Islip Messenger Archive Feb. 08, 2024

HAPPY DAY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH

Thursday, February 8, 2024 ~ Volume 69 ~ Issue Number 16 ~ $1.00

Suffolk Votes to Support Wastewater Legislation

By Matt Meduri The issue of water quality and wastewater management has been a conversation for decades on Long Island. Living on a sandbar, surrounded by water, on top of a sole-source aquifer has prompted initiatives, referendums, and legislation over the years to protect our groundwater and innovate our wastewater systems, while also converting our downtowns to be more economically sustainable.

The issue came to a head over the summer ahead of the 2023 local elections. Republicans in the Suffolk County Legislature voted against sending an initiative to the 2023 ballot in the form of a public referendum to create a oneeighth-cent sales tax increase to fund sewer installations and septic replacements across Suffolk County.

Republicans argued that an extra tax was unnecessary in the time of economic uncertainty, especially in light of hundreds of millions of dollars in lawsuits the county is forced to pay back after misappropriating taxpayer dollars previously earmarked for sewer and septic upgrades under the Levy and Bellone administrations.

Continued on page 3

‘Vocal with Governor Hochul’

Palumbo, Flood, Mattera, Giglio Rally Against Governor’s Proposed School Cuts

(Left to right) Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay, Senator Palumbo, Assemblywoman Giglio, Senator Mattera, Assemblyman Flood, and Ward Melville students.

By Matt Meduri Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) submitted her proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Not only is the $233 billion plan the largest proposal in state history, but it’s also drawn the ire of local leaders, elected officials, and community members over the tens of millions of dollars the Governor has proposed to cut from school districts.

The proposed budget is set to cut state aid to school districts by $168 million, affecting 337 school districts across New York. Some of the largest school districts in Suffolk County are contained in the proposal, based on preliminary data. Within Smithtown, the districts are Kings Park, Smithtown, and Three Village. In Brookhaven, Bayport-Blue Point, Center Moriches, East Moriches, Eastport-South Manor, Fire Island, Mount Sinai, Port Jefferson, South Country, and Three Village. In Islip, Bayport-Blue Point, Connetquot, East Islip, Islip, Sayville, and West Islip.

Continued on page 10

FULL STORIES ON:

New Column: Bergin’s Brief Page 15

Holtsville Hal: Early Spring Page 22

Ducks Announce 2024 Season Schedule Page 23

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Continued from front cover

Suffolk Votes to Support Wastewater Legislation

Furthermore, Republicans expressed doubt in allocating 75% of the projected revenue to install Innovative and Alternative (I/A) systems, with 10% for administrative costs, with the remaining 15% possibly going towards sewers. Sewers have been in stronger demand, especially in light of downtown revitalization, and the bill’s vague language cast doubt on the final destination of the remaining 15%.

Now, in a 16-2 vote, the Suffolk County Legislature has voted to approve a home-rule message in support of legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor) and Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood). Last year’s legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) required the revenues raised by the sales tax to be split 75%-25% between I/A Systems and sewers, respectively.

The Thiele-Martinez bill amends last year’s bill in that it requires 25% of the existing quarter-cent sales tax, pursuant to the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act, be dedicated to the sewer taxpayer protection fund, with other amounts dedicated solely to individual septic system upgrades. The revenue transferred from the sewer protection fund to the water quality protection fund will increase by 5% year-over-year to reach a 50%-50% split by year eight. The transfer will increase to 70% in years nine and ten, and then go back down to 50%-50% from year eleven and afterward.

Once passed in Albany, the initiative will be presented to the voters on the 2024 ballot for them to approve or reject the tax increase.

Legislators, labor leaders, and environmental lobbyists convened at the Rose Caracappa Auditorium in Hauppauge to announce the deal.

“This announcement is a culmination of years of planning and negotiating,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst). “We’re able to commit to the promises that we made to our children and grandchildren that we are going to leave Suffolk County in a better place than we found it. We stand on the water that we drink and so we need to do everything that we can to make sure that we protect those bodies of water and the water that we drink. And the only way we’re going to do that is to make an investment.”

“The future of this county depends on clean water,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “We’ve watched for years as cesspools have functioned as our major source of wastewater and they’ve harmed our groundwater and surface water. Let’s do sewers where we can. Let’s do IA systems where we can.

Let’s make sure that we will always have clean water, not only under our feet to drink, but clean water on our surfaces, bays, rivers, creeks, streets, and the Sound.”

Romaine also spoke of good stewardship regarding sewer implementation to ensure economic development as well as water quality protection.

“When we build these sewers, let’s be conscious of our future,” Romaine continued. “Let’s not pump the effluent out to the ocean or to the Sound. Let’s make sure we try to recharge as much of that effluent, so that we not only have a water quality problem, but we don’t have a water quantity problem. Let’s make sure that when we design the sewers in the future, we not only treat our wastewater, but our road runoff as well, which we don’t do now. Let’s redesign our sewer systems.

Let’s build a better future. Today, we all stand together for one purpose: to build a better future for this county.”

“We need this to be approved so all of us can have better drinking water, so we can have one sewer district, so we don’t have unequal systems of taxation,

and so we make sure that we all have a voice at the table,” said Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon). “Let us not forget that we also need to make sure that alternative wastewater systems are subsidized by the federal government as well.”

Kevin McDonald, Conservation Project Director for Public Lands at The Nature Conservancy, said the last initiative as significant as this one was that of the Pine Barrens Protection Act. He said that the current water quality bill can protect the drinking water stored under the Pine Barrens for “hundreds and hundreds of years.”

Matt Aracich, President of the Nassau and Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council, said that the bill is also an economic bill.

“The reason is because building tradespeople are going to be doing all the school work,” said Aracich. “We want to make sure that we start the whole initiative with saying we offer careers, and we want to take that along with us. When you get the opportunity to utilize pre-apprentice programs and apprentice programs, it’s the best thing that we can do for the county, because all that money stays local, and all those people have the opportunity to make sure that they have a living and can stay here.”

“From farmlands to woodlands to wetlands, we preserved those land areas, but we were not aggressive about dealing with our waste water,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “We made a mess and now it’s time to clean it up. This one eighth of a penny will allow us to protect public health, protect our drinking water. It will allow us to restart our maritime culture by reuniting our shellfish industry. It’ll allow us to protect our beaches, bays, and harbors, and also ensure our home values. In short, it’ll make Long Island more livable, lovable, and sustainable for the future. This one-eighth of a cent is not an expenditure of funds, it’s an investment of funds.”

When asked if voters should be skeptical of the tax increase, County Executive Romaine said that prevention is more valuable than a cure that might not be possible.

“This is an all-Suffolk bill. We’re all in, all-Suffolk, for our future,” said Romaine.

“Think of what the future is and the cost of not doing that and addressing this problem over the last thirty years. It’s time to step up to the plate because if we don’t, we won’t be able to drink our water and our surface waters, some of them have already turned foul. We need to stand up for Suffolk.”

“The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of action,” said Esposito. “The cost of inaction is increased harmful algal blooms, not being able to use our beaches, which are the hearts of our local tourism-driven economy. It would devalue our homes every time we have brown tide, red tide, rust tide, mahogany tide, and now we have pink tide. We also have blue-green algae in our freshwater lakes.

It’s not an expenditure of funds, it’s an investment of funds for our health, for our future, but also for our economy.”

Also in attendance were Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), as well as Suffolk Legislators Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead), Ann Welker (D-Southampton), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), and Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport).

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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, February 8, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

What a Third District Special Election Will Say About New York While the headlines grab the presidential contest, seemingly heading to the first rematch since 1956, it’s easy to miss the other elections that continue, because, as we’ve heard ad nauseum, every year is an election year.

Special elections are often looked at as a barometer for national moods, swings, and predictions for a much higher-stakes election. While this isn’t entirely inaccurate, it’s important to note that special elections can often tell us more about the immediate area or demographics than they can about the nation overall. Such special elections can, however, be indicators of national moods and tendencies based on the contingencies of the particular race. But putting all of our stock into one special election result is unwise, especially since both parties will tout their win or loss as a reason for them to be optimistic in November, and since November is still ten months away. Two weeks is an eternity on an election timelines, let alone nearly an entire year.

But we also have to remember that special elections are just that: special.

Turnout, fundraising, candidates, issues, and state and local environments could all contribute to an environment that perfectly predicts the next general election or completely misses the mark altogether. Gazing into the crystal ball is fun, but when today’s hot-button issues are robbed of oxygen - or just fade on their own - the crystal can quickly become shattered.

That said, Tuesday’s special election for New York’s Third Congressional District fits perfectly in the center of the Venn Diagram. While we’ll only be able to extrapolate so much from the results, the result will no doubt give us an interim update on the state of politics in New York and in a quintessential suburban community with many similar counterparts nationwide.

It will also tell us the state’s of the New York Democratic and Republican parties, as neither are forfeiting the opportunity to win this seat in a closelydivided U.S. House, nor are they interested in being humiliated on the national stage.

For Republicans, holding this seat means living past the legacy of George Santos (R-Queens), the disgraced now-expelled former Congressman who flipped this seat in 2022 by nine points. Part of the flip not only had to do with the favorable state environment - and slightly favorable, albeit underwhelming, national environment - but also the fact that the seat was open and Santos had some leftover name recognition from his better-than-expected 2020 performance against incumbent Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove).

