Back in April, The Messenger ran an exclusive report on former CNN anchor and NY-01 congressional candidate John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park). We obtained tax and building records from various New York City departments that shows Avlon’s ties to his Manhattan co-op, while his landlord receives tax abatements that hinge on tenants’ primary residency in the building.
The investigation also questioned Avlon’s Suffolk roots, in which he claims he has lived in Sag Harbor since at least 2009. The Messenger received documents that showed Avlon purchased the Southampton home for $1.5 million in 2017. The house was purchased under Skokiaan, LLC, which is registered to Avlon’s Gramercy Park address.
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Bergin, Trotta Introduce
(Left to right) Legislators Flotteron, Stark, Bergin, Trotta, and Thorne (Credit - Susan Eckert)
Continued from front cover
TheMessenger Receives Backup: Post and Free Beacon Raise Avlon Residency Questions
The Messenger also photographed Avlon entering and leaving his Manhattan co-op multiple times throughout an ordinary week in April, to which Avlon responded in a later request for comment that he and his family were in town for a wedding for Manhattan residents.
Vanity Fair ran an interview with Avlon earlier this year, in which Avlon said he moved back to Sag Harbor full-time and expected his wife and children to join him in the summer, presumably once the school year ended.
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests done by The Messenger produced Suffolk County Board of Elections voting information that showed Avlon has voted absentee in the last three general elections, with 2022 being a year that involved the open-seat race for NY-01, the very seat he’s running for now.
Avlon made a late start in the campaign over Professor Emerita Nancy Goroff (D-Stony Brook) but won the June primary handily with 70% of the vote.
Before the primary, The Messenger ran a sequel to the story, in which Avlon defended his Suffolk roots and insisted his primary residence is, indeed, Sag Harbor.
Now, the Washington Free Beacon and the New York Post have run stories raising the same questions, adding investigative details of their own.
The Post also mentioned The Messenger as the first to break the story, including the revelation of the tax documents that virtually cement Avlon as a primary resident of Manhattan.
The Messenger reached out to Avlon for comment on the latest findings but received no response.
The Post writes that Avlon “appears to have raked in around $16,000 in tax abatements for his $3.36 million Gramercy Park co-op unit…despite the savings only being eligible to units designated as a primary residence.”
The Post writes that former New York City Finance Department Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff that the condo/co-op tax abatement program puts the “onus of certifying primary residency on the condo owner or co-op tenant shareholder.” Sidamon-Eristoff adds that “making a false certification” of residency could amount to either a misdemeanor or a Class E felony, pursuant to State law.
“That said, my assumption is that the City, upon becoming aware, would likely pursue a claw-back of improperly granted abatements with administrative penalties and interest,” said Sidamon-Eristoff in his interview with The Post
However, The Post also reveals that Avlon “skimped on his July payment” and had to pay an extra $133.36 in fees the following month, according to the Village of Sag Harbor Property Tax Portal. The Post also reveals Avlon was hit with tax liens of more than $1400 on properties he owned in March 2008 and February 2015.
Avlon faces freshman Congressman Nick LaLota (R), who secured a ten-point win over then-Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac), who had run for the seat in previous elections.
NY-01 became more competitive after the 2021 redraw, extending all the way to the county line to take in all of Huntington, Smithtown, the five East End towns, and northern Brookhaven. After Democrats sued to invalidate the remedial map drawn by a special master after the New York Court of Appeals overturned a dramatic Democratic gerrymander, a compromise map was enacted. Lines across the state barely moved, but NY-01 became more competitive, taking in more of Republicanleaning southern Brookhaven starting in Shirley, and shedding the bluer parts of Huntington - Lloyd Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington hamlet, Huntington Station, Huntington Bay, and Halesite - to next door NY-03, represented by Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove).
DeStefano and Sheriff’s Department Partner for Prescription Medication Disposal Event
By Cait Crudden
In a continued effort to promote public safety and environmental responsibility, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) has partnered with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department to host a prescription medication disposal event. This initiative is aimed at helping residents safely dispose of old and unused prescription medications, ensuring that these substances do not end up in the wrong hands or are disposed of in ways that could harm the environment.
Unused prescription medications, if not properly disposed of, can pose significant risks. They can fall into the hands of children, be misused by teens or adults, or contribute to environmental pollution if flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash. Recognizing these dangers, Assemblyman DeStefano and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department have come together to offer a safe and convenient solution for the community.
The event, which was held at the South Country Library in Bellport, provided a secure drop-off point where residents could bring their unused or expired medications. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department supervised the collection, ensuring that all medications were handled and disposed of according to the highest safety standards.
Deputies from the Sheriff’s Department were on hand to assist residents with the disposal process and to answer any questions about the importance of proper medication disposal. They also provided educational materials on the risks associated with keeping unused medications in the home and the potential dangers of improper disposal.
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“The response to the Shed the Meds program has been excellent. People are aware of the dangers of unused medications and are making the effort to dispose of them properly,” said Assemblyman DeStefano. “Each time we have an event, dozens of residents respond and a substantial number of drugs are safely handled.”
Improper disposal of prescription medications can lead to several problems. Medications left in the home can become a target for theft or accidental ingestion, leading to potential health crises. Moreover, flushing medications down the toilet or discarding them in the trash can lead to contamination of water supplies and harm to wildlife and potentially drinking water.
The collected medications will be safely incinerated, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to public health or the environment.
Residents who participated in the event expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to dispose of their medications safely. Many acknowledged that they had been unsure of how to properly get rid of old prescriptions and were relieved to have a trusted resource to turn to.
The success of this event and others like it have led to making them a regular occurrence, with both Assemblyman DeStefano and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department expressing a strong commitment to continuing their partnership. By working together, they aim to keep the community safe and ensure that medications are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
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County
Bergin, Trotta Introduce Bill to Cap County Subsidies for Non-Profits with Large Exec Salaries
By Matt Meduri
The Suffolk County Legislature is currently deliberating a bill that would cap County subsidies to non-profits if their executives earn large salaries for their work.
County Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) discussed their intent at a Sunday press conference held at the William H. Rogers Legislative building in Hauppauge.
“These agencies set their own salaries, but when they seek County assistance to fund their administrative expenses rather than use those resources towards the programs benefiting our community, it is not fair to the tax-payer,” said Bergin.
The legislative intent for the resolution, I.R.1687-2024, states that the purpose of the law would be to “require that no contract agency shall be eligible for funding if any employee of that agency has a salary greater than the salary budgeted for the Governor of the State of New York.”
The legislative intent also reads that the Legislature “has determined that further restrictions on contract agency eligibility is needed to ensure that County funds are being utilized efficiently in a way that provides the most benefit to the community.”
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) earns $250,000 per year for her service in Albany.
The bill would amend Chapter 189 - Purchasing and Contracts - Article VIII - Guidelines and Requirements for Contract Agencies - of the Suffolk County Code by stipulating the subsidy cap regarding salaries relative to that of the Governor.
The amendment to Article XIII - Evaluation of Contract Agencies by County Departments; Contract Agency Financial Disclosure Requirements - includes definitions in Sections 189-64. The contract agency salary definition would include: “For the purposes of this Article the salary for a contract agency employee, officer, director, or member shall be the sum of the amount provided columns D, E, and F in Part VII of IRS form 990.”
The 990 form is the IRS’ “primary tool for gathering information about taxexempt organizations, educating organizations about tax law requirements and promoting compliance,” according to the IRS website.
The bill would require each contract agency to complete and submit an online contract agency disclosure form to the State Department of Audit and Control no later than September 15 of each year. Required also would be a list of gifts and/or donations, including the name and address of the entity or individual making the gift or donation. The amendment to Section 189-66 imposed by the bill would require filing of salaries of “every employee, officer, director, or member” of the contract agency applying for County subsidies.
The Messenger discussed the bill’s intent with Legislator Trotta, a primary co-sponsor of the bill.
“What we’re seeing is these non-profits that are supposedly helping people, yet their executives are making $400,000-$500,000 a year,” Trotta told The Messenger. “We just want to direct more of the money to the people they help.”
Trotta called some of the salaries “hideous” for some local non-profits. He specifically mentioned the Long Island Housing Partnership, whose owners rake in a collective $1 million yearly in compensation.
“The people they serve are starving and yet, they live like movie stars,” said Trotta.
When asked about exceptions, Trotta said the bill would not affect contract agencies that work in the healthcare field.
Regarding other exceptions, Trotta said that others can be weighed if the agency can provide a reasoning for their expenses and compensation.
“We’re not opposed to other exceptions if they can justify the costs. It’s really tough to justify half-a-million dollar salaries when you’re feeding homeless people,” said Trotta.
A stipulation of the bill says that 20% of an agency’s budget can’t go to administrative costs, although Trotta says that there can be exceptions to that too on an ad hoc basis.
“Because they’re non-profits, their salaries are online. We want more money to go to their end users,” said Trotta. “If executives are making $150,000, for example, you can feed a lot of people with that money.”
Trotta adds that even with those numbers going into goods and services, it still comes out to an exorbitant amount of money.
“They’re not doing brain surgery,” said Trotta of certain non-profits who would be affected by the legislation, adding that salaries for intensive work and/or large organizations could be justified.
Trotta said that exceptions are being weighed and that suggestions are likely to come through during the public portions on this bill.
We are open to some exceptions, we’re listening to what the non-profits are saying,” said Trotta. “If you’re making money doing something else, and you do this for a little bit, that’s fine. We just don’t want people hiding behind these non-profits to avoid paying taxes and receive government subsidies.”
Bergin and Trotta were joined by Legislators Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), and Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) at Sunday’s press conference. Trotta told The Messenger that Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) is warm to the idea and he believes Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) might support it.
“It’s like a tangled web and the aim is to weed out the bad actors,” said Trotta.
Trotta reiterated the possibilities of exceptions and encouraged community input: “Come to us, make your case, and we’ll see what happens.”
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Around Town
August 15, 2024
Canine Companions Hosts MovingUp Ceremony for Service Dogs
By Cait Crudden
In a heartwarming ceremony, Canine Companions celebrated the graduation of several service dogs who have completed their training and are now ready to assist individuals with disabilities. The “moving up” ceremony, held this past Friday, marked the culmination of a rigorous two-year training process for the dogs, who will now provide life-changing support to their new partners.
Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization, trains service dogs to assist people with a range of disabilities, excluding those who require seeing-eye dogs. These highly skilled dogs are trained to perform tasks such as picking up dropped items, opening wheelchair-accessible doors, and assisting with other activities of daily living (ADLs). Beyond their functional abilities, these dogs also offer companionship, helping their partners engage more fully with both their home environments and the outside world.
Among the dogs that graduated this weekend, two have found their new homes right here on Long Island. One will be placed with a partner in Bayshore, and the other with a partner in Port Jefferson. The dogs bonded immediately with their new owners, who were visibly excited to welcome them home.
Bear, a nine-year-old from Bay Shore has waited close to two years to receive his service dog. When Bear met Vanni, they instantly bonded. When asked how he felt about receiving his new friend Bear stated, “I am so excited, and I don’t have to wait anymore. I have a helper and someone to snuggle with.”
Maddie, another recipient from Port Jefferson was bursting with excitement over receiving her first service dog
“I love him, he’s my good boy. We love to take walks outside, go to school, and play fetch,” said Maddie. Maddie’s family was over the moon that her and her new dog, Nantucket, clicked right away.
The dogs, typically Golden Retrievers and
Black Labrador Retrievers, are known for their adaptability and ease of transition from one environment to another. These breeds are carefully selected for their temperament, intelligence, and physical capabilities. Before they can be placed with their partners, the dogs undergo thorough health screenings to ensure they are free from genetic issues, such as hip dysplasia, which could affect their ability to perform their duties long-term.
The path to becoming a service dog is a demanding one, both for the dogs and their trainers. The process begins with puppy training, where the dogs learn basic obedience and socialization skills. As they progress, the training becomes more specialized, focusing on the specific tasks they will need to perform for their future partners. This formal training is designed to ensure that the dogs can reliably assist with various ADLs, providing their partners with greater independence and improving their quality of life.
The cost of training a service dog can be upwards of $50,000, a significant investment that reflects the extensive resources and expertise required to prepare these animals for their roles. However, for the individuals who receive these dogs, the benefits are immeasurable and priceless.
Assemblymembers Unite for a Day of Service at Island Harvest
By Cait Crudden
In a powerful display of unity and commitment to community service, Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport), Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst), and Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Manorhaven) recently took part in the Assembly Assemble Day at Island Harvest. The event, held at Island Harvest’s headquarters, saw the Assembly members working side by side with staff and volunteers to package food and supplies for distribution to those in need.
The Assembly members rolled up their sleeves and got to work, packing boxes with essential food items and supplies. Their efforts were part of a broader initiative to support Island Harvest’s mission of ending hunger and reducing food waste across Long Island.
By participating in this hands-on event, the Assembly members not only contributed directly to the cause but also helped raise awareness of the ongoing issue of food insecurity in their communities.
“Island Harvest’s dedication to ending hunger and reducing food waste, especially through their expanded facility in Melville made possible by the Hunger Capital Campaign, resonated with us,” Assemblyman Flood remarked. “We are proud to support their mission and stand by their impactful work. Together, we are making a difference!”.
