality, restore important habitats, and protect the Sound for decades to come. The Sound provides invaluable resources to Long Island families, and I am committed to its preservation to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.”
New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) recently hosted two Valedictorian and Salutatorian ceremonies in recognition of the South Fork and Brookhaven’s top academic students. Senator Palumbo was joined by Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Assemblyman Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) to celebrate and congratulate the students on their impressive academic accomplishments and achievements.
“Congratulations to all our valedictorians and salutatorians. The hard work and dedication that these extraordinary students have shown throughout their academic careers and, especially, over the past few years is a testament to their ability and determination to succeed. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and congratulate them, and their parents on their significant academic accomplishments,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo.
“I am thrilled to spotlight the extraordinary achievements of our region’s brightest academic stars, who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, a thirst for knowledge, and a relentless pursuit of academic success. The students’ dedication and drive for success are truly inspiring. I applaud them for their outstanding accomplishments and
eagerly anticipate their continued success as they pave the way towards a brighter future for themselves and our community,” said Assemblyman Fred Thiele.
“Congratulations to these impressive students, for earning top academic honors. Their commitment to academic excellence will undoubtedly serve them well in their future journey. I am happy to recognize their accomplishments and wish them much success in their next chapter of life,” said Senator Dean Murray.
“Congratulations to each of you, congratulations to your parents for raising you to be the successful individuals that you are, and congratulations to our neighbors for having such talented, successful young people to look up to in our community. Your success was hard earned, requiring the dedication, effort, and character that being a future leader will require. I know you will continue to make us proud, and
I wish you all a bright and prosperous future,” said Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio.
“We are extremely proud of these outstanding students,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “They are a reflection of their communities, and we wish them great success as they pursue their academic and professional careers.”
“Congratulations to all of our 2024 valedictorians and salutatorians! Your hard work, dedication and commitment have truly paid off. May your academic achievements be the beginning of your bright futures ahead. I wish the best of luck to each of you,” said Assemblyman Ed Flood.
The following Class of 2024 students earned the rank of Valedictorian and Salutatorian for their school districts within the boundaries of the First and Third Senatorial Districts, and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Assembly Districts.
Congratulations to: Alexandra DeMatteo and Tori RudnickCenter Moriches UFSD
Jackeline Antelo and Alexander KosakComsewogue UFSD
Ryan Lee and Layla WarsawEastport South Manor CSD
Gregory Cohen and Katherine MillerLongwood CSD
Christopher Barton and Joseph RitieniMiller Place SD
Anna Fedotov and Anna RossmanMount Sinai SD
Eric Chen and Michelle WuPort Jefferson SD
Isabella Rooney and Sofia HavilandRocky Point UFSD
James T. Minetti and Lucas J. PortueseShoreham-Wading River CSD
Katherine Liang and William McGovern/ Michael Zhang - Three Village CSD
Last week, the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce, elected officials, and the Holbrook community at-large came out to support the ribbon-cutting and grand opening for Forge Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu.
“Forge Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu is an open-source learning environment. Forge takes a fundamental approach to youth wrestling, offering a variety of different techniques and training philosophies to implement a sound foundation for all ages,” reads their website.
“Our Jiu Jitsu program is run by high-level black belts who take training seriously without the rigid hierarchy that comes with a lot of other traditional schools.”
Forge offers a “Free to Blue” program for police officers, corrections, and active military up to blue belt-level training.
Forge’s ribbon-cutting was attended by New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), and Holbrook Chamber of Commerce President Rick Ammirati.
Forge Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu is located at 310 Main Street in Holbrook and can be reached at 631-926-8167.
Continued from page 8
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Winston, a black voter, says that the predominately-black crowd supporting Trump outside Trump Tower on Friday is not just a “fringe” group.
“The Bronx rally should give you a clue of how much [black] support he has,” said Winston. He also said that New York is primed for “a flip.”
“Every New Yorkers is feeling the prices. Gas prices are high, and now we have the congestion tax,” said Winston, saying that high taxes is “just the Democratic Party altogether.”
Aura Moody, an immigrant to New York, says that she proudly backs the Republican Party, as, historically, the party “funded black colleges and universities so people of color could earn an education,” and that the Democratic Party “opposed” suffrage for black people. Moody also says that her status as an immigrant doesn’t matter under the eyes of the Constitution.
“In the United States of America, we are not judged by the country that we are born in or skin color. We love this country, we believe in God, and we believe in the Constitution,” Moody told The Messenger. “All those immigrants who hate President Trump should go back to their own countries and come back to the United States when you appreciate what you have here.”
Moody called the Democratic Party the party of “slavery and white supremacy,” chastising Trump protestors who chanted “Guilty!”
One Trump supporter, an immigrant who escaped Communist China, who wished to remain anonymous, said that she supports Trump because “we don’t even deserve him.”
“He didn’t have to do any of this, and he’s done above and beyond,” she said. The supporter said that she could not vote in the last election since she was still immigrating to the U.S. from China. She takes umbrage with the Trump verdict because she can “smell the dictatorship from ten miles away.”
The supporter, who described herself as a “patriot,” said that immigrants and minorities are “waking up” and that “God is waiting for us to turn around to Him.”
“This is a hostile, globalist takeover of the earth. America will stand strong,” she said, saying that if the U.S. loses its place on the world stage, there are no comparable countries left. “Trump will win in such a landslide, that it will be too big to rig.”
Another supporter, a New York native who now lives in Texas, said he came to Trump Tower to “observe” the crowd and pay a visit to his home city while in town visiting family.
“I think the decision is very political, it’s only stuff you see in other countries with dictators when they arrest their political opponents,” he said.
Paul Dorman, a retired plumber from Brooklyn, said that Trump is “exposing the corrupt judicial system in New York.” Dorman, a lifelong Independent, said that Trump “exposed” to him “what’s going on.”
“I vote for whoever I feel like, and Trump is the best,” said Dorman.
The Messenger did find some Trump protestors, who insisted that the “judicial system in America still works.”
The protestor, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he last backed a Republican when he voted for Richard Nixon (R-CA). A Veteran of the U.S. Army, the protestor said that when he returned to the U.S., he was “shocked” to see the way the country was.
“I have faith in the New York people here, and we will come out and support Biden,” said the protestor of the tightening polls in New York. The lifelong New York native said he voted for Biden in 2020 and plans to vote to re-elect him.
