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Thursday, January 4, 2024 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 11 ~ $1.00
Ed Romaine Inaugurated as Ninth County Exec
Photo by Matt Meduri
‘A Great Day for Suffolk’ By Matt Meduri “It’s a great day for Suffolk County,” said nearly all speakers and attendees at the inauguration of Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) as Suffolk County Executive. Elected officials, community leaders, and members and friends of the Romaine family descended on Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School on January 1 to witness Romaine’s swearing in and inaugural address. Ed Romaine served as Brookhaven Town Supervisor from 2011 until his decisive victory in last year’s county executive race. His election resulted in the first Republican county executive since Bob Gaffney was re-elected in 1999. Continued on page 3
By Kaitlyn Foley St. Catherine of Siena Hospital has received the attention of our communities often this year between the threat of a nurse’s strike, an ongoing call for a ratified contract, and now, for plans of closing the hospital’s Labor and Delivery unit. The president of the hospital, Declan Doyle, informed its employees of the change in a letter on December 21, only six weeks prior to the proposed closing date of February 1.
According to Doyle, the unit will be closing because the physicians in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital are changing employers. “As part of their new contract, they will no longer be able to provide maternity care at St. Catherine’s. Their decision was purely contractual and not prompted by any discontent with St. Catherine’s staff or services,” said Doyle in his letter. Continued on page 10
FULL STORIES ON:
New York Moves Local Elections to Even Years Page 9
A Look At The Opioid Epidemic Page 21
County Legislature Inaugurated Page 24
Catholic Health Services
St. Catherine’s Hospital Announces Plans to Close Maternity Unit
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News Thursday, January 4, 2024
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Continued from front cover
Ed Romaine Inaugurated as Ninth County Executive
It was more than just an inauguration Brookhaven Town Supervisorevent, however, as it truly represented Elect Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) a culmination of one of the most called Romaine not only a “stellar legendary and esteemed political representative, a person of impeccable careers on Long Island. Highly regarded character, and a person who has by countless people of both parties, dedicated his life to making other Romaine’s inauguration as the county’s peoples’ lives better, but also a mentor.” top official is the pinnacle of a storied Panico said he would not be Brookhaven and successful career as a lifelong Supervisor-Elect or a Town Councilman public servant. And while hundreds if Romaine, at the time County Clerk, did from around the county attended, not “take a shot on a young guy fresh many have been Romaine’s partners, out of law school.” coworkers, and friends for decades. Panico also remarked on Romaine’s It made for a much more impactful, gift that “he can articulate your problem emotional, and symbolic event, and one as it relates to government better than that resonated with much unity and even you can.” optimism for a new chapter in Suffolk’s Romaine was subsequently history. administered the oath of office and The ceremony was headlined by was sworn in as Suffolk County’s ninth former Senator and Majority Leader executive. John Flanagan (R-East Northport). Romaine signs the clerk’s book with County Clerk Vincent Puleo (Credit - Matt Meduri) “It is a new day in Suffolk County,” Flanagan was the first to describe January said Romaine in the opening to his 1 as a “good day for Suffolk,” and recognized Romaine as a “good man” and “Teddy inaugural address to thunderous applause. “I know there will be more problems than Roosevelt-esque” in his lifelong dedication to environmental conservation. solutions, more to be done than has been done, more quests than conquests, but it’s only The event was opened by an animated rendition of “Feeling Good” from the musical The by not giving up and not trying that we lose.” Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd, sung by Paige Patterson with keyboard Romaine laid out a vision for his administration and spoke of the values that will drive accompanist Greg Schleich. his agenda and partnership with his fellow representatives. The Presentation of the Colors immediately followed, conducted by the Rocky Point “This administration will be rooted in the values and traditions of hard work, VFW Post 6249 led by Commander Joseph Cognitore, alongside a pipe band performance personal initiative, and accountability so that we can build a future that is safe and from the SCPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. more affordable and provides opportunity to this generation and the next,” he said. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Honorable Pierce Fox Cohalan and was followed “One of my top priorities will be straightening county finances and making our budget by the singing of the National Anthem by Anna Lubitz. structurally balanced.” The inauguration event consisted of dozens of officials, including nearly all members Romaine also made a series of pledges and cited specific examples of the past to help and members-elect of the Suffolk County Legislature, District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), him chart his agenda. Sheriff Errol Toulon (D), Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip), Congressmen “I do not plan to divert money from the quarter-percent fund,” he said, referencing Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), County Comptroller John an initiative he sponsored in 1987 to place a quarter-percent tax on sales to contribute Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Babylon Town Supervisor and Chair of the Suffolk Democrats Rich to water quality management programs. Such funds were later diverted for other Schaffer (D-West Babylon), Shelter Island Town Supervisor-Elect Amber Brach-Williams (R), expenditures, resulting in hefty lawsuits that the county must pay back. Southampton Town Supervisor-Elect Maria Moore (D-Westhampton Beach), as well as a “I do plan, with the help of my partners in the County Legislature, to create reserve bipartisan congregation of Town-level and State-level elected officials. funds for future anticipated expenses. I do plan, whenever possible, to pay low-level Party leaders, including Suffolk GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia, were also in attendance. capital expenses from reserves. I do plan to reduce the county’s debt and work with the Perhaps most surprising of the guest speakers were those of New York State Comptroller Legislature to develop structurally-balanced budgets.” Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza) and U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Chuck “Another top priority will be dealing with the breakdown of the county’s information Schumer (D-Park Slope), who proclaimed the day “great for Romaine, great for Romaine’s technology (IT) structure, which unfortunately affected every aspect of county government,” family, great for Suffolk County, and great for the United States.” said Romaine, referencing last year’s crippling cyber attack that left some county services “I worked closely with Ed, and he cared about every part of Brookhaven and did an paralyzed for over a year. “We will prioritize cyber security, cyber security insurance, amazing job [as Town Supervisor] and never let partisanship get in the way,” said Schumer. moving our data to the cloud, and undertake periodic penetration tests.” Schumer recounted Romaine’s long career in public service, from his humble beginnings Romaine also said he will place an active IT Commissioner to “set us on the right as a schoolteacher of twelve years, and later the Town of Brookhaven’s first commissioner direction and to respect the independence of our four county-wide officials.” on Housing and Community Development, his sixteen-year tenure as County Clerk, his Romaine also pledged the “tools and funding” needed for police departments, the two stints in the County Legislature, and finally, his eleven years as Brookhaven Town District Attorney, and other law enforcement offices to help them “effectively and Supervisor. responsibly do their jobs.” Romaine also spoke of hiring more officers and detectives. He “He always knew how to help people,” said Schumer. “He got here the old-fashioned will also be tasked with selecting a new police commissioner. way; he earned it.” Romaine was the first Republican candidate for county executive to receive the In addition to, as Schumer said, being a great day for Romaine and his family, he also endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) since he ran for the position claimed it a “great day for Suffolk County,” describing Suffolk as a “bastion of the middle in 2003. class” which Romaine “understands instinctively.” Schumer concluded his point by saying Romaine also touched on a heavy subject: the need to improve Child Protective Services Suffolk County is getting “great representation.” (CPS). Romaine also provided a unique and unfortunate view on a recent case that rocked Finally, Schumer said the day was even great for the United States. He recounted the Long Island. famous Benjamin Franklin quote, that when asked what he and the founding fathers had “My grandson sat next to a young boy in the third grade named Thomas Valva. That created, he replied “A republic, if you can keep it.” Schumer then stated that the founding lesson is never lost on me; it’s one of the failures of government today. I am going to work fathers knew that not all would participate in the new republic, but also that some might very hard to ensure that we have a system that does not fail another child.” only run for “themselves, money, power, or some other bad motive.” Romaine also mentioned another core value by means of the Parking Violations “Let’s look at this auditorium,” said Schumer. “It’s filled with people from all walks of life Bureau. “There’s a bureau that needs to be streamlined,” he said. “That bureau needs a who participate in this republic. Second, look who we’re putting in office, somebody who better sense of what justice is all about. It needs justice in mind, not producing revenue. will always put community first.” I am not interested in nickel-and-diming our citizens.” Congressman Garbarino then spoke in favor of Romaine’s pragmatism and Romaine also listed several items on his “long list of to-dos,” including, but not limited encouragement and said that he “wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his support.” Garbarino to: open-space preservation, preventing overdevelopment, affordable workforce housing, then humorously pledged to fiercely lobby for federal funds for Suffolk County. protecting the county’s groundwater, securing funding for sewers, improving traffic flow, Congressman LaLota offered words of wisdom from his mother: “‘Don’t tell me who cost-efficient energy production, and “fighting from our fair share of federal and state aid, you are; show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.’” LaLota said Romaine has that we have not gotten, by eliminating unfunded state mandates.” “built a tremendous amount of friends in this county,” and that he is “hopeful for Suffolk “I am optimistic about the future of Suffolk County,” he concluded. “God bless you, County’s future” because of Romaine’s leadership. God bless Suffolk County, and God bless the United States of America.”
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NEW MEMBERS NEEDED
AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS STILL SERVING AMERICA
The William Merritt Hallock American Legion Post No. 155 115 Church Street Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Is looking for New Members
We meet at the Post twice a month 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm and the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have a social hour with snack one hour prior to the meeting. Our meetings generally run about one hour. We take part in our local community parades and street fairs. We usually have three social functions with family and friends each year. We participate in a number of patriotic ceremonies. If interested in joining our Post and meeting some fellow veterans, stop by on a meeting day with a copy of your DD214. You can visit our website at: AmericanLegionWilliamHallockPost155.org
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Editorial Thursday, January 4, 2024
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
A Great Day for Suffolk, Indeed We here at The Messenger often like to be optimistic. In fact, we’d say that most people in general prefer optimism. Our editorial messages are usually those of optimism, but we always prefer to have a strong edge of realism. We find that realism isn’t necessarily a healthy mix of optimism and pessimism, but rather a practice of looking at situations individually and subjectively. We also generally stay away from hypocritical viewpoints, so we practice what we preach. In short, optimism and realism aren’t mutually exclusive values with respect to themselves, but sometimes the most “realistic” approach to a situation, problem, or topic is understanding that the two can’t be too closely intertwined, for the sake of decision-making, conscientiousness, and emotional input. What we can say is that we are comfortable tying the two together on the heels of our latest slate of elected candidates who have just taken office - or are about to. And with the commencement of the term of Ed Romaine as County Executive, we couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of Suffolk County. Our endorsement of Romaine was one of dozens; that in and of itself should say something. Our endorsement also understood the many assets he brings to the table, the success he has had at multiple levels of government, the friends and allies he’s made along the way, and the level of respect he has garnered among countless elected and community officials in a bipartisan manner. This was on full display at his inauguration ceremony on January 1. More than just a swearing-in ceremony, Romaine’s ascension to the highest county position is truly the culmination of a decades-long career, with him taking the helm of the nation’s largest suburban county at a time when tried and true leadership is necessary.
In addition to the typical level of respect assumed for officeholders, regardless of position or party, Romaine seems to effortlessly command respect from any room he walks into. With countless elected officials from across the county behind him in support, we are truly optimistic not only in our confidence in his leadership, but the consonance and unity that we interpret as being genuine. That makes it an even greater day for Suffolk; we believe it’s the most palpable unity and collective dedication to constituent service we have seen in the modern political era in a long time, and we know many other elected officials across Suffolk County who earn similar support and cooperation. By checking the bags of partisanship and discord at the county seat, we believe that just two days into the term of a new county executive and a new county legislature, we’re off to a great start. The county legislature is also not as deadlocked and discordant as it once was, another valuable tool in the transformation of Suffolk County. So, while realism and optimism can certainly go hand in hand, there are many cases where it might be best to keep them somewhat separate. We don’t necessarily mean by a chasm, but maybe a gap is realistic. We are confident in closely combining optimism and realism with the onset of a new set of representatives in a time when they’re most needed, especially with our effective incumbents restored to their seats and some freshmen electeds getting a much-deserved shot at leadership. Congratulations to our new County Executive Ed Romaine, the members of the Suffolk County Legislature, and our Town officials as well!
