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.
pursuant to NY’s even-year election law (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Suffolk Moves Toward Full Summer Access at Smith Point
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)
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Brookhaven Matters 3
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Council District Six Spring Newsletter
By Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig
I’m excited to share the Council District 6 Spring Newsletter, filled with important updates, upcoming events, and community initiatives happening right here in Council District Six.
Manorville: Town staff are interacting with local farmers to ensure they are operating their properties within the guidelines set forth in town codes. The desired outcome is to create an environment where farming traditions can happily coexist with the needs of an evolving community.
At the Long Island Game Farm, a new all access woodland trail recently opened. The refurbished trail now accommodates wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
East Moriches: Congratulations to Center Moriches resident, student, and farmer Matthew Gartelman on the grand opening of Barn Again Farm in East Moriches. Located on Montauk Highway at the former Smith Osip farm, now owned by Brookhaven Town, Barn Again Farm offers plants, flowers and vegetables, grown by Matthew, as well as local honey, baked goods, artwork and more! A special thank you to Matthew for donating part of his sales back to the Smith Osip Farm.
Shirley: The MTA has officially broken ground and started construction on the East Yaphank Train Station at the William Floyd Industrial Park off William Floyd Parkway. This long-awaited project championed by the Town and County, relocates the underutilized Yaphank Train Station to the industrial park, providing easier and better access to riders.
Mastic: Big changes are on the way for Mastic Seafood! The planning board recently approved a site plan for the construction of a warehouse and processing building to be used in conjunction with the retail food store. A number of improvements will also be made at the retail store, including significant landscaping.
Mastic Beach: Three derelict houses have been approved for demolition: 51 Grove Avenue, 148 Elder Drive and 161 Huguenot Drive. These longblighted houses have negatively impacted their neighborhoods for many years, and now the owners will either have to take action to remediate the numerous issues or the houses will be taken down by the town.
• District Beautification & Revitalization – Town staff are actively working with local farmers to support sustainable practices, while revitalization continues in Mastic Beach with the planned demolition of longblighted properties.
• Community Development – Exciting progress on the East Yaphank Train Station relocation and new improvements approved for Mastic Seafood.
• Celebrating Community Achievements – From honoring student athletes at the Night of Champions to recognizing Maura Spery with the Women of Distinction Award, this spring was full of pride and celebration.
Upcoming Events:
• The 17th Annual Great Brookhaven Cleanup – Join us on Saturday, May 17, to help beautify our parks, neighborhoods, and roadways! Free gloves, bags, and t-shirts are available with registration.
• May 31 – Free Rabies Clinic, 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter, 300 Horseblock Road (No appointment needed!)
• June 7 – Special Recycling Event, 9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. at Center Moriches Library. Safely dispose of paper, electronics, and medications.
• June 8 – Spring Festival, 10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. on Main Street, Center Moriches
• Now through June 13 – “Make Your Prom Wishes Come True” – Free prom attire available (weekday & evening hours)
• June 21 – Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, 11:00a.m. at Longwood Estate Park, Ridge
These are just a few of the many happenings across our district—check out the full newsletter by scanning this QR Code to stay connected and
informed.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss community concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 631-451-6502 or kdunnekesnig@brookhavenny. gov.
Thank you for being an engaged and active member of our community. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig (R-Manorville) has represented the Sixth Council District on the Brookhaven Town Board since 2024. The Sixth Council District includes the communities of Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Moriches, and Shirley.
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Suffolk & Nassau Jointly Oppose Even-Year Election Law
“We have had enough of the State government trying to run our beautiful Island from Albany,” said Blakeman. “For over 100 years, our local elections were on odd years because there are issues that are important to the towns, villages, counties, and cities that are separate from state and federal issues. Our state officials are trying to drown us out and put our issues down the ballot, so that people won’t have an opportunity to have a fair debate.”
Blakeman invoked an election of Senator Jack Martins (R-Great Neck) as an example of ballot drop-off, a phenomenon in which voters will only vote in top-of-the-ticket races - such as presidential, gubernatorial, or other statewide races - and leave the local races towards the end of the ballot blank.
“The ballot drop-off from president to State Senate was 60%. What do you think it’s going to be with our local elected officials and our candidates who want to talk about local issues and not get drowned out by the state and national media?” said Blakeman. “It’s about state control with one-party rule. This isn’t Beijing, Moscow, Caracas, or Havana. This is the United States of America, and our issues are entitled to get a full hearing from the electorate and for people to know who their elected officials and candidates are for local government.”
Blakeman (pictured right) drew parallels between previous State attempts at overriding local control, including Hochul’s widely-panned affordable housing plan in 2022, the recent State defunding of Nassau University Medical Center, that serves Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn, “making vulnerable those who we provide a safety net,” according to Blakeman. In 2021, the hospital received $180 million in State funding, but received no funding this year, a move that Blakeman says is the State trying to “take over” the hospital.
“Between Nassau and Suffolk counties, we send up over $13 billion more to Albany than we get back. We can’t even get funding for a hospital or our infrastructure. Everything goes to New York City, nothing goes to us,” said Blakeman. “We love New York City, many of our people work there, but we have a voice too and we have needs as well.”
Blakeman was joined by Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino (R-Massapequa), North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena (R-Manhasset), seven Nassau County Legislators, and a host of town elected officials from across the county.
Executive Romaine then took the podium, joined by many of Suffolk’s elected leaders. From the County level, he was joined by Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset), Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Legislators Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville), Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), and Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters).
From the Village of Lindenhurst, Mayor Michael Lavorata and Deputy Mayor RJ Renna (R) - who is running for Suffolk County Legislature this year - were in attendance.
From the Town of Brookhaven, officials consisted of Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) (pictured right), Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden), Clerk Kevin LaValle (R-Selden), and Tax Receiver Lou Marcoccia (R-East Setauket).
“Our local towns, particularly our East End towns, have trustees, as well as council members. Imagine going in and having fifty names or more on a ballot and you have to figure out who’s who. It’s not the way the government was meant to work.”
“We have term limits in most of our towns and in our county. This [law] changes those term limits,” said Romaine. “Those term limits were approved by referendum of the people of Suffolk County. The State now wants to waive that away.”
A major logistical issue pointed out by the elected officials, and one that would negate the cost-saving intention of the bill, is the shortened terms. All incumbent local officials would see their terms decreased by one year, and all who run in 2025 will have to run again in 2026 to match the terms with the even years going forward.
“Does this law affect everyone in the state? Absolutely not! Guess who’s exempt? New York City!” said Romaine. “More than half of our state legislators come from the city. This is not an agenda that the locals want.”
Romaine exemplified the disconnect between the state and Long Island, with no dollars from the Environmental Bond Act - for which Romaine declared his support - nor federal monies from former President Joe Biden’s (D-DE) $1.1 trillion infrastructure initiative, another bill Romaine supported. Since the infrastructure money is doled out by the state, Long Island has continued to be short-changed by Albany, according to Romaine.
“Long Island is one of the drivers of this state’s economy. This state lost more people than any other state in the U.S. Maybe our policies need to change, and this is one policy that definitely needs to change,” closed Romaine.
Oyster Bay Supervisor Saladino spoke on behalf of the localities within Nassau County.
“We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore! This is outrageous, unethical, and it has to stop,” said Saladino (pictured right). “Albany is trying to ride shotgun over our elections, confuse the voters, and throw a smokescreen out while they give us less and less. Our residents deserve more and more.”
Brookhaven Supervisor Panico spoke on behalf of the Suffolk municipality delegation.
“We live in a duplicitous state; there’s no other way to say it,” said Panico. “Almost every facet of New York State government is duplicitous. You don’t have to go too far back in time to understand what unfolded with congestion pricing for the purposes of the election, then to only reappear after the election.”
Panico said that on his way into Farmingdale, he should have stopped on Ocean Parkway and issued a proclamation posthumously to Bob Matherson, “who knew this day was coming and many people would say was a visionary because he understood where New York State government was going.”
From the Town of Islip, Councilman Mike McElwee (R-West Islip) and Tax Receiver Andy Wittman (R-Sayville) attended and were joined by 2025 council candidate DawnMarie Kuhn (R-Bohemia)
Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard (R-Aquebogue) and Riverhead Town Councilman Bob Kern (R-Riverhead) were also in attendance, completing a comprehensive slate of officials from all parts of Suffolk.
Romaine described local government as “the government that is closest to the people,” adding that the Nassau County ballot that required three sets of hands to fully unfold and display will look even longer in Suffolk.
Matherson is known for hanging banners along the parkways that read, “Move out of New York State before it’s too late.”
“If you don’t think that is happening because of the policies being enacted you are kidding yourselves,” said Panico. “We are losing clout in Washington, and if you are a Democrat watching this and if you think you need to toe the party line, Democrats predominantly from the Boroughs bear no resemblance to you ideologically,” he said, adding that some Democrats joined the press conference in righteous opposition.
“The struggle on Long Island is no longer Republican versus Democrat; it is those with an urban agenda who contrast and fight against those with a suburban agenda,” closed Panico, raising the alarms of an increasingly controlling State government.
“If we lose [the appeal], there will be a backlash, and the voters will punish the governor and the legislators who pushed this through,” said Blakeman, adding that he’s “gotten along fine” with local Democrats because they shared a local vision.
“I think that common sense Democrats and the vast majority of Independent voters are going to see this for what it is: a blatant political act on the part of State government to control everything.”
New York’s Even-Year Election Law is Partisan Damage Control and Ideological Suffocation
Last year, Albany Democrats and Governor Kathy Hochul (D) passed a law that would align local elections conducted in the odd-numbered years to coincide with even-year elections. The stated logic in the move was to increase turnout, especially among minority voters, limit voter fatigue, and streamline the overall election process.