Celebrating its thirtieth year helping the community, Island Harvest has grown into one of Long Island’s leading hunger-relief organizations. Its mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste through efficient food collection, distribution, and outreach efforts. The organization works with a network of food donors, volunteers, and partner agencies to provide food and other essentials to thousands of Long Islanders facing food insecurity.
“What stood out to me and while working with the volunteers is the feeling of comradery in the community,” said Sue Parrinelo, Volunteer Coordinator for the Northeast Region. “They all come together and support us. It truly takes a village”.
For the graduates of Canine Companions’ program, the ceremony was not just an end, but the beginning of a transformative partnership. These dogs will provide their new owners with much-needed assistance, companionship, and a pathway to a more inclusive lifestyle. The success of this program underscores the profound difference that service dogs can make in the lives of those with disabilities, offering them both support and a loyal friend for years to come.
Island Harvest’s operations are vast, encompassing food rescue from local grocery stores, farms, and food manufacturers, as well as large-scale food drives and fundraisers. The organization also plays a crucial role in educating the community about hunger issues and advocating for policies that support food access and sustainability.
Assemblymembers Flood, Brown, Durso, Brown, and Sillitti’s participation in Assembly Assemble Day at Island Harvest highlights the importance of local leaders actively engaging with their communities. Their involvement not only aids in the immediate task of food distribution but also underscores the broader commitment to tackling food insecurity on Long Island.
“Each year, members of the Long Island Assembly Delegation come together to help others and get to work,” said Assemblyman Durso. “As we packed boxes of food that will be distributed to seniors in need, we are reminded that this is not just a problem senior citizens face, it’s a problem all across our Island for so many.”
Food insecurity remains a persistent issue on Long Island, affecting individuals and families from all walks of life. Organizations like Island Harvest are critical in addressing this challenge, providing not just food, but hope and dignity to those they serve. Events like Assembly Assemble Day serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the role that elected officials can play in supporting and amplifying the efforts of local organizations.
As the day concluded, the Assembly members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute and pledged to continue supporting Island Harvest’s mission both through legislative efforts and future volunteer work. Their participation was a testament to the impact that can be made when leaders step out of their offices and into their communities, ready to serve.
Credit: Cait Crudden
Credit: Cait Crudden
Avlon Faces More Questions from More Outlets, Local Journalism Vindicated
The Messenger takes great pride in the fact that we were the first outlet to investigate residency claims by ex-CNN anchor John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park) in his bid to unseat freshman Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01). In April, we ran our exclusive report on tax abatements that Avlon’s NYC co-op owner receives based on Avlon’s residence in the unit being his primary. Claims that Avlon had deep ties to his Sag Harbor home didn’t quite add up given his years-long attachments to New York City to perform jobs that required in-person work.
The New York Post and The Washington Free Beacon have now joined the chorus organized by The Messenger revealing tax documents and requesting answers. So far, Avlon has not responded to our request for comment regarding these outlets reporting what The Messenger broke in the spring.
Nevertheless, The Post gave us credit for being the early bird, something we greatly appreciate as it reinforces the importance of local journalism.
Regardless of his residency concerns, we find it unfortunately appropriate that a wealthy Manhattanite is using his summer home in the ritziest part of Suffolk County in an attempt to represent a unique county with diverse
populations and interests. As if a Southampton elitist was any match for a predominantly working-class county, it only adds insult to injury that Avlon is trying to carpetbag his way to Washington.
It’s also worth reiterating that in a Vanity Fair interview earlier this year, Avlon said he had made his Sag Harbor home his residence in February and that his wife and children would join him later in the year, presumably after the completion of the school year.
Avlon might be rich, but what’s richer is his total abandonment of his family in a city facing massive safety concerns to desperately try to build cred in an area of Long Island that is overwhelmingly unrepresentative of the population base.
We’ve seen this before and frankly, we’re not interested.
Avlon needs to settle these claims and address the press in a dignified manner. It clearly didn’t matter to him that we were investigating him. Perhaps now that other outlets have come to the same conclusion, he might give it a second thought.
Welcome Home, Indeed
The latest news of the Hauppauge Veterans Memorial finding a permanent home in Blydenburgh Park is a testament to tenacity of our local leaders and the justly-deserved recognition and honor to a group of proud Americans who were so callously robbed of such distinction for their sacrifices.
Kevin O’Hare, President of the Suffolk County Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (SCCPAA), has worked tirelessly for over twenty years to keep the monument in a state of repair and find a permanent place for it.
With long-term help from partners such as then-County Legislator, now-County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), current Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), and now Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), O’Hare was able to deliver a beautiful final product, with help from the Suffolk County Parks Department, a selfless Eagle Scout, and an anonymous donor of the pavement on which the monument rests.
We find these acts to be as selfless as they are admirable, and we hope to see more of such partnerships and impetus across our county in the future.
What’s better is that Vietnam Veterans are still earning the recognition they should have received decades ago. Wars can be controversial, but service and sacrifice in such a way are never illegitimate. Our Armed Forces and the brave men and women who compose them are owed the highest respect and dignity, and to remember just how wronged they were upon their return home should set an important precedent to never let such a lapse in
judgment spread across our country again.
While no wrongs are being alleged in the saga of the Hauppauge monument, it’s only fitting that the monument finds a home for those who are customarily greeted with a “welcome home.”
So, welcome home, indeed, to the Hauppauge monument, and to all of our armed service members, particularly those who sacrificed in Vietnam, God bless, thank you, and welcome home.
County Non-Profit Legislation Sparks an Important Conversation
The latest legislation introduced by Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) poses an important question that is likely to be mired by inaccurate headlines and the quasi-justified public outrage those headlines are likely to incite.
In short, Bergin and Trotta, with support of several other legislators, have proposed an amendment to the Suffolk County Code, which would effectively cap County subsidies to non-profit agencies whose employees make more money than Governor Hochul (D). Her salary is a hefty $250,000 per year.
And it makes sense. Why should the executive of a non-profit whose mission is to feed the homeless make more than the Governor? If it’s a massive, statewide organization that employs tens of thousands of people, then perhaps it’s deserved.
But more often than, within county lines at least, that doesn’t seem to be the case. And we’re eagerly awaiting headlines that insinuate Bergin, Trotta, and company “don’t support non-profits”, or that they “want to take money away from charitable organizations,” or that they “want to dictate how much money you should be able to make.”
We’ve read the legislation and we find its language to be sound and its purpose to be reasonable. We’re not in the business of telling people how much money they deserve to make, but when you commit your mission to helping others, something else should certainly come first.
Trotta put it perfectly in our interview with him by saying that these organizations do not employ massive amounts of people, nor are most of them performing “brain surgery.” If a non-profit wants County funding, a requirement to show tax returns proving company expenditures shouldn’t be met with protest.
To cut waste, fraud, and abuse, more County money should go to nonprofits who can demonstrate that the lion’s share of their funding goes to their recipients. More County money can go to other organizations, while those who rake in six-figure salaries should possibly reconsider their accounting.
We support the idea of this legislation and commend Trotta and Bergin for openly voicing their invitation for suggestions of exemptions and parameters. Trotta heavily emphasized that there will be exceptions on an ad hoc basis, as the primary objective shared by the legislators introducing the resolution is to put more money into the communities of need, rather into an executive’s pocket.
We also predict the onslaught of headlines and editorials negatively painting Trotta and Bergin as despots who seek to rip funds from charitable organizations. To get ahead of the curve, we could not disagree more with such potential characterizations and we encourage anyone concerned about the aspects of the bill to read it themselves or voice their concerns at a meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature.
Lagging Infrastructure and Inflation Are a Massive Threat to New York
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
New York is facing a perfect storm of circumstances severely inhibiting its efforts to modernize its lagging infrastructure. Due to a combination of high inflation and an already long list of resiliency projects needed to restore New York to its place as an economic leader— according to the comptroller’s office, an astonishing 10% of all local bridges in the state are rated “poor” as of last year, and the Reason Foundation’s 27th Annual Highway Report ranks our system at 49th in the nation— strengthening our infrastructure is going to be an uphill battle unless we take some drastic measures to right the ship.
The Assembly Minority Conference has been advocating for investment in infrastructure for years. In 2019, we published our Task Force on Critical Infrastructure and Transportation report that focused on fortifying our roads, bridges and water systems. We continue to push for a greater investment to address shortcomings in these areas. Poor infrastructure is costly to New York drivers who are forced to make expensive repairs to their vehicles due to poor road conditions. In contrast, the governor inexplicably proposed cutting $60 million from the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) during the most recent budget negotiations.
For our part, we called for an increase in CHIPS base aid and for future funding to be tied to the rate of inflation to account for increasing material costs. We also suggested establishing a companion program to CHIPS to offer financial assistance to local governments for drinking, storm and sewer water infrastructure.
One major part of New York’s problem is its sprawling budget that eats up enormous amounts of resources without delivering tangible improvements to our quality of life. For example, New York state has already spent several billion
dollars supporting undocumented migrants, and another $2.4 billion is earmarked to do so in the most recently passed spending plan. Unfortunately, there are no long-term plans to sustainably accommodate these migrants, and additional spending will likely be needed to mitigate the crisis. This puts an enormous strain on our finances at a time when we are facing severe infrastructure deficiencies along with myriad other cost-of-living challenges.
The good news is that it is not too late to correct our course and make the necessary adjustments to navigate these economic conditions. For one, we must not fall into the trap of cutting spending in the wrong places. We need to properly balance and distribute our resources. Improving New York’s roads and bridges will be expensive, but it is necessary. Hardening our infrastructure is a precursor to future economic success; without a sturdy and resilient transportation network, our economy simply won’t work. While it might seem obvious, we need to make massive adjustments, New York leadership seems confusingly unwilling to commit to what is necessary.
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader and has represented the 120th Assembly District since 2003. The 120th District contains most of Oswego County and parts of Jefferson and Onondaga counties.
Biased Media Hides Harris’ Protection of Violent Criminals
By Long Island Life and Politics
We all know that Kamala Harris (D-CA) is going to try to give voters the impression that she’s tough on violent crime. But that’s pretty tough to do when, as vice president, she supported the “defund the police” efforts and went so far as to raise money to bail out violent rioters.
We know that Harris will try in a self-serving way to change the narrative. What we shouldn’t tolerate is when the biased media covers for her, as in a recent Newsday article entitled “Experts say Kamala Harris’ law enforcement background might help her at the ballot box.”
“Vice president Kamala Harris’ decades of experience as a prosecutor might help her carry Long Island in the 2024 presidential election…”
Nowhere in the article is any mention made of Harris’ support for the proposition on the California ballot years ago that basically legalized shoplifting
up to $1,000 and started a rash of store robberies around the nation in the years that followed.
Her support for defunding the police led to a one-third rise in violent crime throughout the nation. Her refusal to enforce the border has brought in gang members, terrorist cells and unprecedented levels of fentanyl that are killing 100,000 Americans every year.
None of this was mentioned in this liberally biased article that was a puff piece for Harris.
For more from Long Island Life and Politics, visit their website at lilifepolitics.com, which includes local Long Island news coverage and editorials from former Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy (R-Bayport).
Walz’s Values Are Out of Touch with Mainstream
Dear Editor,
Minnesota Governor and Democratic Party candidate for Vice President Tim Walz’s past record clearly indicates he is out of step with mainstream America. He previously said, “Don’t ever shy away from our progressive values. One person’s socialism is another person’s neighborliness.” Concerning the southern border having been crossed by over 8 million illegal migrants under the Biden-Harris administration, he said “Let me know how high it is. If it’s 25 feet, then I’ll invest in the 30-foot-ladder factory,”
After the death of George Floyd, followed by rioting in Minneapolis and St. Paul, he waited three days before sending in the state National Guard. It was too late to avoid $500 million in damages. Walz designated Minnesota a refugee state. This included offering illegal immigrants drivers licenses, low-cost health care, and free college tuition. He allows taxpayer-funded transgender surgery on minors. Walz supports abortion up until the day of birth.
He supports reverse discrimination known as “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI). Walz instituted critical race theory training for teachers. He mandated that schools record the race of students assigned detention to prevent institutional racism. Walz signed a law mandating anti-racist education in ethnic studies classes. He opposes school choice vouchers for parents. Walz wants to increase electric vehicle usage from 1% to 20% by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% over the next eight years.
He spent a $17.5 billion dollar budget surplus in one year increasing state spending by 38% after COVID. To pay for many of his programs, he raised taxes on gasoline, sales, payroll, car licenses, boat registration and on-line delivery fees. While Walz said what Republicans say is weird, both he and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamela Harris hold views that, by comparison, are nuts.
Larry Penner Great Neck
America
Mary Papilon Celebrates 108th Birthday
By Matt Meduri
Family, friends, and elected officials stopped by Brookwood on the Lake apartments last week to wish a most distinguished resident a happy 108th birthday.
Mary Papilon, born on August 3, 1916, Papilon grew up as an only child in the Bronx. When she was born, the world was in the throes of World War I, President Woodro Wilson (D-NJ) was in office, and gasoline was just under a quarter per gallon.
