Thursday, May 15, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 24 ~ $1.00
Suffolk & Nassau Jointly Oppose Even-Year Election Law By Matt Meduri
Last October, the New York State Legislature passed a bill that would align local, odd-numbered year elections with state and federal, even-numbered year elections. Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D), the legislation’s stated intention was to increase turnout, save public funds by condensing elections, and ease “voter fatigue.” Shortly thereafter, A New York State Supreme Court judge found the law unconstitutional. After a lengthy appeal process, the State Court of Appeals has ruled that the law is valid. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) held a joint press conference in Farmingdale on Tuesday afternoon to oppose the decision and bring a lawsuit before the Court of Appeals, a symbol of unity between the two neighboring counties along with a cavalcade of elected officials from both sides of Route 110. Exec. Blakeman (left) and Suffolk Co. Exec. Romaine (right) hold up a sample ballot pursuant to NY’s even-year election law (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Suffolk Moves Toward Full Summer Access at Smith Point
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By Raheem Soto Suffolk County is taking measurable steps to restore full summer access to Smith Point County Park, thanks to a newly funded conservation strategy designed to balance wildlife protection with public beach use. At the heart of the effort is a long-awaited Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)—a framework approved by federal regulators, which allows the county to manage its beaches without recurring shutdowns caused by nesting piping plovers. Under Introductory Resolution 1231-2025, passed by the Suffolk County Legislature in April, the county has allocated $300,000 in new funding to complete the HCP’s final development phase.
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Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) (Credit - Matt Meduri)
FULL STORIES ON:
Councilwoman Dunn Kesnig’s Newsletter Page 3
Center Moriches Capital Project Page 17
Pat-Med Girls’ Flag Football Go Undefeated Page 26