The odd-numbered election years are often dedicated to local elections, those that include county executive, town supervisors, county legislatures, town boards, village boards, highway superintendents, tax receivers, and clerks, most of whom were on the ballot in Suffolk County two years ago.
The even-numbered years are when presidential and midterm elections are held. Almost always nationalized, sometimes to a fault, these elections are notorious for denying capable candidates of an elected office simply because of down-ballot energy.
In October, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled the law was unconstitutional. After a lengthy appeal process, the State Court of Appeals has ruled that it is, in fact, constitutional.
The elected officials from Suffolk and Nassau counties are doing the right thing in continuing their fervent opposition to this law. We’ve argued before that this is nothing more than partisan damage control and ideological suffocation. We still hold those beliefs, along with the serious issues this could entail.
First, the size of the ballot is laughable at best. It took three people to hold up the unrolled ballot from side to side. Imagine not only being handed that monstrosity when you hit the polls in November, but also being expected to give each candidate your own personal research time to make an informed decision.
Second, the nebulous concept of “voter fatigue.” A big argument in favor of this initiative is that voters are simply tired of having to go to the polls year after year, something that Suffolk’s own Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) stated to us when the law was passed last year.
We find it interesting that the party of “protecting democracy” is pushing so hard to let the voters have a year off. The reality is, whether you as a voter are tired or not, voting is your civic duty and responsibility. It is incumbent upon the electorate to make their own informed decisions and to do their own research. Shifting elections to evennumbered years isn’t giving the voters time off; it’s giving them less time to respond with their approval or disapproval at the ballot box.
We also understand Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg’s (D-West Babylon) point in increasing turnout, especially among minority voters. While he is correct that turnout normally plummets in local years compared to even years, we don’t think this initiative will achieve what he hopes. Instead of more people, minority voters or otherwise, simply going to the polls, it will likely be more voters in general wrapped up in nationalized elections and greeted with a logistical headache with a massive ballot.
We would compare this to simply shoving our belongings haphazardly into a closet, shutting the doors, and saying the room is clean. It might solve the problem at face value, but under the hood, more serious issues remain. Yes, voters would probably turn out more, but would their votes be delivered with all the information delivered to them in separate vacuums? It can be a lot to research each candidate as is, but one person can only take so much, especially when their eyes are on the presidential race or a marquee statewide race, while their local issues languish behind. Keeping local elections separate allows the best chance for information vacuums to remain in place.
We would even estimate that if this law sticks, we would probably see ballot drop-off towards the local end. It’s possible that many would just vote in the federal races and leave the others blank. We’ve seen this happen in the last presidential race; some voters just opted for a White House pick and had no opinion on local officeholders.
The will of the voter is confined to the voter only; how and for whom they vote is their prerogative. But for this bill’s objective, we don’t think this is really a “fix.”
We’ve seen interesting electoral patterns where an elected official of a party isn’t on the ballot, but their colleagues of the same party who are on the ballot often get punished. We believe this was an element of New York’s tectonic shift to the right in the
Sayville Community Notice - May 21 Flyover
We would like to notify the community that on Wednesday, May 21, Sayville High School will host a scheduled event as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Fleet Week High School Visitation Tour.
A military helicopter flyover and landing will take place on school grounds during school hours. This event is fully coordinated with local authorities, and all safety protocols are in place.
This notice is intended to prevent concern regarding the activity, which is a planned and safely coordinated event. For questions, please contact Sayville High School at (631) 244-6600. Thank you for your continued support.
2024 presidential election - the 10.5% rightward swing was the largest shift in the nation. The dysfunction from Manhattan and Albany, we believe, contributed much to former Vice President Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) historic underperformance in November. Mayor Eric Adams (D) and Governor Hochul weren’t on the ballot, but Harris was.
However, the most insulting aspect of the “voter fatigue” argument, and the law overall, is that voters will have significantly reduced power in local years. New York might be an emerging battleground, but it’s still a blue state fundamentally. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will be as contentious as Pennsylvania, for instance, but it likely means Democrats will have to start investing in defense in a state that was typically a write-off for them. Albany Democrats are banking on top-down electoral energy to dilute the local waters to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, especially when it comes to preserving their Senate majority.
And that’s where this idea should have been DOA. Local elections are sacrosanct for a reason; the politics of Washington, Albany, and Manhattan should not have any electoral infusion to Suffolk’s - or Nassau’s - electoral independence. Republicans and Democrats in Suffolk are different from those of the national level, or even the state level to some extent. Voters should be able to see the idiosyncrasies for themselves, not be overwhelmed with a deluge of dozens of names on a ballot, while the presidential and gubernatorial races suck the oxygen out of the room.
The most insulting aspect of this bill is that New York City is, somehow - and, of course - off the hook. A new border has been drawn around NYC and the rest of the state, wherein Big Apple voters will still be afforded the same courtesy of an unmitigated local ballot.
Moreover, to Legislator Richberg’s point, wouldn’t increased minority turnout be especially effective in New York City, where much of the state’s minority population is located? It sounds like Albany is doing a disservice to the minority voters who rightly should participate in elections every year by not extending this courtesy to the state’s biggest basket of minority votes.
If Albany wasn’t governing with only NYC in mind before, they certainly are now.
The idea has been so widely panned that even Newsday’s editorial board encouraged Hochul to reject the bill - she didn’t. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) was the only Democrat in Hauppauge to join the Republican-led lawsuit against it. Good on all who can recognize a bad idea when they see one.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) are and have been correct: Long Island is regularly short-changed by Albany despite being an economic powerhouse without which the state could not pay its bills. One would think some courtesy would be extended to one of your biggest financers, but even the rural communities and counties are being shortchanged in both dollars and ideology.
The reality is that Albany Democrats, instead of governing in a way to stem the nationleading outmigration and fix the problems that imperiled Hochul in 2022, Harris in 2024, and will likely imperil Hochul further in 2026, they chose to shuffle the deck and bury the lede to obfuscate just how much New York is changing and how unpopular Democratic policies are.
Our proposition: communicate with voters that local government has a much more immediate effect on their lives than other forms of government. Sure, it’s not an easy “fix” by signing a law, but it’s the most realistic campaign to increase turnout. Problems with your local roads, crime, and property tax bill are adjudicated through your local representatives, law enforcement, and school boards. The president, by and large, has nothing to do with those aspects of local life.
This is perhaps one of the worst ideas to come out of Albany in recent years, and those who have backed it either don’t or won’t realize how short-changed their own constituents will be if this law remains on the books.
We can only hope that this will be the final tap of gunpowder that backfires against the Democrats in 2026.
Blueline News
Thursday, May 15, 2025
All I Want for Police Week…
By Mike Simonelli
…Is for democrats, mainstream media, and liberal activists to treat our law enforcement officers as well as convicted criminals, cold-blooded killers, and illegal aliens.
Besides the disastrous bail reform, which has unleashed crime and carnage across New York State, one of the other rushed, half-witted actions taken by former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) and his fellow democrats was to repeal 50A. In the name of police reform and transparency for George Floyd’s death, they overturned a decades-old law to “allow the release of unsubstantiated or false complaints against police officers.” Ironically, three years later, under the guise of criminal justice reform and social justice, Governor Kathy Hochul (D), along with a Democratic supermajority in the State Senate and Assembly, passed the Clean Slate Act in 2023, allowing the records of convicted criminals with misdemeanors and even some felonies to be sealed. So now, in the name of transparency and justice, a convicted criminal can file a false complaint to forever tarnish the record and reputation of an innocent officer, but that criminal will have a clean slate.
family spokesman rallying to defend Anthony is Dominique Alexander, a Dallas-based “defundthe-police” activist and social justice leader with his own criminal history and close ties to former Squad Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO). Democrats’ hypocrisy and disdain for law enforcement also extend to our brave men and women protecting our borders.
Also in New York, thanks to Democrat criminal justice reforms, in the past eight years, forty-three convicted cop-killers have been released by Democrat-appointed parole board members. Among those recently released is Lee Ernest Walker, who on June 15, 1984, while being questioned about a pair of stolen sunglasses, assaulted NYPD Officer Juan Andino, stole his duty weapon, and murdered him with it.
Besides releasing convicted cop-killers, Democrats and their activists have a habit of demonizing cops for defending themselves and others.
On March 13, 2020, while conducting a search warrant at the apartment of Breonna Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, Police Department Sergeant Jonathan Mattingly was shot in the leg by Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker. Fearing for their lives, Sgt. Mattingly and Detectives Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison justifiably returned fire into the apartment, tragically killing Breonna Taylor. Protests erupted nationwide, laws were passed in Breonna’s name, and both detectives were fired. Democrat leaders used the shooting to “call for police reform and an overhaul of the criminal justice system.” Then-Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden (D-DE) remarked, “In the wake of her tragic death, we…ask ourselves whether justice could be equally applied in America.”
Then-Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), tweeted: “We must keep saying her name and demanding justice because the police who killed her still have not been charged.” Progressive defund the police ”Squad” member, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D, MA-07) wore a shirt outside the capitol that said “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.”
A year later on April 20, 2021, Ma’Khia Bryant was about to stab another female in the street when responding Columbus, Ohio, Police Officer Nicholas Reardon arrived in the nick of time and justifiably shot her before she could. In response protestors took to the streets demanding “police accountability”; as did Lebron James who tweeted a photo of Officer Reardon along with, “YOU’RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY”; Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D, OH-03) lambasted the shooting and Biden’s White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki insinuated race was a factor, remarking that “police violence disproportionately impacts Black and Latino people.”
Even though it was justified deadly force, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther (D) used the shooting to invite the Department of Justice to review the police department for possible “deficiencies and racial disparities.”
Meanwhile, Democrats and their allies sympathize with suspected cold-blooded killers.