“Employment is great, it’s a lot better,” he said. “Giving relief to students for their debt will offset inflation. He’s fighting for the people. Biden is making active, discernible decisions to take care of the citizens of the country. He’s the people’s president. What did Trump do? He’s a con artist.”
Biden’s latest lead in New York is now just seven points, according to the latest Emerson poll of 1,000 registered voters with third-party candidates factored in.
Bellport High School’s boys’ varsity 4x400 team broke a 30-year school record at the North Shore Invitational on May 11. The team, made up of Arthur Henry, Raymond Kreamer, Josiah Salomon, and Jovhan Salomon, ran the relay in an impressive first-place time of 3:23.28. The team currently holds the fastest time on Long Island going into the spring postseason.
The South Country Central School District extends its congratulations to the team members and wishes them the best in their future races.
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School proudly announces its remarkable achievement in U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious Best High Schools for STEM rankings. Recognized as a top-performing institution, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School has secured a prominent position near the top of the list among approximately 25,000
public high schools nationwide.
Earl L. Vandermeueln High School currently ranks 119th in the nation and third on Long Island.
“We are incredibly proud of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s recognition in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools for STEM rankings,” said Dr. Robert Neidig, Assistant Superintendent
for Curriculum and Instruction.
“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to offering high-quality STEM education and empowering our students to thrive in an increasingly complex and innovative world.”
U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools for STEM rankings focus on schools that excel in providing
students with a robust curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To be considered for these rankings, schools must demonstrate a commitment to offering college-level math and science courses and achieving qualifying scores on official exams.
In the 2024 edition of the rankings, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School stood out among the nation’s elite schools. Out of the top 2,000 nationally ranked high schools, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School was among the select few eligible for the STEM rankings. From this group, the school’s exceptional performance propelled it into the top 500, a significant achievement reflecting its dedication to STEM education.
The rigorous methodology employed by U.S. News & World Report assesses math and science participation and success, primarily using Advanced Placement (AP) STEM test data from the 2022 graduating class as a benchmark. STEM math encompasses a range of AP courses, including calculus AB, calculus BC, computer science principles, computer science A, and statistics, while STEM science includes biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and more.
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s success in the Best High Schools for STEM rankings is a testament to the outstanding efforts of its students, faculty, and administration. By fostering a culture of academic excellence and providing access to rigorous STEM coursework, the school prepares students for success. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School looks forward to building upon this success and continuing to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https:// www.portjeffschools.org and follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/PortJeffSchools.
The ALS Ride for Life made its way through the Sachem Central School District on May 17. The annual event takes place during ALS Awareness Month to raise funds and awareness about the devastating disease. The ride started at Sachem High School East, went to Sagamore Middle School, and ended at Chippewa Elementary School – gaining more and more Sachem students along the way. Students at each of the buildings gave the Ride a warm welcome, as they cheered and held signs with messages of hope.
This year, Sachem High School East and Sagamore Middle School presented the ALS Ride for Life Foundation with a $12,547 check. ALS Ride for Life Schools Coordinator Barbara Brown noted this was the most amount of money a district has raised for the event in its history. The funds go directly to supporting patients with ALS and their families.
On May 31, James Wilson Young Middle School seventh graders in the Bayport-Blue Point School District watched in awe as black powder shot from a cannon, filling the air. Following their social studies unit on the Civil War, students took part in the school’s annual Civil War Day.
Members of the 6th New York Independent Battery set up eraappropriate tents containing several war-time items. Students learned about the items before touching and seeing them up close. They tasted hardtack, a dense biscuit, touched authentic wool
uniforms and swords, amongst other items. They even got to witness the firing of a real cannon.
“So many kids come up to us and say, ‘wow, it’s so different to see this in person rather than be looking at it in a textbook’,” said Sue Brinkman, a member of the 6th New York Independent Battery and the school’s librarian. “To feel the wool, smell the black powder, taste the hardtack is a different kind of experience. The chance for me to talk one-on-one with students dressed as a Union soldier is a different type of learning— it’s active learning.”
The process of gerrymandering is one that is of perennial interest, from the Town and County level, all the way up to the federal level. A problem with which both parties try to blame each other, gerrymandering can have a significant effect on the balance of power in a government body.
Simply put, gerrymandering is the drawing of legislative boundaries to the advantage of one party or the disadvantage of another.
The term “gerrymandering” is a portmanteau of the words “Gerry” and “salamander.” The term was coined in 1812 by The Boston Gazette in response to Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry’s proposition of state Senate districts. Although Gerry vocally opposed the practice, he signed a bill into law that drew Massachusetts’ Senate districts to benefit the Democratic-Republican Party. One of the districts in the Boston area was likened to a salamander. A political cartoon was drawn to depict a mythological dragon (pictured far right). The cartoon accompanied the name, and thus, the term was born. Gerrymandering can be done on bases of partisan registration, race, ethnicity, income, education levels, or geography.
There are several methods that parties will use to tilt a map to their advantage or create a much more unfavorable map for their opponents.
Cracking - Cracking is when an area of electoral significance is divided between multiple districts to dilute the area’s influence. This is commonly applied to cities or metropolitan areas, as these tend to be large population centers of a state that could provide one party with multiple easy wins. A current example is TN-05, in which heavily-Democratic Nashville is divided between three districts. A once solidly-blue district, TN-05 is now represented by Congressman Andy Ogles (R), who flipped the district after Tennessee Republicans approved the map in 2021. As urban centers tend to be heavily Democratic today, cracking cities is a common gerrymandering tactic of Republicans in certain states.
Packing - Packing involves fitting as many voters of a certain bloc into one district in order to reduce concentration of said bloc across the state. An example of this would be creating highly-concentrated majorityminority districts. Although such districts would abide by some tenets of the Voting Rights Act, such districts could be ruled a gerrymander if the influence of a minority voting bloc is tampered down by the boundaries. Demographics who vote monolithically could easily sway elections if districts are not packed.
The Voting Rights Act is often used as a legal basis for challenging gerrymandered maps. Shortly, the Act requires districts to accurately represent the demographics of the state in compact districts that do not split like communities. The Act was invoked in overturning maps approved in 2021 for Alabama and Louisiana. Both states were required to draw a second black-majority district to represent the state’s population, although Louisiana’s new map (drawn and approved by Republicans) is now facing alternative claims of gerrymandering, despite the map’s satisfaction in the eyes of the Supreme Court.