NY’s Off-Year Elections Plan is More Partisan Damage Control We pride ourselves on election coverage here at The Messenger. If you read us religiously from August until Election Day this year, you probably thought we sounded like a broken record once or twice, as we discussed the crucial and intrinsic importance of local elections, the necessity of political conscientiousness and political participation, and the separation of partisanship in favor of practical solutions. New York’s latest plan to align local off-year elections with the even-numbered elections dilutes the above ideal values of a politically conscious society. The evennumbered election years constitute the more high-profile and big-ticket elections, such as the presidency, U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and most state legislative and gubernatorial races. In New York, the latter State Assembly, State Senate, and governor’s mansion are all on the ballot in even-numbered years, with the state legislature up every two years and the governor up every four. The off-year elections are held in the odd-numbered years. These races are almost entirely local, with the exceptions of a few states. New York is not one of them. Just as we saw this past November, the odd-numbered year elections encompass hyper-local races that elect your officials who you can easily contact. Your county legislature, your town board or council, your town clerks and tax receivers, your town supervisors, and even your county executive were elected just a couple months ago. Almost all county-wide races were held this November, with a few exceptions town-side, such as three western townships that did not feature supervisor races. Note that some county elections are held in even-numbered years, such as the positions of county clerk and county comptroller, but by and large, most local elections are held in the off-year. Off-year elections have long been a tradition in New York and the United States for the reason that local politics do not become married with heavily nationalized politics. Especially in today’s day of hyperpartisanship, mass media polarization, and diminished ticket-splitting, national elections will inevitably have a down ballot effect on local races that may not accurately characterize local issues. While voters can certainly make good decisions at the ballot box, it is easy to be swayed by national overtones and vote a party-line ticket. We see regularly that local races and the electeds who run in them are more easily classified by their local initiatives and prerogatives, rather than what the letter next to their name indicates. Our County Executive Ed Romaine ran on the Republican and Conservative line but received coveted environmental endorsements that are typically given to Democrats. Many local candidates across the county, especially in the eastern townships, are often cross-endorsed by both parties. The county legislature has demonstrated their abilities to work in a bipartisan manner and town boards can work with a supervisor of a different party. It happens more often than not and it does show that local politics proves local electeds are more than what the back of their baseball card says they are. Why complicate, or even ruin, that dynamic by combining those highly localized, massively subjective, and interpersonal forms of political participation with the hotbutton idiosyncrasies of a want-what-we-can’t-have national environment? Some Democrats, including Suffolk’s own Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), from the Fourth District, says that the legislation will increase voter turnout, while the sponsor of the bill says that it will increase turnout among “young people and people of color.” Both mentioned “equity” being a concept on display with this legislation.
We fail to see how a lack of community outreach for two demographics who tend to lean heavily Democratic means the rules must be changed for local elections across the entire state of New York. Furthermore, a local election with relatively low turnout should only incentivize candidates to hit doors, attend town halls and meet-the-candidates nights, and guest appear at community events. In a perfect world, it’s what we expect from those candidates, and sometimes it’s not always the case. But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and that was on full display in Suffolk’s Seventh Legislative District in 2021. While Presiding Officer Rob Calarco (D-Patchogue) was expecting to coast to a sixth and final term, Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) had hit thousands of doors before it was apparent Calarco’s incumbency was endangered. Calarco ended up losing the election and Thorne has been a fierce advocate for every single one of his hamlets. Not only would out-of-touch politicians like Calarco have the opportunities to be rewarded based purely on down ballot energy because of who’s running for president, but hard workers like Thorne would not be given nearly as many chances under the new system. Furthermore, the local elections are sacred in that your local officials in Hauppauge and Albany affect your life more than the people in Washington. The only exceptions to the federal electeds are your Representatives to the House. Additionally, their premises assume that young people or minority voters will only vote when there are higher stakes on the ballot. What could be more insulting than lowering the expectations and thresholds for political participation based on demographic? Again, there is nothing stopping increased political turnout. In 2022, Republicans came within one percentage point of ousting Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley Heights) in the Eleventh Assembly District, one with multiple majorityminority communities. In years prior, Republicans had not come within twenty points of winning the district. Republicans did their job in messaging and appealing to communities of color, in what Martinez describes as “historically neglected” communities. It sounds like Democrats neglected that community and it almost cost them a supermajority in the Assembly. Finally, the prevention of “voter fatigue” is a lame excuse. We understand media fatigue on certain issues, but expecting voters to be politically conscientious and participate every year to stay on top of the issues is the bare minimum. Somehow classifying that as a chore to shelf and not an intrinsic privilege guaranteed by the Constitution is an insult to the “democratic” process Democrats claim to revere. Electeds constantly say that they work “365 days a year.” Why do they get to be paid by our tax dollars “365 days a year” but we shouldn’t be politically conscious for an equal amount of time? Overall, we believe the sanctity of local elections should not have their oxygen sucked out of the room by the national races that may or may not have as large an impact on the local community. Your local town councilman should not have to wade through airwaves of Joe Biden or Donald Trump to pitch you his latest plan on sewers, and your state assemblywoman should not be less deserving of your attention than Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand. We think Democrats should stop trying to hide the obvious hemorrhaging in support they’re seeing across one of the bluest states in the country by trying to improve their prospects by packing the ballot.
Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
Resolve and Resilience: Motivation for a New Year By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay As we turn the page on another year, we reflect on the journey over the past twelve months and welcome the opportunity to embrace new challenges and ideas. We find strength in our resolve and resilience while allowing optimism to light our path forward in 2024. In the coming days, I will join my legislative colleagues in Albany to embark on a fresh start to the new year. The Assembly Republican Conference will again focus efforts on an agenda that prioritizes the people’s will and improves the quality of life for all New Yorkers. In poll after poll New Yorkers reveal a deep dissatisfaction with the direction of this state. The concerns are shared across party lines as both Democrats and Republicans believe Albany should focus more on the affordability crisis gripping our communities. Saddled with one of the nation’s highest costs of living, there is an ever-increasing weight on households struggling between putting food on the dinner table or paying bills. Driven to the financial brink, we have unsurprisingly witnessed record-setting outmigration in the past year. According to the recent U.S. Census Bureau report, more than 100,000 New Yorkers fled the
state – a population loss greater than any other state. The stories from friends and family are plentiful; the realization of more affordable places to live and more lucrative work prospects provide ample motivation for more New Yorkers to leave. Albany must recognize the devastating consequences of sky-high taxes. The hand of government too often dips into the wallets of the hardworking men and women of this state to satisfy misguided liberal spending habits that have and will continue to destroy the state’s future. I refuse to quietly allow this state to descend into the dark abyss it trends toward. The Assembly Republican Conference will continue to prioritize sensible legislative measures that put money back into New Yorkers’ pockets. Residents not only worry about the government reaching into their pockets, but also actively fear becoming the latest victim in a crime wave. The statistics following progressive criminal justice reforms passed in 2019 have been startling. As predicted, the reforms ultimately led to a free pass for violent and dangerous individuals to cause chaos without consequence. In recent years, the Assembly Republican Conference worked with partners in
law enforcement advocating for measures to hold criminals accountable. In the new year, we will continue working with stakeholders from across the criminal justice system to prioritize public safety and restore order. As we convene in Albany to shape the legislative agenda for the coming year, the Assembly Republican Conference will strive to build upon the components of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and a commitment to create a better state for our constituents. The challenges are significant but guided with determination and perseverance, I am confident we will forge a brighter future for New York. If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or on Twitter at @ WillABarclay.
DeStefano Comments on the Start of the 2024 Legislative Session By Assemblyman Joe Destefano As a dedicated representative of the state, I’m honored to return to Albany, ready to advocate for the needs of not only my Assembly district but those of each New Yorker. Addressing pressing issues such as public safety, fair elections and responsible governance remains
at the forefront of my agenda. I’m here to roll up my sleeves, listen to your concerns and work hard for practical solutions that matter to you.
Every Thursday
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R, C-Medford)
Assemblyman DeStefano represents the Third District, which consists of Bellport, Coram, East Patchogue, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Mastic Beach, Medford, Middle Island, Ridge, and Shirley. For more information, please visit https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Joe-DeStefano/
Letter to the Editor Keep Those Letters Coming...
Don’t forget to write, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at: editor@messengerpapers.com
Congratulations to my fellow 2023 Letter to the Editor writers. Surveys reveal that “Letters To The Editor” is one of the most widely read and popular sections of any newspaper. Most newspapers will print letters submitted by any writer regardless of where they live so long as the topic is relevant to readers. It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of being published. Many papers welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles, or previously published letters to the editor.
I continue to be grateful that The Messenger, along with other newspapers, affords both me and my fellow letter writers the opportunity to express our views, as well as differing opinions on issues of the day. Please join me along with your neighbors in reading The Messenger local weekly community newspaper. Patronize their advertisers; they provide the revenues necessary to keep them in business. This helps pay to provide space for your favorite or not so favorite letter writers. Larry Penner Great Neck
County News
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Suffolk County’s New Judges Take Oath of Office During Robing Ceremony at Touro Law Center On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, seven newly elected or appointed judges in Suffolk County were sworn into office in a heartfelt robing ceremony at the Touro Law Center. Hosted by the Suffolk County Bar Association, the event featured a special celebration for each judge who has joined the bench in the Supreme Court, Court of Claims, and District Court. The law school’s crowded auditorium was filled with supporters of the seven new members of Suffolk’s bench, including relatives and friends, attorneys, judges, state dignitaries, and even a Justice of the Court of Appeals. More than fifty judges—donning the traditional black robes—were on hand to welcome their new colleagues. The three new Justices sworn into the Supreme Court were Hon. John J. Andrews, Hon. Maureen T. Liccione, and Hon. Alison J. Napolitano. In addition, Hon. Aletha V. Fields was sworn in as a Judge of the Court of Claims. Further, Hon. Anna Acquafredda, Hon. Susan A. Berland, and Hon. Steven Weissbard all took their oaths of office
people of Suffolk County,” said Justice Crecca to the crowd. “Each of our new judges brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the bench,” he added. All new judges were introduced by an individual sponsor and each then offered brief remarks to the audience prior to taking their oath. Sponsors ranged from spouses and relatives to former colleagues and fellow judges. Notable sponsors for the event included Hon. Madeline Singas, Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, Hon. Edwina G. Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge (Left to right) Berland, Acquafredda, Fields, Napolitano, for Justice Initiatives, and Hon. Andrews, Weissbard, and Liccione Richard E. Sise, Presiding Judge of the Court of Claims. This year’s robing ceremony as newly elected District Court Judges. District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew A. Crecca reflected the rich diversity of the backgrounds presided over the ceremony and offered words and experiences of Suffolk County’s new set of judges. “Our judiciary is truly exceptional because of praise for Suffolk’s new judges. “Today is a great celebration of all that we continuously learn from and help each other, these individuals have accomplished in their and we are all very excited to see what this special distinguished careers and all that they will group of new judges brings to the bench,” said contribute while serving on the bench for the District Administrative Judge Crecca.