Although video shows United Healthcare CEO, husband, and father Brian Thompson getting shot from behind as he arrives at a hotel for a December 4, 2024, meeting, suspected premeditated executioner Louis Mangione has a “cult-like following” among the left and politicians blaming his victim. When asked about the execution, former The Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz told Piers Morgan that she felt “joy” at the murder and “not empathy,”; University of Pennsylvania English Professor Julia Alekseyeva posted on Instagram that Mangione was the “icon we all need and deserve”; and “Squad” member Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D, NY14), claimed Thompson had committed his own “act[s] of violence” by failing to grant every single insurance claim.
17-year-old Karmelo Anthony who told police, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” regarding the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalfe at a high school track meet, has also become a darling of the left. A GiveSendGo fundraiser garnered Anthony’s family over $520K, and he’s portrayed as the victim even though he illegally brought a knife to a school event, sat in another team’s tent area, refused to leave, and taunted Austin to put his hands on him and see what happens. The
Attempting to control a surge of roughly 14,000 Haitian migrants in September 2021, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on horseback “used the tactics they were trained to use, to do the job [Biden] sent them out to do.” When pictures of the encounter went viral, even after the photographer defended the agents, President Biden and his fellow Democrats wrongly accused them of whipping the illegal invaders. Biden remarked, “It was horrible what you see, what you saw — to see people treated like they did, with horses nearly running them over and people being strapped. It’s outrageous. I promise you; those people will pay.” VP Harris told “The View”, “I was outraged by it. It was horrible and deeply troubling.” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters, “those images painfully conjured up the worst elements of our nation’s ongoing battle against systemic racism.” Though completely innocent of the accusations levied at them, the agents were moved to desk duty and still faced disciplinary actions by the Biden administration.
While democrats vilified CBP agents for doing their job, they have spent 2025 rallying around the illegal immigrants flaunting our nation’s laws and sovereignty. Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) dared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to “come and get” the illegal immigrant he suggested was harboring in his home. Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano (D-NM) resigned and was arrested after it was discovered he was harboring an illegal Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang member. Flagrantly supporting a violent, criminal illegal alien over the police who investigated him and federal agents who deported him, Senator Chris Van Hollen (DMD) and then a congressional delegation, including Representatives Maxwell Frost (D, FL-10) Yassamin Ansari, (D, AZ-03), Maxine Dexter (D, OR-03), and Robert Garcia (D, CA-42), flew to El Salvador demanding that Kilmar Abrego Garcia be returned to the US. Democrats and the mainstream media refer to Garcia as a “Maryland man” who has been denied due process.
In reality, he is an El Salvadoran who illegally entered America in 2011, is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, and wife-beater with a 2019 removal order issued against him. Shockingly, Democrats took their pro-criminal, anti-law enforcement crusade up a notch this week, when Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D, NJ10) “body-slammed a female ICE officer”, as she, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NJ-12), Congressman (D-NJ) Rob Menendez (D, NJ-08), and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D) stormed a detention center to check on the welfare of the “murderers, child rapists, and MS-13 gang members” held there.
As Democrats are busy going around the world to defend illegals, law enforcement officers from around our country converged upon Washington, D.C., for this year’s National Police Week, May 11-17, to honor the lives of 345 officers killed in the line of duty. 148 of those officers were murdered in 2024, some because of the very antipolice, pro-criminal atmosphere that democrats foster.
Yet, how many democrats traveled to the funeral of Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna, who died on March 4, 2024, when the U.S. Army National Guard Helicopter he was in crashed while responding to a suspected illegal crossing near La Grulla, Texas? Which democrats issued proclamations honoring Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Joseph Love who died on October 19, 2024, from the cancer he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks? Have any Democrats posted on social media recognizing the anniversary of the murder of NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia, who was gunned down by a “cop-hating assassin” as she sat in her patrol vehicle on July 5, 2017?
It’s doubtful any did, but assuredly they acknowledged the anniversary deaths of Breonna Taylor and even George Floyd, a convicted criminal who once held a gun to a pregnant woman’s stomach during a home invasion robbery. If Democrats want to support law enforcement, instead of giving us lip service this one week, they should stop racializing, vilifying, and politicizing our police the rest of the year.
And please, take the bullseyes off our backs and let us do our job of protecting the American people. #PoliceWeek #BackTheBlue Mike Simonelli is an Army Combat Veteran (Afghanistan and Iraq), retired Suffolk County Police Officer, former PBA Board member, author of Justified Deadly Force and the Myth of Systemic Racism, and candidate for the Smithtown School Board.
SCPD Honors Fallen Officers in Solemn Memorial Ceremony
By Cait Crudden
Under gray skies and steady rain, the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) held its annual Memorial Service for Fallen Officers in the Line of Duty this past week, gathering to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the community. The ceremony, held at SCPD Headquarters in Yaphank, was filled with solemn reflection, heartfelt remembrance, and a deep sense of unity.
Law enforcement officers, elected officials, grieving families, and members of the public came together to honor the brave men and women who died while protecting Suffolk County. The ceremony
served not only as a commemoration of individual lives lost, but also as a powerful reminder of the risks officers face every day.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured right) addressed the crowd with words of gratitude and reverence. He acknowledged the profound loss felt by families and the wider community, emphasizing that these officers’ lives and legacies are forever woven into the fabric of Suffolk County.
The most emotional moment of the ceremony came during the reading of the names of the fallen officers. As each name was spoken aloud, a solemn hush fell over the crowd, and the sense of loss became deeply personal. Family members were silent in remembrance as they heard the names of their loved ones honored once again. The reading underscored the enduring impact of each life lost in service and the collective grief carried by the law enforcement community.
At the center of the memorial grounds stood the SCPD Memorial
Monument, flanked by ceremonial wreaths adorned with the names of fallen officers. These floral tributes served as visual symbols of respect, mourning, and remembrance. The monument itself stands as a permanent testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Suffolk’s finest, ensuring their names and stories remain visible to all who pass through the headquarters.
The service was marked by moments of deep camaraderie, as officers stood shoulder to shoulder, honoring their fallen colleagues. Their unity reflected the close-knit bonds within law enforcement. These bonds are forged by shared duty and strengthened in times of loss. As the community watched officers salute
their comrades, it was clear that their commitment to service remains as steadfast as ever.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps,” the mournful bugle call that has long served as a farewell to fallen military and law enforcement personnel. The haunting melody echoed across the rain-soaked grounds, offering a final, solemn goodbye to the heroes being honored.
As attendees slowly departed, many lingered at the memorial, laying flowers, touching engraved names, and reflecting on the lives behind them. It was a poignant moment of shared sorrow and deep gratitude.
The Suffolk County Police Department’s memorial service is more than a ritual; it is a promise. A promise to never forget the sacrifice of those who died in the line of duty, and to uphold the values for which they gave their lives. In remembering the fallen, the SCPD renews its dedication to protecting the community they served.
For the families left behind, the ceremony offered comfort in knowing their loved ones’ bravery is remembered. For the officers who continue to serve, it was a reminder of the honor and responsibility they carry. And for the community, it was a moment to reflect on the courage it takes to wear the badge.
Continued from front cover
Suffolk Moves Toward Full Summer Access at Smith Point
The Suffolk County Department of Parks is drafting the plan, which will be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for formal review and approval this year.
“Good news from the Suffolk County Legislature!” said Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), who represents the Smith Point area. “We approved a key step forward—Intro. Res. 1231-2025—which allocates funds to continue developing a Habitat Conservation Plan for Smith Point Outer Beach.”
The plan addresses the long-standing tension between federal endangered species regulations and seasonal public access to Suffolk’s most popular oceanfront park. During the plover breeding season, which typically runs from late spring through midsummer, large portions of the outer beach are closed off to protect nesting birds. These closures, sometimes lasting more than eight weeks, have restricted access to 4x4 drivers, surf fishermen, campers, and families who depend on the beach during peak season.
“Why this matters: During the piping plover breeding season, beach access becomes limited due to federal protections,” Mazzarella explained. “But with this plan, Suffolk County can apply for exemptions from certain restrictions—as long as we prove we’re protecting the species responsibly.”
According to county officials, the HCP outlines a set of enforceable measures: fencing to protect nesting sites, designated vehicle corridors, strict monitoring protocols, and predator control. If accepted by federal wildlife officials, the plan would allow the county to obtain an incidental take permit, authorizing controlled beach
activity around nesting zones without violating the Endangered Species Act.
“The HCP helps balance public beach access, plover protection, and compliance with federal conservation rules,” Mazzarella said. “This funding supports the final phase of the plan… to ensure both residents and wildlife can thrive at Smith Point.”
The county has now dedicated over $550,000 to the initiative. Legislators and park officials say the goal is clear: to keep the beach open and avoid the unpredictable closures that have previously disrupted summer recreation and local commerce.
“Our goal? A beach that’s open and accessible all summer long while still protecting the plover species,” Mazzarella added.
Separate from the HCP process, the Suffolk County Parks Department recently announced temporary access restrictions at Smith Point due to beach erosion and unsafe driving conditions. While these closures are unrelated to plover protections, they reinforce the need for a long-term strategy that manages natural conditions and regulatory requirements.
If the federal government approves Suffolk’s plan in time, Summer 2025 could be the first in years when Smith Point’s outer beach remains open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The plan offers a model for managing public access in environmentally sensitive areas that reflects preparation, not reaction.
As federal review begins, Suffolk officials remain optimistic that a well-documented, science-based approach will finally end the yearly standoff between plovers and the public.
Panico and Kornreich Celebrate ‘250 Years Strong’ with the Anna
Smith Strong Chapter
On, May 2, 2025, Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) and Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) joined community members and the Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Setauket Neighborhood House to commemorate “250 Years Strong”—a special tribute to the Strong family’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and their enduring legacy.