She is a mother of four, grandmother to seven, great-grandmother to twelve, and even a great-greatgrandmother to one.
Papilon’s family testified to her resiliency and strength. She was still driving and cooking into her 90s and even made a full recovery from a broken hip just before her one hundredth birthday.
Her daughter, Regina Giglio, said that she is still active and is on no medication. Papilon even still goes out to get her hair and nails done.
Papilon still speaks Italian, something some of her family members only realized a few years ago.
Papilon is a resident of Brookwood on the Lake apartments, located just off Hans Boulevard near
Samoset Middle School.
Elected officials stopped by last week with cards and proclamations from their respective levels of government.
“Suffolk County is where we live a long time be-cause we have good people,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), adding that Papilon was born the same year his father was born.
“How many of us are going to see 108?” asked Romaine, as Brookwood residents shouted, “I am! I am!”
“Imagine how much this young lady has seen; she’s like a living history book,” said Romaine.
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), and a representative for Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) were also on hand to deliver proclamations and wish Mary well on her big day.
Boasting over a century of life, Papilon has lived through two world wars, nineteen presidents, and even before all fifty states were organized. When asked what the secret to such a long life is, Papilon said to “not worry” and “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”
SCPD Unites Narcan Training with Purple Rock Project at Bay Shore Alive By the Bay, Training Over 220 People
The Suffolk County Police Department and the Purple Rock Project joined together on August 13 at Bay Shore’s By the Bay street event and trained more than 220 people in the use of Naloxone (Narcan) and distributed 450 doses of the life-saving antidote to opioid overdose.
SCPD Emergency Medical Service Officers
Jason Byron and Alex Trzepizur conducted the Narcan trainings alongside a “memorial rocks and informational” station run by Purple Rock Project founder and parent Carole Trottere. The Purple Rock Project (PRP) supplies purple painted rocks to that can be inscribed with the name of a loved one lost to overdose. The rocks are then exhibited at the Suffolk County Environmental Center at the Scully Estate, Tree Memorial and Serenity Garden, 550 South Bay Avenue, Islip and other locations as a reminder of how many Long Islanders have died from O.D. and fentanyl poisonings.
“Writing a child’s name on a rock may seem like a small thing, but I think it is a way of saying to the world that their child was once here,” said Trottere, who lost her son Alex in 2018. “One young woman said she had so many names to write on a rock that she “ran out of room.”
Throughout the Alive By the Bay event, attendees were educated about Narcan and the risks associated with illicit drug use. Byron also talked to many young teens and adults about the 911 Good Samaritan Law,
which allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.
Sergeant Joseph Steigele and Police Officers
Jesse Levy and Karl Allison from SCPD Community Relations Bureau from Community Relations Bureau was also on hand to help with the Narcan training and answer questions.
The Behavioral Health Unit, Sgt. Christopher Ingoglia, Police Officer Bridget Topping and Police Officer Gina Lauricella, assisted with the distribution of the Narcan.
Look for the Narcan training table and The Purple Rock Project at Alive By the Bay in Bay Shore on August 20.
If you are interested in sponsoring a community event, contact the Community Relations Bureau at SCPDCRB@ suffolkcountyny.gov
If you have lost a loved one to O.D. or fentanyl poisoning, and you would like to incorporate a Narcan training into a memorial event for your child, or loved one, please contact Police Officer Bridget Topping at bridget.topping@ suffolkcountyny.gov
For more information about The Purple Rock Project visit our Facebook page, the Purple Rock Project.
Mary Papilon with a representative of Congressman LaLota (Credit - Matt Meduri)
(Left to right) Police Officer Jesse Levy; Sergeant Joseph Steigele; Police Officer Gina Lauricella; Police Officer Bridget Topping; SCPD Emergency Medical Service Officers Jason Byron and Alex Trzepizur; and Police Officers Jesse Levy (Credit - Carole Trottere)
This Week Today
National, State and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri National
States are continuing to hold their primaries for statewide and congressional offices for the 2024 election.
On Saturday, Hawaii held its primaries for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state legislature, all of which are extremely likely to remain in Democratic hands, as Hawaii is one of the bluest states in the country.
Senator Mazie Hirono (D) easily won her primary and will face Bob McDermott (R) in November. McDermott ran in 2022 and only garnered 26% of the vote.
More notably, Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki (D) lost his primary in House District 25 to community activist Kim Iwamoto. Iwamoto primaried Saiki from his left. While the race isn’t likely to affect partisan control of the State House - House District 25 covers parts of downtown Honolulu and re-elected Saiki with 73% of the vote in 2022 - the ousting of the Speaker is likely to spark significant changes in political power in the state House.
Democrats have overwhelming partisan edges in the state legislature. In the Senate, Democrats hold a 23-2 majority over the GOP, while in the House, Democrats hold a 44-6 seat advantage.
Tuesday night brought primary results in five more states, most of which have marquee races or are likely to be included in the national spotlight.
In Wisconsin, the Senate race is set between two-term incumbent Tammy Baldwin (D) and businessman Eric Hovde (R). Baldwin was narrowly elected in 2012 and won by a comfortable eleven-point margin in 2018. While Wisconsin is perhaps one of the most competitive states at nearly all levels, Baldwin might have a slight upper-hand, as Wisconsin’s other Senate seat is held by Ron Johnson (R). Wisconsin is also one of just five states to have a split U.S. Senate delegationone composed of a Senator from each party.
So far, Baldwin has retained decent, yet not insurmountable, leads over Hovde in polling. Hovde as the endorsement of former President Donald Trump (R-FL) and faces a tough environment in which Wisconsin is likely to be one of the closest states of the presidential election.
In Minnesota, popular Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) defeated four other opponents to secure a primary win. Royce White (R), a former NBA player, won the Republican nomination to face Klobuchar, taking nearly 40% of the vote in a field of eight candidates.
The potential of Minnesota’s competition in the presidential race has reached a new level of ambiguity
following Joe Biden’s (D-DE) departure from the race and the nomination of Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) as Vice President Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) running mate. Polls showed a possible Trump win in the North Star State, which hasn’t backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1972. Polls now give Harris a decent lead, but one that is not impenetrable. Minnesota is also home to a competitive suburbanTwin Cities congressional seat.
Regardless of the top-of-the-ticket energy, Klobuchar is highly likely to win a fourth term. She has won all of her terms in good Democratic years that have seen her reach at or around 60% of the vote each time.
However, the real spectacle in Minnesota came from the Minneapolisbased MN-05, held by notable progressive “squad” member Ilhan Omar (D). Omar won the open seat in 2018 with nominal opposition in this deep-blue seat. She faced a 2020 primary against four candidates in which she emerged with 57% of the vote and went on to win re-election in a four-way race. In 2022, Omar narrowly survived a primary from her right from former Minneapolis City Councilman Don Samuels (D). Omar was re-elected that November with almost 75% of the vote.
and lost the state’s most Republicanleaning county, Litchfield County. Finally, in Vermont, Senator Bernie Sanders (I) was unopposed in the primary and is the heavy favorite to win a fourth term in one of the nation’s bluest states. He faces Gerald Malloy (R), who was the nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022. Malloy lost to then-Congressman Peter Welch (D) by forty points.
State
The State’s rollout of legalized cannabis and licensed dispensaries continues to draw ire from New York City elected officials.
A bipartisan slate of nine members of the New York City Council penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured left) on Monday imploring her to intervene on the State’s Cannabis Control Board’s plan to allow waivers for the current 1000-footbuffer between legal cannabis shops. It would effectively allow two or more stores to sell marijuana on the same city block.
Omar faced another primary on Tuesday from Samuels, as well as two other minor candidates. Omar’s mandate was stronger this year, as she emerged victorious with 56% of the vote. The primary became heavily watched after the fall of two other progressive “squad” members: Jamaal Bowman (D, NY-16), who lost the primary to Westchester County Executive George Latimer (D), and Cori Bush (D, MO-01), who lost her primary to St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell (D).
In Connecticut, two-term Senator Chris Murphy (D) was unopposed for his party’s nomination. Republicans selected 2018 nominee Matt Corey (R), who defeated Gerry Smith (R) by about nine points.
Connecticut remains an obstinately blue state with some grassroots Republican support. Republicans last won a U.S. Senate race here with Lowell Weicker (R) in 1982.
Murphy’s two prior victories were by comfortable margins and remains the favorite for re-election this year. Murphy faced Corey in 2018, a race in which Murphy won by twenty points
“Flooding our city with more dispensaries not only degrades the quality of life in these communities but also decreases the value of these licenses and only encourages more illegal sales,” the letter reads. “We are at a critical juncture, and any reduction in the buffer zone at this time would only exacerbate the situation.”
The State received mass criticism earlier this year in its effort to roll out marijuana licenses while also combatting the blizzard of illegal shops.
The New York City Councilmembers also approved of Mayor Eric Adams’ (D) “Operation Padlock to Protect” program that shut down hundreds of illegal shops. However, the councilmembers added that shutting down the illegal stores remains a “herculean task.”
Assemblyman Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) said that “oversaturing the market” would be a problem brought on by easing the 1000-foot rule, adding that the city is still “burdened” with illegal shops.
New York State has 161 licensed dispensaries, with almost half located in New York City and on Long Island.
Some cannabis shop owners plan to sue the State if officials loosen the 1000-foot rule.
Local
Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY01) (pictured left) has helped introduce the bipartisan Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act, which would prevent large cuts to New York hospitals’ Medicaid payments. Stony Brook University Hospital is facing a possible $53 million cut this year.
“New York’s safetynet hospitals, like Stony Brook University Hospital, are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing essential care to our most vulnerable communities. The potential $53 million cut in Medicaid funding threatens the very foundation of these institutions,” said LaLota. “My bipartisan Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act would prevent massive cuts to the nation’s most vulnerable hospitals without any cost to the taxpayer and ensure they can continue to deliver critical services. This is a bipartisan and common sense fix to an issue directly impacting hospitals on Long Island and safeguards healthcare access for those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind due to bureaucratic oversights.”
Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Funding helps to preserve care access at healthcare facilities that serve the most vulnerable populations. All New York hospitals receive some level of DSH Funding, with many relying on the funding to remain operational.
Currently, the amount of capped DSH funding is based on financial losses from services provided to uninsured patients, Medicaid enrollees, and dual-eligible enrollees, Medicaid patients who also use Medicare or other third-party coverage. The bill would alleviate the impact of the cap that is provided for in the Fiscal Year 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Bill. It would define the Medicaid shortfall component of the DSH cap to include costs and payments for patients for whom Medicaid is the primary payer, unreimbursed costs associated with Medicare dual-enrollees, if applicable, and any unreimbursed costs associated with other dual-enrollees.
The Medicaid cap from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Bill is seen as an “unintended consequence” of Section 203, which caps DSH funding to hospitals that “incur significant uncompensated costs for their low-income, dually-eligible Medicare patients.”
County News
Thursday, August 15, 2024
‘Welcome Home:’ Vietnam Vets Memorial Finds Permanent Place in Blydenburgh Park
By Matt Meduri
A Veterans’ memorial has finally found a permanent place in a County park after over twenty years of renovations and efforts from local leaders and elected officials.
The Vietnam Era Hauppauge Honor Roll monument was created to memorialize and honor Hauppauge natives who fought in the Vietnam Era, a term used by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs classifies Veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
The original monument was erected in 1966, fell into disrepair and dislocation, prompting leaders, Veterans’ organizations, and local government to not only beautify and revitalize the monument, but find it a permanent home.
Kevin O’Hare, President of the Suffolk County Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association (SCCPAAA), a Kings Park resident, and a Vietnam Veteran himself, led the charge to restore the monument to its former glory.
The monument was restored in 2016 by Eagle Scout Nick Sanders and names were added to the plaques last year. Most recently, the monument was located in Bill Richards Park, located just adjacent to Blydenburgh County Park on Veterans Memorial Highway (Route 454) in Hauppauge.
However, the journey for the monument and those it honors was much more turbulent.
From its creation in 1966 until 2001, it was located at the corner of Old Willets Path and Route 454. O’Hare helped restore the monument in 2001, but that began the long journey of finding a home for it.
“We come today to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of all those that served this great nation,” said Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Director Marcelle Leis, Retired Command Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant. “And to our Vietnam Veterans who are here today, welcome home,” she added, invoking the customary greeting for Vietnam Veterans.
“I got a call in 2001 asking for help with this monument,” said O’Hare. “It was in the woods, turned sideways, and about to fall over. The minute we touched the base, it collapsed. We carted it off on a flatbed, and a Navy Veteran, Norm Strong, took it to his shop in his garage.”
O’Hare says that Strong found that the monument had been significantly decayed, crawling with termites and mice. The only alternative was to build a new monument.
“We put ads in the papers looking for anyone who should have their names on the new monument,” said O’Hare. “Norm Strong took it upon himself to design it and he held it in his garage for over a year while I went around trying to find a place to put it.”
O’Hare added that levels of government jurisdiction precluded the monument from being placed on certain lands, specifically as it relates to Town monuments on County land.