This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri National
In a bold end-of-year move, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed controversial legislation moving local off-year elections to even-numbered years, which aligns them with presidential and midterm election years.
were last decade. Some Republican leaders also say that the move is an attempt to dilute Republican voting power in local elections if they are paired with more nationalized races in which Democrats tend to have more down ballot energy in a state like New York. Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) (pictured below) of the Fifth Assembly District returned comment The Messenger to discuss the legislation. “Starting in November 2026 and 2028, when millions of dollars are being spent for presidential or congressional elections, our town and county candidates will be running those years instead of in 2027 and 2029,” said Smith. “This will inject more special interest money as local officials will have to try to break through the noise and nonsense to explain why their issues are important too.” “Local issues will be completely lost in the process,” continued Smith. “Democrats think this will benefit them. Local issues deserve their own local elections. The people representing you at the town and county level should have their own time to make their case for why they should be elected and what local issues are important, separate and apart from the divisive national and state issues. We will be taking this to court.” Other groups and spokespeople called on the logistical problems posed by the bill, such as longer lines and wait times at polls, longer – and even multiple-page – ballots, and less attention paid to each individual election. The bill passed 89-57-4 in the Assembly. All Republicans from Suffolk voted against it, with Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) being the only Democrat to do so. The bill passed 39-23 in the Senate. All Republican members of the Suffolk delegation voted against it. Democrats have a 102-48 edge in the Assembly and a 42-21 edge in the Senate. New York State Assembly
State
nysenate.gov
As the 2024 election season is officially underway, The Messenger would like to chronicle as many developments leading up to November as possible, even checking in on the granular races across the country. After a special election in Utah’s Second Congressional District last month - won by Celeste Malloy (R) - the House briefly enjoyed a full quorum, until former Congressman George Santos (R-Queens) was ousted in a historic expulsion vote. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has set a special election date for New York’s Third District for February 13. Former Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) and Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck) are the candidates for the election. Now, the razor-thin Republican House majority has dwindled further as deposed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) resigned his seat at the start of the year. Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has fourteen days to call a special election for the seat, which will likely take place in May. McCarthy’s seat is centered on Bakersfield and is the most Republican-leaning seat in the entire state. The House retirements list continues to grow as a historically large set of names, owing to what most assume is burnout from congressional gridlock, hyperpartisanship, and an increasingly uncertain political calculus with the constant state of global affairs and the large question mark over party prospects in the 2024 elections. Two new names have been added to the list. Congressman John Curtis (R, UT-03) is forgoing another term in the House to run for the open Senate seat in the wake of Mitt Romney (R-UT). Romney has served one term in the Senate since 2019 and earned himself national chagrin for bucking the party and President Trump. Next door in Colorado, firebrand conservative Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R, CO-03) is making a move from the state’s large western district to its eastern one. Longtime wildcard Congressman Ken Buck (R, CO-04) made the decision to retire after citing “insidious narratives” from party leaders. Buck was one of eight Republicans to vote to oust Speaker McCarthy in October. Boebert’s decision to run in Colorado’s most Republican district not only helps somewhat ensure her another term, although far from guaranteed, but also shores up party prospects in the libertarian Third District. Republican on paper, the Third has an unusual mix of working-class Latino voters, rich, liberal towns, and conservative whites, making it a prime swing district in a state that is racing to the left. Boebert won a too-close-for-comfort election over Adam Frisch (D) in 2022, a year that should have seen her win with relative ease as her party largely performed historical expectations. Colorado’s Fourth District is the most conservative in the state. Lining the entire western Kansas border, the district is mostly flat, agrarian, and much more Republican-leaning than the state as a whole.
Introduced by Senator James Skoufis (D-Cornwall) of the Forty-Second Senate District and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) of the Eighty-Eighth Assembly District, the bill will, after 2025, “amend the town law, the village law, the county law, and the municipal home rule law, in relation to moving certain elections to evennumbered years.” The purpose of the bill is expressed as providing “that certain local elections held outside of New York City shall be held on election day in November in even-numbered years.” The move has largely been in limbo all year, as it was introduced last January, debated in June, and finally signed by the governor on December 22. But this concept has been floating around the halls of Albany for at least the past decade, as similar versions of this bill have died in committees in every legislative session since 2013. “Every eligible New Yorker deserves the right to participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers,” said Hochul in a statement. “This is a meaningful first step and I would support a constitutional amendment to align all election years, to save taxpayer dollars and avoid voter fatigue.” Hochul refers to a constitution amendment to “align all election years” with respect to elections not under legislative authority, such as judicial races and elections within New York City. Skoufis, the bill’s Senate sponsor, thanked the governor on X, formerly known as Twitter, for signing the bill, calling it a “transformative win for voter participation and equity.” Democratic groups also praised the legislation. “Aligning local elections with high-profile races will lead to increased voter turnout, particularly among young people and people of color,” Citizens Union Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum said in a statement. Proponents of the bill have argued that in addition to alleviating “voter fatigue” by holding elections each year, the bill will also save money by reducing the amount of elections, the need for equipment and machines, and the payment of poll workers and election monitors. Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) (pictured below) of the Fourth Senate District returned comment to The Messenger on her take as to why she voted in favor of the legislation. “Shifting local elections in New York State to even years aims to address low voter turnout and promote a more inclusive democracy,” said Martinez. “The stark voter turnout disparities in certain legislative districts, particularly in odd years, signals the need for urgent reform. The new law, supported by bipartisan consensus, aligns with studies indicating higher voter participation in even-numbered years. Synchronizing local elections with state and federal ballots, the new law seeks to empower historicallyneglected communities, reduce election administration costs, and enhance civic engagement for a more vibrant and equitable democratic process.” Opponents, on the other hand, criticize the bill for compromising home rule and local authority, as well as diluting each idiosyncratic election year and level of office with heavily nationalized election messaging and down ballot influences in a political era where such drags on electoral tickets are more outsized than they
Local Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) of the First District recently traveled to Los Angeles with Congressman Mike Levin (D, CA-49) to visit Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, whose release from Japan was long bartered by Washington. He remains imprisoned in the United States. “Rep. Levin (CA-49) and I were able to meet with LT Alkonis for about 60 minutes and we were impressed by his mental strength and resilience,” said LaLota in a statement. “But make no mistake, despite being back in the United States, Lieutenant Alkonis is still a prisoner, separated every day and night from his family by cement, steel, and barbed wire while serving much more time than if he was found guilty of the same ‘crime’ in the United States. Unlike when LT Alkonis was in a Japanese prison, each day the Lieutenant wakes up in an American prison is a day the country he faithfully served for 15 years chooses to imprison him beyond the sentence any other American would receive. The President deserves credit for getting LT Alkonis out of a Japanese prison. Now, he must finish the job and exercise his clemency power and give LT Alkonis his freedom back and properly reunite him with his family.” Alkonis was sentenced to three years in prison in Japan for the October 2021 accident that killed two people and injured a third. While driving with his family from Mount Fuji, Alkonis suffered acute mountain sickness and lost consciousness while behind the wheel, while Japanese authorities charged him with negligent driving. Alkonis’ family have offered the families of the deceased $1 million in restitution.
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County News Thursday, January 4, 2024
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Continued from front cover
St. Catherine’s Hospital Announces Plans to Close Maternity Unit
The careful words of this offering suggests that the maternity unit staff are not guaranteed another placement will be “identified” for everyone. This closure will impact over sixty nurses and unit staff members. While the current nursing shortage is still ongoing, and likely to grow in the future, there is also a high number of nurses who are actively looking for better opportunities, widening the net for employers, but increasing competition for those let go from their employment unexpectedly. Nursejournal.org, a well-known database providing resources and guides for nurses, provided a guideline on how LinkedIn could be a job haven for nursing work. “LinkedIn reported more than 140,000 job posts for registered nurses (RN) as of December. On top of that more than half a million LinkedIn nurses have used the site’s ‘Open to Work’ designation,” reported Genevieve Carlton, PH.D. in her article New Linkedin Features Help Nurses Get Hired. This closing does come as a shock to many, including the unit’s own staff because the process of closing an entire hospital unit, especially one as large as Labor and Delivery, is a long and complicated one. In recent years, St. Catherine of Siena’s Maternity Unit’s nursing staff has elevated the hospital to “Baby-Friendly” status and raised its Press Ganey score nationally, creating community confusion on why the hospital is closing the unit’s doors so soon. “My experience has always been great. I had a baby in September and that’s when my experience went from great to outstanding,” says Laura Kot of St. James, a patient of St. Catherine’s who recently birthed her first child last September in the St. Catherine’s Maternity Unit. “I cannot say enough great things.” “My heart hurts for expecting mothers,” adds Kot. “I cannot imagine how I would feel if I was still pregnant and scrambling to find a new doctor. I had my annual at the office mid-December where I was promised someone would call me and let me know where my doctors were going and what my options were going to be being that I am a very well-known patient in the practice from years of loyalty. However, no one called me. It saddens me.” Kot found out about the possible closure from a friend who became aware via Facebook. “I am planning another child in a year, and I’m so upset I need to find new doctors and a new hospital. I was really looking forward to having another wonderful experience at St. Cats.” “There are about fifty open positions at St. Catherine’s that nurses will be given the option to transfer into, most outside of their specialty and expertise,” Anna Sterling, Press Secretary of New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), told The Messenger the union is at a standstill without an official submission of a layoff notice. “The hospital failed to notify proper authorities of a layoff and failed to submit a layoff notice to the nurses. Without official notice, all nurses will remain employed until such time that a notification is sent. We hope that they reconsider this terrible decision that will impact thousands of families in the area and their future healthcare.” A former nurse of St. Catherine’s of Siena hospital spoke to The Messenger but wished to remain anonymous. She voiced worry for the
safety of the Smithtown community, as well as the limited opportunities for the St. Catherine nurses within their specialty and expertise. In search for alternative work after the potential closing, some staff members have gone to interview with surrounding hospitals, including those in the Catholic Health Services network, who were not given notice. “Mercy Hospital had no idea St. Catherine’s [Labor and Delivery unit] is closing,” said the source. “That’s insane because NYSNA told those nurses that they were going to request a freeze throughout CHS for all obstetric, L&D positions until these nurses are placed. So clearly no freeze has been put into place.” The Messenger’s source also mentions that the NYSNA representative at St. Catherine’s has advised many members of the staff not to apply to other positions yet. Mercy Hospital recently recruited a large OB practice since they were unaware of the influx of nurses soon to be searching for new positions. The Messenger reached out for comment to MaryJane Finnegan, Chief Nursing Officer at St. Catherine, and Daniel Calise, NYSNA representative for St. Catherine’s nurses regarding their plan for placing these nurses in new positions and received no response. A NYSNA spokesperson did tell The Messenger that they are focused on saving the essential healthcare services that St. Catherine of Siena’s maternity unit provides for the community and saving the jobs of the dedicated nurses. NYSNA makes their stance clear that they do not support this idea of a closure and believes the hospital should reverse course and preserve these services. According to the New York Department of Health (NY DOH) DHDTC DAL# 23-06 Facility Closure Plan Guidelines, “No medical facility shall discontinue operation or surrender its operating certificate unless 90 days’ notice of its intention to do so is given to the commissioner [James McDonald] and his written approval obtained.” A Catholic Health Spokesperson said such a proposed closure plan has not been submitted to the NY DOH yet. Therefore, no permanent changes are approved to be completed. In addition to the 90day notice, and according to the NY DOH, prior to the submission of a closure plan, “the provider must notify their federal, state and local-level elected officials…and the community about the proposed closure. They must also hold a public meeting, where the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Operating Officer attends and answers questions, that allows for advance notice to stakeholders and allows for public comments regarding the closure.” The Messenger has been informed that there will be a public meeting in the coming weeks, but within close proximity the proposed closure date of February 1. The date and details of such a meeting has not yet been announced to the public as of press time. State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) did receive notification of the closure plan from the hospital. “In late December, my office was informed via email by the leadership of St. Catherine’s about the potential closure of their maternity wing,” said Mattera. “I want to make it absolutely clear that I oppose this decision due to the significant impact it will have on both the residents of our region
and the dedicated staff and nurses who serve our community. My office is actively engaging with St. Catherine’s leadership and the New York State Department of Health to ensure that all appropriate procedures are followed. Our priority is to safeguard the health of future mothers and newborns in our region and to protect our healthcare professionals. These considerations are paramount in any forthcoming decisions.” County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) also provided comment on the matter. “I am extremely saddened by this. As a community hospital, a small-town hospital, it was always a value to have the maternity wing,” says Kennedy who led a thirty-year career as a nurse before being elected to the County Legislature. Kennedy was made aware by St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and Catholic Health Services through several channels. “I do think everyone is a little shocked because losing something like that would be a tremendous loss. However, I know St. Catherine’s is a good hospital and will do right by their community and staff.” Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) said he was not notified directly by the hospital, but says that it would be a “tragedy” if the labor and delivery unit closed. County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset) told The Messenger his office received the same letter received by the nurses signed by Doyle. Deputy clerks in the Smithtown clerk’s office said they were notified by telephone of the closure but received no official or physical documentation. Within the last year, Sharon Hospital, a hospital in rural Connecticut, submitted a request for closure of their Labor and Delivery hospital, which was denied by the Connecticut’s Office of Health Strategy due to the health risk it presented for the local women and children. The nearest maternity ward to Sharon Hospital was over twenty miles away, almost a forty-minute drive. While Long Island does not have that same distance issue, the island is presented with a congestion issue. The time a woman goes into labor will directly affect theirs and their baby’s safety as rush-hour traffic can make a twenty-minute drive into a forty-minute drive. In case of an emergency, such as an ectopic pregnancy, nuchal cords, or cord prolapse, women can still rush to the St. Catherine’s ER, but would not be treated by a obstetrician if the maternity ward closes. The hospital is equipped with qualified general surgeons who can provide care in these cases, but no specialists. Additionally, all women’s health would be impacted because the obstetricians also perform the gynecological procedures. Throughout the interim period, hospital-based maternity care will be provided at Good Samaritan University Hospital and St. Charles Hospital, both around 14 miles from St. Catherine and known for their “exceptional maternity care in newly renovated, best-in-class facilities,” according to a Catholic Health spokesperson. Other surrounding hospitals with maternity wards not within Catholic Health’s system of hospitals include Stony Brook University Hospital, Long Island Community Hospital, and South Shore University Hospital. This is a consistently developing story and The Messenger will update this with new details on our website: https://messengerpapers.com
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School Highlights Thursday, January 4, 2024
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Connetquot Holds District-Wide Typing Competition Connetquot Central School District’s instructional technology department hosted a districtwide typing competition from November 1-20 for grades three through five, using the district’s typing platform, Typing Club. The competition was based on participation minutes per grade level and the completion of a grade-level typing test. A leaderboard was created each week and sent out to every building to keep students motivated. Throughout the competition, 882 students participated, showcasing more than 90% accuracy districtwide. Idle Hour Elementary School achieved a clean sweep, winning first place in all three grade levels. On December 19, the students were thrown a pizza party and given certificates of recognition for their great work.