The Anna Smith Strong Chapter, named for one of Long Island’s most courageous patriots, is dedicated to preserving our nation’s history, promoting patriotism, and supporting community initiatives. The evening’s event was a celebration of the American spirit, with highlights including local exhibits, patriotic refreshments, and an inspiring keynote address by historian Margo Arceri, who shared the remarkable story of Kate Wheeler Strong’s contributions to the Revolution.
“This event was a meaningful celebration of the American spirit and a tribute to the Strong family’s enduring legacy in our nation’s fight for independence,” said Supervisor Panico.
Councilman Kornreich added, “This was more than just a look back at history—it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and the local roots of our nation’s fight for freedom.”
The evening also supported the Chapter’s mission to honor Veterans, promote education, and preserve local heritage.
Robert Francis Prevost Elected as First American-Born Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
By Cait Crudden
In a historic conclave decision, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American-born pontiff and the first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy. He becomes the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina, and ushers in a new chapter in Vatican leadership.
Born on September 14, 1955, to a multicultural family in Chicago, Leo XIV brings with him decades of global pastoral, academic, and leadership experience. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was of Spanish heritage, and his father, Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent. He entered the Augustinian Order in 1977, made solemn vows in 1981, and was ordained a priest in Rome in 1982. A graduate of Villanova University and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law.
Elevated to Cardinal in 2023 and assigned the titular diaconate of Saint Monica, he quickly became one of Pope Francis’s most trusted collaborators. As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Cardinal Prevost played a central role in shaping episcopal appointments and guiding pastoral policy across the globe.
His election follows a period of declining health for Pope Francis and signals both continuity and change. Known for his calm demeanor, deep spirituality, and pastoral approach, Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry forward the reforms of his predecessor while emphasizing synodality, missionary outreach, and global inclusivity.
Though American by birth, the new pope’s long years in Latin America have shaped his worldview, making him a bridge between North and South, tradition and reform. His election is widely seen as a recognition of the global nature of the Catholic Church and a milestone for U.S. Catholics.
His early ministry was marked by missionary work in Peru, where he served for more than a decade in Trujillo as a pastor, professor, and judicial vicar. Deeply engaged in community building and education in some of the country’s poorest areas, he later became provincial leader of the Augustinians in Chicago and then served two terms as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, leading the worldwide religious congregation from Rome.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, later confirming him as Bishop. He served in Chiclayo until 2023, taking on roles with the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference and holding posts in the Vatican, including at the Congregations for the Clergy and for Bishops.
Leo XIV’s selection also marks the first time an Augustinian has occupied the Chair of Saint Peter, a fact that brings added significance to his name choice. The Augustinian motto “In Illo uno unum” — “In the One, we are one” featured prominently in his episcopal ministry and may define the spirit of his papacy.
As the Church enters a new era under Leo XIV, Catholics around the world look to him for unity, guidance, and renewed hope. His blend of theological rigor, pastoral experience, and global perspective positions him as a pontiff uniquely suited to lead the Church in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Credit - Heute.at
Published by Messenger Papers,
Sachem Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent
A total of 78 senior student-athletes from the Sachem Central School District took a significant step in their academic and athletic journeys by signing national letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level.
Over two days—Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1—Sachem North and Sachem East High Schools held celebratory events to honor their studentathletes. Sachem North recognized 39 students who committed to 17 different sports, while Sachem East honored 39 students across 15 sports.
This achievement reflects the dedication and talent of Sachem’s students and the strength of the district’s athletic programs. It also acknowledges the ongoing support of coaches who have helped guide these students toward success both on and off the field.
These commitments mark an exciting new chapter for the athletes, who will go on to represent their schools in collegiate athletics across the nation.
Blue Point Elementary Clubs
Unite to celebrate Earth Day
Blue Point Elementary’s Community Club, STEAM Club and Wellness Club united to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way. Together, they cleaned up a nearby nature preserve, reflected on the types of trash they found and brainstormed solutions to prevent future pollution.
The students wrapped up the day by enjoying the beauty of nature through a fun and engaging scavenger hunt. This collaborative event beautifully tied together the missions of all three clubs: the Community Club, led by Ms.
Olmstead, brings students together in support of common causes; the STEAM Club, guided by Ms. Vlachos, encourages creative problem-solving to make a difference; and the Wellness Club, led by adviser Ms. Yonick, promotes the health of both people and the planet.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
School Highlights
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Rocky Point Celebrates Second Annual Rocky Point Day
The second annual Rocky Point Day on May 10 was a well-orchestrated day of music, arts, sports, activities and community connections.
The scheduled events included musical performances by the High School Select Choir, Thespian Singers, Jazz Band, Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Middle School’s Eighth Grade Orchestra followed by a late afternoon performance by the rocking MilesRoad Band.
More than 100 vendors, school clubs and organizations, and food trucks were in attendance, while many student Eagles competed in field day games as well as lacrosse, soccer and basketball activities. Other highlights included pony rides, duct taping Rocky Point High School Principal Mr. Moeller, a dunk tank in which favorite teachers braced the water against some strong-armed ball throwers and a ceremony honoring eight people as this year’s IMP(P)ACT Award Honorees.
IMP(P)ACT – Integrity, Making a Difference, Positive Attitude, Perseverance, Acceptance, Collaboration + Team – is an acronym for the Rocky Point School District’s values. Recipients Patricia Alberti, Tara Black, Yuuki Donnelly, Laura Flanagan, Darren Goldstein, Nichole Schirtzer, Colleen Van Horne, and Jennifer Zaffino were honored by the person who championed each of them for reflecting these values.
Comsewogue Ranks Sixth in Nation at Annual Youth Business Summit
Comsewogue High School Virtual Enterprise (VE) students thrived at this year’s Youth Business Summit, ranking sixth place in the National Business Plan Competition out of 1,500 teams across 550 schools from seven different countries. Competing against more than 30,000 students, Comsewogue’s student firm PickleTek demonstrated remarkable business acumen, perseverance, and innovation as they advanced through five rounds of intense competition to secure a sixth-place finish. Comsewogue High School was one of only two Long Island schools to rank in the top eight at the national competition at the Javits Center in New York City. Comsewogue also saw three additional Virtual Enterprise teams advance to the national competition, including the firms ReLeaf, DormReform and ProtectU.
“The dedication, teamwork, and creativity shown by our VE students throughout this journey have been nothing short of exceptional,” said Virtual Enterprise Teacher Anthony Ketterer. “To have all four of our firms reach the National Rounds of Competition is a testament to the hard work of these students and the incredible support they receive from one another. Ranking sixth in the nation is an outstanding accomplishment, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievement.”
The students behind PickleTek developed the firm to bring innovative AI court development and resources to the sport of pickle ball. They began their journey at the Long Island regional competition before advancing to the Northeast regionals and, ultimately, presenting their business plan among the top 40 firms at the national competition. PickleTek’s team members include Joy Chen, Brady Pesce, Nicholas Mattheus Villamil, Mueez Kamran, and Hermione Granger.
Comsewogue’s firms ReLeaf, DormReform, and ProtectU also had the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and present their business, human resources and finance plans before judges, peers, and industry professionals on a national stage. Student Sophia Deja also earned a bronze medal at the national in the highly competitive Sales Pitch competition.
“It’s wonderful to see our virtual enterprise program become so highly
competitive in such a short amount of time,” said District Administrator for Instructional Technology Dr. Don Heberer who also oversees the business department. “We didn’t have a business department six years ago. What we’ve been able to accomplish is a testament to the strength of the program we’ve built and it’s a reflection of our extraordinary teachers and students. We couldn’t be any prouder of them all. We are excited to see where we go next year!”
Students from across the country and abroad enter the National Business Plan Competition with projects designed to solve real-world problems and showcase innovative ideas. Comsewogue High School’s Virtual Enterprise program is part of a global network of student-run firms dedicated to providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the business world. Through hands-on experience, students create and manage real-world businesses, giving them a competitive edge in their future academic and professional pursuits.
For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the District’s website at https://www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us/. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ ComsewogueSD.
Civics 101
The Necessary Standard for American Education
The Twenty-Second Amendment
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.
By Matt Meduri
The Twenty-Second Amendment is perhaps one of the most politically significant changes to our Constitution, although more in theory than as history would dictate. Despite the two-term norm established by tradition, the constitutional term limitation of U.S. presidents is actually a much more recent addition to our laws, so much so that the law has only barred seven twiceelected presidents from seeking more than two terms in office.
History and Origin
Although this amendment is relatively new in American history, conversations of term limitations had been raised at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the de facto birth of the framework of our current Constitution. Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and James Madison supported a lifetime tenure for presidents, which is similar to those of Supreme Court Judges and other members of the judiciary, and, at the time, flew in the face of the monarchy from which the fledgling United States had just won their independence. Others insisted on fixed terms, with an early draft providing for a seven-year term.
Effects
Term limits were considered during the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Washington had been unanimously elected president in 1788 and 1792, but his failing health, exhaustion, and frustration with political partisanship rising, he chose not to seek a third term in 1796. Thomas Jefferson would later write in his second term that if the “services of the chief magistrate be not fixed by the Constitution…his office…will in fact, become for life; and history shows how easily that degenerates into an inheritance.”
Historians argue that Washington’s decision to not seek a third term and his position as the first president have made the tradition something of a precedent. Such proponents might be right, as that is the case for many presidents after Washington. John Adams served after Washington, but lost re-election in 1800. Subsequently, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and Andrew Jackson (D-TN) would all follow the two-term precedent. John Quincy Adams only served one term and lost re-election in 1828.