Holding the seat not only means outliving the ghost of George Santos, but it also means asserting a newfound dominance of the GOP in New York. Nassau County is a fundamentally Republican area. Since 1900, Nassau County has voted Democratic on the presidential level ten times. Queens, on the other hand, has been predominantly Democratic for most of its history, last voting for a Republican candidate in 1972. The Third District is northern and parts of eastern Nassau and northern Queens.

While the district is a key urban-suburban area in New York, the results will not only demonstrate the strength of the GOP in the Empire State, but also possibly their strength among suburban voters nationwide, a key demographic who will likely decide the next presidential election.

The only caveat to this is that the GOP has become increasingly receptive to statewide issues under a complete Democratic trifecta since 2019, and voters, in turn, have become receptive to the GOP. The party now controls all countywide offices in both Suffolk and Nassau for the first time in decades. Republican strength in the election can mostly be attributed to capitalization on local politics, but it doesn’t mean it can’t transpire down ballot in November. Polling has consistently shown a single-digit race between Trump and Biden in New York, with rumors swirling of a Bronx rally for the former president organized by local religious and community leaders.

So, for Republicans, holding the district means the mandate voters have given them remains with them, and if so, Democrats have fundamental problems in New York going forward.

For Democrats, flipping the district back means re-marketing their platform in a time when their brand statewide and nationally is hurting them. This was on full display in the 2023 local elections, as the Town Supervisor of North Hempstead, Jennifer DeSena (R-Manhasset), was re-elected by over ten points over former Supervisor Jon Kaiman (D-Great Neck), a stunning rebuke of a seasoned Democrat in a fundamentally Democratic town.

Democrats landed their best possible recruit in Tom Suozzi, who represented the district from 2017 to 2023. He forewent a fourth term in 2022 to run for governor in the primary against Governor Kathy Hochul (D), a move which apparently soured their relationship. A career politician in Nassau County, including Mayor of Glen Cove and Nassau County Executive, Suozzi’s name recognition will probably be what brings him over the finish line, if he wins.

Republicans scored a fresh name and face in Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck), an Ethiopian-born Jew who ousted a four-term Democratic legislator in 2021. Pilip brings a fresh face to the Republican brand in New York and can accurately represent a well-educated, diverse community. Both Nassau and Queens counties have Bachelor’s Degree rates of around 40% each.

Either candidate winning this election wouldn’t surprise us. If Suozzi wins, thank eternal name recognition and an area that leans slightly to the left, relative to the nation overall. If Pilip wins, it means the GOP has firmly solidified its hold in key communities in New York that will likely be nothing short of a humiliating reality check for New York Democrats.

One thing is certain: the outcome won’t drastically change the composition of the House, as uncertainty within the GOP caucus on Capitol Hill makes their majority a nominal one at best. An extra Democratic seat held by a self-proclaimed moderate would not be a massive shakeup.

Spring into Spring, But Not Too Fast As the sun comes out and the temperatures rise around us, you may notice aspects of your social, work, and personal life change. We’ve discussed how the autumn and winter months affect a person’s mental health once before, but we have yet to dive into how coming out of those gloomy months can be just as tough.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or more commonly known as seasonal depression, can influence a person’s emotions, motivation, and energy levels throughout the less sunny months. For Long Islanders, that includes September through March. As days get shorter, so can a person’s serotonin level, making them feel listless, sluggish, distracted, low-energy, and overtired. While only 5% of Americans experience SAD, similar symptoms on a smaller scale can happen to anybody due to a lack of sunlight.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “it’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your health care provider. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.”

When we come out of these dark and frigid months, we tend to step, or run, straight into the sun hoping we can get back to being the high energy, motivated, and eager person we once were before. However, doing this too fast, or embracing all these changes at once, can do more harm than good.

It is important to allow yourself to ease back into life after feeling the symptoms of SAD so that you don’t experience burn out before the spring and summer is

over. Noticing motivation and energy levels increasing can make a person excited to get everything that they’ve been procrastinating or putting off, done as soon as possible. It’s great to embrace the happiness and get things done but ensure that this is happening in a careful fashion. In other words, don’t be limitless right away.

Ease into your day-to-day life by adding one habit at a time. As the days get warmer, you can add an outdoor walk or run to your daily routine. According to UC Davis’ mental health experts, breathing in fresh air, providing yourself a change in scenery, and exposing yourself to sunlight while exercising will increase your mood. It will also allow you to encourage those motivational feelings and utilize your increased energy.

Rather than agreeing to every social event that comes your way, start with attending just one or two a week, especially if you are not typically an extroverted person. If you are enjoying it, and it does not become a stressor on other areas of life, slowly increase your activity as the weeks go on. Jumping straight into multiple social activities after months of being introverted can become exhausting very quickly. Be sure not to run yourself rampant doing everything you’ve missed out on throughout the winter.

Transitioning between seasons can be difficult for all sorts of people whether they’ve been diagnosed with SAD or not. Particularly in our area, when our seasons can change from very cold to very warm in a matter of weeks, it is important to adapt with ease rather than falling into old habits immediately. Take care of yourself as the spring season envelopes Long Island and remember that your mental health is important in every aspect of your life.

Op-Ed Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

We Should be Teaching Financial Literacy in NY’s High Schools

By State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli Financial literacy should be taught in all New York schools. When students take a financial literacy course, they learn personal finance, budgeting, and investing. They become better equipped and informed to make important financial decisions in the future that could impact their long-term financial success and quality of life.

There is no question that investing in financial literacy will pay dividends for our young people later in life.

Recently, the state Education Departments Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures recommended to the Board of Regents that financial literacy should be a graduation requirement.

As part of the process to examine New Yorks graduation measures, the commission surveyed hundreds of New Yorkers, asking: What knowledge, skills, and/or experiences do you think are important for all students to have by the end of high school?

One of the most frequent responses was, financial literacy: loans, managing money, living within one’s means, saving for retirement.

Financial literacy clearly has the attention of the public and a required course in our high schools is being given serious consideration by the state Education Department. The department also is examining ways to integrate financial literacy

across academic disciplines throughout a student’s academic career. Students should learn ageappropriate topics about money; its value; how to save, invest and spend; and how to budget as the number of financial decisions increase and as more students decide to go to college and incur student loan debt.

Just as teens are required to take a driver’s education course before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, we have a responsibility to empower students with the skills to effectively manage their finances before applying for a credit card, student loan, or mortgage.

It’s time for New York to catch up to states who for decades have taught a financial literacy course and required it for high school graduation.

In Utah, where the 2008 class was the first required to take a financial education course, the benefits have been measured. According to a program review in 2018 by the state’s auditor, Utah high school graduates have greater financial knowledge and better financial behaviors. Further, the state auditor found the courses standards provided vital life skills that apply to all students regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

Experts and researchers have also seen positive outcomes of financial literacy education in Georgia, Idaho, and Texas, with those states reporting

relatively higher credit scores and lower relative delinquency rates for students who took a course compared to those who did not.

In New York, only twenty high schools offer a stand-alone, semester-long personal finance course that may be a requirement to graduate, according to nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance.

Akron High School in upstate New York, for example, began offering personal finance in 2016, and the course became a requirement for graduation in 2018. Students graduate knowing important topics like compound interest, debt, credit scores, how to start saving, and most importantly, how to be ready for a financial emergency.

Young adults are increasingly facing higher levels of debt whether from student loans or credit cards, and many from lower-income households fall victim to predatory lending, scams, and high-interest loans.

Preventing these common financial pitfalls starts with financial literacy education in all our schools.

Financial literacy can be a great equalizer for students, and New York cannot afford to wait. It is in the state’s economic and social interests to offer personal finance in our schools now.

Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza) currently serves as the Comptroller for the State of New York.

He has served in this position since 2007.

Meritocracy and the Pursuit of Happiness

By Jack Miller Originally published on AMAC One of the single most important words in the Declaration of Independence is “pursuit.” The Founders believed that government exists to preserve certain rights, such as life and liberty. But they never declared a natural right to happiness – they only bound our government to protect its pursuit.

Sadly, it seems too many Americans misunderstand this “self-evident truth.” Socialism and other big government ideologies seek to guarantee happiness itself, not its pursuit.

Today, the cutting edge of those ideologies is the “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) movement.

Although the activists promoting it use pleasantsounding terms to describe their goals, they want nothing less than a dangerous redefinition of what it means to be American. But if you added the word “meritocracy” to DEI, it becomes a very American ideal.

Meritocracy is at the heart of the American Dream.

Meritocracy is based on the idea of each individual using their own talents and hard work to achieve their dreams. Capitalism and free government allow diversity, equity, and inclusion to flourish through meritocracy. Socialism only crushes them.

The real way to protect diversity and meritocracy in America is to teach students what the Founders meant by “pursuit of happiness.” We must make young people understand that happiness is not something they are given, but rather something they must fight for and win themselves. One way we can do that is by teaching students – many of whom will not go to college – the real skills they will need in a modern economy, through enhanced

trade programs and innovative apprenticeships.

Another vital step is introducing them to the great conversation that is the American political tradition.

Millions of people have come to America – and millions more want to come – because they know that here, they can earn happiness. Many flee from socialist regimes and other forms of despotism.

Those who have suffered under tyranny yearn for and appreciate the freedom an individual has within the American system. We owe it to them, to ourselves, and to the rising generation to protect and promote that individual freedom at the heart of our national tradition.

Thankfully, it seems that DEI movement’s influence on the American mind has crested.