Their success showcased both the dedication of teachers and students and the positive impact of integrating technology into the district’s educational initiatives. The district congratulates Ms. Zelinski’s third grade class, Ms. Gehrke’s fourth grade class and Ms. Narine’s fifth grade class.
Hauppauge Leadership Students Hold Holiday Breakfast Fundraiser for Families in Need Students in Hauppauge High School’s leadership class hosted their second annual holiday breakfast fundraiser, raising a total of $2,893 for families in need. The breakfast raises money for the schoolwide initiative, Care and Share’s, Friends of Families holiday campaign, helping families with food and gifts for the holidays. This year, the breakfast raised $1,105. Additionally, the class ran a MacBook Air raffle, raising an additional $1,788 for Friends of Families. In the class, students learn skills such as goal setting, communication, and organization along with other skills it takes to be a good leader in both their school and community. The course is based on the belief that good leaders are developed, not born. The class culminates with students implementing their own personal service project. Last year’s leadership class created and implemented the idea for a holiday breakfast and this year’s class decided to continue the event. New this year, the students added a hot chocolate bar where other students could place their order for a delicious drink with a variety of toppings.
School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
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Connetquot HS Student Creates Wooden American Flag for Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum As a symbol of Connetquot High School’s appreciation, 11th grader and woodworking student Ryan DiPrima created a beautiful wooden American flag display case before donating it to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum in Sayville. During the 2022-23 school year, students in Mrs. Aliza Doheny’s social studies class visited the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum. After their visit, Mrs. Doheny asked if any of the school’s woodworking students would be willing to make something for the museum as a symbol of their appreciation. Technology teacher Jonathan Pope immediately thought of his student Ryan DiPrima for the project. According to Mr. Pope, Ryan had taken many of his hands-on technology classes, is a phenomenal student, takes tremendous pride in his work and is very patriotic. When he mentioned the project to Ryan, he immediately wanted to get involved. The two started bouncing ideas off of one another and settled on an American flag display case for challenge coins. Challenge coins are given to reward hard work and excellence and are popular in military and law enforcement fields. As a volunteer firefighter himself, Ryan was also a challenge coin collector, lending his own personal touch to the project. Ryan and Mr. Pope worked on the project every day during their free periods before once again attending Mrs. Doheny’s field trip to the museum this year. Ryan then had the honor of presenting his hand-made display case to Lt. Michael Murphy’s father.
East Islip HS Student-Artists Brighten Up Nurses’ Office
Members of East Islip High School’s National Art Honor Society recently designed and painted a mural for the office of school nurses Sue Kearns and Debbie Seibert. The mural design was a collaboration of designs by students Taylor Donlin and Maddie Toto. Other students participating included Tammy Chen, Keira Higgins, Adriana Iacono, Andrew Jacobsen, Johanna LeRoux, McKayla Mahon, Annelyse Marra, Jessica Ocasio, Julia Perry, and Lindsey Roses. “I really enjoyed painting the mural for the nurses’ office,” Toto said. “I’m very glad I was picked to help make it. It was fun to work with my friends on this project.” “The process of creating a mural is a lot of hard work, but it is worth the effort to have such a beautiful outcome,” Roses said. “I am honored to be a part of it and that it will be seen by thousands of students to come.” “We are so proud of all of our members who were able to participate in creating a beautiful medical/health-related mural for the high school nurses’ office,” NAHS co-adviser Heather Toomey said. “Enhancing our school community with artwork is part of demonstrating their outstanding abilities in the visual arts. The nurses do so much for our community here, and it was nice to make them something.” “We would like to thank the talented art students for creating such a beautiful mural,” Kearns and Seibert said. “It really looks great and brightens up our office.”
History
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Wyoming - The Equality State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the forty-fifth of a series column that will look at the history of all 50 States, all 5 territories, and the Capital and the influence history has on our current political environments. The aim of this column is to capture that our country is not just red or blue, but rather many shades in between. Each Lower 48 state’s current political landscape can be traced back to its early settlement and geography and its particular involvement in the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Era.
By Matt Meduri Although Wyoming is unequivocally the most Republican state in the country, its unique demographics and ideological makeup make it perhaps the most interesting state in the Republican fold. Early History - A Western Stopover Wyoming was originally claimed by Spain and Mexico until the 1830s, although neither had any presence in the area. The Lewis and Clark Expedition brought the first Americans to the region in 1807, with reports of thermal activity in the area considered fiction. Fur trapping was the first major industry introduced to the state. The Oregon Trail and Union Pacific Railroads would help bring attention to Wyoming, as would the Mormon treks to Utah and gold rushes to California and Montana. Wyoming’s first form of territorial government came in the 1872 formation of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, a group dedicated to the growth and standardization of the cattle industry in the state. The Association held significant influence in the American West and is still active today. As the industry and the railroads helped the population grow, Wyoming never experienced a massive boom like that of its neighbors, namely due to a lack of mineral rushes in the state compared to Montana or Colorado. Despite this, Wyoming still held intrinsically Western progressive-populist values, and in 1869, became the only territory to include women’s suffrage in its constitution. Wyoming was admitted as the forty-fourth state on July 10, 1890, and is the first state to allow women the right to vote, owing to its nickname “The Equality State.” Industrialization and 20th Century Politics The Land of Conservation After the Homestead Act of 1862, Wyoming started to become parceled out to settlers, who built their farms on the fertile banks of the state’s rivers. Open-range cattle grazing also became a key aspect of Wyoming’s economy. Although small amounts of gold were discovered in Wyoming, the state’s true bread and butter would be found in coal. Although typically associated with Kentucky and West Virginia, Wyoming actually produces most of the country’s coal, clocking in at 41.2% as of 2022. The state is also home to generous deposits of oil and natural gas, placing it fairly on national production lists. Wyoming is also the nation’s second-highest producer of uranium. Finally, copper also helped grow the state’s economy at the turn of the century, as the Ferris-Haggarty Mine Site in Carbon County would be a world supplier of electrification. In addition to its views on suffrage, Wyoming also played a crucial role in environmentalism. Geological surveys of the state confirmed rumors of thermal activity in the northwestern part of Wyoming, which is one of the reasons Congress became convinced to preserve the area. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant (R-OH) signed a bill into law that designated the area as Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world. The park is home to the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano in North America. Future presidents would later set aside more land in Wyoming, such as Grover Cleveland (D-NY) designating several forest reserves,
and Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY) designated Devils Tower the first national monument in the country. Today, almost half of Wyoming is owned by the federal government. Wyoming’s first election was held in 1892, with Benjamin Harrison (R-IN) narrowly defeating James Weaver, who ran on a Populist-Democratic fusion ticket in the state. William Jennings Bryan (D-NE) would appeal to the state’s western populist ideals in 1896, becoming the first Democrat to win the state. Although Bryan’s appeal was generally wellreceived in most Western states, his narrow margin in Wyoming demonstrated the strong Republican lean the state would have for practically its entire history. Of the thirty-three elections in which Wyoming has participated, Democrats have only won eight of them, with their longest streak running from 1932 to 1940. Wyoming would last vote more Democratic than the nation at-large in 1912. Further contributing to its Republican values, Wyoming’s isolationist views translated into a strong victory for Warren Harding (R-OH) in 1920, after President Woodrow Wilson’s (D-NJ) failure to keep the U.S. out of World War I. Furthermore, with Republicans presiding over a booming economy of the 1920s, Wyoming stayed in the GOP fold. Franklin Roosevelt’s (D-NY) New Deal policies during the Great Depression helped him carry Wyoming three times, two of which were landslide victories. Again, Wyoming’s isolationist foreign policy views almost cost FDR the state in 1940, and the softening of farmers on his policies would redeliver the state to the GOP in 1944. After 1952, Wyoming would only back one other Democrat: Lyndon Johnson (D-TX) in his 1964 landslide. Wyoming’s progressive ideals made it a decent fit for Johnson’s Great Society-themed campaign, although even then, observers considered his win Wyoming as a shock, as some deemed it “too red” for him to flip. Johnson is the last Democrat to have won Wyoming, with only one other Democrat coming close: Bill Clinton (D-AR) in 1992. Wyoming would continue to be defined by its industries of energy, mining, agriculture, and tourism, almost all of which would make it the Republican state it has been and still is today. Geography - The Equality State Although Wyoming’s geography does not affect its politics in any impactful ways, it still highlights some of the idiosyncrasies of the state’s electorate. 1. Southeast Wyoming - Home to the Black Hills, Laramie County, containing the capital of Cheyenne, and Albany County, home to the University of Wyoming. At just 64,000 people, Cheyenne is the state’s largest city. Albany County is something of a swing county, mainly dictated by its
college town profile. Joe Biden (D-DE) narrowly flipped Albany County over Donald Trump (R-FL) in 2020. 2. Northwest Wyoming - Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well the cities of Cody and Jackson. Teton County is the only Democratic county in the state, mostly swayed by seasonal voters who populate the resort towns and ski villages. George W. Bush (R-TX) is the last Republican to have won Teton County in 2000. Cody, on the other hand, is a conservative working-class city, and is considered the “Rodeo Capital” of the world. 3. Wyoming At-Large - The rest of Wyoming is fairly monolithic in its voting blocs. Wyoming is the least denselypopulated state behind Alaska. Current Political Leanings A Uniquely Republican Stronghold In 1992, Ross Perot (I-TX) was able to capture 25% of Wyoming’s ancestrally libertarian voters, giving George H. W. Bush (R-TX) a shockingly narrow five-point win in a state Republicans are otherwise guaranteed a high double-digit victory at minimum. Perot, however, displayed just how sectionalist Wyoming’s GOP voters are. On the national stage, Wyoming Republicans are intensely libertarian and much less Christian-conservative than other Republican states. Hotbutton social issues don’t rally GOP voters here as they do in other states. Wyoming is also home to one of the starkest gaps in education by demographics. Although Wyoming ranks fortieth for college graduates, it actually ranks second in terms of high school diplomas. The dichotomy created by this means that despite a lack of college-educated voters, Wyoming’s population remains decently-educated workingclass. The state’s economy is also something atypical of other Republican states. While most of the nation floundered amidst the Great Recession in 2008, Wyoming’s energy sector buoyed the state’s economy. However, when energy prices fall, Wyoming falls hard, and with Democrats’ growing calls for the abolition of fossil fuels, the state’s seemingly ceilingbound GOP electorate might find more room for growth. Despite such intrinsically progressive-populist ideals, the Democratic Party has consistently floundered in the Equality State, even before its recent embrace of hyper-progressive politics. Republicans have had a lock on both Senate seats in Wyoming for decades, with Democrats having last won a Senate race in 1970 and having held both seats simultaneously in 1962. In the state legislature, Republicans have held the State Senate since 1967 and the State House since 1938. The governor’s mansion, however, is much more on the table, as most governorships are for both parties, regardless of typical partisan lean. Since gubernatorial races are more about candidate quality than politics, Democrats have been able to find openings when politically expedient. Dave Freudenthal (D) not only flipped the governor’s office in 2002, but he was largely re-elected with 70% of the vote in 2006. Republicans have held the office since, but throughout its history, Wyoming has had both parties enjoy cyclical control of the governor’s office. Overall, the state finds itself in a near-optimal balance of political ideals: libertarianism with some restraints and exceptions, energy and land usage in check with conservation, and isolationism tied with realistic foreign policy. On paper, Wyoming’s ancestrally progressive ideals should make it at least somewhat more competitive on the state level. While it could be said that as long as the GOP retains some form of populism in its mission statement, the state will remain in their fold, it realistically can be said that as long the Republican Party remains intact altogether, Wyoming will always find itself a guaranteed GOP victory.
Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
Breeze Airways Begins Nonstop Flights to Vero Beach Today, flamingos, palm trees, and beach balls decorate Long Island MacArthur Airport amidst holiday lights and music, as airport officials and passengers celebrate the inaugural flight of Breeze Airways’ newest nonstop destination – Vero Beach, FL (VRB). Breeze Airways, the U.S.’ only NLCC, or ‘Nice Low-Cost Carrier,’ began the new seasonal route on December 21, which will operate Thursdays and Sundays through April 28, 2024, with fares starting at just $69* one way. Vero Beach becomes Breeze’s eighth destination currently available from ISP, joining non-stop yearround service to Charleston, SC, and Norfolk, VA; seasonal service to Portland, ME, Raleigh-Durham, NC, and Richmond, VA; and one-stop/no plane change BreezeThru service to New Orleans, LA, and Jacksonville, FL. “We’re delighted to celebrate the holiday season with an exciting new destination. These new Breeze Airways nonstop flights to Vero Beach will bring family members together, make it easy for Long Islanders to take vacations for sun and fun, and bring visitors to Long Island,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). “We know that Long Islanders want options like Vero Beach, and we’re working hard with Breeze Airways and all our aircarrier partners to bring more choices to Long Island travelers,” she added. “Breeze has grown steadily from Long Island since we launched service to Charleston and Norfolk almost two years ago,” said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ Founder and CEO. “Thanks to the Town of Islip and the team at MacArthur Airport, Breeze has been welcomed into the community and now offers six nonstop and two direct destinations from Long
Island. Long Islanders are going to love a seriously comfortable, seriously affordable, and seriously nice winter Florida getaway to Vero Beach, one of Florida’s best-kept secrets,” he added. “Just as we are currently upgrading our airport facilities to enhance our already excellent customer experience and efficient management of resources, Breeze Airways is upgrading the quality and quantity of destinations available to Long Islanders from MacArthur Airport,” said MacArthur Airport Aviation Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken. “They offer a truly nice customer experience onboard a beautiful new aircraft, all from Long Island’s comfortable, convenient, hometown airport,” she added. Breeze Guests will enjoy all routes to and from Vero Beach onboard Breeze’s brand-new Airbus A220300 aircraft, featuring three unique seating options, including Breeze Ascent, a generous recliner-style seat in a 2x2 configuration with 39 inches of seat pitch, 20.5 inches of seat width and special amenities such as complimentary snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Breeze offers its guests both bundled and a la carte options known as Nice, Nicer, and Nicest. Breeze Ascent is included in the Nicest bundle, or sold a la carte with Nice or Nicer. In addition to featuring best-in-class economics, the A220
operates at lower noise levels, providing an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin while being a good neighbor to nearby communities. Wide seats combined with ample overhead storage create personal space without compromising headroom. Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are now on sale at www.flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app. About Long Island MacArthur Airport MacArthur Airport is on Long Island approximately 50 miles from New York City. It is the closest airport to nearly 3 million Long Island residents, and to world-renowned attractions including the famous Hamptons, Wine Country, Cradle of Aviation Museum, lighthouses, Fire Island, excellent theatre, awardwinning restaurants, and Gatsby-era mansions including Westbury Gardens. The Town of Islip owns and operates the airport, served by Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) makes getting around Nassau and Suffolk counties convenient. Frequent train service from Ronkonkoma / MacArthur Airport LIRR station is a one seat ride to New York City. Long Island MacArthur Airport employs 6000 people directly and indirectly, with a $16M annual operating budget and an economic impact of $600M to the region and local economy.
Senator Weik Holds Linen Closet Essentials Drive with United Veterans Beacon House for Homeless Veterans By Senator Alexis Weik State Senator Alexis Weik (R-Sayville) partnered with the United Veteran’s Beacon House this holiday season to collect linens and other items to keep Beacon House’s closets stocked. United Veteran’s Beacon House leads the way in caring for homeless veterans. This wonderful organization, founded in 1994, assists 800 veterans and families each year, providing the support and specialized services needed for their return to independence. Over the month of December, the community has donated sheets, comforters, pillows, socks, paper plates, napkins, hot beverage cups, paper towels, toilet paper, toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion, and so much more. Senator Weik’s district office is still collecting donations for the foreseeable future. If you or anyone you know would like to donate, you can drop it off at the district office – 1 Corporate Drive, Suite GL-005, Bohemia, NY 11716.
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Guest Column Thursday, January 4, 2024
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Hochul Vetoes Wrongful Death Lawsuit Bill By Christian Wade | The Center Square contributor New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has once again vetoed a bill that called for expanding the state’s wrongful death liability laws, citing concerns that it would drive up insurance costs and prompt frivolous lawsuits. The proposal, approved by the state Legislature in June, called for allowing more individuals to file lawsuits and seek damages in wrongful death cases and adds emotional anguish to the types of claims that can be pursued in court. Hochul said the so-called Grieving Families Act was “well-intentioned” but would result in “unintended consequences” for the state’s health care and insurance systems. “Legitimate concerns have been raised that this bill would likely lead to increased insurance premiums for the vast majority of consumers, as well as risk the financial well-being of our healthcare facilities — most notably for public hospitals that serve disadvantaged communities,” the governor wrote to lawmakers. Hochul vetoed a bill’s previous version in January, citing similar concerns. In response to concerns raised by Hochul in her previous veto, lawmakers amended the bill by limiting damages that can be recovered, setting a shorter statute of limitations than the initial plan and providing a clearer definition of who is eligible to bring wrongful death claims. New York’s current wrongful death law, which has been on the books since 1847, doesn’t allow for non-economic losses in such civil lawsuits. It doesn’t permit recovery for pain and suffering, mental anguish or loss of companionship for surviving family members. It also restricts civil awards to pecuniary or tangible monetary damages. But the move to amend the law faced major pushback from a coalition of insurance and business organizations, trade groups and local governments, who argued that state lawmakers pushed the bill through the process without conducting a proper fiscal analysis of the impact on local governments, state agencies and the private sector. “There’s a big difference between modernizing the law and enacting legislation as radically expansive as this bill,” Tom Stebbins, Executive Director of the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York, said in a statement. “If the legislature is serious about reform in this area of law, it is time to bring all stakeholders to the table to
craft a bill that benefits grieving families without disrupting the healthcare system, draining municipal and school budgets, and increasing costs for consumers.” Supporters of the legislation argued that the antiquated law prevents griefstricken families from recovering damages for their emotional suffering, including the survivors of 10 victims killed last year in a mass shooting at the Buffalo supermarket. David Scher, president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, said the governor’s veto will deny justice for victims, making it more advantageous to kill than to injure, and putting corporate profits over patient safety.” “This veto is an abject failure of leadership to grasp the impact of grief on loved ones, from young children who have lost a parent to parents who have lost a child to the families of victims of gun violence to expectant families and communities of color,” he said in a statement. Hochul acknowledged that the state’s wrongful death tort laws are restrictive and that she is willing to consider future reforms but said the latest proposal misses the mark. “It is undeniable that New York’s wrongful death statute should be updated so that grieving families can seek a measure of solace by turning to the courts for justice, accountability and meaningful compensation for their loss,” she wrote in her veto message.
A Wake-Up Call for American Innovation By Andrei Iancu American innovation faces an existential threat: the steady erosion of intellectual property rights. Early stage biotech funding is on track to decline 40% this year, and leading investors have made clear that one reason for the retreat is their declining faith in the sanctity of patents. This retreat is understandable. Investing in life science is risky and expensive. Patents and other intellectual property are what offer the possibility of financial upside if all the risks are overcome and the technology actually makes it to market. Yet in recent years, Washington has seemed hellbent on weakening the patent system. Consider last year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allows the federal government to impose severe price caps on prescription drugs as early as nine years after FDA approval. Whatever one thinks of the price of branded medicines, price controls amount to cryptic patent reform. Here’s how. Just 12% of potential treatments entering clinical trials receive FDA approval. For the rare candidate that does succeed, clear patent terms allow firms to determine their own prices for a short period of time before generic competitors are allowed to enter the market. This is what allows developers to earn a return for investors and also make up for losses on failed projects. The IRA undermines this system entirely by arbitrarily knocking years off of a drug’s patent life. Indeed, the IRA is already factoring into investment decisions. Recent SEC filings reveal that numerous biotech companies are putting promising drug development projects on ice because of new price controls. In total, the IRA could stop the development of up to 139 new medicines over the next decade. Attacks on patent rights go far beyond the IRA. A number of Democratic members of Congress are pressuring the Biden administration to misuse a decades-old law -- the Bayh-Dole Act -- to “march in” and nullify exclusive licensing agreements for patented medicines developed with the help of government funds. The White House recently launched a working group to explore whether the government has authority to do so. Many of those same lawmakers are claiming that the government can legally ignore any patent it wants under Title 28, Section 1498(a) of the U.S. Code. Section
1498 does not permit the government to authorize private parties to infringe a patent in order to reduce prices. Yet Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) recently urged the Biden administration to authorize the generic production of Eisai’s breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatment, Leqembi, claiming that Section 1498 provided the legal framework to do so. U.S. policymakers’ efforts to undermine our IP laws even extend beyond our borders. Last year, thanks to support from the Biden Administration, the World Trade Organization waived global patent protections for Covid vaccines, despite zero evidence that IP was hindering global immunization efforts. Now, the WTO is considering expanding that waiver to Covid tests and diagnostics, and the U.S. position remains a mystery. American IP rights have never been on more unstable footing. Without a course correction -- soon -- investors will turn to safer bets and stop funding the transformational research and development that advances life science and other critical technologies. Andrei Iancu is board co-chair of the Council for Innovation Promotion. He served as the undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the US Patent and Trademark Office from 2018 to 2021. This piece originally ran in RealClearHealth.