O’Hare said that he consulted with the State Department of Transportation, who he said “turned me down twice.” He even considered a place in Commack, which was ultimately not agreed upon due to traffic concerns, and O’Hare’s own reservations about moving the memorial from Hauppauge, which would have defeated its original purpose.
Former Smithtown Supervisor Pat Vecchio offered O’Hare Bill Richards Park. Following the dedication, O’Hare was approached by Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) (pictured right), who recommended an Eagle Scout in her district who was looking for a project. The aforementioned Nick Sanders restored the names on the plaques that had fallen off from years of sun exposure.
Finally, the monument found its home in Blydenburgh County Park, after which it received masonry supplies from an anonymous donor and multiple labor hours from members of the Suffolk County Parks department to install the monument just near the park’s boat ramp.
“It was very labor-intensive to find a place for this memorial,” said O’Hare. He thanked Legislator Kennedy, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), who, during his time on the Smithtown Town Board, helped the project along during its stint at Bill Richards Park, as well as Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).
“Both county executives gave me full control of the project,” O’Hare told The Messenger, referring to former Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) and current Executive Romaine. “They gave me full control of the Parks Department [regarding the project]. They were here when I wanted to meet them here.”
O’Hare says his next project will be to work on free admittance to Blydenburgh for Veterans, as Veterans do not pay in various County and Town parks.
County Executive Romaine, a former history teacher at Hauppauge High School, gave the brief history lesson on the Vietnam Era, discussing the war under President Kennedy (D-MA), to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution under President Lyndon Johnson (D-TX).
“This country went astray in the early 1970s when they didn’t recognize and respect those who served, who were called to service for this country. We’re here to say we’re going to make up for that,” said Romaine, referencing the poor treatment of Vietnam Veterans for years after the war. “We’re always going to remember your service. Welcome home and thank you to all those who served our country so honorably in difficult times.”
Romaine said the monument’s dedication is “long overdue,” and that it will “stand forever to recognize people who served in difficult times, answered the call, and served honorably.”
Legislator Leslie Kennedy, a long-time partner of the project, said that she and County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) have been “protecting” the monument for over twenty years, going back to when Comptroller Kennedy represented the Twelfth District in the County Legislature.
“I learned about what happened in Vietnam when I was six years old from my father, a World War II Purple Heart Marine, at a Memorial Day parade in Commack. He explained to me what went on [in Vietnam] and the questions about was it a legitimate war and the peoples’ horrible reactions,” said Legislator Kennedy. “And ever since that day, when I realized the unfairness of the way people that served our country were treated by other people who take for granted all their liberties, I’ve been a protector.”
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) (pictured left), Chair of the Veterans Committee, also delivered remarks.
“It’s an honor to ensure that our Veterans of all conflicts, generations, and eras get the due recognition they deserve as well as their family members. This is a great tribute that families can come for generations with your grandchildren, great-grandchildren,” said Caracappa. “Suffolk County recognizes its Veterans. We thank you for your great service to this country and to this county, because you keep giving back every chance you get.”
Congressman Nick LaLota, a Navy Veteran, addressed attendees as well.
“It’s incumbent upon all of us, especially those who wore the uniform afterwards, to properly recognize that our Vietnam Veterans sacrificed both overseas but sometimes more so when they got home without the proper welcome, treatment, and respect that their service and their uniform commanded,” said LaLota. “We [the U.S.] have provided more freedom and opportunity not just to individuals within our own borders, but overseas as well. And at the tip of that spear is the fighting American man and woman.”
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, a Vietnam Veteran and a long-time help over the course of the monument’s life, said “we’re proud of the fact that Smithtown has one of the highest Veteran populations in Suffolk County, particularly since Suffolk County is the second-largest home of Veterans in the country.”
“This memorial is deeply personal to me. This location is beautiful and now, more people will be able to admire it,” said Wehrheim. “Kids will learn about our local Vietnam Veterans, their stories and the sacrifices that they made.”
The monument has two boards, one for Vietnam Veterans of Hauppauge, and another for Veterans of other wars and eras who are or were also native to Hauppauge.
Several other public officials were present, including Suffolk County Park Commissioner John Giannott, Assemblymembers Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James), and Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Smithtown Councilmembers Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown) and Lisa Inzerillo (R-Kings Park), Smithtown Clerk Tom McCarthy (R-Smithtown), Suffolk County Comptroller Kennedy, and Suffolk County Legislators Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), and Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue). A representative for Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), a Marine reservist, was also present.
To the Hauppauge monument, Vietnam Veterans, and Veterans of all wars and eras: welcome home, indeed.
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U.S. Senate Elections ForecastA Brutal Map for Democrats
By Matt Meduri
Elections for the U.S. Senate are held every two years. Senate seats are divided into three classes, mostly to ensure that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for re-election every two years, special elections notwithstanding. Senators also serve sixyear terms, meaning a state will take an election year off from Senate races after two of its seats have been filled.
The three Senate classes are also relegated to their maps based on how the terms are staggered. There’s three maps that rotate every three election cycles as terms expire.
Since Senate elections are held every two years, it means they will run concurrently with a presidential or midterm election year. However, since terms and seats are staggered, a map that was previously held during a midterm year will be held during a presidential year once the six-year terms expire.
That’s exactly the place this year’s Senate map finds itself in this year. In 2018, thirty-three Class I Senate seats were contested during the midterm elections, with two special elections. This year, those same thirty-three seats will be up, plus two special elections in California and Nebraska, coinciding with the presidential race.
At a glance, twenty-six Senators, fifteen Democrats, two Independents, and nine Republicans, are seeking re-election, while two Republicans, three Democrats, and two Independents, are not seeking re-election.
This map proved brutal for Democrats in 2018, as Republicans actually slightly expanded their majority that year by flipping four seats, for a net gain of two, despite it being a good Democratic year that saw the party gain control of the U.S. House and flip seven governorships. The Senate map was not only difficult for Democrats in terms of resources, as Democrats had to defend twentythree seats, while Republicans only had to defend nine. Democrats were also playing defense in ten states won by Donald Trump (R-NY) in the 2016 election, while Republicans only had to defend an incumbent in just one state won by Hillary Clinton (D-NY): Nevada.
A changing political landscape among workingclass communities in Indiana, Missouri, and North Dakota allowed Republicans relatively easy flips, while Florida’s realignment started to begin, when Republicans ousted Bill Nelson (D) in a semi-upset. Democrats ousted Dean Heller (R) in Nevada and won the open seat in Arizona.
Had the year been more auspicious for Republicans, they likely could have contested much more territory. And despite 2018 being a good Democratic year, their prospects fell short in Tennessee, Texas, and the special election in Mississippi.
The same map is presented to the parties and the public this year. Democrats have virtually no hope of regaining three red-state seats they lost in 2018 and face the similar problem of lopsided defense. Republicans, on the other hand, aren’t in immediate danger of losing any seats at the moment, and can benefit from an election year in which the generic ballot might be Republicanleaning. If Trump regains momentum after the Biden-Harris switch, Republicans might even play more offensively, as Democrats have open seats
This column will cover national politics heading into the 2024 elections. The purpose is to offer commentary on the national electoral environment and provide a dashboard of key races, balance of power in Congress, and notable polling data.
in competitive states and must face some decent Republican recruits where unexpected.
Democrats were also dealt a massive blow with the retirement of Joe Manchin (I-WV), virtually guaranteeing Republicans flip this deep-red seat and erasing Democrats’ margin for error in other states. Essentially, they have to run the table to hold all seats while also holding the presidency to retain the majority.
Since Senate elections are becoming increasingly more in line with presidential results in a given state, Senate outcomes are almost certain to correspond to presidential results. Only five states have split Senate delegations, one that includes a member of both parties: Maine, Montana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. This is the lowest number of split delegations since the direct election of Senators began in 1913.
This week, we’ll examine our preliminary forecast and discuss the most competitive races that are likely to determine the balance of power in the upper chamber.
Safe: These seats are highly unlikely to be contested and the incumbent party has heavy odds to win these seats.
Likely: One party has several distinct advantages, but the race has potential to become engaged or see a thinner-than-usual margin.
Leans: One party has a certain set of advantages, but the race is by no means a cake walk for them.
Tilts: One party has a slight advantage that cannot be overlooked in the analysis of the horse race. These seats are certain to remain competitive.
Toss Up: No party has a distinct advantage. These races will also likely rely on top-of-the-ticket energy.
The Toss-Ups
These are the seats most likely to be decided by the closest margins and to determine who will control the Senate for the next two years.
Michigan - Elissa Slotkin V. Mike Rogers
Four-term incumbent Debbie Stabenow (D) defeated Michigan’s last Republican Senator, Spencer Abraham, in 2000. She won two resounding re-elections, but narrowly took a fourth term in 2018, despite the year being good for her party. Now, the race is wide open with her retirement. Trump’s polling energy against Biden in Michigan seemed good enough to help Republicans flip this seat for the first time in over twenty years. Now that Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) is the presumptive nominee, the political calculus of this race changes significantly.
Ex-CIA member and three-term Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D, MI-07) secured the Democratic nomination last week. She won three close elections in her Lansing-based district and brings fundraising and campaign enthusiasm to the race.
She faces former Congressman and FBI professional Mike Rogers (R). Rogers was mulling a presidential run last year, but instead pursued a Senate run. Rogers has earned the endorsements of Trump and other notable officials. Rogers has $2.5 million cash-on-hand to Slotkin’s $8.6 million war chest.
The 2016 and 2020 elections have given Michigan a slight Republican lean relative to the nation overall, a sign of some fundamental changes among the state’s heavily-unionized, working-class voting base. Diverse urban and suburban areas are likely to go to Slotkin, but the battlegrounds will be found in areas like Grand Rapids, Flint, and Saginaw, communities that were crucial to Trump’s upset win in 2016.
The Michigan GOP suffered from intraparty fighting and clerical issues that cost them winnable races in the 2022 midterms. If the party hasn’t organized their business by Election Day, we might move this rating in Slotkin’s favor.
This one will certainly come down to presidential results. Since Michigan tends to vote bluer down
Continued on next page
The Messenger’s current Senate forecast.
U.S. Senate Elections Forecast - A Brutal Map for Democrats
Continued from previous page
ballot, Rogers might have to outperform Trump by a couple of points to win this race. If Trump doesn’t win Michigan, Rogers is probably already underwater. Either way, the next Senator from Michigan will have a federal investigative background.
Nevada - Jacky Rosen V. Sam Brown
Jacky Rosen (D) was the only Democrat to oust an incumbent Republican, Dean Heller, in the 2018 midterms. Nevada is perhaps the only notable state that regularly overestimates Republican support in polling. Heller seemed to be in the driver’s seat in 2018, only to lose to Rosen by five points.
Rosen hasn’t exactly been a vocal presence in the Senate, but Nevada voters, so far, seem keen on returning her to Washington. She has held narrow leads in the polls against Army Veteran Sam Brown, who sustained severe burns due to an improvised explosive device injury while serving in Afghanistan in 2008.
Republicans almost ousted Catherine Cortez Masto (D) in 2022, with Adam Laxalt (R) coming up short by just a few thousand votes. While this year’s race might not be as close, it will certainly be within a few points.
Nevada’s political profile is entirely unique from those of other states: low-college-educated, highly transitory, and ethnically diverse, it makes sense why Nevada has been a blue-leaning swing state since the late-2000s.
However, Republicans might be able to capitalize on the tectonic shifts of the Latino demographic leaving the Democratic Party, a valuable voting bloc in the Silver State. Rosen leveraged her representation of the suburban-Las Vegas NV-03 in the U.S. House before her Senate run. If she still has that kind of support in Nevada’s largest city, it puts her in a decent starting position.
Rosen has just over $10 million in war chest, while Brown sits at $2.5 million cash-on-hand. However, Brown just cleared a large primary and has already raised $7 million total.
Nevada’s presidential outcome might have more of an effect on this race than the same dynamic would in Michigan, as Trump has held massive leads in the polls here all year and continues to hold the line even with Harris on the ballot.
However, if the GOP is currently being overestimated in polling, then Brown is already underwater, as he trails Rosen by a larger margin than Harris trails Trump. The picture might not be rosier for Trump, who might not have much of a margin for error if the polling is overestimating his stance in the race.
Ohio - Sherrod Brown V. Bernie Moreno
Ohio was once one of the nation’s most crucial swing states. However, the Trump Era has shifted the state markedly to the right, as the workingclass population that once gave Democrats massive margins of victory have jumped ship in search of redder pastures.
Three-term Senator Sherrod Brown (D) faces Colombian-American businessman Bernie Moreno. Moreno was seen as one of the less electable Republicans running in the primary, but has not trailed too far behind Brown in polling thus far.
On paper, Brown should have this race locked up. As a moderate Democrat with a long record in Ohio politics, Brown faces the biggest challenge of his political career this year. His state has moved much farther away from him in recent years that he might already be a slight underdog. Had another Republican won the primary, we might already insist he’s not favored to win.