Everyday Americans are beginning to understand what it truly is: socialism dressed up in platitudes.

DEI’s advocates merely want everyone to receive equal outcomes regardless of their abilities and efforts. That is not a message that will resonate with most hardworking Americans.

But now that everyday Americans are waking up, we must mobilize against DEI ideology untethered from meritocracy. Its advocates are firmly ensconced in our school system, from K-12 through the universities. They are preventing many of our young people from learning about America. As we say at the Jack Miller Center, “The battle for the soul of our nation will be won or lost in our classrooms.”

We must push for stronger civics education in America. The teaching of our founding principles and American history, warts and all, has been downgraded or eradicated from most curricula.

Civics classrooms are under-resourced and under-

supported. Parents, grandparents, and other concerned citizens have a duty to advocate for a better approach.

Since the Jack Miller Center was founded, we have made some incredible headway – but the battle is not won. As we saw at JMC’s last National Civic Summit, there is a growing “army” of organizations like ours, who have been individually working to make things right. But now is the time for collaboration to have a much bigger impact. These organizations are doing good work and properly funded could become a major force for totally winning the battle and getting the teaching of our founding principles, American history, and Western civilization values back into our classrooms in order to help turn out well informed, hopefully patriotic, citizens.

These groups desperately need more support from donors. Some of America’s wealthiest citizens give billions and billions of dollars to universities, many to their alma maters, without realizing that most of these schools they give to are preaching DEI values they do not support. These philanthropic efforts would do much more good for the country if they were redirected to projects and initiatives that uphold American principles.

It is time for everyone to stop complaining and to get off the sidelines and help win this battle.

Every American, from the parent with kids in school to the philanthropist looking for new ways to give charitably, has a role to play in reviving civic education. We have been the benefactors of a great heritage, and it is up to us to pass it along to a new generation.

Don’t forget to write, we’d love to hear from you!

Email us at: editor@messengerpapers.com

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Messenger Perspective Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Texas Reunion is Bittersweet

By Peter Chidichimo

Violence has become so integrated into American society that most people are becoming indifferent to it. That’s not to say each tragedy isn’t horrific, it’s just that the human system isn’t designed to process the degree of horror as often as it keeps happening. According to The Washington Post, there have been 394 school shootings since 1999, with 360,000 students experiencing gun violence at their school.

However, the Uvalde tragedy struck a nerve with me.

On May 24, 2022, an eighteenyear-old former student shot and killed nineteen students and two teachers, while injuring seventeen others, at the Robb Elementary School. My old college roommate, Kirby, and his family live in Uvalde.

Was his family fine, I had to find out?

Kirby and I were roomies in the late 1970s and have remained friends, despite not seeing each other for over forty years. When we weren’t studying, we spent time cruising around in his 1968 Ranchero, double dating, or drinking beer. I have fond memories of our time together, falling asleep in our dorm room during the summer, to the sound of the Texas Rangers and a whirling fan; there was no air conditioning in the dorm.

While going to school in Texas, I spent at least two Thanksgivings with Kirby and his family in Uvalde, where he still lives. When I graduated with a degree in physical therapy, his mom gave me one of those fancy parker pen sets, and I still have it in the original box. After school was over, I invited Kirby to my home in East Meadow, and we spent time out east and on Fire Island. A year or two later, he married a girl from school, Mary, who was from Philadelphia, and I drove to Philadelphia to attend the wedding. We did exchange letters for a while, but it was sporadic, over the course of forty-plus years. After the shooting, I got hold of his cell number, and reached out.

Uvalde, and for that matter the state of Texas, are special to me. I found the people warm and kind, and received a quality education at an affordable cost, even as a nonresident. I spent time in Dallas, Denton, Houston, and of course, Uvalde.

Uvalde is nestled eighty miles west of San Antonio, a town of around 16,000 people, largely Hispanic. On my second day there, after allowing for time to catch up and talk college days, Kirby took me

for a ride around the city. We stopped in the center of town, parked, and walked through the memorial. There were crosses, flowers, and balloons surrounding a fountain.

After shooting and severely wounding his grandmother earlier that day, the assailant drove to and entered the school, remaining in a classroom for more than an hour before members of the U.S. Border Patrol rushed forward and shot him dead. By God’s grace, Kirby’s grandson, who was in class two doors away, was evacuated and therefore unharmed.

It was shocking to hear that police officers waited more than one hour and fourteen minutes at the scene before charging the classroom to engage the shooter. Law enforcement was heavily criticized for their response. Coincidentally, the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, had met with the families of those killed on the day prior to my arrival, Wednesday, January 17, before a lengthy federal report into law enforcement’s response to the incident was released.

We then drove to Robb Elementary School and stood in front of the school where crosses were displayed with the names and photos of the victims, all twenty-one of them.

Kirby said little, I felt like I could weep, but my sorrow was tempered with anger, and all I could do was stand there silently and pray. As we drove away, we spotted where the assailant had crashed his truck, then entered the school.

On our way back through town, I noticed the larger-than-life portraits that were painted on the sides of many buildings. Kirby explained that these were victims of the shooting, and that artists had been commissioned from all over the country to come to Uvalde and graciously memorialize the victims.

They were beautiful.

Uvalde is the hometown of actor Matthew McConaughey, who took to social media to share his heartbreak over the tragedy. McConaughey offered prayers and urged Americans to reassess their values, saying, “we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us.” I assume he was referring to guns.

Between recent gun legislation, the DOJ’s report on Uvalde, and renewed initiatives toward mental health awareness and prevention, one can only hope and pray that things will get better.

At least that’s what I prayed for at Robb Elementary School.

This Week Today Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

9

Thursday, February 8, 2024

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

State The race is heating up in the special election for New York’s Third Congressional District, a seat that spans from northern and eastern Nassau across northern Queens.

The seat was flipped by George Santos (R-Queens), who became the sixth member of the U.S. House - and the first Republican - to be expelled from the lower chamber in December.

The race pits former Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) against Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck).

Suozzi is a well-known name entrenched in Nassau politics for decades. Suozzi served as the Mayor of Glen Cove from 1994 to 2001, Nassau County Executive from 2002 to 2009, and in the U.S. House from the Third District from 2017 to 2023.

Suozzi retired from the House to run in the Democratic Primary against Governor Hochul in the 2022 gubernatorial election. Suozzi lost the primary in a landslide, allowing his open seat to be more primed for a Republican pickup. Although the national environment was underwhelming for the GOP, the New York GOP had a historic night, capturing all of Long Island’s House seats for the first time since the 1990s. Santos won the open seat by almost ten points. The Third District has a Partisan Voting Index (PVI) of D+2, according to the Cook Political Report. This means that, when averaged against district-wide results across multiple district-wide and statewide elections, the Third District is roughly two points more Democratic than the nation overall.

Suozzi being selected by the regional Democratic parties is the best move in their hopes at flipping this seat to whittle down an already-thin Republican House majority that is virtually nonexistent when accounting for absences and moderates.

Pilip, on the other hand, was born in Ethiopia in the late 1970s. She emigrated to Israel as a twelve-year-old

refugee and would later serve in the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) Paratroopers Brigade. She studied in Haifa and Tel Aviv and married a Ukrainian-American; the two moved to Great Neck in 2005.

Pilip was instrumental in helping her party expand their control of the Nassau County Legislature in 2021, as she ousted four-term incumbent Ellen Birnbaum (D-Great Neck) by seven points in the Tenth District. The district contains Herricks, Manhasset, Manhasset Hills, North Hills, and Searingtown. She was re-elected by a twenty-point margin in 2023.

Pilip embodies the current fight of the GOP in New York: flipping traditionally Republican suburban communities and courting minorities and working-class voters as New York City draws ire from every corner of the state. If Pilip were to win, she would be the only black female Republican in the House and the first black Jew elected to Capitol Hill.

Suozzi embodies the current struggle New York Democrats have: convincing voters to allow them to retain power when the state is suffering multiple fiscal and identity crises. The soft-on-crime and high taxation policies led to the complete takeover of county offices in Suffolk and Nassau for the first time since the 1960s. Campaigning heavily on disgraced Santos and certain social issues might not resonate with the electorate.

Suozzi has outspent Pilip three-to-one as of the latest reports. Since January 24, Suozzi has raised $4.5 million to Pilip’s $1.3 million.

Suozzi has acknowledged that the Democratic brand is endangered in Nassau and Queens. The party has spared no expenses in defending themselves from a humiliating defeat next Tuesday, February 13. If Pilip were to pull off an upset, it would be an indication of a true fundamental political shift in New York.

Credit - United States House of Representatives

The Democratic Party held its first binding contests this week with the South Carolina Primary on February 3, and the Nevada Primary Tuesday night.

The party is conducting a mail-in caucus in Iowa until Super Tuesday, March 5, and a dispute between the national party and state party in New Hampshire delivered an unofficial result last month. The national party sought to make South Carolina the first-in-the-nation primary in pursuit of a more diverse electorate. The New Hampshire Party and Legislature disagreed, referencing a law requiring the Granite State to hold the nation’s first primary. President Joe Biden (D-DE) won a write-in campaign in New Hampshire, although delegates will not be awarded until the party’s August convention in Chicago.

Former President Donald Trump (R-FL) handily won both the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary on the Republican side.

Biden clinched his first big primary win in South Carolina on February 3, capturing 96% of the vote and sweeping all fifty-five of the state’s delegates. Biden eclipsed 90% in all forty-six counties, with Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03) and author Marianne Williamson each receiving about 2% of the vote. Neither received any delegates.