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Winning in Winter Thursday, January 4, 2024
Seasons Streamings!
This weekly column looks to help readers enjoy the season of winter by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, winter-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
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By Kaitlyn Foley
As we ring in the new year, we welcome hundreds of new movies and television shows that seemed a long time away when slapped with the label “Coming 2024”. Now that it really is 2024, The Messenger is excited to share our most anticipated releases. Coming in at number one is the fourth season of True Detective, which will be released piecemeal starting with episodes one and two on January 14 on HBO. The show follows two detectives of wildly different personalities as they work together to solve cases while putting together their own personal lives. While it may seem like just another crime-fighting TV show, it truly is the characters and their development throughout the seasons that make it interesting. Wicked: Part One holds the spot of number two as we wait for the movie release of one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. After a decade of rumors, the movie finally began filming at the end of 2022 and will be released in theaters on November 27. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande there is no doubt the music will be fantastic, and the production will not disappoint. Part two is scheduled to follow sooner than expected in 2025. It seems illegal to put Mean Girls at number 3, yet here we are. Coming out in a matter of days on January 12, this new release is a screen adaptation of the Broadway musical, which was based on the original film airing in 2004. While the original film starred Lindsey Lohan and Tina Fey, amongst others, the new film will be similar to the musical in that the lead will remain Reneé Rapp. The plot of the original movie stayed intact throughout the Broadway adaptation, and will no doubt remain in this screen adaptation, however it will include many more musical numbers and, dare I say, an even better Jingle Bell Rock performance. Also coming in January, Amazon Prime Video’s newest series Expats, starring Nicole Kidman will no doubt secure the Number 4 spot. Its intense and riveting trailer suggests the show will provide drama, romance, action, and thrill as it follows a tight knit group of people as they unravel their lives after a tragedy while living in Hong Kong. Just making our top five is Masters of the Air coming to Apple TV on January 26. This Tom Hanks-produced war drama stars Austin Butler, Sawyer Spielberg, and Callum Turner as they band together forming the 100th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The limited series is based off of the 2007 book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany by Donald L Miller. For the kids, we are most excited for Inside Out 2 coming out in theaters on June 14, and Despicable Me 4 coming out in theaters on July 3. Inside Out was by far one of the best Pixar movies we’ve seen in years. The second movie is said to follow Riley into adolescence with new emotions making themselves visible, including some big ones like Anxiety. Despicable Me 4 will actually be movie number 6 in the franchise, however no amount of Gru and his minions can ever be too much. 2024 is an action-comedy-romance packed year of new arrivals, but unfortunately, we will have to wait till 2025 for many of the all-time favorites like new seasons of Euphoria, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us, and more Live-Action adaptations of classics like Snow White.
Cold-Day Recipes
Creamy Tuscan Orzo Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 medium onion chopped 4 cloves garlic minced 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes see note 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup heavy/whipping cream 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach 1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil torn Salt & pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Notes:
Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and orzo. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to infuse the orzo with the flavors. Add the chicken broth and cream. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes (uncovered), stirring fairly often. You will likely need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should steadily bubble (not furiously boil), and you don’t want the liquid to cook off too much before the pasta is done. Take the pot off the heat, and stir in the parmesan, spinach, and basil. Cover the pot for a few minutes until it has thickened up to your liking. The orzo will absorb the liquid quickly, so if it still seems like there’s too much liquid, just wait a little bit longer. Season with salt & pepper as needed.
Serves 6 as a side or 4 as a main course (you may want to serve it with garlic bread and/or a salad). It is especially good served on the side of a light chicken or sausage dish. Use sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil and drained prior to adding them to the pot. You can always add more if you really love them! Troubleshooting tips: Since every stove and pot can vary, use your best judgment when making one pot pastas. If it looks like the liquid is running out before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth in (a half cup or so at a time). Conversely, if the cooking time has elapsed and there’s still too much liquid, just let it sit for a little longer and the orzo will absorb it. Recipe provided by Natasha Bull on Salt and Lavender
County News
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
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Continued from back cover
Suffolk Legislature Sworn In for 2024-2025 Session
we gave our District Attorney “I am very optimistic, this is Ray Tierney the tools and the a new day for Suffolk County,” said resources to hire and retain Caracappa. “With a supermajority in assistant district attorneys, we the legislature, we are committed to built the ranks of the superior getting things done, like we ran on: a officers, we began the process safer, more affordable Suffolk County. of hiring more detectives, We will be concentrating on everything we raised the starting rate of from water quality for our environment, our corrections officers, and economic development, sewers; we working with our new county have a list of priorities. We are working executive, we’re going to do the collaboratively with both sides of the same for our deputy sheriffs, aisle to get things done for the people who deserve it.” of Suffolk County as a whole.” McCaffrey also outlined A top priority of the legislature, accomplishments of paying he said, is to make the residents of Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and his family (Credit: Matt Meduri) cash when possible for county Suffolk County aware of the legislature’s expenditures, over bonding, saving taxpayer dollars, eliminating the red light interest in keeping the natural and economic environments sustainable and camera administrative fee, and recapturing ownership of the H. Lee Dennison affordable. Building, which was previously mortgaged out. “We want our residents to understand that the legislature is looking out for “We will pass a home-rule message that will reflect our priorities in funding their best interests, their quality of life, their communities, and their ability to raise sewers and alternative wastewater systems, which will make sure the quality their families here,” said Caracappa. “We want them to know we’re committed of our surface and drinking waters and our environment are protected for our to continuing our fight to provide opportunities, holding the line on taxes, and children and grandchildren,” said McCaffrey. lowering the cost of living. Deputy Presiding Officer Flotteron, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Regarding top priorities for the next hundred days, Caracappa mentioned his addressed the legislature after McCaffrey, and spoke of decorum and cooperation incoming introduction of legislation to increase the amount of workforce housing. common to the legislature. “The term ‘affordable housing’ carries a stigma with it these days,” he said. “For every one hundred things we vote on, there might be one thing we “I don’t want that stigma with workforce housing that is affordable. I want disagree on,” said Flotteron. “We wish our own households were that smooth workforce housing for our young professionals who come out of college or the sometimes.” trades - such as our teachers or health professionals, or whoever they may be Flotteron mentioned the county’s $1.2 billion in reserves, as well as the importance they need opportunities. It is up to us to provide opportunities to the residents of maintaining favorable bond ratings. of Suffolk County, particularly our youth. We want to keep our youth here. Majority Leader Caracappa discussed his optimism and the legislature’s Housing is the priority to get them living independently and contributing to our agenda with The Messenger after the ceremonies. communities to make them more sustainable.”
Expires 9/1/2024
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Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
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The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit www.amac.us
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Joe Biden’s Silent Insurrection By Aaron Flanigan | AMAC Exclusive According to early reports, December was the worst month on record for illegal immigration, with more than 300,000 border crossings – capping off what was by far the worst year on record in 2023. While Joe Biden and his media allies continue to ignore this crisis and insist that Republicans are all “insurrectionists,” these numbers again make clear that the real insurrection threatening the country is happening at the southern border every day and is a direct result of Biden’s policies. In total, there were more than 3.2 million illegal border crossings in FY2023, which ended in September – easily surpassing FY2022 for the most ever. And of course, that number only accounts for those who were caught and apprehended by border officials. By some estimates, there have been more than 5 million “gotaways” since Joe Biden took office, among them untold numbers of terrorists, drug dealers, and human traffickers. The news about December’s border numbers comes on the heels of the release of November’s statistics, which the Biden administration quietly posted the Friday before Christmas – raising significant questions about Biden’s willingness to own the consequences of his disastrous border policies and take responsibility for the crises he is actively causing in American communities. “By strategically holding the release of these numbers until the Friday before Christmas, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is unabashedly showing the full measure of his duplicity. These numbers are so bad, he wants as few Americans to see them as possible,” said Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, in a press release. Although the December numbers won’t be official until later this month, this time the Biden administration won’t have a major holiday to bury the news. With even Democrat mayors of “sanctuary cities” now feeling the pressure of a surge in migrants and publicly voicing their concerns, Biden is now facing criticism from both parties with the 2024 election looming – although the media has remained shamefully silent. Despite inheriting the most secure border on record from former President Donald Trump, in a matter of mere months, Joe Biden singlehandedly and deliberately created the conditions for a crisis of previously unimaginable proportions. Immediately upon entering office, Biden reversed nearly every policy that secured the border during the Trump years—including border wall construction, deportations, and “Remain in Mexico” (which ended the practice of “catch and release” and forced illegal aliens to wait for their court hearings in their country of origin). Biden also mandated a functional shutdown of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—going so far as to implement what the administration calls “protected areas” which ICE is not permitted to enter. Given the unprecedented scale of the invasion on our southern border, conservative leaders have increasingly discussed policy solutions that would likely require an invocation of the 1807 Insurrection Act to stave off further disaster. The presidential campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for instance, have advocated for using the law’s provisions allowing the president to deploy military forces to quell insurrections and domestic disorder. As even some left-wing entities have noted, the Insurrection Act would indeed grant a president the authority to use military forces to get the border under control and deport illegal aliens, among other border security measures.
Meanwhile, Republican governors in border states have continued to take innovative steps to mediate the effects of the border invasion in their communities. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, for instance, recently signed legislation that empowers Texas law enforcement officials to arrest anyone suspected of entering the country illegally. As a part of Operation Lone Star, Texas’s statewide border security initiative, Abbott has also signed bills that make it a state crime to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, increase the minimum sentence for smuggling illegal aliens, and allocate funding toward the construction of border barriers. “Biden’s deliberate inaction has left Texas to fend for itself,” Abbott stated.
On the presidential campaign front, DeSantis has called for the use of “deadly force” against illegal aliens suspected of bringing in drugs—an idea of questionable practical viability to be sure. Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has unveiled plans to invoke the “Alien Enemies Act,” as well as “wage war” on drug cartels and launch what he calls “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” Despite all the dishonest talk of “insurrection” coming from the left, it is Joe Biden’s open borders agenda that amounts to the greatest insurrection since the Civil War— and with every passing day, it continues to imperil our safety, our culture, and our national security.