Unpacking - Unpacking is essentially the opposite of cracking, in which a party will split up an area’s electoral influence to spread across multiple districts. A notable example is what Democrats did in Nevada in 2021. Previously, the state had one solid red district, one solid blue seat, and two swing seats. Las Vegas’ large Latino and young populations were “unpacked” to spread to three districts. While it made the formerly solid blue seat more competitive, it shored Democratic aspects in the swing seats. Consequently, Democrats were able to ride the 2022 environment to retain all three seats in the midterms.
Hijacking - Hijacking is when one party draws two districts in a way that requires two incumbents to primary each other, guaranteeing one’s elimination. This method is much more concerted, as it can be used to target representatives whom state leadership would like to see
This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.
lose re-election. The new boundaries would have to be drawn in such a way that ensures one incumbent’s loss, such as a voting record that does not align with the new district’s interests or one in which constituents do not identify with a “new” incumbent.
Kidnapping - This one is perhaps the least effective method, as it involves moving an incumbent’s home address into another district. Re-election is not impossible, but it can complicate an incumbent’s efforts, as politicking with a new voting base might not be feasible before an election. Likewise, a primarily urban district might be redrawn to encompass more suburban or rural areas, creating a more difficult environment for re-election, especially in the face of challenging national moods.
Offense - One party decides to go on the offensive, attempting to create as unfavorable of an environment as possible for the opposite party.
Defense - One party decides to play it safe and shore up vulnerable opponents rather than create new opportunities for themselves.
On the Town, County, or state level, legislative boundaries typically align with the seat of the applicable form of government. In New York, maps are drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). However, unlike IRCs of other states, New York’s is considered “fantasy-league,” as it was approved by ballot measure when Democrats did not have a trifecta in Albany. For the IRCs inaugural redistricting session in 2021, Democrats had gained a trifecta in state government. The rules stipulate that the IRC can submit two maps to the state legislature for approval, after which if the legislature rejects them, they can draw their own map. This is exactly what happened in 2021, when Democrats attempted an aggressive gerrymander against Republicans. The map was struck down by the state’s highest court, resulting in a compromise map drawn by special master Jonathan Cervas. The map was challenged late last year, which resulted in a minimal-change proposal by the State Senate.
Most states leave their redistricting responsibilities with the legislatures. Thus, if a party has a trifecta in a state, they can run fairly far with gerrymandering, at least until court intervention becomes inevitable. State governments with split partisan control often see leastchange proposals, those that vary slightly from the previous decade’s map. Such results arose in 2021 in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
Partisan control of state courts can also help in allowing a gerrymandered map to stand, although not prohibitively so. Again, New York’s Court of Appeals, all seven seats of which are held by Democrats, ruled that the state legislature’s congressional map was a partisan gerrymander.
Some think that while odd shapes and boundaries are enough to warrant a claim of gerrymandering, this isn’t always the case. However, it can be a start. Racial demographics, cracking/unpacking of urban areas, and noncontiguous boundaries are often the telltale signs of a classic gerrymander. New York Democrat’s 2021 proposal featured a noncontiguous NY-03, which stretched from Setauket across the north shore to Queens, jumped the East River into the Bronx, and trailed up the river banks to Westchester. Since the district was noncontiguous - as it crossed a body of water - it was one of the several nails in the coffin for the map.
Efficiency Gap - This defines a party’s “wasted votes,” those that do not receive representation based on the results, divided by the total number of votes. The logic is that any vote for a losing candidate is considered “wasted,” as well as all the votes cast for a winner that exceed the minimum to win the election outright. For example, if Democrats cast more votes overall in a state’s congressional elections, but Republicans walk away with more seats, the “wasted votes” benefit the Republicans, as Democrats are concentrated in areas where their votes simply didn’t go as far. High efficiency gaps are not necessarily signs of an unfair map, but it can be a basis for such claims.
Median Seat - This is the difference between the partisan lean of a state and the state’s most “middle of the road” seat. A state’s overall lean can easily eclipse a state’s most competitive seat, which would not prove an inorganic map, but if a state’s median seat is far off from the state’s overall lean, it could indicate a map tilted to a party’s advantage.
Competitiveness - Somewhat counterintuitively, a state’s overall number of competitive seats is not often considered a threshold for a fair map, as a maximum number of competitive seats might violate the Voting Rights Act and/or other laws that require districts to accurately represent the electorate.
Current Examples of Gerrymandering
The 2020-2021 redistricting processes across most states that feature competitive districts saw contentious processes, with many resulting in litigation. The hyperpartisan era the U.S. currently finds itself in was certainly embodied across the country.
Democratic Gerrymanders - Although the New York map failed, Democrats passed an aggressive gerrymander in Illinois, as well as tilted maps in New Mexico and Oregon. In Illinois, Democrats pit two incumbent Republicans against each other, axed a Republican district after the state lost one after the Census, and aggressively drew three competitive seats to their distinct advantage. Democrats also “unpacked” areas of interest in Nevada and New Mexico, creating scenarios in which strong Republican environments could sweep all seats, but also environments in which Democrats could retain them easily. This happened in 2022 and saw Democrats oust New Mexico’s only congressional Republican.
Oregon gained a new district after the Census. In addition to shoring up OR-04, the new OR-06 was made markedly blue, although 2022 hosted a close race. OR05 was won by a Republican, but remains a frontline seat for both parties this year.
Republican Gerrymanders - Republicans went on defense and shored incumbents’ prospects in Texas, Indiana, Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Utah. Republicans could have been more aggressive in Texas, but allowed Democrats in competitive seats to face easy re-election campaigns instead. The other states saw Republican prospects rise in one seat each.
Republicans went on the offensive in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. North Carolina’s map was struck down and replaced with a fairer map in 2022, which saw Democrats flip two seats. Republicans redrew the map last year, which has resulted in litigation, but likely not in time before November. Kathy Manning (D, NC-06), Wiley Nickel (D, NC-13), and Jeff Jackson (D, NC14) all chose not to seek re-election due to the harsh nature of the maps. NC-06 features no Democratic challenger, virtually guaranteeing a Republican flip.
On Sunday, May 19, the streets of Patchogue Village came alive with music, dancing, and vibrant cultural displays as thousands gathered to celebrate the Third Annual Hispanic Cultural Heritage Parade.
The event, organized by Village Trustee Lizbeth Carrillo, aimed to educate the community about Hispanic culture and showcase the numerous businesses in the area.