After Jackson was re-elected in 1832, there was a large string of one-term or once-elected presidents. Eight presidents would at least be elected to one term each and two would die in office: William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor. Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) would win a second term in 1864, but he was assassinated shortly thereafter, making Ulysses S. Grant (R-OH) the first president since Jackson to serve two full terms. A third term of Grant seemed like the logical choice ahead of 1876, but his term plagued by scandals by virtue of his associates and public negativity on Reconstruction made talks of a third term moot. Grant would, however, attempt to win the 1880 Republican nomination, but lose it to James A. Garfield (R-OH). From 1880, only one president - Grover Cleveland (D-NY) - out of seven would serve two full terms until 1920.
Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY) had succeeded to the presidency in 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley (R-OH). Having been elected to a full term in 1904, Roosevelt pledged to not seek a third. However, his attempts to primary WIlliam Howard Taft (R-OH) - then Roosevelt’s hand-picked protege whom Roosevelt had now considered not progressive enough - failed in 1912. Roosevelt would run as a third-party candidate, splitting the Republican vote between him and Taft, getting Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) elected. Wilson had contemplated running for a third term in 1924, but had scarce support and would die later that year.
The basis of this amendment, like some others at the time, was reactionary. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) had been elected four times: 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944. While Roosevelt did not specifically “run” in 1940, he gave the delegates free will and would only run if drafted. The historical anomaly of running for a third term quickly dominated the campaign, as many saw World War II as the need to break with precedent and a constitutional amendment to cap term limits became the closing message of Thomas Dewey’s (R-NY) failed 1944 campaign against Roosevelt.
Roosevelt died in 1945, just eighty-two days after his fourth inauguration, which prompted the issue on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail almost immediately thereafter.
Ratification
Section 1: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.”
Section 2 only addresses the amendment’s inoperability if it did not pass three-fourths of the state legislatures.
The Eightieth Congress, during Harry Truman’s (D-MO) presidency, quickly passed an amendment. It passed 285121 in the House, with support from forty-seven Democrats. The Senate, on the other hand, proposed their own different amendment that stipulated a state ratifying convention for passage, rather than direct deliberation from the legislatures. The Senate version also contained a provision that would have prohibited anyone from who served more than 365 days in each of the two terms ineligible for further service. This was done with the intention of allowing successors to run for two full terms. Those two provisions were removed from the bill. The concession was a provision that clarified a succeeding vice president’s further eligibility. The amended proposal passed the Senate 59-23, with 16 Democrats in favor, on March 12, 1947.
Maine was the first state to ratify on March 31, 1947. Followed by Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, and New Hampshire. New York would be the twenty-first state to ratify, doing so on March 9, 1948. Minnesota was the tipping-point state on February 27, 1951. Massachusetts and Oklahoma rejected the amendment and never ratified, while Arizona, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia took no action on the amendment.
Presidents have since been limited to two (2) four-year terms, although one may serve for ten years if a successive vice president serves two years or less of their preceding president’s term. In such a case, a vice president may seek two full terms. If a vice president serves more than two years of the last president’s term, the vice president may only seek one term. The grandfather clause allowed Truman to run again in 1952, after having served most of Roosevelt’s fourth term and being elected in his own right in 1948. However, amid an abysmal approval rating and a poor showing in the New Hampshire Primary, Truman chose not to run for re-election. Since then, the amendment has only applied to seven twice-elected presidents: Dwight Eisenhower (R-KS), Richard Nixon (R-CA), Ronald Reagan (R-CA), Bill Clinton (D-AR), George W. Bush (RTX), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Donald Trump (R-FL).
With successive presidents after the ratification of the Twenty-Second Amendment, Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) was eligible for two terms after becoming president after John F. Kennedy’s (D-MA) assassination in 1963. Johnson won a landslide election in 1964, but chose not to seek re-election in 1968, making him the last incumbent president to do so until Joe Biden (D-DE).
Gerald Ford (R-MI), the only person to serve as president without being elected as neither a president nor vice president was eligible for just one term after Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
Some debate, however, swirls around this amendment’s interaction with the Twelfth Amendment, which states age, citizenship, and residency as the constitutional eligibility for president and vice president. The Twelfth Amendment also addresses that a vice president serves unless a presidential candidate is deemed unqualified after an election and until a successor can be chosen. However, neither amendment addresses a term-limited president’s ability to seek the vice presidency, either through election or nomination to a line-ofsuccession position in the Cabinet.
Some argue that neither amendment restricts term limits of vice presidents, and that former two-term presidents could theoretically wind up in the Oval Office through the line of succession, although this application has never been tested and will remain so until the courts must interpret the laws if and when the situation arises.
While term-limits are a generally acceptable idea among most of the electorate, some have disapproved. Truman thought it was one of the worst proposed amendments, behind Prohibition, and Ronald Reagan promised he would push for a repeal. In 2000, Bill Clinton suggested that the amendment be altered to limiting presidents to two consecutive terms but allow for non-consecutive terms due to increased life expectancies.
The first congressional repeal effort took place in 1956, after which fifty-four resolutions over the next fifty years would be filed. Nine of those resolutions were proposed between 1997 and 2013 all by the same person: former Congressman José Serrano (D-NY).
Despite talks of a third term of Trump, it would be a monumental task to abolish term limits as set by the TwentySecond Amendment. A new amendment would need to be ratified, which requires two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-fourths of the state legislatures. Amending the Constitution is intentionally difficult and with the vast majority of public opinion in favor of term limits, it’s nearly impossible that we’ll see a third term of any president in the future.
U.S. Capitol Building (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Center Moriches School District Seeks Budget Approval for Auditorium Overhaul
By Matt Meduri
With school district elections rapidly approaching on Tuesday, May 20, understanding the budget votes are paramount to a district’s long-term success.
In the Center Moriches School District, a proposition is out for a $1.2 million capital expenditure to renovate the auditorium, which is located at the high school but is used by all three schools in the district.
The capital reserve project will be listed on the ballot as Proposition 2. In May 2022, Center Moriches voters approved a capital reserve that is fueled with the surplus, if any, of the last year’s budget. The reserve has a cap of $5 million. Through the reserve, projects can be financed with surplus money at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
The renovation is also more cost-effective than a full demolition and rebuild. The project is also eligible for a 78% reimbursement rate from State aid over the next fifteen years.
Any use of the capital reserve requires approval from the voters.
Specifically regarding the auditorium, estimates currently dictates $200,000 for seat replacement; about $133,000 for flooring - including carpet, epoxy, and the stage - almost $40,000 for stage curtains; $485,000 for lighting, sound, and painting; $12,750 for a third-party review of the construction; about $36,500 for architect fees, and $283,342 for contingencies.
The Messenger sat down with Center Moriches Superintendent Dr. Ricardo Soto for a better understanding of the undertaking.
“The auditorium is in disrepair and in need of renovations. The seat coverings are ripped, the cushions are not in good condition, and they need to be replaced. Portions of the stage curtains are also in need of replacement,” Dr. Soto told The Messenger. “The stage itself is very scratched and shows its years of use, which needs to be redone. The sound and lighting systems are not up to date either.”
The 617-seat auditorium not only houses the district’s theatrics, music, concerts, presentations, and special assemblies, but it’s also rented out by the community’s various groups.
In fact, the community began discussing in online forums the state of the auditorium after a community meeting was held there. The September meeting was led by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) and Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) due to community outcries of unsavory acts committed in the area.
“The forum was held on September 24 and community members seemed to care and comment more on the state of the auditorium than the issue at hand,” said Dr. Soto, prompting the district to deliver on a core community concern.
“The students in our drama and music departments absolutely deserve an auditorium that is up to the standards of the incredible productions they put on year in and year out,” said Dr. Soto. “These students work extremely hard, putting in four or five hours after school over the course of months to perfect their craft and it shows in their performances. Proposition Two is a testament to their hard work and dedication all at no additional cost for the taxpayer.”
Dr. Soto heralded recent performances of “The Little Mermaid”, “Newsies”, and “Descendants”, as well as “countless performances” by the music departments from all three district schools.
Dr. Soto has spent twenty-one years in the Center Moriches School District, calling the town home for nineteen years. He began as an assistant principal eventually making his way up to the role of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Personnel and Instructional Technology. He was named Interim Superintendent of Schools before the current school year and was recently promoted to the full-time Superintendent of Schools.
Center Moriches residents are encouraged to vote in this Tuesday’s budget vote, as, again, the capital expenditures for the auditorium will not be an additional cost to the taxpayer.
Photo credit - Center Moriches School District
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Media Shocked That Media Covered Up Biden’s Cognitive Decline
By Shane Harris | Editor-in-Chief AMAC
It’s a headline that reads more like satire than reality. But the corporate media is once again pretending to be shocked at new details about Joe Biden’s cognitive decline – despite having themselves perpetrated the cover-up of the former president’s failing health for years.
Since Biden left office, details have slowly emerged about the lengths to which top White House staff, Democrat insiders, and liberal media pundits went to cover up the president’s physical deterioration. But that trickle has become a torrent this week as details from “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” a new book from CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, have entered the headlines.
The book is reportedly based on interviews with more than 200 people and includes explosive revelations like the fact that Biden’s health was apparently so bad as early as 2023 that advisors privately discussed the potential need to use a wheelchair if he won re-election. Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, also pleaded with aides to give the president more time to rest, and White House staffers were instructed to plan events so that Biden had to walk as few steps as possible.
In another instance, Biden allegedly did not recognize movie star George Clooney at an event, despite the fact that the two men had known each other for nearly two decades. Clooney would later pen an op-ed urging Biden to drop out of the race –but only following his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.
For Americans who watched the media’s fawning coverage of Biden for four years, the feigned shock and outrage of the commentariat class over these new details is as laughable as it is insulting. Do Tapper, Thompson, and their legacy media brethren really expect us to forget that they themselves paved the way for the cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline until that lie became impossible to maintain?