South Carolina was a massive pivotal state for Biden in the 2020 nominating contests, as he placed no better than third in the early swing state contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.

The South Carolina Democratic electorate is home to one of the largest black voting populations in the country.

With relatively small cities and some ancestral Democratic voting blocs, South Carolina is a crucial state for any Democrat seeking the nomination. The electorate is similar to other Southern states, all of which are large prizes in the contests and are likely to go to Biden.

In Nevada, Biden also easily won the primary and dispatched his two opponents, who only pose nominal threats to his renomination. Biden is poised to capture around 90% of the vote and all sixteen counties, plus one independent city - Carson City, the state’s capital. Biden is projected to sweep all thirty–six of the state’s delegates.

Unique to Nevada, the state has a “None of These Candidates” ballot option. That option won second place with 6% of the vote, over 3% for Williamson. Phillips, who registered his candidacy in October, missed the deadline to qualify for the Nevada Primary. A strategist working for Phillips said the campaign will “cede” Nevada, in that it “doesn’t matter.”

Phillips earned sharp rebukes from elected Nevada Democrats, who rightfully say that the path to the White House runs squarely through Nevada.

The Nevada contest tests candidates against an electorate of young voters, Hispanic voters, a more philosophically libertarian electorate, and an immenselypowerful urban-rural split. A state with a much more transient population than others, it can be difficult for a candidate to market oneself to this state. This made tourism and hospitality a major issue in the 2022 midterms, as Governor Steve Sisolak (D) became the only incumbent governor to lose re-election that year. He lost to Clark County (Las Vegas) Sheriff Joe Lombardo (R). Evident of the state’s urban-rural political divide, Lombardo became the first Republican in the state’s history to be elected Governor of Nevada without carrying the urbanized counties of Clark and Washoe (Reno).

The Republican contests are a bit muddier. The state held an unofficial primary concurrent with the Democratic one. A 2021 change in state law by the Democratic-

majority Legislature transitioned from the party-run caucus method to the government-run primary method.

The change came in the form of other voting initiatives, such as an expanded vote-by-mail effort in the state. The Nevada GOP protested the change and will hold their own binding caucus on February 8. Donald Trump and Texas pastor and businessman Ryan Binkley (R) are the only candidates registered for the caucus. Delegates will be awarded contingent on the caucus result.

The Nevada GOP has prohibited anyone registered in the non-binding primary from appearing on the caucus ballot, making Tuesday’s contest an exhibition match and one in which the candidates did not actually have to face off in the state.

In a staggering blow to her campaign, the “None of These Candidates” option trounced Former United Nations Ambassador and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R). The option is currently hovering at around 62% of the statewide vote, compared to Haley’s 32%.

Trump has a total of thirty-three delegates, to Haley’s seventeen. Biden leads his party contest with eighty-eight delegates. Neither Phillips nor Williamson have received any delegates.

The nominating contests now look to the GOP caucus in Nevada and the GOP caucus in the U.S. Virgin Islands on February 8, followed by the GOP Primary in South Carolina on February 24.

Local

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) (pictured left) voted against the WydenSmith tax bill since it did not include an increase in State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions.

“For months, I promised Long Islanders I would vote against the Wyden-Smith tax package if it did not have a reasonable increase in the SALT deduction cap,” said LaLota. “I kept my promise by voting against the SALT-less Wyden-Smith tax bill.”

The bill sponsored by Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R, MO08) passed the House in a 357-70 vote, with five members not voting. In addition to LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) voted against it.

Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) supported it.

“I support this bill’s pro-growth policies that would boost American competitiveness and strengthen Main Street while supporting families,” said Garbarino. “As coChair of the SALT Caucus, I made it clear to leadership that providing SALT relief is a critical issue for my district and one that this Congress must deal with. I am a man of my word and have negotiated in good faith with the Speaker to secure a path forward on the SALT cap.”

Republicans split 169-47 in favor, with Democrats splitting 188-23.

LaLota also introduced the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination, which would raise the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for only joint filers and cap adjusted gross income at $500,000.

10

News Thursday, February 8, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Continued from front cover

‘Vocal with Governor Hochul’ Palumbo, Flood, Mattera, Giglio Rally Against Governor’s Proposed School Cuts

Districts across Suffolk are affected as well, including, but not limited to, Amagansett, Cold Spring Harbor, East Quogue, Fisher’s Island, Harborfields, and Sag Harbor, to name a few.

Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), of the First Senate District, (pictured above) headlined a rally last week at Ward Melville High School in Setauket. He was joined by Assemblyman Ed Flood, of the Fourth Assembly District, (R-Port Jefferson Station) - Palumbo and Flood both represent Setauket in Albany - Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), of the Second Senate District, and Assemblywoman Jodi Gigilio (R-Baiting Hollow), of the Second Assembly District.

“We’re here today to bring attention to some really abhorrent conduct taken by state government; we’re here to save our schools,” said Senator Palumbo. “Those of us who live on Long Island, and here in Senate District One, pay a tremendous amount of money in property taxes. Every dollar that comes from the state is a subsidy to our property taxes and to all of us. So, every dollar that’s not paid by state aid, we need to make up the difference.”

Palumbo spoke not only of how the proposal will affect districts statewide, but also his district, the First Senate District, which encompasses northern Brookhaven, and the entireties of the Townships of East Hampton, Riverhead, Southampton, Shelter Island, and Southold.

“My district goes from Stony Brook to Montauk, around 330,000 people,” said Palumbo. “Senate District One stands to lose $8 million in funding and when you think about the $168 million [across the state], the Governor is taking from our schools where we’re not only constitutionally mandated to educate our children but we’re morally obligated to educate our children.”

Palumbo also contrasted the Governor’s proposal with another initiative to which she seeks to divert funds: the migrant crisis.

“She [Hochul] miraculously finds $2.4 billion to send to New York City for a selfcreated crisis, the migrant crisis,” continued Palumbo. “Our state budget is not shrinking, it’s $233 billion; that’s around $600 million a day.”

Palumbo discussed hold harmless provision as it relates to the budget. Hold harmless provision, generically, a promise in a contract that does not allow a party that

breaches to hold the other party responsible for inflicted damages. In terms of the state budget, Palumbo explained that districts get a flat amount of foundation aid, which he says is effectively general operating aid. He says that since the aid is a flat rate, the introduction of a fluctuating aid formula puts the school districts on the line to cover the costs.

“We’ve always had a formula where the district doesn’t have a fluctuating aid formula,” said Palumbo. “The Governor has now added a ten-year average formula in her proposed budget, which is the reason why we’re losing all of this money. Think of how absurd that is: if you have a reduction in enrollment one year or a couple years in a row, you have to fire a handful of teachers, you have to cut some programs because you lost all this money. And then a few years later, your enrollment goes back up, you’re going to need to hire more teachers, try and get some folks back into the district, and start up these programs again.”

Palumbo called the proposal “improper, inappropriate, outrageous,” and that action against the proposal before the budget’s due date of April 1 is “critical.”

Senator Mattera was invited to speak next.

Old district lines once contained the Three Village School District in his Senate District.

Now, his district contains the Townships of Huntington and Smithtown.

“Let’s give applause to our administrators, all of our teachers, all of the workers, our security officers, who, guess what, have a chance of losing their jobs,” said Mattera. We need to be vocal with Governor Hochul.”

Mattera also discussed the migrant crisis and the apparent mutual exclusivity between the crisis and school funding.

“Right now, you [Hochul] are taking care of the migrant situation over our families; the taxpayers. The taxpayers that pay your salary, that pay all the salaries here,” said Mattera.

“Why is Long Island being penalized? What you’re doing is you are going to put $2.4 billion of our tax money for something that, with a stroke of a pen, could have been rescinded [sanctuary state and city status for New York and New York City, respectively].”

Mattera discussed his meeting with the State Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon, in which he claimed that she “did not know” the rate of people with unemployment claims.

Mattera said that with a rate of 4.5%, it roughly

equates to 250,000 people who are “laid off.”

“Do you realize that they’re looking to get state jobs for migrants, while we have people who are laid off?”

Mattera also discussed his approach to the Governor at Kings Park High School last month, in which he confronted her on the de facto state of the state address she gave at the school and about the school aid cuts. He was told by the Governor’s aides that he “disrespected” her.

“No, Governor, you disrespected all Long Islanders and all New Yorkers,” said Mattera, referencing her proposed cuts.

Assemblyman Ed Flood (pictured above) spoke next and mentioned that his colleague, Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), was in Albany during the rally “asking the right” questions in a budget meeting regarding the school cuts. Smith serves as Ranking Member of the Assembly Education Committee.

“During her State of the State address,

Flood is serving his first term in the Assembly.

His Port Jefferson-Setauket-based district is a highly competitive race on the 2024 map.

Assemblywoman Jodi Gigilio (pictured below) gave her thoughts after Flood. The Second Assembly District extends from Mount Sinai across northern and eastern Brookhaven and contains the entire Town of Riverhead.

“Budgets are about priorities, and our children, teachers, and educators are our priorities,” said Giglio. “We talk about bringing all these technical companies to the state of New York, but our kids can’t afford to live here because the budget keeps rising. Our budget has increased 40% over six years, but our children and teachers are not prioritized. Our kids are going to suffer the consequences. This budget will come to the floor for debate, and you can be sure that we’ll be fighting for you and we’ll be making sure that those funds are restored.”