“The purpose of the parade is to help educate people about what the Hispanic community has to offer,” said Carrillo. “The goal of this parade is to educate who we are as a community—not just the Latino community, but the entire Village of Patchogue community. Seeing so many people, young and old, dancing to the music, admiring the beautiful costumes, and waving the many different flags of the South American countries, as well as the American flag, was incredibly satisfying.”
Carrillo emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, stating, “The purpose of this parade is for everyone in the Village of Patchogue to enjoy a wonderful afternoon while showcasing what the Hispanic community has to offer and for every child to be proud of their heritage. This event is dedicated to everyone in the Village of Patchogue, celebrating, dancing, and learning something new. Knowledge is power, and it’s how we can grow as a community.”
In addition to the enthusiastic crowd, the parade drew numerous elected officials from various levels of government, including NYS Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), Suffolk County District
Attorney Ray Tierney (R), Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), and Patchogue Village Mayor Pontieri as well as Deputy Mayor and village trustees who support the mission of the parade. Also in attendance were representatives from Governor Hochul’s (D-NY) office,
Senator Murray commented, “Each year, this parade draws more participants and more people coming to Patchogue to enjoy the festivities. I expect that growth to continue next year, which is important because it allows more people to learn all about the vibrant and exciting Hispanic culture and all it has to offer.”
This year’s parade was highlighted
Suffolk County Executive Romaine’s (R-Center Moriches) office, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Suffolk County Police Department. A special shout-out goes to the NYPD La Jara Band for coming to support this parade.
by notable figures such as Grand Marshal Julio Espinoza, Honoree Belinda Alvarez-Groneman, Deputy Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, and Parade Ambassador Mauricio Roman.
In an exciting development for Long Island’s culinary scene, The Village Idiot Pub is set to open its doors at a new location within Suffolk Off-Track Betting (OTB) facilities, promising patrons a vibrant blend of delicious cuisine, lively ambiance, and thrilling entertainment. The move marks a significant expansion for the beloved pub, known for its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering menu offerings, as it prepares to become a cornerstone of the Suffolk OTB experience.
Nestled within the heart of Suffolk OTB’s complex off Motor Parkway in Hauppauge, The Village Idiot Pub’s new location offers an ideal setting for patrons to gather, unwind, and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. Boasting a spacious and inviting layout, complete with cozy seating areas, a fully stocked bar, and state-of-the-art audiovisual amenities, the pub provides the perfect backdrop for socializing, dining, and indulging in the excitement of Suffolk OTB’s gaming offerings.
Saturday, June 8, the Village Idiot OTB location will be open for a pop-up event prior to the grand opening for the Belmont Stakes starting at 11:00a.m. Village Idiot Pub owner, John Sarno remarked that “we are excited to work with the State and County to expand the Village Idiot Pub experience. We’ve had tremendous support from Suffolk County and the OTB community”.
For The Village Idiot Pub, the move to Suffolk OTB represents an exciting opportunity to reach new audiences and expand its culinary footprint while staying true to its roots of delivering exceptional dining experiences. With a
menu featuring an array of mouthwatering dishes, from classic pub fare to gourmet specialties, the pub promises to delight the palates of guests seeking satisfying meals crafted with the finest ingredients and expert culinary craftsmanship.
In addition to its delectable menu offerings, The Village Idiot Pub at Suffolk OTB will also allow Door Dash and Uber Eats within the premises and will feature a dynamic lineup of entertainment options, including live music performances at happy hour times, sports viewing parties, and special events designed to appeal to guests of all ages and interests. They will also be able to accommodate catering and fundraising affairs in the future for those that are interested, and patrons can reach this location at vipotb@yahoo.com. With its prime location within Suffolk OTB’s bustling complex, the pub is poised to become a hub of activity and a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. Owner John Sarno stated “expect to see familiar faces from other Village Idiot Pub locations and some new faces from the Hauppauge community”. They are currently hiring new staff.
As anticipation builds for the grand opening of The Village Idiot Pub at Suffolk OTB likely in mid to late June, excitement is palpable among Long Island’s culinary enthusiasts and entertainment seekers. With its winning combination of delectable cuisine, lively ambiance, and exciting entertainment offerings, the pub is poised to carve out a distinctive niche within Suffolk OTB’s vibrant landscape, providing guests with an unparalleled dining and social experience that promises to leave a lasting impression.
In a stunning, last-minute development in the New York City congestion pricing plan, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured right) has directed the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to shelve the initiative indefinitely.
In the works for years, the plan would have helped deliver more revenue for the already-cash-strapped MTA. The plan was set to take effect later this month, but the MTA has suspended the rollout of the plan under the direction of Governor Hochul.
The MTA Board overwhelmingly approved the plan in December. Starting June 30, cars would have been charged an extra $15 to enter Manhattan at 61st Street and south, while trucks would have seen fares ranging from $24 to $36, depending on their size.
Hochul said in a statement that her decision to call for the suspension of the plan runs in tandem with post-pandemic recovery of New York City and State, as well as the toll on regular commuters.
“A $15 charge might not seem like a lot to someone who has the means but it can break the budget of a hardworking or middle class household,” said Hochul. “It puts the squeeze on the very people who make this city go.”
The eleventh-hour move has sent shockwaves throughout New York City politics and government, with many decrying the move as a sacrifice of millions in revenue that would have gone to mass transit infrastructure improvements.
“The public should be questioning why we spent hundreds of millions of dollars on equipment that’s just going to sit there and what that tells us about the governor’s priorities,” said Rachael Fauss, a policy adviser with Reinvent Albany. Fauss said the governor is “capitulating to fear” ahead of the November’s elections, polling for which indicates a tighterthan-expected presidential race in New York, which is likely to have serious down ballot effects on Democrats’ electoral success in statewide U.S. House races and state legislative races.
Transportation Alternatives, a transit-advocacy group, lays blame on Governor Hochul for infrastructure failures in light of the decision.
“The next time your train is late, your bus is trapped in traffic, your subway station is still missing an elevator, you know who to blame: Governor Kathy Hochul,” read their statement. “Transit riders are the majority of New Yorkers – and certainly the majority of New Yorkers of color, low-income New Yorkers, disabled New Yorkers, New Yorkers with children – and today
Kathy Hochul sided with powerful special interests instead – just days before this program was slated to go into effect.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) praised Hochul for suspending the plan. He said that New Jersey “fully embraces the notion that success of Manhattan is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire tri-state area.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) said that he is “all for” exploring other alternatives to the plan.
“We have to get it right. We have to make sure it’s not an undue burden on everyday New Yorkers and we have to make sure it’s not going to impact our recovery,” said Adams. “If she’s looking at analyzing other ways we can do it, I’m all for it.”
Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President, said that Democrats have a “lack of conviction,” while Republicans “clearly know who they are and what they want.” Reynoso likens the last-minute change as political damage control ahead of a possibly-difficult year for New York Democrats. Suffolk elected officials weighed in on the decision.
“The decision to stall New York State’s congestion pricing plan is great news for hardworking Suffolk County families who must travel to Manhattan to make a living,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) in a statement. “With inflation making it harder every day for families to make ends meet, levying yet another tax on the backs of the working class is not the answer.”
“I applaud the decision by Governor Hochul to hit the brakes by indefinitely placing a pause on the implementation of congestion pricing and the toll it would have on our Long Island residents,” said Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) (pictured above) in a statement. “Though I recognize and support the need to reduce emissions for the health of our region, this goal must not be achieved by driving residents, businesses, and workers out of the city. I hope this pause will allow time to switch gears toward a more workable solution for Manhattan’s traffic woes.”
“I have repeatedly said that congestion pricing is bad for New Yorkers and supported efforts opposing this harmful policy,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) in a statement. “This delay is just an election year political stunt. Governor Hochul needs to repeal congestion pricing once and for all.”
The plan has been shelved with no new date of effect set.
Various news sources have reported that Rex Heuermann, who was arrested for the murder of four women, is now being charged in the death of a fifth woman. He is scheduled to be indicted in Riverhead court before State Supreme Court Judge Timothy Mazzei on June 6.
It was reported that Heuermann will be indicted after two more victims were found, one of them in North Sea. The news reports did not say which victim is connected to Heuermann.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, law enforcement officials searched Heuermann’s Massapequa Park home; it was unclear at the time why they searched the home again, what they were hoping to find and what, if anything, did they find. They also searched the woods in a section of Manorville where part of the remains of Valerie Mack and Jessica Taylor were discovered in the early 2000s. It is not known if Heuermann is connected to the deaths of Mack and Taylor.
Long Island’s newest alternative newspaper.
Long Island Life and Politics contacted the Suffolk County Police Department and New York State police for information about the upcoming indictment. They referred LILP to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office.
A spokesperson for the DA’s Office replied via email, “We can confirm that there will be a court proceeding related to the Gilgo case on Thursday…There are certain things law enforcement cannot discuss until after the court proceeding.”
LILP will continue to provide updates once they become available.
About Long Island Life and Politics
A number of elected officials and candidates, as well as locally involved residents, have complained to us that their very newsworthy stories were unable to make it into print, given the somewhat monopolistic media environment today on Long Island.
It was also previously reported in LILP that Heuermann, 60, was initially arrested in connection with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. He was also suspected of killing Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
We speak for the 50% of the population that feels shut out from the forums of expression that are controlled today by elites in academia, entertainment, major newspapers and social media.
Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) was joined in his demand by Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski), Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda), and members of the Assembly and Senate Republican Conferences for a press conference on June 4 in West Capitol Park to call for stronger oversight of the state parole board.
Mitchell Martin, who killed NYPD Officer James Whittington in 1982, is due for a parole hearing later this month. Since 2017, the parole board has freed 41 cop killers.
“If our law enforcement isn’t safe, no one is safe. Releasing murderers is a reckless response to our crime problem in New York State—we should all agree on this. We’ve become numb to these tragedies,” said Ra. “Putting criminals above law enforcement has become the status quo in New York State, and it’s time to end this backward process. This state has turned into a lawless zone where safety is a luxury. If we fail to protect our law enforcement officers, they can’t protect us. We need to reverse this dangerous trend and restore law and order, starting with reforming the New York State Board of Parole.”
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Should Joe Biden stumble before November and should Kamala Harris prove too toxic to take his place, Democrats can rest assured: Crooked Hillary is lurking in the wings.
Following Hillary Clinton’s defeat to Donald Trump in 2016, many in Washington assumed the former First Lady, senator, and Secretary of State would fade out of American politics, particularly once she became implicated in helping to mastermind and orchestrate the “Russiagate” hoax, the dirtiest political smear in U.S. history. But following the trend of other career politicians, Clinton has stubbornly refused to give up the spotlight, continuing to make the rounds on cable news and appear at speaking engagements.
Following Trump’s controversial conviction in a Manhattan courtroom last week, Clinton pounced on the opportunity to draw attention to herself within hours, hawking coffee mugs that claim she was “right about everything.” (This comes despite the fact that there is actual evidence that Clinton herself broke the very New York law under which Trump was charged, while by most impartial assessments, he did not.)
Last month, Clinton also made headlines following an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” where she accused the Supreme Court of “doing our country a grave disservice in not deciding the case about [Trump’s] immunity.”
She additionally warned about “propaganda” on social media, apparently referring to content that runs counter to left-wing narratives. Ironically, (as many forget) it was Hillary and her minions who coined the term “fake news” in 2016 as an excuse for her underperformance against Trump—paving the way for the colossal censorship machine that has been constructed in the years since.
During another appearance at a Columbia University symposium on Artificial Intelligence in March, Clinton continued her pattern of whining about Russian President Vladimir Putin supposedly “undermining” her in 2016 by spreading “disinformation” on Facebook. Last November, she also penned an op-ed for The Atlantic on the Gaza war, highlighting her foreign policy experience.
As NBC News reported late last year, Clinton has “stepp[ed] into a role as one of the most prominent and influential surrogates in Biden’s re-election effort.” That effort includes hosting million-dollar fundraisers for Biden and rubbing elbows with Democrat Party elites. One likely reason for Clinton’s burst in activity over the past year could be that she clings to the secret ambition that she may yet have another shot at the White House.
Although Hillary would never admit it publicly, the reality is that Joe Biden’s physical and cognitive decline are obvious to even his most fervent supporters, to the extent that he has any. At this late stage of the race, there are very few names who could step up and replace Biden if the president becomes incapacitated –or possibly faces a mutiny among Democrat Party elites.
Should Biden prove unable to carry the Democrat banner this November, Kamala Harris would be the most obvious choice to replace him. But as I have previously argued, Harris might be even more of a liability than Biden due to her extreme unpopularity and growing list of embarrassing gaffes.
When the glaring weakness of Biden and Harris is taken into consideration, even such a divisive, unpopular, and tired figure as Hillary Clinton could start to become an attractive option for Democrats. Standing up a presidential campaign from scratch is an incredibly expensive and logistically challenging task, one that requires immense resources and connections – two things the Clintons have in abundance after decades in politics. Other than Biden and Obama, Clinton is the only Democrat who can boast a truly nationwide network of staffers and donors.