Those of us with working eyeballs and an ounce of objectivity know that Biden’s unfitness for office was obvious well before 2024. He waited longer than any president in 100 years to hold his first news conference, and overall held by far the fewest press conferences of any president in modern history.
In 2021, Biden fell multiple times attempting to climb the steps of Air Force One. That same year he appeared to fall asleep during a climate summit and repeatedly appeared lost and confused during official events. 2022 and 2023 saw the president fall again during an Air Force Academy graduation ceremony, fall off his bike while standing completely still, and rack up an astonishing record of gaffes, misstatements, and incoherent ramblings.
Yet through all of this, Tapper himself was a reliable defender of Biden on CNN, repeatedly going to bat in defense of the president’s supposed mental sharpness. Journalist Tom Elliott compiled a damning supercut of Tapper’s participation in the cover-up of Biden’s deterioration over the years.
In October 2020, for instance, Tapper accused Trump campaign adviser Lara Trump of “mocking” Biden’s “stutter” for suggesting that Biden was “in a state of cognitive decline.” Four years later, Tapper was still dismissing Biden’s gaffes as merely a “stutter” and accusing Trump of “belittling” Biden for it. In 2022, Tapper claimed that Biden was “sharp mentally.” He further alleged that the narrative of Biden’s cognitive decline was a Russian ploy to undermine “election integrity.”
Thompson’s Axios, meanwhile, dutifully repeated the party line that Biden was a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.”
Various other clips and headlines of the media attempting to cover up the truth about Biden’s health are also now making the rounds online. Just two days before the first presidential debate last June, CNN published a story describing the notion that Biden was “a senile, mentally incapacitated elderly man” as a “conspiracy theory.”
Yet now, the same networks who attempted to gaslight the public for four years are shocked, stunned, flabbergasted at these supposedly new,
never-before-known details about just how poor Biden’s health was.
This new narrative – that the corporate media was completely fooled and misled by the White House – creates two distinct possibilities, neither of which is particularly flattering for our supposed betters in the journalist class.
The first possibility (if we are to take Tapper and Thompson at their word) is that no one in the liberal media really had any clue about Biden’s cognitive decline.
This interpretation seems rather suspect from the get-go. Journalists have infinitely more access to the president than everyday Americans. They cover his every move for a living. So are we really supposed to believe that an overwhelming majority of Americans (and conservative news outlets) saw that Biden was too old to run for reelection, but no one in the liberal media could see it?
If that is indeed the case, then what good are those “journalists” in the first place? Why should any American believe anything that comes
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The Association of Mature American Citizens
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out of the mouth of someone who apparently can’t see what is right in front of their face and simply repeats whatever those in power tell them to say? A pundit who is only now “discovering” what most Americans have known for years isn’t much use to anyone.
The second and more likely possibility is that the media knew exactly what they were doing and repeatedly, knowingly, and consistently lied to the public anyway because it advanced their political agenda. Now that the lie has become impossible to maintain, they are scrambling to cover their own hides by pinning blame on Biden staffers.
Of course, the great irony here is that the lie was never all that believable. Most Americans knew they were being lied to.
Either way, the cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline remains one of if not the single greatest media scandal in American history. Public confidence in the legacy press was collapsing before the fraud was exposed, and this is only likely to accelerate that trend.
WHERE BROADWAY MEETS MAIN STREET
May 15–
Jun 29, 2025
Jul 10–Aug 24, 2025
WORD OF THE Week
Etymology: late 16th century (denoting a ride or raid on horseback): from French, from Italian from cavalcare ‘to ride’, based on Latin caballus ‘horse’.
WORD WHEEL
See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)
May 19, 1536: Anne Boleyn, second wife of English King Henry VIII, is beheaded at the Tower of London on charges of adultery, incest, and treason.
May 20, 1609: William Shakespeare’s Sonnets are first published in London, perhaps illicitly, by publisher Thomas Thorpe.
May 18, 1927: Grauman’s Chinese Theater opens in Hollywood, California.
May 16, 1868: U.S. Senate fails to impeach President Andrew Johnson (D-TN) by one vote.
May 21, 1832: First U.S. Democratic National Convention; held in Baltimore.
May 15, 1869: National
Woman Suffrage Association forms in New York, founded by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
22 Long Island Life & Politics
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Is Hochul Bringing Real Relief to Long Islanders?
By Hank Russell | Long Island Life & Politics
Soon after signing the state budget, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) came to Farmingdale State College on May 13 to announce that she is bringing economic relief to Long Island families. But some wonder if this would really help Long Islanders, who are already financially overburdened.
The FY 2026 State Budget includes Hochul’s plan to give 215,000 Long Island families an annual tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 per child from four through sixteen. This is the largest expansion of New York’s Child Tax Credit in its history — benefiting approximately 355,000 children on Long Island, according to Hochul.
The budget also includes Hochul’s plan to cut taxes for more than 80% of all tax filers on Long Island. This will deliver nearly $168 million annually in tax relief to 1.2 million Long Islanders — bringing taxes for the middle class to their lowest level in 70 years, said Hochul. Additionally, New York’s first-ever inflation refund checks totaling $316.4 million will be sent to almost 1.3 million Long Island taxpayers.
Hochul said she also secured more than $270 million in additional state aid for Long Island school districts for the 2025–26 academic year — a 5.4% increase over the current year.
In addition, Hochul announced she has made investments to the region’s environment. Among them:
• $1.7 billion for the State’s share of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) project — a federal-state-local partnership representing a once-in-a-generation investment in Long Island’s long-term flood resilience.
• A record $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, including $17.15 million specifically for Long Island programs that protect groundwater and preserve the island’s unique environment.
• Continued $500 million statewide investment in clean water, with Long Island receiving more than $458 million in water infrastructure funding in the past four years.
• An additional $8.75 million for the Blue Buffers Voluntary Buyout Program, which supports resilient shorelines and protects vulnerable Long Island homes from future flooding.
“The cost of living is too damn high for Long Island families, so I promised to put more
money in your pockets — and we got it done,” Hochul said. “Putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of families means helping Long Islanders afford the rising costs of groceries, raising kids, and just enjoying life. When I said your family is my fight, I meant it – and I’ll never stop fighting for you.”
Some of the state legislators supported the governor’s economic plan.
“The expansion of the child tax credit will alleviate the rising cost of childcare for countless families across Long Island, and tax cuts for the middle class is a hallmark of this year’s budget,” said Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni (D-North Haven). He also said the increase in school funding “signal[s] the state’s commitment to address affordability and its support of public schools.”
“The affordability crisis has hit Long Islanders hard, and while there is still much more work to be done, I believe this budget does an excellent job at tackling the crisis head-on,” Schiavoni said.
“Governor Hochul’s economic plan is exactly the kind of relief Long Island families need right now,” Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) added. “By expanding the Child Tax Credit and cutting taxes for more than a million middle-class residents, she’s helping parents keep up with the rising cost of living and putting money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers.”
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) said that, while the expansion of the Child Tax Credit and tax cuts are “positive steps that will provide much-needed relief to families struggling with the high cost of living,” and “smart, targeted measures that can make a meaningful impact in our region,” he said the inflation rebate checks are “not a long-term solution” since it’s only a one -shot.
“What Long Islanders really need is sustained structural relief, lower property taxes, affordable housing and reduced energy costs,” Brown said. “If we want to keep families and businesses here, we need to focus on comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of affordability. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to ensure Long Island families have the support they need not just today, but for the long haul.”
This article originally appeared in Long Island Life & Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.
Continued from page 4
Suffolk & Nassau Jointly Oppose Even-Year Election Law
Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo shared his perspective with The Messenger on the multiple headaches this law would likely inflict upon Suffolk voters.
“The Legislature’s eighteen members are sworn in under the New York State Constitution and the Suffolk County Charter; this law violates both of those,” said Piccirillo. “As County officials, how can you swear an oath to documents that you see Albany trample on purely for political purposes? This has nothing to do with democracy or saving money; we still have to follow State laws regarding early voting, election workers, election machines, counting absentee ballots, and the amount of polling sites.”
Piccirillo also poses a question: if the law is centered around increasing turnout, then why isn’t New York City - the largest basket of votes in the state - exempt?
“They [Albany Democrats] can’t believe how unpopular their policies are for this state and they have suffered loss after loss,”
said Piccirillo. “Instead of sitting down and rethinking their positions, they decided to change the rules to the elections we all participate in. It’s a blatant political powergrab by city socialists and Albany Democrats.”
Of voter disenfranchisement, Piccirillo warns of longer voting lines that people have ever seen. Additionally, the significantly larger ballots might be un-processable by County machines, possibly requiring a $40-$60 million investment, according to Piccirillo.
“I think if the Court of Appeals rules on the law, we win. If it’s a political ruling, which mostly happens in this state, we lose,” said Piccirillo, adding his disapproval of the State Senate’s rejection of Court of Appeals nominee Hector LaSalle in 2023. LaSalle was seen a more moderate Democrat who many Republicans believed would have called balls and strikes on the state’s top bench.
“Voters want local control across political lines; that’s the whole essence of home rule,” said Piccirillo.
Credit - Susan Watts, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
(Left to right) Executive Romaine, Clerk Puleo, Legislators Piccirillo, Bontempi, Mazzarella, McCaffrey, Lennon, Stark, Flotteron, and Thorne (Credit - Matt Meduri)
‘Live From Studio 6B’ Hosts First Live Audience
By Matt Meduri
Long Island’s very own alternative media continues to make inroads across the state and the nation, as Live From Studio 6B (LFS6B) hosted their first live audience after several years on the air.
The show was done at the America First Warehouse in Ronkonkoma, with dozens of attendees not only from Suffolk County, but Vermont, North Carolina, and Ohio, among other places.