In 2018, Brown faced an underwhelming opponent in a good Democratic year. Polling indicated a low-to-mid double-digit win for Brown, but he only won by around seven points. These were the first alarm bells for Ohio Democrats, with the second set coming in 2020, as Trump, initially expected to only narrowly win Ohio, repeated his unprecedented eight-point margin of victory that year.
While Republicans suffered in some congressional districts in 2022, the political moods don’t seem to be shifting. Indeed, Trump has maintained his levels of support and we wouldn’t be surprised if he took the Buckeye State between ten and fifteen points.
That said, Brown would need a corresponding level of crossover support, something largely unlikely in a polarized electorate in a state racing to the right.
Tilting R or Tilting D
Montana - Jon Tester V. Tim Sheehy
Montana continues to be the political anomaly it always has been. A Rocky Mountain state surrounded by some of the most Republican in the country, Montana is the only one with a statewide elected Democrat, no right-to-work laws, and more liberal stances on certain issues.
Senator Jon Tester (D) was elected in the blue wave year of 2006, giving Montana two Democratic Senators. He won another squeaker in 2012 and rode the environment, despite slightly underperforming it, to win a third term in 2018.
Tester, although popular among constituents, might not be so lucky this time. Since 1972, Montana has swung against every incumbent president. Trump took Montana by sixteen points in 2020, meaning Tester already has a colossal amount of crossover appeal to rack up, with a few points more likely coming as the state is likely to swing against Harris.
Tester has also been trailing in the polls against former Navy SEAL Officer Tim Sheehy (R). Tester starts with almost $11 million in campaign cash, to Sheehy’s $3.2 million. Those numbers are likely to explode in perhaps a defining race of the season.
Arizona - Ruben Gallego V. Kari Lake
Arizona’s reputation as a Republican-leaning battleground has transitioned to a blue-leaning swing state in an incredibly short amount of time. Kyrsten Sinema (I) flipped this seat as a Democrat in 2018, but adopted more moderate votes on Senate policy, much to her caucus’ chagrin. She became an Independent last winter and is not running for a second term this year.
The race pits Congressman Ruben Gallego (D, AZ-03) against former news anchor and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (R). Gallego would be an ardently more progressive voice
in the Senate than Sinema was, while Lake has ostracized some in the state GOP for her claims of election fraud in the razor-thin 2022 governor’s race.
This would be a pure toss-up if Sinema remained on the ballot as an Independent. We believe a fractious state GOP gives Gallego a slight advantage, although Trump has remained the favorite in Arizona polling, even with Harris on the ticket.
Safe R
West Virginia - Jim Justice V. Glenn Elliot
West Virginia was once the bread and butter of the Democratic Party via the blue-collar workers that makeup the state. Since the 2000s, the party’s support has collapsed almost entirely. Beloved moderate Senator Joe Manchin narrowly won reelection over a relatively weak opponent in 2018. Due to the evenly-divided Senate for two years, Manchin was a thorn in the progressives’ side. Manchin decided to retire rather than face nearcertain political defeat.
Trump carried West Virginia by forty points in 2016 and 2020. The level of crossover support Manchin would have needed is virtually impossible to obtain the modern hyper-partisan era. Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliot, or any generic Democrat for that matter, is unlikely to fare much better against charismatic Governor Jim Justice.
The political headwinds in the Mountain State make Democrats’ Senate math even more difficult than it already was. A safe Republican flip here, assuming the GOP holds their other seats, brings them to fifty seats in the chamber, with the vice president acting as a tie-breaker when necessary. If Republicans flip just one more seat, which we believe is on the table with the Montana race, Republicans win control regardless of presidential outcome.
Outlook
Republicans are currently favored to flip the Senate. We put them at reaching fifty-one seats, by flipping in West Virginia and Montana. Flips in Ohio and Nevada are also possible, but the races are much more competitive than the other two.
Democrats have outside chances of flipping seats in Florida, Texas, and Missouri, although these remain at farther ends of the competitive table than Democrats would probably prefer. With Trump almost certain to win Missouri and likely to carry Texas and Florida, Democrats would not only need to outperform the top of the ticket, but fundamentals as well. Missouri is no longer the swing state it was. Florida appears to have realigned significantly, although can still host competitive races. And while Democrats have chipped away the Republican guard in Texas, additional election cycles will be required to fully put the state in play.
Republicans have other pickup opportunities in New Mexico, Virginia, and possibly Maryland, but remain just as unlikely as Democrats’ chances in the aforementioned states.
In another column, we’ll analyze the states where both parties’ prospects are better, but still leave room for competition.
The Necessary Standard for American Education
How the Democratic National Convention Works
By Matt Meduri
In June, we discussed in-depth how the Republican National Convention (RNC) works. This week, we’ll unpack how Democrats handle their business, as the conventions are slated to be held in Chicago from August 19 to August 22.
What makes this DNC unlike any other, at least since 1968, is that President Joe Biden (D-DE) made the unprecedented decision to quit the race after an abysmal debate performance in late June, followed by mounting calls from his party to drop out. Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) appears as the presumptive nominee, along with her running mate Governor Tim Walz (D-MN).
Since the delegates will not be awarded according to their primary/caucus results that were held from February until June, this DNC will effectively negate the popular vote in nearly all regards, as Harris did not campaign for the nomination this year. Biden received the lion’s share of the 3,949 delegates available.
While the procedure is mostly the same for the GOP, the Democrats do have some unique rules at play in their nominating contests.
History and Purpose
The purpose of the DNC is identical to that of the RNC: to formally select nominees for president and vice president. Given the extraordinarily short runway the newly-formed ticket has, delegates from all fifty states, five territories, and the District of Columbia will have to put forward nominees until one clinches a majority of delegates.
The first DNC was held in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 21, 1832. The convention was held only to elect a vice presidential nominee, as President Andrew Jackson (D-TN), the first elected president of the Democratic Party, was already the nascent party’s leader and was not contested for the nomination.
From 1832 until 1936, DNC rules stipulated that a presidential nominee required two-thirds of the delegates’ votes, a feat that proved impossible on the first ballot round. Since the threshold was so high, dozens of ballots often dragged the convention into a deadline, in which dark horse candidates often became compromises as party bosses wouldn’t break from their nominees. One such candidate was James Polk (D-TN), who served one term as the eleventh president from 1845 to 1849.
In 1936, the rules were changed so that only a simple majority of delegates was required to secure a nomination; only one multi-ballot convention has taken place since then, 1952.
Vice presidential nominations were even more tense, as, traditionally, the nominee was not known until the final night of the convention. The 1972 and 1980 conventions were the first times a vice presidential nominee was known on the first nights of the conventions, which led to walkouts from the delegates and vote scatterings that sabotaged chances of certain nominees. Since 1984, the presumptive presidential nominee usually announces the vice presidential nominee before the convention begins.
Delegates
While the general election utilizes the Electoral College for determining winners and losers, the primary/caucus system uses delegates. While the Electoral College vote numbers for each state change decennially, pursuant to the results of the U.S. Census, state and territory quantities change every four years.
The GOP has their own rules on delegate math and bonus delegates and even gives the state parties more oversight as to how the contests can award delegates. The Democrats, however, have a more complicated formula governing how their states receive representation.
Pledged Delegates: These representatives are often selected at their state’s nominating convention and typically obligated to vote for the candidate who wins that state’s (or territory’s) primary or caucus. A candidate is usually only able to receive a share of a state’s pledged delegates if they win at least 15% of the vote in that state’s primary. Since 2012, the number pledged DNC delegates allocated to all fifty states and D.C. is based on two factors, similar to GOP rules: the proportion of votes each state gave to the Democratic candidate in the last three presidential elections, and the number of
electoral votes the state has in the College.
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.
The first step in their formula adds the three last Democratic statewide vote margins and divides them by the national Democratic vote total for the last three elections. That number is then added to the quotient of the state’s electoral votes divided by 538, the total number of votes in the College. That sum is halved and then multiplied by what official DNC rules call an “allocation factor.” The factor is 3,200, the base against which all delegates for the fifty states and D.C. are held to ensure equal weight is given based on the formula. Percentages are rounded to the nearest integer.
This final product is considered a jurisdiction’s base delegation.
At-Large Delegates: These are pledged delegates who are elected at the stateside level. A jurisdiction’s number of at-large delegations is determined by its base delegation multiplied by 0.25.
District Delegates: These delegates are elected often at the congressional district level, but can be elected at the state or territory legislative district level. A jurisdiction’s number of district delegates can be determined by subtracting its at-large delegates from its base delegation.
Pledged PLEO Delegates: Party Leaders and Elected Officials (PLEO) within the state makeup this category of delegates, also called add-on delegates. A jurisdiction’s number of PLEO Delegates is determined by the base delegation multiplied by 0.15.
Territorial Delegates: Since the five territories do not receive electoral votes, four - Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands - are instead given a fixed amount of pledged delegates.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico receives base delegates but then faces the same math as the fifty states and D.C. do regarding at-large, district, and PLEO delegates.
Bonus Delegates - Timing and Clustering
Unlike the GOP, which awards bonus delegates based on congressional and statewide electoral success, the Democratic Party awards bonus delegates based on two factors: timing and clustering.
Timing stages are divided into three stages. Timing Stage One includes any primary/caucus held before April. Timing Stage Two includes the month of April entirely. Timing Stage Three includes May and June. If a contest is held during Stage One, it receives no bonus delegates. Holding a contest in April nets a jurisdiction a 10% increase in delegates. If a state holds its contest in May or June, it receives a 30% increase.
The purpose of the timing criterion allows states voting later in the season to have more electoral clout, even if a candidate has captured a majority of delegates to become the party’s presumptive nominee. The logic is that a spot on the calendar, which may or may not be an arbitrary decision, should still have weight when it comes down to a tight race. Assuming a candidate has not wrapped up a majority of pledged delegates by the end of April, which is unusual, the states slated to conduct party business later in the spring have much more influence.
The clustering criterion incentivizes states to work together to boost their bonus delegates. Clustering consists of three or more neighboring states holding contests concurrently. If a state is involved in a cluster, it receives a 15% increase in bonus delegates.
However, the benefits of clustering and timing can be stacked, allowing states to maximize the number of bonus delegates they can receive.
If a state is involved in a cluster and holds its primary in April (Timing Stage Two), it receives a 25% increase in delegates. For a state clustering and holding its content in Timing State Three, it receives a 35% increase in delegates.
Superdelegates
Perhaps the most well-known, and somewhat controversial, aspect unique to the DNC is that of superdelegates, also known as automatic delegates: an unpledged delegate to the
convention who is automatically seated and has complete freedom for whom they cast their vote. These delegates are primarily composed of the aforementioned PLEOs (Party Leaders and Elected Officials). With 3,949 pledged delegates, 747 superdelegates makes up a whopping 4,696 delegates to the DNC.
Superdelegates can be filed into four categories: elected members of the Democratic National Committee; Democratic governors, including territorial governors and the Mayor of D.C.; Democratic members of Congress, including non-voting House delegates from the territories and D.C.’s shadow senators; and distinguished party leaders, which can consist of sitting or former presidents, vice presidents, congressional leaders, and DNC chairs.
While superdelegates have traditionally been able to support any candidate they chose, the 2018 Democratic Conventions brought about a massive rule change: superdelegates cannot vote on the first ballot at the nominating convention, relegating them to contested conventions.
Contested conventions occur when no candidate receives a majority of the delegates on the first ballot. Not only does this significantly increase the power of political power brokers and the stakeholders flush with checks made out to the campaign of their choice, but it also unbenches the superdelegates. With 747 at this year’s conventions, this number can make a massive difference in the roll call, especially if the rest of the party is nearly evenly-divided between two candidates.
Democrats Abroad
Another unique facet of the DNC is the Democrats Abroad organization and its respective primary. The organization has members in 197 countries and 48 organized country chapters. Since 1976, Democrats Abroad has sent a delegation to the DNC every four years. The organization gets twelve at-large delegations and one pledged PLEO.
Republicans Abroad operated with a similar purpose until 2013, when Republicans Overseas took its place as a spiritual successor. Neither organization has sent a delegation to the RNC.
Roll Call
Joe Biden won fifty-six contests, 3,905 delegates, and 14 million votes. The “Uncommitted” ballot option was active in multiple states, mostly as a protest vote against Biden for his stances on the Israel-Gaza War. The option took large portions of the electorates in Michigan and Minnesota, states with large Arab populations, signaling early schisms within the Democratic establishment going into November. The option won no contests, but took thirty-seven delegates and more than 700,000 votes.
Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) took no contests and only four delegates, capturing almost 530,000 votes nationwide.
Dark horse candidate Jason Palmer (D-MD) campaigned heavily, albeit virtually, in American Samoa, allowing him to win that contest and three delegates, despite taking in just under 21,000 votes nationwide. Palmer made Biden the first incumbent president to lose a primary/caucus contest since Jimmy Carter (D-GA) in 1980.
So far, Vice President Harris appears to have secured enough delegates to win the nomination on the first round, which would avoid a contested convention and would keep the superdelegates on the bench.