Clinton is also perhaps the only Democrat outside Biden and Harris with the requisite name recognition to win a national election. While another candidate might have been able to build a profile over the course of a longer campaign, Clinton is a true “plug-and-play” option.
Moreover, if Democrats are going to ditch Kamala Harris as a replacement for Biden, the byzantine rules of leftist identity politics would seem to dictate that they fill her spot with another woman.
Nonetheless, while Crooked H might be better than Biden or Harris, she is far from a strong candidate.
For starters, Trump already beat her once. The former president succeeded eight years ago in exposing Clinton’s corruption and painting her as a puppet of the political establishment, and there is every reason to believe he would effectively do it again this time around.
Clinton’s involvement in the Russiagate hoax would also likely become a major issue in the race should she emerge as the Democrat nominee. Thus far, she has largely been able to escape accountability over the fact that her campaign illegally paid for the manufacture of the infamous Steele Dossier, which falsely accused Trump of collusion with Russia and served as the basis for the FBI launching an investigation into Trump that hampered his presidency and evolved into a national nightmare.
Former Special Counsel John Durham ultimately prosecuted multiple
Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
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members of Clinton’s 2016 campaign effort and produced a report laying out shocking details of what many observers have described as a criminal conspiracy involving dozens of Clinton associates.
If Clinton hopes to become president, Americans would undoubtedly want to know what exactly she knew about the underhanded scheme to smear Trump as a Russian agent.
Trump would also likely have ample evidence to argue that Hillary’s role in birthing the Russia hoax makes her the mother of modern-day censorship in America.
Given the current state of the country under Democrat rule and growing nostalgia for the economic boom times of the Trump years, Democrats may be in a bind no matter where they turn for a candidate. But as Biden continues to sink in the polls and grows weaker by the day, Hillary Clinton certainly looks like she’s rehearsing for one more turn on the stage.
Origin: late Middle English (in umbrage (sense 2) : from Old French, from Latin umbra ‘shadow’. An early sense was ‘shadowy outline’, giving rise to ‘ground for suspicion’, whence the current notion of ‘offense’.
Source: Oxford Languages
Synonyms: resentment, indignance, annoyance
Antonyms: cheer, comfort, delight
Pronounced: uhm·bruhj
Definition 1: offense or annoyance
Definition 2: shade or shadow, especially cast by trees
Example: (sense 1)“The Senator took great umbrage with how he was portrayed in the article.”
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
June 6, 1944: Operation Overlord: D-Day begins 156,000-strong Allied Expeditionary Force lands in Normandy, France, during World War II
June 8, 1789: James Madison introduces a proposed Bill of Rights in the U.S. House of Representatives
June 7, 1965: The Supreme Court of the United States decides on Griswold v. Connecticut, effectively legalizing the use of contraception by married couples
June 11, 1993: “Jurassic Park”, directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum opens, sets box office weekend record of $502 million
June 12, 2018: Singapore Summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump - first time a North Korean leader and an incumbent US President have ever met
June 10, 2007: “The Sopranos” series finale on HBO (infamous “cut to black” ending)
June 9, 2019: Over one million people protest in Hong Kong over proposed new extradition laws to China in one of largestever protests in the city
Suffolk County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) (pictured right) issued the following statement in the wake of the guilty verdict against former President Donald Trump:
“Today, the liberal left has made it clear that they are desperate to manipulate this election by exploiting and weaponizing the criminal justice system to help their failed President Joe Biden. This is a disgusting distortion of justice led by a partisan district attorney who campaigned on sending Donald Trump to jail and a compromised judge who prevented evidence to be placed into evidence and issued slanted jury instructions. President Trump will no doubt rise high above this travesty through the appellate process and
the Democrats are going to immediately see that this courtroom charade will galvanize support at the polls this year. We stand with President Trump and have no doubt that he will win an appeal and win another term as the President of the United States of America.” Walter J. Mejia, President and Founder of the New York Republican Latinos issued the following statement: “I and millions of other immigrants came to this nation to escape the political corruption in our Latin American countries. The United States of America is officially no different than Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. This court decision set an example for future political candidates — no one is safe. If they went after President Trump, the most powerful man in modern-day American politics, they will also go after you. No one is safe.”
The New York State Legislature is considering legislation that would amend alcoholic beverage control laws to allow direct intrastate and interstate shipments of liquor, cider, mead, and braggot, as well as direct shipments of wine.
The bill would authorize direct interstate shipment of up to thirty-six cases of the aforementioned beverages per year to a New York resident.
The Assembly bill (A.3132A) was sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) and co-sponsored (from the Suffolk delegation) by Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), and Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow).
The Seante Bill (S.2852A) was sponsored by Senator James Skoufis (D-Cornwall). No Suffolk Senators signed on to co-sponsor it.
The Retailer’s Alliance, a Northport-based nonprofit, states their mission as: “promote the general welfare of and free competition among merchants and dealers engaged in the sale of liquor for off-premises consumption in New York State, and to provide education on rules and regulations regarding the sale of liquor.”
The Alliance has stated that the bills would pose “substantial threats” to their “business model and public safety.”
They stated that the bills bypass the three-tier system “designed to ensure safe and responsible alcohol distribution and sales,” a move which they say would “potentially expose consumers to counterfeit products.”
The Alliance also says that the bills would impact local jobs and revenue,
increase the risks to minors, promote unlicensed sales, and create challenges with tax enforcement. 20% of alcohol sales are taxes paid to New York State. The Alliance says that “enforcing tax collection from out-of-state shippers has proven to be difficult, if not impossible.”
Douglas Cibuls, of Lake Liquor, Inc., of Ronkonkoma, wrote a letter to Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), stating that federal alcohol taxes are paid by the distillery at production and state taxes are paid by the wholesalers after the retailer buys and pays for the product thirty days after purchase.
“If the retailer does not pay their bill they are reported to the New York State liquor authority and placed on the C.O.D. list with all wholesalers. This is part of the three tier system that is in place to ensure New York State receives their tax money from the alcohol sales,” Cibuls wrote in his letter.
Cibuls says that a $70 case of 80-proof liquor nets the state $14 in taxes.