The Messenger spoke with co-host Vincent Butta (pictured right), who goes by “Vinny Mac” on the show.
“Back in 2015, we started the show when Donald Trump (R-FL) was first running, and the ironic thing about the whole campaign is that we predicted literally every step of how he was going to win, and that [opinion] was not quite popular at the time,” Vinny Mac told The Messenger. “In the beginning, we were more about change and seeing if a conservative could win [the presidency]. Trump entered, it gave things a little sizzle. I’m not going to say that people didn’t take him seriously, because we did, but it was hard to take him seriously and be taken seriously yourself at the time.”
Vinny Mac says that he departed from the show to chase a project in Austin, Texas. After a couple years, he returned to the show after a few more hosts had been brought on. It was then that the group saw the opportunity of conservative, alternative media.
“We’ve been wanting to do a live show. We wanted to take the show on the road too, because we have fans all over the country. California is one of our biggest markets,” said Vinny Mac. “It’s incredible how well the fans know us; we’re talking to them all the time.”
The show airs every night from 8:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. on prime time on Real America’s Voice. Lower ballpark estimates give audience membership about 500,000 views per show, with possibly many more from different social media outlets. Live From Studio 6B can be viewed on most streaming platforms, such as Pluto, as well as social media and websites, such as Facebook and YouTube.
“Real America’s Voice is a sleeping giant. Their audience is very close to Newsmax’s audience.”
Live From Studio 6B’s first live show kicked off promptly at 8:00 with a fired-up live audience. The panel consisted of Damon Roberts (pictured left), “Slick” Rick Ammirati (pictured below center) - also the president of the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce and publisher of the Holbrook Happenings magazine - Paul Nolan, Rick Delgado, Vinny Mac, and comedian Kevin Downey, Jr (pictured above center).
The panel jumped in immediately talking about the recent Emmy nomination that CBS received for their “Sixty Minutes” segment with then-Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) while she was running for president. The interview quickly gained notoriety for its apparent editing to make Harris’ sentences and phrases more concise. President Trump sued the network and CBS agreed to a $15 million settlement.
“They were nominated for best editing, which they’re going to win handsdown because that was an insane job,” said Roberts.
“I needed my Budweiser-to-English dictionary to find out exactly what she was saying,” said Downey, Jr. of a recent Harris interview.
Vinny Mac said that the episode is emblematic of the “insulation” of mainstream media.
“They actually think this is a good idea. This is perfect evidence of the small little bubble they’re in,” said Vinny Mac.
Trump’s First 100 Days
The panel spared no expense in discussing the first 100 days of Trump 2.0, with the president getting full marks on immigration and the southern border.
their businesses here. In the first 100 days, the media had a eulogy for Trump like he died already.”
“I love what he [Trump] is doing with getting men out of women’s sports. The bottom line is we have to make sure we raise these children right,” said Ammirati, adding that Trump’s discussion of the issue at a University of Alabama commencement speech received thunderous applause.
“No way it’s an 80%-20% issue, it’s a 97%-3% issue,” said Ammirati.
Rick Delgado (pictured right) showed a video of a North Carolina father confronting his local school board over co-ed bathroom usage, to which Delgado said, “If you look at
the people that serve on the school boards, their kids are already out of school. It’s all about keeping their job, their power, and going along with the next thing that gets them federal funding. It’s all about the money.”
Vinny Mac said that while there are many issues from the previous administration and that some should be adjudicated, he finds the administration’s prerogative not about “redemption”, but “resetting our country’s priorities.”
“All the areas where they breached honesty and integrity - public office, law enforcement, elections - I’m for anyone involved getting arrested and taken to task, but not because I want to see them screwed and redeemed. I want to see things straightened out so we can move forward as a country.”
The panelists also urged patience with a lot of Trump’s big-picture ideas, investigations from Attorney General Pam Bondi (R-FL) and FBI Director Kash Patel (R-NV), health initiatives from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I-CA), and the overall state of the country and the world.
“President Trump is prioritizing the administration’s efforts to bring America back from the brink of self-inflicted ruin and back onto the path of renewal,” Damond Roberts read from a piece in The American Thinker. “His focus is first and foremost on making America great again, not running the world. Hence, his willingness to put America’s interests and its values first, to the surprise of many allies who came to perceive the American government as decoupled from the American people, and thus easily swayed into subvert the interests of the values of the people.”
A humorous reel was also played of Connecticut state legislators saying what they would have endured rather than 100 days of Trump, including sitting in traffic on I-84 for 100 hours and being stuck on a bus with 100 school children singing “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”
The panel also discussed solar geoengineering, a controversial practice that uses chemtrails to potentially lower the Earth’s temperatures, while mention of Bill Gates’ name elicited hearty “boos” from the audience.
“Twenty-four states have legislation to stop geoengineering. Several countries, including Mexico, have stopped geoengineering,” said Paul Nolan, adding that he is “glad” that EPA Administration and Suffolk native son Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) is “aware of it.”
Interactions with the Live Audience
No live show - especially an inaugural one - would be complete without some interactions with the fans, and LFS6B fans are certainly some of the most dedicated fans out there. One “patriot”, Warren, expressed his concern for the administration to look into the overnight flights that brought illegal migrants to places like Westchester County. Another “patriot”, John, came to the show despite fighting pancreatic cancer.
“He’s taken what was 10,000 [crossings] a day, 300,000 a month, and effectively turned it into zero,” said Vinny Mac, adding that the most “impressive thing” he’s done is a “full reset in everything.”
“He’s tackling wars and foreign policy, he’s tackling the economy and unfairness with the tariffs. I’ve never seen a president do this,” said Vinny Mac. “Even when Ronald Reagan (R-CA) came in, it was the economy and the Soviet Union and he tackled those two things over the course of four years.
Trump has effectuated major change in 100 days.”
“The Red Sea is open for business, shipping lanes are opening up, China is quietly rolling back their tariffs,” said Paul Nolan (pictured left). “$5 trillion of infrastructure committed back to the states, manufacturing coming in, tech giants expanding
“Just got to fight strong - God, faith,” said John.
Jeremy, of New Hampshire, showed up with a “Slick” Rick Ammirati t-shirt, and gave a passionate “Fight! Fight! Fight!” to the camera, an homage to Trump’s reaction after being shot in Pennsylvania in July.
Another audience member, John, recited a limerick in honor of Real America’s Voice (RAV).
“There’s a network called RAV, it’s really the best that we have; they give us the truth with receipts and with proof, and the chaps like a warm, soothing salve.”
Live from Studio 6B airs every night from 8:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. and can be viewed through Real America’s Voice.
(Pictured right)
Downey Jr. with audience member John
Local History
Thursday, May 15, 2025
The General Store at 501 Hawkins Avenue Part 3: ‘James Agnew & Issac Taylor 1914’
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
“Dear Mother, You will be surprised to hear that I have bought out a store of groceries and general merchandise, a business that has been established for about 14 years it is located about 50 miles from New York on Long Island, Sam will know where it is. I have taken over all his stock at a cost of about near $3000 Dollars. I have a lease of the buildings for ten years with living room above store. It is quite a big venture taken wholely on my own shoulders. I did not get much encouragement from any of my friends but believing I was doing the right thing took it upon myselfnever venture, never win. They say it is a very good motto. There is a Post Office connected with the store which pays $500 Dollars a year which when I am able to handle will pay more than rent of the store. The man’s name I bought from is Walter E. Coleman as you will see by this bill head when writing to the address letters. Here I see by the papers you are about to have trouble in Ireland. I hope it will not be as serious as expected. Write soon and let me hear how you and all the family are. Give my love to everybody, give me your prayers in this new venture, from Your loving Son, to death, James Agnew.” - March 22, 1914
A true and extraordinary letter written by James Agnew to his mother Elizabeth Annett Agnew, living in Ireland, that announced his new business. The words say it all straight from his heart. There is no doubt about the legacy he would continue to create as he began his time at the corner General Store. Longevity and true friendships would begin with that 1914 purchase, and many of us still have the memories of the store as it served our families and us as individuals.
Issac Sherwood Taylor was the brother of James Agnew’s wife, Mary. He became the equal partner of the General Store at the time of purchase. Their partnership was solid in the firm Agnew & Taylor with his brother-in-law James Agnew for thirty years, until Issac’s death on May 2, 1944.
Walter Emmett Coleman and his sonin-law Frederick Henry Wilkinson sold the store to Agnew and Taylor and recorded a “Suffolk County Mortgage. - Agnew J & wife to HR Coleman & ano. Lots Portion Rd. Adj. land Coleman, Lake Ronkonkoma in the amount of $2000.”
The General Store continued to carry a widespread amount of goods, including fruits, groceries, dry goods, seasonal articles, ice, kerosene, underwear, feed, hay, their famous “felt boots”, and almost every need of the community. Oil lamps, oil stoves, rakes, hoes, shovels, shot gun shells, hip boots, and sheep skin coats quickly found their way to the shelves. Gasoline was sold in the 1920s. The store was very popular, and the feeling of comradery with the citizens continued to attract them to the store for their evenings’ town gossip while waiting for their mail to be sorted - another family-owned store which continued to shape the backbone of Lake Ronkonkoma.
The story about how he came to Lake Ronkonkoma is nothing short of karma. On the advice of a friend, he saved his money and bought a taxicab, which was to add to his sub-standard salary while living in NYC. From the money he made “hacking”, he paid for the cab and saved up several thousand dollars. In 1914, a fare named Henry Glensman wanted a ride to Lake Ronkonkoma. Henry was the son of the owner of Hunter’s Home, a tavern and hunting lodge located
in the area. While Mr. Agnew was there, he learned that Mr. Coleman was selling his general store. He and his brother-in-law, Ike Taylor, bought the store and took over the post office. The store became known as Agnew and Taylor.