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Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
New York Latest State To Entertain Democrats’ ‘Reparations’ Fraud
Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels. AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit www.amac.us
By David Lewis Schaefer | AMAC
New York has just become the third state, following California and Illinois, to investigate the possibility of issuing “reparations” for “the legacy of racial injustice.” Last week, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul signed a controversial bill creating a commission “to study not only the history of slavery, but also its subsequent effects on housing discrimination, biased policing, income inequality, and mass incarceration of African Americans.” In signing the bill, Hochul “challenge[d] New Yorkers to be patriots and rebuke – and not excuse – our role in benefiting from the institution of slavery.” While Hochul acknowledged having initially had “concerns” about the bill, she concluded that standing against racism today required “more than giving people a simple apology 150 years later.” Unsurprisingly, her announcement earned the thanks of professional race-baiter Al Sharpton (who once incited a crowd that burned down a white-owned clothing store in Harlem at the cost of six lives, and earned further infamy in the Tawana Brawley case, where he defended a black teenager’s fraudulent charges of rape, and ended up having to pay damages after he accused Brawley’s prosecutor of having been the rapist). To note the holes in the argument for reparations really is easier than shooting fish in a barrel. But sometimes, the shooting is worth the effort – since the city of Evanston, Illinois has already issued $1 million so far in reparations in the form of “housing grants” of $25,000, while Illinois’s reparations commission is continuing its work through public hearings. Meanwhile, in May, California’s reparations commission approved a report calling for payments of over $1.2 million per beneficiary, a proposal that would cost the state billions at a time when its budget already faces an $88 billion shortfall. In contrast to the normal law of torts, there is no way of identifying slavery (some 168 years after abolition) as the cause of damage to any presently living individual. For that matter, there is no way to demonstrate that slavery has been the cause of such evils cited by Hochul as “housing discrimination, biased policing, inequality, and mass incarceration.” Laws have long existed, and been enforced, against housing discrimination. How much “biased policing” occurs will always be in dispute, and since black people are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than members of any other races, it is by no means evident that the system of policing as a whole, let alone incarceration, has caused them more harm than good, since it serves to deter crime and keep criminals, especially violent ones, off the streets. (Prior to the “Defund the Police” movement, members of the black community have sometimes complained that cities were discriminating against them by devoting insufficient police resources to their communities.) As African-American social scientist Thomas Sowell points out in Social Justice Fallacies (2023), following the Supreme Court’s invention during the 1960s of a series of “rights” that made it harder to convict criminals, the subsequent upsurge in homicide “was especially severe in black communities,” with the absolute number of black murder victims sometimes exceeding that for whites, even though the black population was far smaller than the white one. Finally, what can it mean to say that slavery was the cause of present-day racial “inequalities,” presumably in income and wealth? Looking at another of Hochul’s claims, a considerable proportion of America’s present-day black population are descended from immigrants (especially from Africa and Haiti) who arrived here long after slavery’s end. If arriving in America meant being deprived of the opportunity to advance, what would have lured those immigrants here in the first place? And how would Hochul account for the large economic inequalities that now exist within America’s black population, with literally millions of millionaires alongside the middle class and the poor? (Of course, those millionaires’ wealth greatly exceeds that of a majority of white people.) Turn, then, to the population that is to be taxed, following Hochul’s and Sharpton’s demands, to distribute reparations to black people.
Needless to say, no living American, nor his great-grandparents, owned slaves. A large percentage of America’s non-black population is also descended from immigrants – typically poor (like the present author’s own father and grandparents) – who arrived in this country long after slavery’s end. In their effort to work their way up from poverty, how could they have benefited from slavery’s legacy? Large portions of immigrants – Germans, Irish, Italians, Jews, and East Asians – themselves suffered from serious ethnic and religious discrimination in the past. In fact, the group that suffers most nowadays from efforts to limit merit-based admission to selective public and private schools and colleges, in the ostensible name of “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” are students of Chinese and Japanese ancestry – just as Jews suffered from admissions quotas at Harvard and other Ivy League schools starting in the 1920s. As New York’s Republican Senate minority leader Robert Ortt observed in response to Hochul’s plan, the state had already paid its “debt” for slavery with the blood of the Union soldiers who died fighting against the perpetuation of that evil institution during the Civil War. Should their descendants now be taxed again to compensate for their ancestors’ alleged injustices? But aside from its effect in promoting racial resentment and division – the only beneficiaries of which will be the professional demagogues like Sharpton – the worst consequence of a reparations policy will be the damage it inflicts on black people themselves. When any person is told that the deficiencies he may suffer from in his life – lack of education, family instability, unemployment, low wages, drugs – is not his fault and is outside of his control to remedy, he is far less likely to make an effort to take on responsibility for his situation and work to improve it, whatever his initial handicaps. Making him dependent on handouts will deprive him of the pride that comes from individual accomplishment. In contrast to the reparations model, the best example one could provide as worthy of emulation by those seeking to improve the lot of black people (along with other low-income Americans) today would be the that of Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave/abolitionist/adviser to Lincoln/post-Civil War diplomat. Even before slavery’s end, for which he advocated incessantly, Douglass published an essay in his newspaper The North Star scolding some free blacks for not making more of an effort at self-improvement and wasting their time and money in the pursuit of fripperies and social status. Beyond abolition, what “the colored people” needed to develop, Douglass argued, was “character,” something that “nobody can give us” but which “we must get for ourselves.” “Industry, sobriety, honesty, combined with intelligence and a due selfrespect,” he argued, would always “be looked up to” and would visibly refute the “sophisms” of slavery’s advocates like John Calhoun regarding blacks’ supposed inherent inferiority. As early as 1865, when emancipation arrived, in a speech titled “What the Black Man Wants,” Douglass responded by asking white people to simply “let him alone,” elsewhere arguing only that blacks be given “fair play” to make of their talents and industry what they could. Douglass frequently gave a speech on that theme under the title “Self-Made Men” – such as he considered himself to be. (For a contemporary application of Douglass’s position, see New York Post columnist Adam B. Coleman’s semi-autobiographical 2021 book Black Victim to Black Victor: Identifying the Ideologies, Behavioral Patterns, and Cultural Norms that Encourage a Victimhood Complex.) While demanding Federal enforcement of blacks’ civil rights, lamenting the Supreme Court’s evisceration of the postwar Civil Rights Act, and calling for blacks to be given educational opportunities equal to those of whites, Douglass still maintained that the fate of black people, like that of their fellow citizens, depended in the end on their own efforts and self-discipline. Modern liberals and reparations advocates could learn a thing or two from this philosophy.
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
Suffolk County Still Has a Serious Drug Problem By Peter Chidichimo While Nassau and Suffolk Counties have a lot in common, such as traffic congestion and a high cost of living, there is one important difference. While Nassau County had one of the lowest rates of opioid and other drug overdose deaths in the state, Suffolk County’s rate was almost twice as high, according to Federal health data from 2021. Drug overdoses in Suffolk were higher per 100,000 residents compared to Nassau County, according to federal statistics In New York State, the counties with the most overdoses in 2021 were Sullivan, Dutchess, and Cayuga. Nassau County was among the sixth lowest, with Queens County being the lowest. Suffolk County ranked mid-way between Sullivan and Queens County, but nearly twice as high as Nassau, per the 2022 New York State Opioid Annual Report. There is no question that federal and local officials were caught off guard by the opioid epidemic this past decade, enabling a profitdriven quadrupling of opioid prescribing for a broad range of chronic pain conditions, typically reserved for cancer. It was not until 2017 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) officially declared that an opioid crisis was taking place in the U.S. As a result of poor government oversight and substance abuse, hundreds of thousands of people have fatally overdosed on prescription opioids and millions more became addicted. Heroin markets became saturated with synthetics, including the more deadly and cheaper drug, fentanyl. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically with advanced cancer. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Unfortunately, it can also be illegally diverted for misuse with catastrophic effect. Illegally manufactured drugs containing fentanyl are sold through illegal drug markets, many operating out of Mexico or Central America. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine, usually without the user’s knowledge, to increase its euphoric effects. The consequences can be deadly. In 2022, in Suffolk County, 78% of drug overdoses were fentanyl related. Last May, to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, those mourning lives lost to drug addiction came together on Long Island to advocate for solutions. “Illicit fentanyl claims a life every eight and a half minutes,” said then-Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) at the gathering. On Long Island, the fentanyl crisis has led to Narcan stations in bars, restaurants, and schools. While Narcan can prevent a fatal overdose, it does little to address the root of the problem: the wide availability of drugs and their lethality. Nationally, there were six times more drug overdose deaths in 2021 than in 1999, according to CDC data. Since 1999, more than a million people in the U.S. have died of drug overdoses, per federal statistics. Aggressive and misleading promotional campaigns by Purdue Pharma and other drug manufacturers spread misinformation that opioids were low risk, influencing medical education and ensuring less restrictive legislation
through aggressive lobbying and campaign contributions. (see Painkillers, a docudrama on the causes and consequences of America’s opioid epidemic, available on Netflix). In 2021, a batch of fentanyl-laced cocaine led to eight overdoses and six deaths on the North Fork and Shelter Island. “We’ve been telling folks who use drugs to assume there’s fentanyl in street drugs, because there is,” Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association. “The biggest challenge right now is counterfeit pills designed to resemble Xanax and ADHD medications.” After the North Fork bust, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office cited three crime rings that peddle Tranq, a non-opioid sedative that can be mixed with opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine to enhance their effects. However, most of those arrested were released almost immediately, a result of New York’s bail reform laws. “We stood by helplessly,” said Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney (R) at a press conference. When contacted by email, Tierney released this statement: “I will continue to push for common sense changes in our laws to combat the opioid overdose crisis and save lives. Fentanyl is killing hundreds of our young people in Suffolk County ever year. We need a death by dealer law and the ability to ask for bail on those who deal deadly quantities of fentanyl.” When reached by phone, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) reiterated DA Tierney’s concerns regarding Albany’s bail reform laws. “We can’t be allowing dangerous people back into the community,” said Kennedy. “There is definitely more street level drug dealing taking place in Suffolk.” There is some evidence elected officials have begun to take notice. Recent state-level policies have included stricter prescription drug monitoring and increased availability of naloxone (Narcan) to prevent overdoses. Medication-assisted therapy for treatment of substance abuse and overdose prevention has also increased. The problem is not just one of criminal enforcement. The proliferation of anxiety and depression among young people post-COVID, a shortage of mental health programs, and supply chain issues with ADHD meds, have steered people to access low-level street dealers pushing counterfeit pills that are often contaminated with fentanyl. Mental health and drug abuse are strongly linked. (see https://messengerpapers. com/2023/01/real-life-challengesmental-health-substance-abuseand-addiction/ or scan QR-Code). Additionally, beginning last
January, Suffolk County began distributing $25 million in settlement funds from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers. The funds will be used to support drug treatment and prevention centers. Suffolk is expected to receive $200 million over the next 20 years. Illegally manufactured drugs containing fentanyl are sold through illegal drug markets, with many operating out of Mexico or Central America. It is often mixed with heroin and/ or cocaine as a combination product, usually without the user’s knowledge. The consequences can be, and often are, deadly. Dr. Mark Solomon, Medical Director of the Acute Detox and Chemical Dependency Unit at St. Charles Hospital, is also concerned about the illicit manufacture of synthetic marijuana, which can also be laced with fentanyl. Known on the street as K2, fentanyl-laced marijuana can be just as deadly as Heroin or cocaine. The fentanyl crisis is not without political division. Many Republicans in Congress want stricter security to prevent the flow of drugs across the southern border. They are also demanding that on-line platforms do more to crack down on illegal fentanyl sales, including purchases on Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. Many Democrats, however, believe that overdose deaths are part of a broader social problem, stemming from unemployment, economic decline, and mental health challenges. They further believe that focusing on drug interdiction does not address the root cause of these overdoses. When asked about what addiction professionals really need, Dr. Solomon said he wants to see a comprehensive approach, beginning with targeted education of adolescents in schools. “It’s fine to revive someone with Narcan, but we are still left with an individual with a very severe drug problem,” stated Dr. Solomon. And that person will need all the resources available to begin the long road back to sobriety. Dr. Solomon would also like to see a crackdown on internet sales, which find “loopholes” such as claiming a compound is “not fit for human consumption.” “It feels like a race against time as the body count continues to rise and more families face the horror of losing a loved one to a preventable condition,” said Dr. Reynolds.