“If out-of-state distilleries were able to ship to New York residents the state could potentially lose millions of dollars in tax revenue as there is no way to ensure that the state taxes are paid and no way for New York to enforce the payment of the taxes,” Cibuls continued. “This also leaves the local retailer at a significant disadvantage as we would not be able to compete in price with us paying the tax and the distillery not.”
Cibuls also says that Jim Beam, one of the biggest distilleries in the world, is lobbying for the legislation and they do not have a distillery in New York.
The bills remain in their committees in their respective chambers.
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) recently proposed a bill to ban food service establishments and third-party food delivery services from providing single-use food service items, such as utensils and condiment packages, unless requested by the customer.
The public portion on I.R. 1371-2024 was closed at Tuesday’s general meeting of the Legislature. Stakeholders came to voice their support.
Jenna Schwerzmann, a representative for the Surfrider Foundation of Eastern Long Island, said that the resolution is “not a ban,” rather a “change in habit.” She also dismissed claims that the bill “removes” choices for customers.
“I would actually argue the opposite because customers are receiving these takeout accessories by default and not by choice,” said Schwerzmann. “Right now, we have an op-out model that doesn’t work. The default is to include takeout accessories in every order, which becomes muscle memory for the staff. Those of us who attempt to avoid takeout stuff often find that refusing it does not work.”
Schwerzmann said that the initiative is comparable to the plastic bag laws, saying that while people thought it would be a hassle, it eventually became accepted as “the new normal.”
George Hoffman, a member of the Setauket Harbor Task Force, also spoke in favor of the legislation, saying that “thirty billion tons of plastic” are floating our harbors, bays, and rivers around the world. Hoffman mentioned the Pacific Garbage Patch, a figurative example of the microplastics in the world’s oceans. A common misconception is that the garbage patch is visible “twice the size of Texas,” as Hoffman put it.
“ I don’t think any of us want to live in a world where our oceans and harbors and bays are just chock full of floating plastic. So, I think that this bill is a good first step,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman said that recent beach cleanups show a myriad of single-use plastic knives and forks. He said when the Legislature took a similar initiative against
plastic bags, beach cleanup teams find “hardly any” plastic bags anymore.
While Majority Leader Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) doesn’t disagree with the intent of the legislation, he expressed reservations about enforcement.
“In a perfect world, this would be fantastic, but we don’t have recycling police,” said Caracappa. “People are going to be people, and it’s unfortunate.” Caracappa said that as far as littering and waste reduction, there are those who practice environmentally-friendly habits and those who don’t.
“I don’t see how it’s [I.R. 1371] going to help because if people are going to throw their plastic, leave it on the beach, or throw it in the street - I believe it happens every single day - there’s nothing that’s going to deter them unless we go after the litterers,” said Caracappa, adding that if the Legislature were to approve the bill, it would be putting “laws on the books that cannot be enforced.”
John Turner, an advocate with the Seatuck Environmental Association, said that enforcement of the bill comes in the form of the Suffolk County Health Department staging a public information campaign, something that Englebright and Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) worked to include.
“The main benefit of this legislation is not punitive,” said Turner. “It’s to try to educate the public because a lot of us are frustrated when we receive those utensils, condiment packages, and other things we didn’t want when we get our takeout order.”
Legislator Englebright invoked the “three R’s:” reduce, reuse, and recycle, saying that the most important “R” is “reduce.”
“This bill attempts to focus on the highest priority, which is “reduce,” the best “R,” said Englebright.
Englebright said that microplastics are becoming more pervasive in the environment and in the human body, including, but not limited to, the human bloodstream, the brain, and the reproductive system.
All seventeen Legislators present voted unanimously to close the public portion for the bill. Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) was absent.
The William Floyd High School boys’ varsity track and field team under the leadership of head coach Ed Noll just concluded an amazing season with a large school championship in the 100-meter dash and a new school record in the 4x400-meter relay.
Joshua Jordan won the large school county championship in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.74
seconds! As a result of this dominating performance, Joshua qualified for the New York State Outdoor Track and Field Championships later this week in upstate Cicero, NY.
Additionally, the 4x400-meter relay team of Terrell Collum, Isaiah Taylor, Tyri Hubbard and Matteo Higueros, ran a time of 3:26.04 seconds, shattering a
previous school record set in 2021 by more than two seconds. A feat that was also matched the next day by the girls’ varsity team.
The week before at the Suffolk County Track and Field Championships, Matteo Higueros earned the silver medal in the 800-meter and Tyri Hubbard was the runner-up in the high jump. As a result of their performances, Joshua Jordan (county champion in the 100-meter dash), Matteo Higueros and Tyri Hubbard also earned themselves All-County honors.
Also, at the Suffolk County Track and Field Championships, several student-athletes made the podium in their events and scored big points for their team including Jamir Mills in the hurdles, Zavier Jenkins in the 400, Kareem Esperante in the discus, and Vidal Macchia in the steeple. The 4x400-relay team of Milton Calderon, Matteo Higueros, Tyri Hubbard and Terrell Collum finished second, and the 4x100-meter relay team of Isaiah Taitt, Isaiah Taylor, Christian Hobson and Joshua Jordan took third in a very fast race.
Congratulations to the Colonials on a great season and good luck to Joshua Jordan at states!
The William Floyd High School girls’ varsity track and field team under the leadership of head coach John Ryan put on quite a performance at the county and state-qualifying meets over the past two weeks with two student-athletes –Zariel Macchia and Ka’Shya Hawkins – qualifying for the New York State Outdoor Track & Field Championships later this week in upstate Cicero, NY! The 4x400-meter relay team also set a new school record.
At the State Qualifying Meet this past weekend, Zariel Macchia qualified for the state competition in the 1,500-meter and 3,000-meter runs, respectively, while Ka’Shya Hawkins also qualified with a season-best leap of 5’3” in the high jump, tying a school record.
Additionally, the 4x400-meter relay team of Brianna Smith, Angelle Sainteus, Destiny Samuels and Zariel Macchia ran a 4:05.37, shattering a school record set in 2012 by more than 2.5 seconds! The boys’ 4x400-meter relay team accomplished the same feat on the same track just the day before.
At the county meet, Zariel Macchia earned individual championships in the 800-meter, the 1,500-meter and the 3,000-meter! She also added to that hardware as a member of the large school champion 4x400-meter relay team with teammates Brianna Smith, Angelle Sainteus and Destiny Samuels! Ka’Shya Hawkins placed second in the high jump and long jump events earning All-County honors in the process.
Congratulations to the Colonials on a great season and good luck to Zariel Macchia and Ka’Shya Hawkins at states!