As owner of the General Store, it was now the duty of James Agnew to become the Postmaster of the existing Lake Ronkonkoma Post Office in the building. James had declared his intention to become a U.S. citizen on November 14, 1906, which worked out fine for the position. The Post Office continued to be housed under Agnew and Taylor’s roof until 1933 and that previous year’s presidential election. The office of the Postmaster in small towns was considered a political plum awarded to deserving members of the party in power in Washington. When Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) was elected President in 1932, the post office was promptly moved out of Agnew and Taylor and given to Gus Gehweiler, a Democrat. Gus followed the post office regulations and put up “No Loitering” signs, ending the era of friendly town gatherings at the mailboxes each evening. In 1943, the Post Office was moved across the street, and Mrs. McKernon was postmistress for seventeen years until the new Post Office building was opened on Portion Road.
James Agnew (May 3, 1881 – December 9, 1959) Born in Ireland; married to Mary Ann Taylor Agnew (November 29, 1879 –November 30, 1952) on August 24, 1904, in County Down, Ireland. Interment for both in the Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery.
James Agnew died at his home on Hawkins Avenue, member of Sayville Lodge F.&A.M., a former Lake Ronkonkoma postmaster, past president of the Lake Ronkonkoma Bank, a charter member of the board of directors of the Lake Ronkonkoma Bank, past treasurer of the Ronkonkoma Fire Department, past treasurer of the Lake Ronkonkoma Union Free Library, and a former member of the Board of Education.
Children of James and Mary: William Sherwood Agnew (1908-2001), James Henry Agnew (1912-1982), and Elizabeth May Agnew Lund (1917-2006)
Issac Sherwood Taylor (June 21, 1877 – May 2, 1944). He was unmarried. A machinist in his early life with EW Bliss Company, Brooklyn. A Mason with the Kings County Masonic Lodge F.&A.M.
He had a brother, Samuel J. Taylor, of Los Angeles, and sister Mary A. Agnew. Interment in the Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery.
Thank you to our friends the Agnew and Taylor families who continue to add happiness to our lives and in keeping our history real!
Agnew and Taylor 1914
Agnew and Taylor 1930s (above and below photos)
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Theater & the Arts
The Gateway Opens Its 76th Season with the Tap Extravaganza ‘42nd Street’
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
With their latest polished-toperfection production of “42nd Street,”
The Gateway Playhouse once again proves that Bellport is the place to see Broadway-caliber shows right here on Long Island.
From the moment the curtain rose, revealing a glamorous chorus line of world-class tap dancers decked out in stunning costumes strutting their stuff, it was apparent why this Broadway musical received a Tony Award for Best Musical after its premiere in 1980. The 2001 Broadway production won the Tony for Best Revival.
Based on the 1932 “scandalous potboiler” novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, this jukebox musical has a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, and music by Harry Warren. The original Broadway production, directed and choreographed by the theatrical visionary Gower Champion, turned out to be his “swan song.” Sadly, Champion passed away ten hours before the show opened. During the curtain call, Producer David Merrick announced the devastating news, much to the dismay of the shocked cast and audience.
Randy Skinner masterfully directs The Gateway’s current production, featuring the choreography from the original Broadway production recreated by Mary Giattino. Skinner worked directly under Champion and was largely responsible for the tap dance routines in the show. After Champion’s untimely death, Skinner stepped in to
offering glimpses into the personal lives of the creative team involved.
The musical takes place during the Great Depression, a time when “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” became the anthem of a generation. The plot revolves around an aspiring chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer from Allentown, Pennsylvania, who comes to the big city armed with big dreams, a warm heart, and an abundance of innate charm and theatrical skills. Elizabeth McGuire, a versatile actor, delivered a tour-deforce performance as the talented but timid Broadway wannabe. McGuire is a tap dancer extraordinaire, and her powerhouse vocals were showcased throughout the performance. Griffin Wilkins was perfectly cast as Billy Lawlor, Peggy’s love interest, and the leading tenor in “Pretty Lady.” Wilkins and McGuire’s powerful duet, “Young and Healthy,” was one of the musical’s highlights. Wilkens also delivered a riveting performance of “Dames.”
Broadway veteran Kristen Beth
take over the choreography, ensuring the meticulous technical expertise of the famed director, choreographer, and dancer lived on.
“42nd Street” is a backstage musical that celebrates the magic and wonder of Broadway, utilizing the theatrical technique known as a play-withina-play. The audience witnesses the evolution of the musical “Pretty Lady” from auditions through rehearsals to the drama-filled premiere, highlighting the highs and lows of the process while
Williams, a charismatic and captivating performer, held the audience spellbound every time she stepped on stage. Williams possesses that hardto-define, yet muchsought-after Hollywood magnetism necessary to pull off the part of Dorothy Brock, an aging diva desperate to stay
relevant, no matter what the cost. Janine Loesch, the astute Costume Coordinator, outfitted Williams in some of the most spectacular gowns you will see on any stage. Williams’s heartrending delivery of “I Only Have Eyes for You” was an unforgettable onstage moment. Robert Anthony Jones as Abner Dillon, the producer of “Pretty Lady,” and Dorothy’s jealous Sugar Daddy, received the biggest laughs of the evening. He also stunned the audience with his singing and dancing ability during the “Getting Out of Town Reprise.” Jesse Swimm aced the role of Pat Denning, Dorothy’s former vaudeville partner and true love.
Ryan K. Bailer, a Gateway veteran, was believable as the renowned and demanding director Julian Marsh. He commanded the stage and showcased his rich, velvety vocals during “Lullaby of Broadway.” This musical starts with a bang and goes out with a whimper as this magnificent actor stood alone on stage, with just a single ghost light illuminating him, delivering a hauntingly beautiful reprise of “42nd Street” in a soft, melancholic reverie.
Jessica Wockenfuss as Maggie Jones and Cullen R. Titmas as Bert Barry were convincing as the co-producers and co-writers of “Pretty Lady.” Their duet, “Keep Young and Beautiful,” was one of the high points of the show. Titmas and Wockenfuss, along with Sarah Dearstyne as Ann Reilly, showcased their immense talents during the comedic number, “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”
Willie Clyde Beaton II gave a standout performance as Andy Lee, the dance director of “Pretty Lady.” The mega-talented ensemble, with their pitch-perfect vocals and dynamic dance moves, brought their A-game to this production. A standing ovation is extended to all of them, including Ian Black, Marlina Brown, Chase Fontenot, Haley Holcomb, Josh McWhorter, Brandon J. Morris, Becca Perron, Sean Quinn, Colleen Roberts, Sam Sanderson, Bryan Seastrom, Halle Surgil, and Keila Sue Wong.
The Gateway assembled a topnotch creative team, including Music Director Andrew Haile Austin, Scenic Designer Kelly Latta, and Sound Designer Ben Takitch. A special shoutout goes to Dustin Lawson for his wig design, which replicated the glamorous hairstyles of the 1930s, and to José Santiago for his exquisite lighting design, which included a well-executed “Shadow Waltz” featuring Maggie, Dorothy, and the Male Ensemble. The big production numbers, costumed by Loesch, especially the sparkling gold sequin and paillette designs displayed during “We’re in the Money,” are stunning visual treats and are worth the price of admission.
This electrifying musical is like an ecstatic energy effusion that leaves you breathlessly excited and exuberantly alive! The show runs through June 1, 2025. To purchase tickets to The Gateway’s high-voltage production of the beloved Broadway hit “42nd Street,” contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 or visit Thegateway.org.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.
Sachem North Varsity Softball: Scoring Runs is Fun
By Ashley Pavlakis
The Sachem North varsity softball team has reclaimed its superior status in League II, winning the title back after a one-year hiatus. The regular season is wrapping up, and the playoff bracket is starting to take shape.
The Arrows softball team is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League II. The girls sit atop the league with a 14-3-0 record with two games remaining in the regular season.
The team is led by head coach Ken Sasso, who has been coaching at Sachem for over a decade. Sasso is joined by assistant coach Jackie Saverese in the dugout. The duo has helped coach the Arrows to a League II title in four out of the last five seasons. On their home field, they have the championship banners from the previous seasons hanging on the fence behind home plate. A source of motivation, one might say.
The squad has played well this season, having found its offensive production early and maintaining it throughout the season. The Arrows outscored their opponents 117 to 52, and kept them under 6 runs all but once, in which they allowed 10 runs in a loss versus Eastport South Manor.
In sports like softball and baseball, you need your offense to be buzzing if you want to win. Quiet bats aren’t a good thing even if pitching and fielding are on top of their game. Offense is the only way to help the pitcher and reward her for her efforts. For the Arrows, they were successful this season in getting runs across home plate. Some days the bats were really hot, and they scored 10 plus runs in five games this season.
Sachem North celebrated their lone senior last Thursday in a 4-2 win over Walt Whitman.
They’ll graduate one senior this season and send them off to further their education and excel in softball at the next level. Camryn Russo, a first baseman for the Arrows, has committed to Mitchell College in Connecticut, where she’ll further her education and play softball at the D III level.
On May 15, Sachem North and Sachem East will come together to honor one of their
own in the annual “Dezy Strong” game. Matthew DiStefano, a former Sachem alum and teacher in the district, lost his battle to cancer in 2020. The beloved teacher excelled in sports during his time at Sachem. Before his passing, he created the DezyStrong Foundation in an effort to help support those affected by cancer. Since then, the foundation has remained strong at Sachem and on Long Island as a whole.
Softball is a fun sport to watch, especially at the high school and college levels. With playoffs right around the corner, teams are battling it out to claim their spot to play another day.
The Arrows have two more games left to play before they begin their postseason run at the Suffolk County title.
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