On the Campaign Trail
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Assemblyman Ed Flood Hosts Successful Fundraiser at Castaways in Port Jefferson
By Cait Crudden
Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) is back on the campaign trail, and his recent fundraiser at the recently opened Castaways restaurant in Port Jefferson Village was a resounding success. The event, which drew a large crowd of supporters, highlighted Flood’s strong backing from colleagues at various levels of government, including Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY01) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow). Their attendance and endorsements signal the broad coalition of support that Flood has built as he seeks re-election to the New York State Assembly.
The event was a testament to Flood’s influence and the respect he commands among his peers. Congressman Nick LaLota delivered an enthusiastic speech, expressing his strong support for Flood’s re-election campaign. LaLota praised Flood for his dedication to the community, his commitment to serving the residents of his district and he is exactly the kind of leader we need in Albany.
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio also attended the event, further demonstrating the unity among local Republican officials. Her presence underscored the collaborative efforts among Long Island’s elected representatives to address the challenges facing their constituents.
and lively atmosphere, added to the overall success of the event.
Assemblyman Flood took the opportunity to address the attendees, outlining his priorities and vision for the future. He emphasized his commitment to helping the community by ensuring that essential services and schools are adequately funded. Flood also spoke about the importance of fiscal responsibility, pledging to cut wasteful spending and make common-sense decisions if re-elected.
The Assemblyman was also sponsored and supported by various law enforcement agencies and small businesses in the community. This highlights his dedication to keeping his community safe and recognizing the importance of small businesses in the area.
“I’m thankful to the members of the community and the strong Law Enforcement Officer presence at this event,” Flood told The Messenger
The fundraiser was hosted at Castaways, a new addition to the vibrant dining scene in Port Jefferson Village. The restaurant’s atmosphere, coupled with its exceptional food and service, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening’s events.
The staff at Castaways received high praise from guests, who appreciated the seamless service and warm hospitality. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its welcoming decor
Assemblyman Flood said in a statement of the event afterwards, “I want to thank everyone for coming out last night! The house was packed with supporters ready to win this campaign and working with elected officials who want to make New York safer and more affordable. Special thank you to Nick LaLota and Chairman Jesse Garcia for their unwavering support. Lastly thank you to the staff of Castaways Port Jefferson for their unbelievable hospitality and service.”
As the campaign season heats up, Assemblyman Ed Flood is poised to continue building momentum as the campaign season heats up. With strong endorsements from his colleagues, as well as law enforcement and small businesses within the Fourth Assembly District, Flood has a clear vision for the future and is determined to make a positive impact in Albany if re-elected.
Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) has represented the Fourth District in the New York State Assembly since 2023. The Fourth District includes Belle Terre, Coram, East Setauket, Gordon Heights, Old Field, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Setauket, Stony Brook, Strongs Neck, and Terryville, and parts of Centereach, Lake Grove, and Selden.
The Fourth Assembly District office is located at 149 Main Street in East Setauket and can be reached at 631-751-3094.
Assemblyman Doug Smith’s Fundraiser at Irish Times Draws Over 100 Supporters
By Cait Crudden
Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) hosted a successful fundraiser at Irish Times in Holbrook, drawing over one hundred supporters for his reelection campaign. The event, dubbed a “No Suits, No Speeches” Summer BBQ, provided a relaxed setting where friends, supporters, and community members could gather and show their support for Smith as he seeks another term in the New York State Assembly.
The casual atmosphere of the event reflected Smith’s approach to politics—grounded, approachable, and focused on connecting with the people he represents. Attendees enjoyed a variety of barbecue favorites, cold drinks, and lively conversation, all while showing their support for the Assemblyman’s campaign.
The turnout was a testament to the strong community backing that Smith enjoys. Attendees included residents, small business owners, and representatives from various law enforcement organizations. The large crowd highlighted the community’s recognition of Smith’s efforts in Albany and their desire to see him continue his work in the Assembly.
Among the event’s notable supporters were several Law Enforcement PBA’s, which have been strong allies of Smith throughout his tenure in the Assembly. Their sponsorship of the fundraiser underscores Smith’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and public safety initiatives.
Smith has consistently advocated for policies that protect law enforcement officers and ensure the safety of communities across Suffolk County. His work has earned
him the respect and endorsement of many in the law enforcement community, who view him as a reliable and dedicated advocate.
Small businesses from the area also played a significant role in sponsoring the event, reflecting Smith’s ongoing efforts to support local enterprises. Throughout his time in the Assembly, Smith has worked to promote policies that benefit small businesses, recognizing them as the backbone of the local economy.
The “No Suits, No Speeches” theme of the fundraiser was a refreshing change from the more formal and structured events typically associated with political campaigns. This approach allowed attendees to feel more at ease and fostered open and candid discussions about the issues facing the community.
Smith with his wife Liz and their daughter Sophie
In a statement after the event,
Assemblyman Smith said, “The rain didn’t stop the party! Thank you to over one hundred people who attended and supported our fundraiser! We packed out Irish Times inside and outside!”
As the election season progresses, Smith is gearing up for a busy campaign trail. With the strong turnout and support at his fundraiser, he is confident in his ability to continue representing his district effectively in Albany. The event at Irish Times was a reminder of the broad base of support he enjoys and the trust the community has placed in him.
Assemblyman Smith also remarked on the event,
“Thank you to my friends in Labor, Law Enforcement, Local Business Owners, the Fire Department and our amazing community! It is an honor to have your continued support! Together we will make New York safer and more affordable!”
Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) has represented the Fifth District in the New York State Assembly since 2018. The Fifth District is split between Brookhaven and Islip and includes Farmingville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Ronkonkoma, and parts of Bohemia, Centereach, Islandia, North Patchogue, and Selden.
The Fifth District office is located at 4155 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 9, in Ronkonkoma and can be reached at 631-585-0230.
Photo Credit: Cait Crudden
‘Glass Mountain:’ RFK Meets with Media to Discuss Nationwide Ballot Access Campaign
By Matt Meduri
In addition to the 2024 presidential contest entering waters not chartered since 1968, and even then there are still nuances to this year’s content, the race has been invariably shaken up by the candidacy of Independent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Initially campaigning in the Democratic primaries against President Joe Biden (D-DE), RFK abandoned the effort in October to take on a monumental challenge: running a worthwhile third-party campaign.
RFK has staked his candidacy on dysfunction and schisms within both national parties, record-low unpopularity of the two frontrunning candidates, and a system he says is “broken” and does represent the majority of Americans.
The last notable third-party presidential candidate to make a significant impact on the race was Ross Perot (I-TX) in the 1992 election, in which he took almost 19% of the popular vote, but just fourteen counties of the three-thousand-plus across the country - although he tied with President George H. W. Bush (R-TX) in Morris County, Kansas. Perot won no states and thus, took no Electoral College votes.
Arguably the most difficult challenge for RFK is not just winning the presidential election, but obtaining ballot access in enough states and galvanizing considerable grassroots support nationwide to even have a chance to contend against Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) and former President Donald Trump (R-FL).
Kennedy, his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, and campaign and ballot access leaders hosted a roundtable with over two hundred media representatives last week to provide crucial updates on the task.
Kennedy opened the meeting by announcing that the campaign has obtained the sufficient number of signatures in eight more states: Alabama (9 electoral votes), Arkansas (6), Kansas (6), Massachusetts (11), Montana (4), North Dakota (3), Vermont (3), and Virginia (13). The achievement came just two days after the campaign obtained enough signatures for ballot access in nine other states: Connecticut (7), Idaho (4), Iowa (6), Maine (4 split), Missouri (10), Ohio (17), Oregon (8), Pennsylvania (19), and West Virginia (4).
The most recent ballot access blitz of seventeen states collectively represents 134 electoral votes. 270 are needed to win the presidency. As of press time, RFK has either submitted the required number of signatures or has been certified on the ballot in forty-five states, collectively worth 503 electoral votes. Ballot access is in progress for the remaining five states and the District of Columbia (3): Arizona (11), Kentucky (8), Mississippi (6), Rhode Island (4), and Wyoming (3).
“We have an army of over 100,000 volunteers; it’s a monumental effort,” Kennedy told the press. “The rules that govern ballot access in the fifty states are draconian and byzantine. They were written by the two major parties to prevent competition and to make it insurmountable for an Independent candidate for the presidency to even get their name on the ballot.”
Kennedy also laid blame on the mass media for essentially setting a narrative that not only could he not win the election outright, but that obtaining sweeping ballot access was not feasible.
“Virtually all major press outlets have been predicting that this could not be done, that our campaign should never be taken seriously,” said Kennedy. “We’ve been able to overcome impossible odds.”
Kennedy spoke highly of the volunteers he has met across the country, retelling a story of a “giant” man in Nevada who told Kennedy that he had lost over twenty pounds collecting signatures for the campaign in 117-degree heat. Kennedy also mentioned the volunteers in Maine, who brought signatures to all four hundred town clerks across the state to certify his access in the Pine Tree State.
Kennedy also touted that the campaign has received over one million signatures nationwide.
“No other presidential candidate in history has gotten one million signatures,” said Kennedy. He compared the effort to that of Ross Perot, who received 340,000 signatures. However, Kennedy lamented that due to press coverage of the Perot campaign, many voters did not back him because they did not believe he had a realistic shot at becoming president.
“Perot won 19% of the vote, but the average response among voters in exit polls showed 36% of support for him,” said Kennedy. “If those people voted for him, he would have won, but the press told them it was a lost cause and a wasted vote.”
Kennedy also remarked that Perot ran at a time when the press was not “particularly partisan,” and that Perot was welcomed on all networks, a stark contrast to his reception in the 2024 race.
“ABC has never allowed me on for a single interview. We’ve asked again and again, they won’t even allow a taped interview,” Kennedy told the press. “I’ve done one live interview and two taped interviews in eighteen months. These platforms are, every day, telling people that I can’t win.”
However, Kennedy touted his campaign’s accomplishments, saying that, in addition the one million-plus signatures received, the campaign has raised $52 million, brought in 115,000 volunteers, has received over one million real debate views - in which Kennedy responded to the live CNN debate between Trump and Biden to which he was not invited - and has a “perfect record of defeating legal challenges” facing his ballot access.
Paul Rossi, campaign senior legal counsel, said that Perot is what started the effort between the parties to block Independents from achieving substantial ballot access.
“Because Ross Perot was successful, they thought they could impose rules to prevent this from ever happening again,” said Rossi. “They were right up until today.”
Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, said that the campaign has seen “significant handicaps,” ranging from ballot access to debate access.
“I had no idea how difficult it is for Independent candidates to access ballots in this country. I always assumed that democracy encouraged as many qualified voices to speak,” said Shanahan. “Ballot access has given us all an opportunity to come together and wear multiple hats. There are so many nuanced, arbitrary rules. Every single state is different, every piece of paperwork is different.”
Nick Brana, Senior Advisor and Ballot Access Director, called the ballot access quest a “labyrinth laced with a minefield.”
“The secretaries of state don’t even know their own rules, some will mislead you, some will produce forms days or hours before the submission deadline,” said Brana. “The amount of challenges is truly incredible; it was not meant to be done.”
When The Messenger asked what state has proven the most difficult in ballot access, Brana and company agreed on one state in particular: New York. Brana called ballot access in New York “impossible.”
“It has just one of the shortest windows in the country - six weeks - with a 45,000 signature requirement,” said Brana. “There are a number of different provisions, sheets, and forms, and any circulator who signs for a different presidential candidate invalidates the prior signature.” Brana likened the mutual exclusivity of signatures as an “incentive” for one campaign to “sabotage” another.
Brana also said that validating signatures becomes complicated when verifying identities down to the villages and hamlets of residences, a unique aspect of multi-layered government in New York.
Despite the challenges, the campaign has received more than double the amount of required signatures for ballot access in the Empire State.
As of Monday night, the campaign plans to appeal an Albany County judge’s ruling that would bar Kennedy from the ballot in New York on grounds that he misrepresented his residency.
“The ruling came in spite of the fact that Kennedy is registered to vote in New York, New York has been his primary residence since 1964, he pays taxes in New York, he has a New York driver’s license, his legal license and law practice is in New York, and his falconry license and other recreational licenses are in New York,” said the Kennedy campaign in a statement.
Amaryllis Kennedy, the campaign manager for her father-in-law, said that the ballot access quest was an unclimbable “glass mountain.”
“Here we are at the top of it,” said Kennedy, adding that other issues are considered to be “glass mountains” as well.
“Healing national division, restoring long-term hope in our economy when seventy-plus cents of every dollar is going to paying off interest, improving our health and education systems, and increasing life expectancy. Those might be said to be glass mountains, but having scaled one together, we can do it again,” said Kennedy.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., offered a sobering view of current American politics.
“Crises have always brought out the best in America: 9/11, the Boston bombings, hurricanes, or tornadoes: they’ve brought Americans together,” said Kennedy. “When we’re together, we can accomplish anything. We are deliberately being kept divided. We have extraordinary resiliency, but a house divided against itself cannot stand. As long as we’re at each other’s throats, we’re not going to be able to accomplish anything and our country will continue to spiral in decline.
The ballot access quest for the RFK campaign is coming to a close, with deadlines for the five remaining states and Washington, D.C., approaching in the coming weeks or at the beginning of September.