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National News Thursday, January 4, 2024
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Gypsy Rose Blanchard Released Early from Prison By Kaitlyn Foley
Just before she rang in the new year, Gypsy Rose Blanchard stepped out of prison into her first day of true freedom on December 28 after almost thirty-three years of imprisonment, eight years under the law but twenty-five under her own mother. Blanchard pleaded guilty to murder for her role in the killing of Clauddine Blanchard, known better as “Dee Dee,” in 2016. Gypsy lived a childhood of madness as the victim of Munchausen by proxy, an illness defined by WebMD as “a psychological disorder marked by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver through those who are in their care.” The disorder is also a form of abuse towards “those who are in their care” due to the overwhelming and intense lengths many “caregivers” take to convince their victims, their victims’ doctors, and often themselves, that their lies are the truth. In 1991, Gypsy was born to parents Dee Dee, 24, and Rod,17, who got married then quickly divorced after Gypsy’s birth. As a baby, Dee Dee believed her daughter had a variety of issues, starting with sleep apnea, then a chromosomal defect, then leukemia, and muscular dystrophy. While doctors did several tests, they were not able to diagnose Gypsy with any of these. As Gypsy grew older, her mother became convinced that she had intense medical disorders and began using over-the-counter medications to drug Gypsy. From a young age, Gypsy was brainwashed into thinking she was wheelchair-bound, never quite learning how to properly move without one. Her mom forced her to feed through a feeding tube only, use an oxygen tank and commonly treated her for non-existent injuries. With these limitations put on her, Gypsy was provided very little schooling and a very sheltered social life. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Blanchard home and forced the mother and daughter to move to Springfield, Missouri, where Habitat for Humanity built them a small home. Their story immediately got media attention where charitable organizations and people all over the country gave their support. Dee Dee blamed Hurricane Katrina for destroying many of Gypsy’s medical records, birth certificate and forms of ID, and used their move to a new state as a crutch for manipulating doctors, fueling sign offs on diagnoses and prescriptions for Gypsy. When doctors would ask too many questions, Dee Dee would find a new physician, making record-keeping extremely difficult between doctors. She would not allow her daughter to speak with the doctors alone. She would cause Gypsy to produce symptoms of random illnesses to garner attention and sympathy from doctors. For example, Dee Dee used a topical anesthetic to cause drooling in Gypsy which led doctors to remove her salivary glands. According to Gypsy’s trial attorney, Michael Stanfield, “Essentially Gypsy’s mother was holding her prisoner. Her mother would not allow her to spend any time alone with any other human being. Her mother, when they went to the doctor, did all the talking.” After over twenty years of this ongoing abuse, Gypsy began seeing signs that she was
not as sick as her mother was suggesting. As Gypsy asked questions and hinted towards the fact that she believed she could do things on her own, Gypsy testified that her mother would chain her to the bed or beat her. In 2012, Gypsy met Nicholas Godejohn on a dating website that she hid from her mother. The two carried out a secret relationship over the Internet for years until Gypsy asked him to murder Dee Dee for her, as a way to escape the abuse. Godejohn agreed to do so in hopes the two could live “happily ever after” together. In June of 2015, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard was stabbed to death in her bedroom and found days later by authorities after Gypsy posted on Facebook that her mother was dead. In the days from Dee Dee’s murder to the time her body was found, Gypsy had run away to be with Nicholas. Gypsy was arrested and charged with ten years for second-degree murder but served eight. Nicholas was arrested and charged with a life term for first-degree murder. Throughout her imprisonment, Gypsy conducted interviews with different media outlets to tell her story. She co-wrote a book entitled Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom, which is a collection of interview transcripts, journal entries, and her own illustrations and photos from her life. Adaptations of Gypsy’s story have been told in popularTV shows and movies like Hulu’s The Act and HBO’s Mommy Dead and Dearest. Gypsy is now living freely for the first time in her life with her husband Ryan Anderson, who she met and married while behind bars. She speaks openly about her life and her new journey on her social media.
She had such a tortured life and she found a way out only to be found guilty of murder. I am glad she got out early. Now she can start living a somewhat normal life. Alexa Rudilosso Setauket
I fully believe that she deserved to serve her time, however now that she’s free I wish her peace and hope she can properly heal from her past. What she went through was horrific. Jade Esposito Baywood
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
The Knicks Are All In By James Haupt
especially averaging a career high 15.0 points per game to start this season. What’s more enticing is how Quickley has performed in the games that he started. Last season he averaged 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the starting role. These elevated stats instill hope for Quickley in a Raptors team that is searching for a leader. He will now be handed a golden opportunity to reach his full potential. With a deal as major as this, there is bound to be controversy. Knicks fans aren’t sure how to feel and are in constant debate. Fans are happy to welcome a player of Anunoby’s caliber, but they have expressed frustration for not acquiring another star player to truly establish themselves as a top team. “While this is a fair trade as both teams get players that better suit their needs, this will ultimately not move the needle much for the Knicks,” says Jacob Infald, a Knicks fan from Commack. “Anunoby is an efficient shooter with a high motor on defense who will be perfect in Coach Thibodeau’s system, but ultimately the Knicks will need another star to be able to compete.” Regardless, this trade is beneficial in every aspect. The Knicks can now make an NBA title run with their much improved defense and make room for more players to contribute in what was a deep roster. Look for guys like Donte Divincenzo to step up in a new role as well. He just dropped a career high 38 points on the same day Quickley and Barrett were traded. The deal also answers any questions regarding whether or not Quickley was getting paid this summer in free agency. It’s hard to hand out a large contract to a player who has to sit in favor of the best player on the team as Brunson will be the starting point guard of the future. Despite being forced to leave the teams that drafted them, this deal allows Barrett, Quickley, and Anunoby to all get paid large contracts and extensions this offseason and gain more opportunities to succeed in their new homes. It’s a bitter-sweet situation for all those involved, but it looks like this was the best deal for all parties. Knicks fans wish Barrett and Quickley luck in Toronto and welcome Anunoby to New York as they compete for a ring. jc-gellidon-XmYSlYrupL8-unsplash
The New York Knicks have been the talk of the NBA as of late. From the loss of starting center Mitchell Robinson due to injury, to the stellar play of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks seem to keep making headlines. In the latest news, the Knicks have made the biggest trade of the season. The full details included former number 3 pick, RJ Barrett, heading to Toronto along with a rising star in Immanuel Quickley and a second round draft pick. In return, the Knicks received an underrated stud in OG Anunoby and two additional role players in Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. Anunoby is the center of the trade, of course, as he fits New York’s scheme well alongside stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle as the likely third option. This season he has averaged 15.1 points on 37.4% three-point shooting along with 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game making him the perfect “3 & D” player that the Knicks were looking for. On the other hand, it is hard to see Barrett and Quickley go as they have been fan favorites for the past 3-4 season with New York. They were homegrown talent, being drafted by the Knicks and spending their whole career in New York up to this point. Throughout his NBA career, Barrett has shown flashes of the greatness he displayed in highschool and college with Duke University. In his 4-year tenure with the Knicks, along with the start of this season, he has averaged 18.1 points per game despite being the third option for most of his career. He can provide elite scoring for the Raptors if given the opportunity to take over this offense. With Quickley being the other key piece that the Knicks gave up, this trade is tough to swallow for Knicks fans. Since being drafted in 2020, he has been the spark plug that New York needed. He spends most of his time off the bench, but has proven to be one of the best players on this roster. In his three seasons in New York and his thirty games this season, he has tallied averages of 12.9 points and 3.0 assists per game in just 24.1 minutes per game. He is also an efficient 3-point shooter, hitting 37.0% in his career. He is a top “Sixth Man” in the league and can make a case to be a starter in Toronto,
Still Buzzing in Brookhaven By PJ Balzer
The initial, pre-season excitement surrounding the William Floyd boys’ varsity basketball team ended up being not just an empty buzz. This past weekend, the Colonials played in a holiday tournament hosted by Smithtown East. They beat both the host and a well-coached Northport team to win the tournament. Facing two tough teams with two convincing wins this week, William Floyd enters the second half of the season with greater expectancy. These tournaments are many times a good gauge of where we are with some teams we may see again in the playoffs. The team always packs out their gym, and they have been showcasing their abilities - sharp shooting, even sharper passing, and ball handlers with a few powerful dunks - with a growing highlight reel on the team’s Instagram. But the excitement doesn’t diminish the challenges expected to be faced in the second half of the season. The Colonials will face Patchogue twice, an extremely improved team with a new coaching staff and a few notable ball players. They will also face Brentwood twice, whose name alone holds weight in high school basketball throughout the state. There are also strong teams in other leagues in Suffolk that are watching the Colonials closely for the coming playoffs which begin in February. Amongst these are undoubtedly Hills East, Southampton, Wyandanch, and the county’s top seed, Bayshore. Let the second half of the season begin!
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Messenger Spotlight
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Suffolk Legislature Sworn In for 2024-2025 Session
By Matt Meduri In addition to the inauguration of Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) as Suffok’s ninth County Executive, his main partner, the Suffolk County Legislature, was also sworn in for their next session. January 2 saw all eighteen county legislators sworn in for their 2024-2025 terms. Eighteen districts of roughly equal populations and communities of interest make up the entirety of Suffolk County write, change, and oversee county laws and to work closely with the county executive to chart the future of Suffolk County. Twelve Republicans and six Democrats were seated on January 2, cementing a Republican supermajority in the chamber, along with a Republican county executive. All eighteen legislators were administered the oath of office en masse and individually signed the county clerk’s book, overseen by Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset). The inaugural ceremony was attended by friends and families of the legislators, as well as District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip), County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Suffolk Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President Lou Civello, and Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs PBA President John Becker. Sworn in on January 1, County Executive Romaine addressed the legislature before their session began. “I have nothing but the greatest respect for the people who serve here,” said Romaine. “We are partners. It’s up to the county executive and the eighteen legislators to guide this county, to set a course for this future, to set sail on the distant horizon to what should be a prosperous, affordable future for the residents of this county. I look forward to working with each and every one of you.” Romaine served as a county legislator from 1986 to 1989 and then served as county clerk for sixteen years. He then returned to the legislature from 2006 to 2012 until his election as Brookhaven town supervisor. Romaine represented the North Fork-based First District in both his stints in the legislature.
Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (Credit: Matt Meduri)
“There is less partisanship here. We have to focus our efforts on common sense policy for the future of this county,” he continued. “I cannot wait to start working with all of you and to make sure that you have the tools and funding you need for the important projects for your districts.” Romaine offered an optimistic, comforting message to the legislators, five of whom are freshmen: “Set the course, I’ll man the rudder, let’s guide this Island forward,” he concluded. “Let’s make sure our county remains great, affordable, and safe. God bless you, have a great year.” Votes were then taken to elect a presiding officer and a deputy presiding officer. Incumbents Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) and Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) were re-elected presiding officer and deputy presiding officer, respectively, in two 17-0 votes. Only Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) abstained. McCaffrey was nominated by Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), with seconds from Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) and Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park). McCaffrey was highly regarded by his nominators and was hailed for ability to lead the legislature. “He wants to get things done for the betterment of our county, and possesses true leadership skills,” said Legislator Bontempi. “He’s a true leader, an old-fashioned, common-sense elected official,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Flotteron was nominated by Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), with seconds from Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) and Tom Donnelly. Presiding Officer McCaffrey addressed the legislature and the audience, thanked the body, his friends, and family for their support, and also welcomed the new legislators. “I ran on the slogan ‘results matter,’ and I think we got a lot done the last two years,” said McCaffrey. “We ran on increasing public safety and working with our partners in law enforcement. We hired a record number of police officers in successive years, Continued on page 18
Legislator Trish Bergin (Credit: Matt Meduri)
Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (Credit: Matt Meduri)