Hochul talked about making New York into a hub for artificial intelligence. How does she intend to make that work when we are not properly educating and recruiting a workforce?” said Flood. He also said that a state education system with a 3% increase would amount to $400 million.

“It’s a drop in the bucket compared to what we’re paying New York City,” says Flood. “Long Island has been used as the ATM for the rest of the state. And right now it’s not just Long Island, it’s all over the state; rural, suburban areas are getting short changed. We’re going to ensure that we get the proper funding restored back, so that we can properly educate our children.

It’s disgraceful that we’re talking about having to cut budgets in terms of cutting buildings, programs, and staff and faculty. Teachers and school employees have their own families, and right now to play politics with the lives of our students and our workforce is just shameful.”

Kristen Gironda, representing Jennifer Torrey of the Three Village PTA, said that the board urges the Governor to “reconsider” her plan to cut $8 million from the Three Village Central School District.

“Three Village is a top-performing school district. Ward Melville is a blue ribbon awardwinning school,” said Gironda. “And we receive accolades in academics, athletics, and clubs year after year in all of our schools across the district. Our graduation rate and our college acceptance rate are highly impressive. We also happen to be one of the highest-taxed towns in Suffolk County with exceptionally high home prices. We rely heavily on Foundation Aid for the success of our current and future students. Cutting this money from the current budget would be detrimental to the future of our students, their education, and the opportunities that we can continue to provide them with.”

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12

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Hauppauge Students Fulfill Eagle Food Pantry’s Needs At Hauppauge School District’s most recent board of education meeting, the board recognized two Hauppauge High School students, Colin Buscarino and Nicholas Sumwalt, for making a difference in the Hauppauge school community.

Colin and Nicholas both care deeply about their school’s initiative, the Eagle Food Pantry. They are the pantry’s president and vice president, respectively.

The duo has endeavored to create a resource to help those in need and have worked hard with the help of fellow students to clear a space for shelves to store donations and to fill them.

Hauppauge Middle School Assistant Principal Kristy Pagliari founded the Eagle Food Pantry while she was still the assistant principal at the high school.

She did this with the help of high school teacher Jennifer Procaccini, high school social worker Shannon Griffin and many other staff members and students.

At the meeting, the students were awarded certificates in recognition of their exceptional service to the Hauppauge school community.

West Islip FBLA Members Get Firsthand Look at Business

West Islip High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, accompanied by adviser Mrs. Krawczyk and business teacher Mrs. Morgigno, visited the headquarters of Arizona Iced Tea in Woodbury on January 10. This exclusive opportunity allowed students to witness firsthand the dynamic operations of one of the leading players in the competitive beverage industry.

During the visit, students delved into the day-today functions of Arizona Iced Tea, gaining exposure to various company departments, and interacting with seasoned professionals. The immersive experience provided valuable insights into the contemporary business model and showcased the strategies

employed by the company to maintain high success in a fiercely competitive drink market.

A highlight of the visit was a tour of the facility, setting the stage for engaging discussions with four vice presidents who shared their perspectives on different aspects of the business. Chairman and president Don Vultaggio shared his own career journey, emphasizing the significance of building and cherishing relationships for success.

Students and teachers were not only treated to a delectable lunch but also had the opportunity to taste a variety of Arizona drinks. As a token of appreciation, everyone went home with a carton of assorted iced tea, hats, lanyards, and Arizona fruit snacks.

Islip Appoints Jacqueline Beckmann as New Commack Road Principal Jacqueline Beckmann has been appointed as the new principal of Islip’s Commack Road Elementary School, effective February 12. She takes over from interim principal David Seinfeld.

Beckmann comes to Islip from the Lawrence School District, where she served as principal of Lawrence Elementary School for the past two years, and as an assistant principal since 2016. She previously worked for the New York City Department of Education as a fourth grade and first grade teacher at PS 60.

Beckmann, who resides in Massapequa, earned her bachelor’s degree in education from St. John’s University, a master’s degree in education from Long Island University and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.

“CRES is a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and supported,” Beckmann said. “I plan to build strong relationships with students, teachers and families, creating a powerful network of support that helps every child thrive.”

School Highlights Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

East Islip HS Robotics Team Competes at VEX Over Under Game

13

East Islip High School’s robotics team competed in the VEX Robotics Over Under game on January 27, held at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore. The all-day event featured over 45 teams from around the Tri-State area. This year’s tournament was played on a 12x12 square field. Two alliances – composed of one “red” and one “blue” team each – competed in two-minute matches to attain a higher score.

East Islip team captains Kaitlyn McCall and Jishnu Roy Chowhuri led the squad to a sixth-place finish at the end of the qualification matches. Robot driver Matt Collins performed extremely well under the pressure and was 5-1 in competition play. The remaining robotics team members helped in the pit area all day, fine tuning and making last-minute adjustments to the robots. The team will next compete on February 17 at Adelphi University.

“I enjoyed coming to the event,” sophomore Jackson Carucci said. “It really opened me up to friendly competition and I gained valuable experience about teamwork and robotic design.”

“We did really well with our new robots,” junior William Blaschuk said. “We faced a lot of challenges that will help us learn and improve upon for our next competition.”

“I was extremely proud of the team during this event,” technology teacher and robotics adviser James Connell said. “It’s a great opportunity for students in the robotics classes and club to get a real practical experience, and it helps them further expand their knowledge of competition robotics.”

Create a Craft Club Combines Love for Reading and Art at Nokomis Elementary First graders at Nokomis Elementary School in the Sachem Central School District are fostering their love for reading and art during the after-school Create a Craft Club. Led by Mrs. Zelazny, students come together weekly for an afternoon of fun and creativity. Students first read a book together, then create a craft based on what they read. Most recently, students made their own paper aliens after reading several of the “Aliens Love Underpants” books.

History

14

Thursday, February 8, 2024

America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Oklahoma - The Sooner State

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

This is the fiftieth 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 not competitive on most - if not all - levels, Oklahoma has helped shape American politics through some of the most tumultuous chapters of our history and it continues to remain relevant.

from the Sooner State, as well as influential Senator Robert Kerr, Oklahoma Democrats practically ran Congress. On the state level, State Senator Gene Stipe was almost the state Democratic Party incarnate. A fierce representative for his Little Dixie constituents, Stipe was as loved as he was unscrupulous. His decades-long reign in Oklahoma City came to an end in 2003 on corruption charges. That, coupled with the social leftward shift of the national Democratic Party and the term limitation of state representatives, helped turn Oklahoma’s fundamental voting bloc staunchly Republican by the 2000s.

Early History - The Trail of Tears The Spaniards were the first Europeans to explore Oklahoma in the mid-1500s in search of fabled gold cities. The territory would rotate between Spanish and French control before eventually being sold to the United States via the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The French established trading relationships with some of the native tribes of the area. The U.S. government had envisioned Oklahoma to be a reservation for eastern Native American tribes, and in 1820, Oklahoma was called “Indian Territory.”

One of the first brutal acts of the U.S. government was that of the Indian Removal Act. Expedited by President Andrew Jackson (DTN), the act allowed the president to negotiate treaties with the tribes of the Southeast. Met with resistance, and even warfare, from the tribes, the military evicted almost 100,000 natives by 1840.

The near-thirty-year removal process became known as the Trail of Tears. The tribes were promised land that accounts for nearly all of present-day Oklahoma, but as the government auctioned land and allowed development to settlers and railroads, more of the reservation became eroded. The eastern half of the state became the new Indian Territory, while the western half became the Oklahoma Territory.

Five tribes were dubbed the “Five Civilized Tribes:” the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. The tribes assimilated to European ways of life, even including owning slaves. The Civil War was even more detrimental to the removed tribes, as Oklahoma was wedged between conquests for Arkansas and Texas.

Natives held some 8,400 slaves in their territory, and many sought refuge in the South after the end of the war. Confederacy-allied tribes were forced into Reconstruction treaties that ceded most of the Indian Territory to the federal government, allowed railroad construction in the Indian lands, and outlawed slavery.

In 1889, President Benjamin Harrison (RIN) signed legislation that allowed the so-called “Unassigned Lands” within Oklahoma to be open for settlement, starting the first of many land runs that would balloon Oklahoma’s population.

Some settlers staked claims in the area before the land was officially opened for settlement, giving them the name “Sooners.”

Twentieth Century Politics An Epic Rise and Fall In 1902, the Five Tribes proposed their own state of Seqouyah. The Sequoyah constitution was rejected by Washington, but instead used as a basis for the Oklahoma Enabling Act. On November 16, 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY) signed Oklahoma into law as the forty-sixth state. The state grew by nearly one million people from statehood to 1930. Farmland and oil were the main attractors, allowing Oklahoma to enter the Union with more electoral college votes - seven - than any other state at admission, besides the original Thirteen Colonies and Maine.

Although the Dust Bowl was detrimental to nearly twenty states in the 1930s, Oklahoma was perhaps the most severely affected. Massive amounts of settlement and farming and cattle ranching, lack of crop rotations aligned with different growing seasons, and the surge in demand and price of food during World War I, the land was cultivated far more than it could handle.

The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl swept away effectively any prosperity settlers hoped to attain at the turn of the century. Displaced farmers, called “Okies,” headed to California for new opportunities, inspiring John Steinbeck’s novel Grapes of Wrath.

The devastation experienced by farmers would allow for Franklin Roosevelt’s (D-NY) New Deal program to appeal specifically to Oklahoma.