RFK Jr. speaks to a crowd in Holbrook in May (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Long Island Life & Politics
Modernization Project for Exit 53 Interchange of LIE Completed
By Long Island Life and Politics
Construction is complete on a $27 million project that modernized Exit 53 of the Long Island Expressway, enhancing public safety and improving connectivity at one of the region’s busiest interchanges.
The project, one of the most significant upgrades to the LIE since the addition of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in the 1990s, transformed the interchange by adding two new exit ramps from the expressway to Crooked Hill Road, creating smoother travel conditions and more direct access to many of the area’s most visited businesses as well as nearby recreational and educational destinations. Connections between the LIE and the nearby Sagtikos State Parkway were also improved as part of the project and a new detection system was installed to mitigate instances of trucks and other over height-vehicles entering the parkway.
“Long Island residents are all too familiar with the frustrations and hardships that come from traveling along congested and outdated roadways, and we are determined to do something about it,” Governor Kathy Hochul (D) said. “The transformation of the Exit 53 interchange will make the commute to and from work easier for thousands of motorists who travel these roadways every day and also improve access to many of Long Island’s most popular stores, restaurants, schools and parks, which will boost our economy, reduce stress and improve quality of life.”
CreditOffice of Governor Hochul
The reconstructed Exit 53 interchange, which is located at the border of the towns of Islip and Smithtown, will negate the need for motorists to take circuitous routes involving service roads and congested local intersections to reach Crooked Hill Road and allow for more convenient travel to destinations such as Brentwood State Park, Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant campus in Brentwood, retail outlets in Commack and the industrial parks in Hauppauge, Brentwood, and Deer Park. In addition to the new ramps, the project also added seven new overhead signs to better direct motorists and three new electronic message signs that display advisory messages, such as warnings of severe weather or road closures. Each ramp terminus at Crooked Hill Road (Suffolk County Route 13) also features an enhanced traffic signal with audible pedestrian crossing signals and handicapped accessible curb ramps, both compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
On the Sagtikos State Parkway, lanes for traffic merging from the LIE and from Pilgrim Psychiatric Center were extended southbound to enhance safety and mobility. A second lane was added throughout the ramp from the eastbound LIE towards the southbound parkway and a third travel lane was extended for traffic merging onto the southbound parkway to the G Road bridge with additional improvements at Exit S2.
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Long Island Life & Politics
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Modernization Project for Exit 53 Interchange of LIE Completed
Countermeasures to prevent over-height vehicles from illegally entering the Sagtikos State Parkway, including a laser detection system that triggers LED warning signs urging them to pull over immediately and alerts the State Department of Transportation’s regional traffic management center, were also installed. Ground-mounted and overhead signs that warn of the parkway’s truck restrictions were also added.
Additionally, an existing three-and-a-half acre recharge basin, which naturally filters highway stormwater runoff, was reconditioned by removing approximately 3,100 tons of debris and organic material to prevent blockages and allows for more adequate filtration. The basin was also expanded and over a mile of new drainage pipes were installed to accept more water in anticipation of heavier rains due to changing weather patterns.
Over 2,600 new trees and shrubs – including native evergreens and flowering trees – were planted to restore woodlands, replicating the aesthetic look of Long Island’s parkways. A unique mix of wildflowers was developed and implemented specifically for this site to create a safe habitat for pollinators and Monarch butterflies and to prevent erosion on the slopes of the recharge basin. The new landscape also provides screening from nearby businesses.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “DOT is laser focused on enhancing safety and improving quality of life across New York State and this transformative project in central Suffolk County is another demonstration of that commitment. Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to transformative infrastructure that addresses community needs – like streamlining travel through one of Long Island’s busiest areas by reconfiguring the Exit 53 interchange with new ramps to Crooked Hill Road – will make it easier and slightly less stressful, to work, play, shop and recreate in this wonderful community.”
New York State Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) said, “Transportation infrastructure should always connect people and communities while prioritizing safety. Now, with the modernization of this completed corridor, New York is linking residents to businesses and opportunities more efficiently. This project ensures Long Islanders are able to access their workplaces, businesses, and recreational activities with greater ease and enhanced safety. I thank the governor and the Department of Transportation for prioritizing this significant improvement for our region.”
“This significant improvement will greatly enhance travel through this oftencongested area, making it easier for drivers and benefiting our local economy by allowing residents and visitors better access to businesses,” said State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) pictured left. “This will improve life for all Long Islanders. I am happy that Governor Hochul heard the concerns of our community and decided to make this wise investment in our infrastructure. That allowed the NYSDOT and the hardworking men and women of local labor to undertake this important project and I thank all involved for their efforts.”
Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) added, “Like many people in my district, I’ve been navigating Exit 53 ever since I secured my driver’s license at the age of sixteen, which was a long time ago. This improvement project makes this exit and interchange a much smoother and efficient experience. Long Islanders deal with traffic every day and the completion of this project will help the flow of traffic on one of the nation’s busiest roadways, Route 495, the Long Island Expressway. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued attention to our roadways and infrastructure.”
“The $27 million upgrade to Exit 53 on the Long Island Expressway marks a major improvement for Suffolk County. We applaud Governor Hochul for investing in this vital safety and connectivity upgrade, which will greatly benefit Long Island’s transportation network,” Long Island Contractors Association Executive Director Marc Herbst said Long Island Association President and CEO Matt Cohen said, “Modern infrastructure is critical to a thriving economy and the Long Island Expressway is the spine of our region. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and the Department of Transportation for their efforts to complete this significant project.”
“Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to improving our region’s roadways has been unwavering since her first days leading our state,” Long Island Federation of Labor President John Durso said. “These kind of investments deliver tangible results for everyday Long Islanders, create and sustain good union jobs, and help to build a better future for our region. We look forward to continuing to develop the infrastructure to support New York’s next generation.”
Nassau-Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council Matt Aracich added, “Many thanks to Governor Hochul for funding the additional improvements made to the Long Island Expressway approaching Sagtikos Parkway, where drivers can breathe a sigh of relief with two new exit ramps to Crooked Hill Road. This area of the island will experience faster and safer time on their daily commute as they live, work, and play in Suffolk County. The Building Trades Council applauds Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for choosing to use a Project Labor Agreement resulting in a safe and rewarding project that used the latest in effective technology installed by our local skilled tradeswomen & tradesmen.”
Hauppauge Industrial Association President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli added, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the State of New York for investing in our transportation infrastructure, significantly improving access and safety for businesses in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, which is a major economic engine for the region with an economic output of over $13 billion. This project alleviates congestion, bolsters economic vitality, and helps drive Long Island’s growth and prosperity.”
“I am very excited to see this much-needed $27 million construction project to enhance Exit 53 Interchange of the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County complete,” added Assemblymember Keith Brown (R-Northport). “The Long Island Expressway/Sagtikos Parkway Interchange is notoriously difficult to travel due to the large volume of motorists using it daily—the heavy traffic can be hard to navigate and at times create unpredictable and unsafe driving conditions, ultimately leading to more vehicle accidents. This project will create smoother travel conditions and protect everyone on the road. I am hopeful commuters traveling the LIE and Sagtikos Parkway will see firsthand the positive changes and feel much safer on the road.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) said, “On behalf of all Suffolk County residents, I thank Governor Hochul for her continued assistance as we seek to improve our region’s roads and infrastructure.”
ERSONAL ATTENTION AND DIGNIFIED SERVICE... O UR CONTINUING T RADITION Ample Easy Access Parking Spacious Chapels Reception/Gathering Room Children’s Room
~ Home for Funerals & Cremations ~ ~ In Honoring their Legacy ~ Deacon Kenneth J. Maher & Aelysche Marie Maher Serving All Surrounding Communities
Director
Kerry J. Maher
Kenneth Maher, Jr.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
OVERDUE: Nearly 40% of Us Can’t Pay Our Bills
By Peter St. Onge | AMAC Outside Contributor
A new poll finds that nearly 40% of Americans worry about paying the bills “most or all of the time”—which is even higher than during the 2008 financial crisis.
The poll—from CNN, of all places—found that 39% of Americans worry about paying the bills most or all of the time.
It’s up by one-third since the worst days of Bidenflation, and higher than the 37% during the 2008 crisis, when joblessness was running nearly 10%.
The reason, of course, is inflation.
Even CNN admits “consumers are still trying to catch up to the price spikes of the last few years.”
Still trying to catch up is an understatement. The gap between nominal wages and inflationadjusted wages since 2021 is more than 20%. So, it looks like you’re making a lot more, but even accounting for official inflation, workers have lost thousands in income.
Of course, if official inflation is a lie, which seems likely, going by real-world prices from housing to restaurants and groceries, then workers have lost a lot more.
To illustrate, official inflation since COVID-19 is 21%, but fast-food menu prices—a standard finance proxy for true inflation—are up more than twice that, while housing costs have doubled since COVID-19, between rising house prices and rising mortgage rates.
If those real-world numbers are closer to true inflation, then workers have lost potentially thousands per month.
How are we above 2008 levels of distress when unemployment is under 5%? Easy: The inflation itself is pushing people to take on parttime jobs, and government statistics count parttime jobs the same as full-time jobs.
So, if you get laid off and take on a couple gigs—bag groceries Monday and Tuesday, sweep driveways Wednesday and Thursday, drive for Uber on the weekends—you are a one-man job miracle.
Indeed, CNN’s poll found that 35% of Americans—more than 1 in 3—say they have to take on part-time work to make ends meet.
That rises to 44% of blacks, 52% of Latinos, and nearly half of workers under age 45.
That explains why jobs are rising on paper, yet the actual number of employed Americans is plunging—down 600,000 in the past eight months alone.
It also explains why Americans are spending like double-digit unemployment is already here. The poll found more than two-thirds of Americans are cutting back on groceries, and nearly half are cutting back on driving to save gas. And 4 in 10 Americans are now using credit cards to pay for their necessities, like groceries and gas.
39% of Americans worry about paying the bills most or all of the time and 80% of millennials and Gen Z are unable to afford everyday expenses.
As always, this is hitting the youngest hardest, with nearly 80% of millennials and Gen Z unable to afford everyday expenses.
So, what’s next? I mentioned last week that most Americans think a recession has already begun, even as official numbers on prices and jobs gaslight their way to November.
A lot is riding on the next election. If the media manage to haul Kamala Harris over the finish line, we get Bidenomics double-time, all the way down. If, on the other hand, Donald Trump pulls through, going by 2016, we could get out of recession a lot faster, with a lot less pain.
Overview - AMAC -
The Association of Mature American Citizens
The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.
AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us
20
WORD OF THE Week ARDUOUS
Origin: mid 16th century: from Latin arduus ‘steep, difficult’ + -ous.
Source: Oxford Languages
Synonyms: onerous, taxing, burdensome
Antonyms: easy, effortless, pleasant
& Pieces
SUDOKU
adjective
Pronounced: aar·joo·uhs
Definition: involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Example: “The meeting carried on with three hours of arduous negotiations.”
WORD WHEEL
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
August 16, 2012: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is granted political asylum by Ecuador
This Week in History
August 17, 1903: Joe Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University and begins the Pulitzer Prizes in America M G N A I S Z
August 18, 1988: Oheka Castle in West Hills, the largest house (130 rooms) on Long Island, sells for $22 million
August 15, 1620: Mayflower sets sail from Southampton, England, with 102 Pilgrims
August 20, 1866 President Andrew Johnson formally declares US Civil War over
August 19, 1959: Hawaii becomes the fiftieth U.S. state
August 19, 1839: Louis Daguerre’s daguerreotype photographic process with complete working instructions is published “free to the world” in Paris as a gift to the world from the French government
My Favorite Sound of This Summer
By PJ Balzer
Long Island is truly a beautiful place to live. We have the luxury of having vivid and distinct seasons, which not every place on the map gets to enjoy. As I’m sure you do, I have many great memories and nostalgic sounds and smells of the summer months on Long Island. Even though this summer is nearly gone, there’s been an even more beautiful sound that’s been added to my favorite sounds of summer.
Our summers are short here on Long Island, so much so that we don’t even wait for the actual meteorological calendar to tell us when summer starts. The weekend of Memorial Day is the start of our summer, and, of course, the end is Labor Day. In between those two unofficial start and endof-summer dates, we pack in as much summer as possible. Some of us rush down to the beach early in the morning before the crowds arrive to listen to the waves crashing. We spend our evenings on our back deck listening to the music from the street fair in the distance, as we simultaneously perfect what’s on the barbecue while fighting the mosquitoes. Every day around noon, we hear that familiar tune of the ice cream man, which many have called New York’s groundhog who only arrives when it’s summer. How could I forget the constant fireworks, the locusts, and the Subway Series playing from every other open window as the humidity breaks on a July evening. If you’re lucky enough to live near our many miles of shoreline, you may also love the sounds of families loading onto their boats and the rumble of the boat engine before it departs for a full day on the water. With all of those beautiful sounds of summer, there’s a sound I’ve come to love this year specifically. It’s been produced by our new neighbors who purchased the house next door last year and are spending their first full summer enjoying their home. The gentleman next door works extremely hard, leaving the house well before the sun comes up, and returning from work just in time for dinner.