One of the strongest backbones of a community is its ability to connect with its businesses, but more importantly, connect them with each other.
The MacArthur Business Alliance (MBA) represents the businesses, industries, and general commerce of Suffolk County, mainly with a focus on the area around Islip MacArthur Airport (ISP). A league composed of various chambers of commerce, as well as individual businesses in the Islip-Brookhaven areas, the MBA took it upon themselves to hold their first annual networking event: “Hangar Fest.”
Last Thursday evening saw the Executive Fliteways Hangar on the northern part of the ISP property host nearly three hundred guests from dozens of businesses in the ISP area, as well as live music, elected officials, and photo opportunities with private jets and supercars.
Chris Coluccio, President of the MBA, and CEO of Techworks Consulting, Inc., said that the greater ISP area “doesn’t get the credit it deserves.”
“In the five-mile radius around this airport, there’s 10,000 businesses and nonprofits,” said Coluccio. “So, it became my mission, and our mission as the MacArthur Business Alliance, to make sure that this area can support all of you who just want their families to stay here on Long Island, and who want to see this Ronkonkoma area grow in a great way.”
Rick Ammirati (pictured right), recently elected Vice President of the MBA, and president of the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce said that the networking event is one at which businesses receive a whole new level of exposure.
The Messenger caught up with Supervisor Carpenter to learn more about the projected future of the greater ISP area.
“People love MacArthur Airport and I constantly hear that we need more flights and destinations,” Carpenter told The Messenger. “Southwest has just announced nonstop service to Miami.”
Carpenter says that anyone can correspond directly with the airport and the airlines to request destinations. She said that the latest nonstop service to Vero Beach, Florida, offered by Breeze Airways was initiated by public input.
Moreover, Carpenter says that investing in a local airport is vital to the profit of a region. She has taken notes from airports of Providence, Rhode Island, and Huntsville, Alabama, who “know how important their airport is, but they have the ability to make it even better.”
“We’re literally on airport property in a private hangar,” Ammirati told The Messenger. “This took about four or five months of hard work to put together with a very good group of ambitious people, and the airport has been very receptive to it as well.”
Ammirati said that ISP Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken and Deputy Commissioner Rob Schneider “welcomed us with open arms.”
Ammirati also spoke optimistically about the future of the greater ISP area, referencing several projects that aim to revitalize the area and make it more conducive to local business, such as the Station Yards development under construction at the LIRR Ronkonkoma Station, the expansion at Jake’s 58 Casino, and Midway Crossing, which is planned to feature a convention center, hotel, and streamlined connections with rail-to-air service.
“We have so much happening here and we have a great regional airport,” said Ammirati. “We as the MBA would like to be one of the voices to help harness a little bit of that energy and funnel it into one nice voice to get things done.”
The event was so anticipated by the community, that Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip), and nearly the entire Town Board attended in person. Carpenter discussed the progress on the Midway Crossing project, namely a proposed Life Sciences Center that she says would produce the “six-figure jobs that we need here on Long Island to keep our young people here so that we don’t pay to educate them only for them to leave.”
Carpenter also said that, in addition to the Life Sciences Center, a convention center, a Department of Life Sciences, and a STEM Center are also proposed for the project.
Furthermore, Carpenter discussed relocating the ISP terminal to be adjacent to the LIRR Ronkonkoma Station, the “busiest train station outside of Jamaica.”
“That is what we need to sustain a sense of region because we all know taxes are high, the cost of living here is high, so we have to make sure the jobs that are produced here are the kind of high paying jobs that can enable everyone to afford to stay here,” said Carpenter.
“All of the businesses around here profit so much from the airport, and in other areas of the country, the business community really coalesces around their airport so much that they contribute financially to help market their airport,” said Carpenter. Carpenter says that Midway Crossing, Station Yards, and other developments are all part in parcel to that plan. Carpenter said she has been in active discussion with airports around the country to gauge their community investments and partnerships and a develop a comparable plan for ISP.
Carpenter also shared that the Town is discussing a possible Amtrak route directly to Ronkonkoma that would connect riders to Penn Station, and then north-south up the East Coast. She says that such a move could “truly help alleviate” traffic by allowing commuters and travelers easier access to destinations directly from Ronkonkoma.
“The MBA has been around for a long time, and I love the fresh blood and fresh vibe it has,” Councilman Lorenzo told The Messenger. “To have multiple chambers from all over the county and businesses come here and network is a wonderful thing for the area. I’m all for it.”
County Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) also attended Hangar Fest and shared his thoughts with The Messenger
“I used to represent this area when I was on the Islip Town Council,” said Flotteron. “I think this venue is amazing, some people don’t even realize what we have in our backyards. MacArthur is on the map as a business epicenter for Suffolk County.”
After opening remarks, the crowd was treated to live jazz from Sasha Levitan on vocals and keyboard, Aaron Kinard on vocals, trombone, and percussion, and Kevin Twigg on the drumset.
Open bar was provided by Twisted Cow Distillery of East Northport.
Dozens of businesses and organizations set up
John Lorenzo (R-West Sayville) were also in attendance.
tables to engage with the public: Edesia Restaurant and Pizzeria of Bohemia, Harvest Bakery of Holtsville, Philly’s Pretzel Factory of Ronkonkoma, Toast Coffeehouse of Bay Shore, Po’boy Brewery and Ciders of Port Jefferson, and Spider Bite Beer of Holbrook offered free food and beverages to attendees. Paws of War of Nesconset and Pal ‘O Mine Equestrian of Islandia offered information on their animal services.
Additionally, Cigar Cigars of Sayville sold and cut cigars for customers outside the hangar.
Various chambers of commerce also attended: Farmingville Hills, Greater Middle Country, Holbrook, and Ronkonkoma.
Present also were ISP, Executive Flitways, Habitat for Humanity, Entrepreneurial Operating Systems, AHRC Suffolk, Big Brothers and Sisters, East End Thrive, the Boy Scouts of America, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Alzheimer’s Association, Tri-tec, L.I. News Radio, JVC Broadcasting, Listen to Lead, Patchogue Arts, M&T Bank, Miller Business Resource Center, Dudes Gourmet, the Fish Store, Tea and Munchies, HIA-LI, and Gary Lee Brown, a former football offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers who grew up in Brentwood.
Event Pros and Viper Studios helped capture the moments of the event, as well as coordinate audio, impromptu video interviews with VIPs, and a 360-photo shoot booth.