This combined with its ancestral Democratic ties to the Solid South would start Oklahoma off as a blue state.

Oklahoma first participated in the 1908 election, giving its seven votes to William Jennings Bryan (D-NE) by a relatively thin margin. Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) would win the state handily in both of his 1912 and 1916 elections, only for it to turn sharply to Warren Harding (R-OH) in 1920. Here, Oklahoma’s unique political allegiances were on display, as hostility towards Wilson allowed six GOP Congressman to be elected and Harding to become the first Republican to carry Oklahoma.

The 1920 election marked the breaking of the Solid South, with Oklahoma and Tennessee backing the GOP. The KKK also wielded considerable power at the time, mostly in the southeastern part of the state, known as “Little Dixie,” which was highly aligned with Southern values. This allowed John Davis (D-WV) to flip the state in 1924, but the state at-large rejected Catholic Al Smith (D-NY) in 1928.

FDR’s New Deal doctrine allowed him to become the only Democrat to carry all seventyseven of Oklahoma’s counties, and his margin of 73% is still the best Democratic performance in the state to date. Unlike other Plains State, Oklahoma stayed with FDR through all four of his elections and with Harry Truman (D-MO) in 1948.

The intrinsic Southern ideals of the state, coupled with Native American influence, and leftover support for FDR helped solidify Oklahoma as a Democratic state through the 1940s.

However, in 1952, Oklahoma’s political allegiances would be redefined. On a very literal north-south divide, Dwight Eisenhower (R-KS) was able to win the state comfortably in both of his 1952 and 1956 elections. Drifting of the agricultural and energy sectors to the GOP allowed Republicans to carry Oklahoma in every election since 1952, with the exception of 1964.

The mid-20th Century is also a time when Oklahoma had outweighed political influence in Washington. With Speaker Carl Albert hailing

Geography - The Sooner State 1. Tulsa Metro - One of the nation’s most Republican cities; last voted Democratic in 1936. Known for the Tulsa Race Massacre and is one of the top economic powerhouses of the central U.S. 2. OKC - Oklahoma City, the state capital, a redleaning area that has become more evenly divided in recent years due to increased young voters in the area.

The state capitol building is also the only state capital with an oil well directly underneath it.

3. Little Dixie - The southeastern part of the state; ancestrally aligned with the Democratic Solid South and remained blue until the 2000s and 2010s.

4. Western Oklahoma - Home to much of the agriculture and oil in the state, as well as smaller cities and the Panhandle; staunchly Republican.

Current Political Leanings An Island of Blue in a Sea of Red In 2022, Oklahoma ranked third nationally in terms of wind energy production, fifth for natural gas, and sixth for crude oil. Agriculture and biosciences are also chief industries that compose Oklahoma’s economic profile.

Socially, the state is one of the most religious and conservative, contributing to compounding margins for the GOP in each election since 2000. Al Gore (D-TN) is the last Democrat to have won a single county from Oklahoma, and Donald Trump’s (R-FL) 2020 win marked the fifth consecutive time the GOP has swept every county.

The GOP currently holds both U.S. Senate seats.

Democrats last held a Senate seat in 1994 and last held both simultaneously in 1969.

The governor’s office, however, paints a different picture. Since 1900, only six governors have been of the Republican Party, with the most recent elections under fairly close margins due to political and ideological divides under a “big tent” party in the state. Brad Henry (D) is the last Democrat to be elected governor of Oklahoma, first elected in 2002 and re-elected in a landslide in 2006.

Despite this, Oklahoma Democrats don’t seem to be finding much success outside of Oklahoma City. While the city council is officially nonpartisan, members are registered in a 6-3 advantage for the GOP. Oklahoma City is represented by Democrats in the state legislature, and Democrat Kendra Horn scored the biggest upset win of the 2018 midterms when she unseated Scott Russell (R), who had won by twenty points two years prior. Republican Stephanie Bice flipped the seat back in 2020, and in 2022, the lines were redrawn to be more favorable to the GOP. Democrats are towing a careful line in OKC. Appealing to the more liberal urban core gives them a base to expand into the suburbs, something they seem to be doing well.

They continue to take advantage of intraparty fighting in the solidly red state, with unpopular governors in Mary Fallin (R) (2011-2019) and Kevin Stitt (R) (2019-present) making their cases easier.

Still, Democrats have their work cut out for them in conservative, rural Oklahoma, and that shift does not appear to be materializing any time soon.

Around Town Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

15

Welcome to Suffolk County’s Tenth Legislative District! On January 2, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Suffolk County Legislature’s Organizational Meeting to be sworn into my second term. I would like to thank the members of the community for entrusting me to represent you as your Legislator. It is truly an honor to serve the hardworking men and women of the Tenth LD. In this column, I will keep you informed on the latest legislation, news and events happening in our community. My top priorities will be quality of life issues; protecting the environment, improving our water quality, and making it affordable for young people and seniors to live and stay on Long Island. I am beyond honored to have been re-elected to serve you.

Our Presiding Officer, Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), has appointed me as Chairwoman of the Seniors & Human Services Committee for a second term. This Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Social Services, Office for the Aging, the Youth Bureau, and Women’s Services. The first Committee meeting of the year was January 30, 2024.

Please feel free to either tune in via the Suffolk County Legislature’s website to view future meetings or join us in person.

I have also been appointed as Vice Chair of two other Committees: Government Operations, Personnel, & Information Technology and the Economic Development, Planning & Housing Committee. In addition, I also serve as a member of the Labor & Consumer Affairs Committee and the Education and Diversity Committee.

This year, my office will be hosting many community events which will benefit the residents of the Tenth LD, including Blood Drives, Food Drives, Car Seat Safety Programs and Mobile Mammography Screenings. Please feel free to call my office at 631-854-0940 for the most up to date details on these events.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me by contacting my office with any issue, idea, or concern you may have. My staff and I would be happy to assist you.

Please stay safe and I hope to meet you in the coming months.

My Best,

Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) SC Legislator, 10th LD

At the final General Meeting of last year, Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin presented 2023 Connetquot graduate, Alexandra Melchiona, with a proclamation highlighting her numerous achievements throughout her gymnastics career. Alexandra earned All-County for six years, All New York State and Scholar Athlete for five years.

Being awarded the Scholar Athlete award is particularly prestigious because recipients must maintain a certain grade point average while participating in a varsity sport.

Alexandra also received the Most Valuable Player award for four years in a row as a Connetquot Varsity Gymnast, is a three-time New York State medalist and was named Newsday’s All Long Island Senior. Also, Alexandra competed in the Suffolk Individual Championship for three years and won in 2021, making her the first student from Connetquot High School to do so in thirty years. In addition to her extensive list of athletic achievements, including being the record keeper of three Connetquot High School gymnastic events, Alexandra graduated in the top 5% of her class. Legislator Bergin was honored to present Alexandra with this proclamation to recognize her stellar accomplishments. Congratulations again, Alexandra!

On February 6, 2024, the Suffolk County Legislature had their first General Meeting of the year. Legislator Bergin presented East Islip High School’s Varsity Football Team with two proclamations highlighting their astounding accomplishments. In November, the team won the Long Island Championship at Hofstra University defeating South Side with a score of 19-14.

In addition, senior Sebastian Regis was also awarded a proclamation for his exceptional talent on the field, exposing him to widespread recognition. Sebastian, a defensive tackle and offensive lineman, has received New York State Class A Player of the Year, the 64th annual Hansen Award presented by Newsday to the most outstanding player in Suffolk County, the 13th annual Rob Burnett Award for Suffolk’s Defensive Player of the Year, and the Zellner Award for best lineman in Suffolk County. Sebastian is now committed to play NCAA Division I Football at Stony Brook University this fall. Congratulations to the team and coach Sal Ciampi Jr! This past month, Legislator Bergin hosted “Money Smart for Older Adults” at the Hauppauge Library with Joan Minniti: Executive Director of the Central Islip Civic Council.

Legislator Bergin had a great turnout of more than twenty attendees! This program is essential for older adults and their caregivers to become aware of tactics utilized in elder financial exploitation. “Money Smart for Older Adults” was developed jointly by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Legislator Bergin also provided refreshments, an in-depth informational session, and take-home brochures for all participants.

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Guest Column

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Does Texas Have The Right To Defend Its Border?

By Dale Wilcox | AMAC

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WHAT YOU PAID LAST YEAR The federal government is accusing the state of Texas of violating the law in taking action to stop the influx of illegal aliens at its southern border, but the Lone Star State has both the legal and the moral high ground to do so.

The crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border reached a crescendo late last month after a narrow Supreme Court majority ruled in favor of the federal government’s authority to cut down razor wire Texas had put up in order to repel illegal aliens seeking to enter the state. This ruling and the subsequent actions of the Biden Administration provoked a fierce response from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

“James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and the other visionaries who wrote the U.S. Constitution foresaw that States should not be left to the mercy of a lawless president who does nothing to stop external threats like cartels smuggling millions of illegal immigrants across the border,” the governor said.