I mow the lawn once a week usually around the time he arrives home. Maybe I now purposely plan for that time so I can hear my new favorite sound, or maybe I’m genuinely just getting older and can’t take the mid-day humidity anymore.
Back in June, I was just finishing the backyard and walking the turned-off mower to the front to cut the front lawn next. As I arrived in the front yard, his gray pickup truck drove by. As he parked, gathered his lunch cooler, and exited the truck, the two little producers of this beautiful sound ran to the front yard to greet him, as they do every evening around 6:00.
“Papi, Papi, Papi!” (Daddy in Spanish) scream both of his two daughters as they run to grab his work pants full of the days soil. The girls are only four and five years old and apparently wait all day to see their father. He leaves for work before they wake up, so this is their time to see their Papi. In their little voices are no fear, no uncertainty, and no facade at all. They are undeniably so excited to see him. Even me, just an onlooker, could clearly see and hear that.
This beautiful sound and scene usually conclude with him quickly changing into swimming trunks and playing in their pool with his daughters. Did I forget to mention how much I love hearing summer’s sound of water splashing while children are laughing as well?
But the girls greeting their Dad is definitely my favorite sound of them all.
Photo
By Diane Caudullo
Community Spotlight
Life is Better Connected!
Connections to, and relationships with, people and a purpose are crucial elements in one’s life. Loving others, being loved, a sense of belonging and a reason for being comes from these connections.
For many people of faith this connection and relationship is first and foremost with Jesus Christ. A key and commonly known Bible verse is “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It appears in a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and explains God’s reasons for sending Jesus to save humanity.
For all who do believe in Him, it becomes a part of who they are and they want to share that good news, the Gospel, with others.
Connect Church, located at 31 Horseblock Road in Centereach, formerly a VFW hall, was founded in 2020 by Pastor Hank Kistler and his wife, Allison (pictured bottom right). Connect Church was founded based on their stated mission: “At Connect Church, we are all about connecting people to Jesus; their purpose; and each other.”
Like many churches on Long Island, Connect Church holds a VBS - a Vacation Bible School - for one week over the summer. This is only their third year and the attendance has doubled since year one. And it didn’t just double from ten to twenty - it went from about seventy in year one to 95 in year two, and this year, it had to be capped at 150 children, ranging from pre-school age to sixth graders. Allison said that, sadly, they have turned away about fifty kids and continue to
receive texts to see if there are any openings.
Connect’s VBS started Monday, August 12, and the excitement was palpable. Connect Church, a 14,000 square foot building, was completely transformed into this year’s theme, SCUBA - Diving into friendship with God. From the moment you walk through the main doors you are completely submerged under the sea, with a stunning variety of plastic cup fish, pool noodle seahorses, balloon octopuses, and streamer seaweed. Lovable sea creatures were stationed all around while all crafts, snacks, and games all flowed along with the underwater experience.
The 150 children were placed into smaller groups by age and led by volunteers through it all. There were many volunteers who are regular members of Connect Church but there were quite a few who were not. Many were teenagers who had been through the VBS programs in the past and loved it so much, they wanted to
return as helpers. All in all, there were one hundred volunteers of all ages. Each day also had its own unique theme. Monday was “God is a friend who is real.” Tuesday: “God is a friend who loves us.” Wednesday: “God is a friend we can trust.” Thursday: “God is a friend forever.” And lastly: “God is a friend for everyone.”
The various lessons were tied directly to the daily theme. On Tuesday, the main lesson was the story of Jonah, commonly known to many for being swallowed by the great fish and spit back out later, whole and unharmed. To bring this story to life, an enormous, twenty-foot, plastic-bag-fish-like structure was formed and was inflated by hot air, complete with large googly eyes and an opening for a mouth where the children climbed in and sat inside to hear the rest of the story. The underlying lesson was God wanted Jonah to deliver a message to the people of Nineveh. The message was of impending doom but really was a chance for them to repent of their wicked ways. But Jonah, thinking the Ninevites were evil, did not want to go, so he attempted to flee. Despite Jonah’s disobedience, God orchestrated his capture, by way of the fish, and eventual delivery (being spit out) at Nineveh, demonstrating God’s persistence and desire for the repentance of even the seemingly unrepentant.
With much planning and coordination, VBS is a wonderful experience for the children and volunteers alike. In asking Allison to sum up why so much effort and energy goes into VBS - she answered with this.
“Vacation Bible School is an exciting outreach program designed to provide kids with a fun and engaging environment where they can learn about the bible through creative lessons, activities, and games,” said Allison. “It’s more than just a summer event - VBS is a powerful way to connect with the community, share God’s love, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children. By bringing together volunteers and families, VBS helps bring strong relationships and creates a positive impact that extends beyond the church walls.”
As Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it”.
“Remember, it is never too early or too late to learn about God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ,” said Pastor Hank. “We have VBS one week a year, but all year long we have services, classes and Connect Crews for all ages.Everyone is welcome. We are here for you.”
To learn more about Connect Church: visit connectnow.church or call 631-689-7660.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Jalen Brunson Named NY Knicks Captain
By James Haupt
With the 2024-25 NBA season nearly two months away, the New York Knicks continue to make headlines across the league. This time the team is honoring one of its own, as New York announced this past Tuesday, August 6, that star point guard Jalen Brunson will be the 36th captain in franchise history.
The Knicks haven’t had a captain since the 2018-19 season when Lance Thomas held the role.
Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Brunson was a five-star recruit out of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He showed signs of what was to come, leading his high school team to multiple state championship runs.
Brunson officially signed with Villanova in 2014, choosing to work with the legendary Jay Wright and the Wildcats over other top schools like Illinois College.
He immediately became a starter and focal point of a team searching for its first NCAA championship since 1985, and second in franchise history. After having a terrific season that saw Villanova reach number one in the AP poll for the first time ever, Brunson helped lead the team to a national championship win etching himself in school history.
The former Wildcat would go on to play two more seasons for Villanova. In 2016, he earned his second national championship win along with being named the National Player of the Year, solidifying himself as a Villanova legend.
Brunson declared for the 2018 NBA draft, in which he was taken with the 33rd overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. Despite being drafted lower than expected, he carved a role for himself as a sixth man in a competitive Mavericks rotation led by Luka Doncic.
Over his first few years, he showed flashes of his stardom from high school and college, but wasn’t getting the same success. Brunson stayed humble and waited for his opportunity to show off his talent.
In his fourth season with the Mavericks, he would go on to post career highs of 16.3 points and 4.8 assists per game as a starter. Brunson then went on to have an outstanding playoff performance averaging 21.6 points in 18 games as the clear second option behind Doncic. The two stars led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals where they were defeated by the future 2022 NBA champs, the Golden State Warriors.
Brunson’s extraordinary play in the playoffs gave him an opportunity to earn a lot more money. The New York Knicks decided to take a chance on him and agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract to be the starting point guard and the undisputed leader of his own team. Now, in just two seasons with the Knicks, Brunson has proven he deserves to represent the city of New York.
The newly named captain is coming off a career year with averages of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game on 47.9% shooting from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. He has led the team to 13 playoff wins in the last two seasons compared to just one win in the previous 10 years before his Knicks debut. Brunson also has more playoff points (591) than Carmelo Anthony (589) in two fewer games and five fewer seasons.
Brunson’s impact in such a short time is astonishing and is a testament of the leader he is on and off the court. The New York Knicks Captain will look to do what he does best this upcoming season and for seasons to come: win a championship.
Late Surge Leads Long Island Past Staten Island
The Long Island Ducks defeated the Staten Island FerryHawks 7-5 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
Ryan McBroom gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI double to center field off FerryHawks starter Noe Toribio. It stayed that way until the fifth when a two-out, two-run single to right field by Nate Scantlin off Ducks starter Mike Montgomery gave the FerryHawks a 2-1 lead.
Long Island took the lead back at 5-2 in the sixth with a four-run frame. RBI doubles from Nick Heath and Ryan McBroom plus an RBI single by Yoelquis Cespedes highlighted the inning. JC Encarnacion added a two-run single up the middle in the seventh, increasing the Ducks lead to five.
A two-run homer to right by Alejandro De Aza and an RBI single up the middle by Luis Castro in the bottom of the seventh trimmed the Ducks advantage to 7-5. However, the hosts could not pull even.
Montgomery (6-4) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing three hits and two walks with one strikeout. Noe Toribio (1-2) took the loss, giving up five runs on five hits and a walk in five and one-third innings with two strikeouts. Ramon Santos picked up his eighth save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out two.
Encarnacion and McBroom led the Ducks offense with two hits, two RBIs and a run each.
The Ducks and FerryHawks continue their three-game series on Wednesday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 10:30a.m. at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. Fans can follow all the action live on FloBaseball by scanning this QR Code:
Right-hander Daniel Corcino (5-7, 5.04) takes the mound for the Ducks against FerryHawks righty Mike Shawaryn (6-7, 6.28).
The Ducks return home on Friday, August 16, to begin a three-game set against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Dental Health Bags, courtesy of the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. It’s also a Tap Room Friday, and Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for 20% off your entire check and 50% off your first online or mobile app order as fans exit the ballpark. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX.
The Ducks are in their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance
in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 710 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
Celebrating its third decade, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. Over its 25-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
(ALPB)
Agape Meals for Kids
By James Haupt
As the cost of living continues to rise and economic struggles persist, there is a growing need to provide food to those in need. This has led to an unprecedented demand of food pantries to put meals on the table for millions of deprived families. One food pantry, in particular, has been excelling in its fight against child hunger.
Agape Meals for Kids is a nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization focused on providing food-insecure children with weekend meals. It was established in the Fall of 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 Pandemic that only further harmed those with food shortage concerns. There are plenty of groups that supply food to these children throughout the school week, but Agape Meals for Kids stood alone as a program to send kids home with backpacks of food to last an entire weekend.
“Once we heard that there were children, right here on Long Island, who rely on school meals during the weekdays, but then go home on the weekends and there isn’t enough, or anything at all, to eat, we felt convicted,” said Irene Michalos, the volunteer Executive Director of Agape Meals for Kids. “That wasn’t something that we thought was acceptable so we wanted to do something about it.”
The organization acts as a mobile pantry that delivers packaged food to these children through partnerships with local school districts. The process starts with the schools indicating the number of students they believe can benefit from this program. The organization then sends opt-in forms for the parents to agree that the children can participate, and confirm any allergy or food restrictions they may have.
The group focuses on child-family foods, which are items that children can eat by themselves when they are at home. These are non-perishable foods like canned soup, macaroni-and-cheese, cereal, milk, granola bars, pasta, and other shelf-stable items.
The food pantry packs up all the food and delivers weekly to the school districts.
Agape Meals for Kids currently has 242 children in the program and will be adding more school districts including East Northport, Huntington, and Harborfields.
“It means a tremendous amount to us knowing that every week children don’t have to experience the stress and anxiety of knowing that they would have to face a weekend of hunger,“ Michalos told The Messenger
She relayed a story about a child that forgot to pick up a backpack on Friday and was so upset that they asked the bus driver to go back to the school to get the backpack.
“Stories like that really show to us how necessary the program is,” Michalos said. “Even though it is absolutely heartbreaking to know this,
it is also heartwarming to know that we are making a difference.”
Agape Meals for Kids has become more and more vital each day due to the constant rise of food-insecure children. This is a growing problem in the country that the organization recognizes and is working tirelessly to solve.
“It’s a complicated web of both social and economic policy failures,” Michalos said regarding this issue. “We have a systematically cut social safety net, making it harder for families to even access help, but also we have a wealth gap, unaffordable housing, high costs of healthcare, unaffordable childcare, high food costs, inflation, stagnating wages, unemployment, and underemployment. That safety net is not sufficient and isn’t there for families. One harrowing statistic I’ve learned in this journey of forming Agape Meals for Kids is that the majority of Americans can not afford a $400 emergency.”
The program has been expanding ever since its founding three years ago by participating in food drives and spreading its name just by meeting people. The volunteers of Agape Meals for Kids have done their best to combat the child hunger crisis, but they can only do so much. In order to effectively fight this issue, Agape Meals for Kids requires aid from others.
The organization has received support from local businesses including Starbucks, Kimco Realty, Long Island Cares and Long Island Harvest. It survives off weekly donations from these companies as well as other donors.
Agape Meals for Kids will be participating in a major event on Labor Day weekend called “Run Miles 4 Youth Hunger and 4 Parkinsons” that will not only provide much needed donations and support, but will also spread awareness of the organization’s mission. In this event ultra-runner Wai Law will be running a four-mile loop 50 times in 48 hours (8/30-9/1) to raise funds for Parkinson’s research and childhood hunger. The loop begins at the Green Street Eatery in Levittown.
In a world where food shortages are a concern more than ever, it’s great to see organizations like Agape Meals for Kids contribute to the cause.
To learn more about this program and its upcoming events visit their instagram page: @agapemealsforkids. Agape Meals for Kids can be reached at 631-343-9555, or by email agapemealsforkids1@ gmail.com. They can also be reached through mail at P.O. Box 311, Mount Sinai, 11766.