Abbott cited multiple provisions of the U.S. Constitution, including Article IV, Section 4, which requires the federal government to protect states from invasion. Abbott also cited Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 to back up his state’s authority to defend itself from invasion. Predictably, allies of the Biden Administration and anti-borders activists accused the governor of defying the Supreme Court, with some elected officials calling on Joe Biden to federalize the Texas National Guard in order to bring the state to heel. This is preposterous. Texas is not defying the Supreme Court, and it has done nothing to run afoul of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court’s unexplained order simply vacated an injunction that had prohibited the federal government from cutting Texas’ razor wire. It did not order Texas to take or not take any action. This case and other related cases will make their way through the courts, but Texas has solid constitutional grounds to defend itself. As Immigration Reform Law Institute Director of Litigation Chris Hajec explained at a congressional hearing on Tuesday, states “may pass non-preemptive laws,” and “may also decide to engage in war,” in order to defend themselves from invasion.

The notion that states are powerless to defend themselves from invasion is farcical. There is no chance the states would have ever agreed to ratify a Constitution that left them powerless to defend themselves in the face of a foreign invasion enabled by a lawless federal government.

They didn’t because the Constitution does give states recourse to do exactly what Texas is doing.

Beyond the legal arguments being made against the state of Texas, the moral logic anti-borders activists are using to deride the state are equally unconscionable. Essentially, the Biden Administration believes they can facilitate an invasion of the state of Texas, run roughshod over its way of life, destroy its ranches and communities, and Texans are just supposed to sit back and take it all. The complete disregard the current administration has for the second-largest state in the country they are supposed to defend is a major reason Texas and the nation at large have reached such a boiling point over this crisis.

Continued on page 19

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17

Seasonal

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Springing Towards Spring!

By Kaitlyn Foley Spring is coming soon, or so says Punxsutawney Phil. Last week, on Groundhog’s Day, our favorite groundhog predicted an early spring is coming in the next few weeks. With that, we are looking forward to a bright and sunny March, with temperatures slowly rising.

Though we may be pointing out the obvious, it is odd that we look to a groundhog to predict how many weeks of winter are left in our season.

Long Island participates in the holiday as well with our own groundhogs like Melverne Mel, Holbrook Hal, Great Neck Greta, and Quogue’s Sam Champion.

However, it turns out the holiday does have a rich history within the German culture of Pennsylvania, which has been spread throughout the country.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the lore of weather predictions was celebrated in many religions. In Catholicism, particularly those in German culture, they celebrated Candlemas on the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Believers decided that clear skies on Candlemas Day meant there would be a longer winter ahead, while gray and cloudy skies indicated the end of winter. The traditional English saying goes: “If Candlemas be fair and bright, winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, winter will not come again.”

As settlers made their way from Europe into Pennsylvania, where Delaware Indians resided in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, they shared this tradition of Candlemas and introduced the idea of an animal predicting such weather. In Germany, they often used a badger. However in Pennsylvania, as well as the rest of America, it was more fitting to use a groundhog. If the groundhog saw his shadow coming out of his burrow while on a bright and sunny day, that meant there were six more weeks of winter ahead. If there was no shadow, then spring would be on its way.

Decades later, in 1886, the Punxsutawney Spirit Newspaper created the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and introduced Punxsutawney Phil. Phil was appointed as the town’s official weather forecasting groundhog, said to live forever making predictions. Groundhog Day on February 2 began to spread as a fun holiday for surrounding states. While not a federal holiday, millions of Americans and Canadians tune in to see Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions, as well as have their own town celebrations.

Transitioning from winter into spring is often the most favorable seasonal change for those of us in the Northeast. However, it can also be a draining one. Throughout the snowy and frigid months, we tend to get a bit more run-down. Some will call it seasonal depression which can be more severe, however it is natural for people to feel disconsolate, gloomy, and even sometimes, a bit more lazy or unmotivated. We often get used to feeling like this with long winters, and when the spring finally does roll around, it can be hard to escape those habits. Mental health through the changing of seasons can be hard to keep up with. However, research has proven that reading can be a great way to reduce stress and provide a distraction.

As we enter the spring season, The Messenger has selected a few of our favorite reads that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired again.

Fresh Spring Rolls For the filling: • 1 package spring roll rice wrappers, found in Asian foods section at the grocery store • 1 package rice noodles • 2 mangos, peeled and sliced into thin strips • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded or sliced into thin strips • 1 large English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced • 1-pound small, cooked shrimp, deveined, tails removed, or substitute chicken • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves • 1 bunch fresh cilantro

For the peanut sauce: • 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce • 1/3 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy • 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce • 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce DIRECTIONS: 1. Cook noodles in boiling water, for just a few minutes, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Gather all topping ingredients together, including chopped veggies, herbs, cooked shrimp.

3. Add about 1 inch of water to a large, deep dish, or pie pan. Place one rice wrapper into the water and let soak for just 10-15 seconds. It should still feel pretty firm as you remove it and lay it on your counter or plate. (It will soften up as you add the filling ingredients, but if you let it soak for too long it will get too soft and will tear when you roll it up.)

4. Layer 1-2 slices of each veggie, a few shrimp, a few leaves of each herb and a pinch of noodles on the 1/3 of the spring roll that is closest to you.

5. Fold the sides of the spring roll in over the ingredients. Then pull the side closest to you up and over the ingredients, sealing everything together tightly, and rolling it up like a burrito.

For the peanut sauce: 1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.

- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: Nora Seed, who finds herself in a library between life and death, with the opportunity to try out alternate versions of her life and find the one where she truly belongs.

Notes: Other filling ingredient ideas: • bean sprouts • sliced avocado • cooked, chopped chicken • romaine lettuce leaf • sliced bell peppers

- The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell follows Sam as he travels from childhood to adulthood, experiences the flush of first love and lust, is buoyed by the intense loyalty and love of his closest friends, and, for the first time, realizes that God’s will isn’t always positive.

Storing: The rolls taste best the day they are made, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap (to keep the wrapper soft and to keep them from sticking together) and store in an air-tight container in the fridge.

- The People We Keep by Allison Larkin: After a fight with her dad, April packs her stuff and leaves for good, setting off on a journey to find a life that’s all hers. As April moves through the world, meeting people who feel like home, she chronicles her life in the songs she writes and discovers that where she came from doesn’t dictate who she has to be.

- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: Two individuals with a haunting past make an unlikely friendship as they work together in an aquarium. Together, they navigate their isolated lives, confronting their pasts and dealing with heartbreak and loneliness. The story is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

Local Spotlight

18

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Contractors For Kids Announces Louis Castronova as Newly Elected President Contractors for Kids, a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and their families in need, proudly announces the election of Louis Castronova as its new President.

In a unanimous decision by the board of directors, Louis was selected to lead the charity into a new era of impact and positive change for children and their families facing various challenges. With a proven track record of commitment to philanthropy and a deep passion for making a difference, Louis brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this esteemed position.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of President at Contractors For Kids,” expressed Louis. “The wellbeing of children has always been a cause close to my heart, and I am eager to contribute to the incredible work that this charity does.”

As President, Louis will spearhead initiatives aimed at furthering the charity’s mission statement to provide

essential support. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a positive impact on the lives of young individuals and their families. Louis’s leadership is expected to propel these efforts to new heights.

Louis brings a unique blend of leadership skills, compassion, and strategic vision to the role. The board is confident that under Louis’s guidance, Contractors For Kids, will continue to be a beacon of hope for children, families, and communities.

About Contractors For Kids CFK (Contractors For Kids) is a notfor-profit corporation founded for the purpose of providing assistance to families in our communities.

Their goal for “Contractors For Kids” is to assist children and their families overcome obstacles that have unfortunately changed or have impacted their lives through the sickness or injury or death of a child.

They are committed to this cause and

want to give hope and reassurance for their futures.

Their vision is simple: to eliminate financial hardship in our communities brought on by the sickness of a child.

One family at a time, we need to make sure that the financial hardship brought on by a sick child does not destroy an already hurt family.

Whether it is to pay a phone bill or mortgage payment, we will be there.

Whether it be aiding in paying for medical bills deemed “experimental” or due to lack of insurance, we will be there. Whether it be arranging transportation or paying for a room to allow families to remain close during these tough times, we will be there. In heart breaking cases when a child does not survive their illness and a family needs financial help with burying a child, we will be there. We will do as many of these things to the best of ability, we will always be there, and for this we are responsible, for this is our passion, for this is our vision.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

19

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Continued from page 16

Does Texas Have The Right To Defend Its Border?

For three years, the Biden Administration’s anti-borders agenda has facilitated the arrival of millions of illegal aliens. The good news is that accountability appears to finally be coming, not just in Texas, but in Washington, D.C. as well. After years of tough talk, the House of Representatives finally appears ready to make good on its threat to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who has spent the last three years refusing to enforce federal immigration law. The American public is also making clear that they’ve had enough as immigration is now the top concern facing U.S. voters, according to a recent poll. Amidst all of the backlash, the Biden Administration is feeling the heat.

While there have been no changes in

policy, public outcry has forced Biden into a rhetorical retreat. Biden finally admitted recently that he has failed to secure the border after spending years denying there was a crisis at all. The White House also released a statement from Biden late last month requesting that Congress give the administration authority to “shut down the border,” which he pledged to do.

To be clear, this is empty rhetoric from an administration that already has all the tools it needs to end the crisis. Still, the significant shift in messaging demonstrates how Texas’ resilience and a motivated Congress have put this administration on its heels, and

Overview - AMAC The Association of Mature American Citizens

O N

forced it to finally confront the magnitude of the crisis it created.

With its future at stake, Texas is showing the Biden Administration that it picked the wrong state to mess with. Despite assertions to the contrary, Texas has both a legal and a moral right to defend itself, and it should use every tool at its disposal to do so.

Dale L. Wilcox is executive director and general counsel at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of mass migration.

S T A G E

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

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Bits & Pieces

20 WORD quixotic Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

OF THE

Week

Origin: Early 18th century: from Don Quixote + -ic.

Don Quixote is a Spanish epic novel

by Miguel de Cervantes, published in two parts in 1605 and 1615. The book follows the titular character who through a series of delusions embarks on a quest to become a knight.

Source: Oxford Languages

Thursday, February 8, 2024

adjective

Pronounced: kwuhk·saa·tuhk Definition: exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

Example: “His salary expectation was largely quixotic compared to his résumé.”

Synonyms: unworkable, impracticable Antonyms: practical, realistic, sensible

Commonly

Used SAT Words This Week in History Word Ladder 2/8 The aim of the game is to get from the given initial word to the given final word by changing only one letter per line. Note that every line must be a valid word.

Sometimes there are several possibilities.

Initial word: HEAR Final word: NAIL

February 14, 1849 James Knox Polk becomes the first United States President to have his photograph taken. The historic photo was taken in New York City by photographer Matthew Brady.

February 13, 1937 New Yorkers started a riot over the increase in residents living in poverty as well as the increase in the cost of necessary goods such as flour.

Goal: 5 words 1.

February 13, 1981

2.

The New York Times published the longest sentence in history, coming to 1,286 words.

3.

4.

February 12, 1970

5.

Judd Winick, American writer and artist, was born in Dix Hills. Winick is famous for his work in multiple cartoons and comic books including DC’s Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. He is also known for his stint on reality TV in 1994 on MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

February 14, 2019:

Check our Instagram @MessengerPapers and our Facebook for the answers to this week’s games.

Corporate Supergiant, Amazon, cancels plans to build a corporate campus on Long Island after widespread opposition.

Guest Column Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

21

Op-Ed: Georgia Joins Other States in Shooting Down Ranked-Choice Voting

By Jason Thompson | The Republican National Lawyers Association | The Center Square

Americans and Georgians have The Senate bill comes on the a fundamental right to a fair, open, heels of Connecticut Democratic transparent, and honest election.

Attorney General William Tong’s formal The Democrats’ latest election opinion on ranked-choice voting, manipulation scheme, ranked-choice noting it likely violates his state’s Voting threatens that fundamental constitution. Tong issued the opinion right. But as Americans learn about a in response to an inquiry from the system described as “designed to cause Connecticut Speaker of the House, who confusion and fatigue among voters,” in turn presumably sought guidance they are rejecting ranked-choice on ranked-choice voting proposals. voting in a rare showing of bipartisan General Tong’s observations are agreement. applicable to all states considering As of the 2022 elections, 62 ranked-choice voting. jurisdictions across the country use “The framers and amenders of ranked-choice voting, which is an our Constitution wrote with a specific election nightmare requiring voters to type of election infrastructure in mind. rank candidates in order of preference It seems unlikely that they left the door and then have their ballots counted open for a kind of election that would multiple times until one candidate be at the very least impracticable given emerges with a plurality. Predictably, the localized election system they ranked-choice voting has led to knew was in place across the state,” incorrect tabulations and confusing concluded Tong.

Signs showing the way for voters stands outside a Cobb County voting building results.

Tong’s concerns are not Five states have passed laws during the first day of early voting, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Marietta, Ga. theoretical or limited to Connecticut.

Photo Credit: Mike Stewart / AP Photo Examples from across the country, banning ranked-choice voting and Georgia could soon be the sixth state to including an Oakland, California school safeguard the integrity of elections. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Senate Republicans board race (where the wrong winner was initially declared) and a Democratic have introduced Senate Bill 355, which would prohibit the use of ranked-choice primary in Arlington County, Virginia, demonstrate ranked-choice voting leads to voting in state and local elections. As the nation grapples with confidence complications, delays, and confusion among voters. in elections, this bill stands as a commendable step towards ensuring the Alaska and Maine, both of which have implemented ranked-choice voting transparency and fairness of the electoral system. statewide, faced issues where election results contradicted the will of voters. For “This type of voting system, pushed by dark money groups, could cause a instance, in Alaska’s 2022 midterms, Democrat Mary Peltola won despite nearly drastic increase in the number of ballots being thrown out, disenfranchising 60% of voters supporting a Republican candidate.

Georgia voters,” Jones said in a statement. “Georgians deserve to have the The potential suppression of minority votes observed in the smaller-thanutmost faith in their elections, and those pushing ranked-choice voting are only expected turnout during the Arlington County primary underscores the need for hindering that faith.” careful reevaluation of ranked-choice voting.

A new study by Princeton Professor Nolan McCarty and the Center for Election Confidence raises concerns about ranked-choice voting negatively impacting minority voters. Dr. McCarty’s study, “Minority Electorates and ranked-choice Voting,” presents the first statistical analysis of the impact of ranked-choice voting on minority participation.

The findings highlight a troubling trend: Districts with significant minority populations experience a higher rate of “exhausted” ballots, leading to their elimination, compared to other districts. This raises serious, legitimate concerns about the fairness, equity, and transparency of ranked-choice voting elections.

Democrats have made ranked-choice voting a partisan issue. A paper published in October by the Foundation for Government Accountability highlights that ranked-choice voting is predominantly championed by Democrats, with 57 of the 74 pro-ranked-choice voting bills in 2023 having only Democratic sponsors.

The partisan push may likely be attributed to the system allowing less popular Democrats to defeat more popular Republicans, as seen in both Maine and Alaska. It also helps establishment Democratic leaders select nominees while making it more difficult for other traditional, rank-and-file Democratic voting blocs, such as the minorities in Professor McCarty’s study, to have their votes fully counted.

Ranked-choice voting proponents have employed deceptive messaging, framing it as based on “the idea of fairness,” to sway public opinion. A polling memo revealed that such misleading arguments resonate with the electorate.

This deceptive approach was evident ahead of a Wisconsin Senate hearing on a bill seeking to force the state to adopt ranked-choice voting.

Considering the threats to election integrity and the disproportionate impact on minority voters ranked-choice voting represents, Georgia’s Senate Bill 355 represents a crucial step toward protecting our democracy. As the nation grapples with the integrity of our electoral system, we must prioritize the inclusivity and fairness necessary to uphold the democratic values that define our nation.

Attorney Jason Thompson Chairs the Georgia chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association.

22

Around Town Thursday, February 8, 2024

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Holtsville Hal Predicts an Early Spring in Brookhaven Town Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman did not disappoint.

On February, at 7:25a.m., before a crowd of several hundred spectators, Holtsville Hal awoke from his slumber and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the Town of Brookhaven.

According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from his burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early.

Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham) read from Hal’s official prognostication.

“At sunrise, the sky was filled with more than one cloud, and so I hope your cheers will be quite loud. I did NOT see my shadow in the early morning hours, And so the wait will not be long until we see flowers.

Sun and warm temperatures the next few weeks will bring, I hope everyone enjoys this year’s early Spring!”

“Thankfully, after a wet and rainy January, Hal has given us a sunny outlook for the remainder of this winter season,” Losquadro said. “Regardless, the Brookhaven Highway Department is prepared, as always, for whatever Mother Nature sends our way.”

Superintendent Losquadro was joined by Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), Councilman Michael Loguercio (R-Ridge), and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (R-Selden).

Holtsville Hal is just one of the more than 100 animals who reside at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve. The center, which is open all yearround, includes a wildlife preserve, greenhouses, gardens, and jogging and exercise trails. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-5330.

Mount Sinai South Nassau ED Physician Is Honored as an ‘Unsung Hero’ The New York American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recently named Mount Sinai South Nassau Emergency Department night staff physician Brittney Di Bella, DO, a recipient of its 2023 Emergency Medicine Unsung Hero Award.

According to New York ACEP, the Emergency Medicine Unsung Hero Award is given to emergency medicine physicians who are deeply committed to the mission of the Emergency Department, their colleagues, coworkers, and patients.

“Dr. Di Bella will assist any patient or staff member and respond with solutions that raise our standards and improve the quality of the care patients receive in the Emergency Department,” said Jay Itzkowitz, MD, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “Not only is she a leader in the department, but she also cares about the well-being of all staff members, initiating social gatherings for department staff and collecting funds to celebrate staff and department achievements as well as to bring relief to staff members experiencing tough times.”

“Dr. Di Bella is defined by her professionalism, compassion, and humility,” added Adhi Sharma, MD, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau and an emergency medicine physician himself. “She is highly respected by all staff in the Emergency Department.”

Dr. Di Bella has been a member of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department since 2016. She graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012 and completed her emergency medicine residency at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, NY, where she served as chief resident.

Representing more than 3,200 emergency medicine professionals in New York, the New York ACEP advocates for broad access to quality health care, including

and especially emergency health services for all residents. The organization strives to promote efficient and effective utilization practices in the delivery of emergency services.

About Mount Sinai South Nassau The Long Island flagship hospital of the Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau is designated a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for outstanding nursing care. Mount Sinai South Nassau is one of the region’s largest hospitals, with 455 beds, more than 900 physicians and 3,600 employees.

Located in Oceanside, New York, the hospital is an acute-care, not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-art care in cardiac, oncologic, orthopedic, bariatric, pain management, mental health, and emergency services.

In addition to its extensive outpatient specialty centers, Mount Sinai South Nassau provides emergency and elective angioplasty, and offers Novalis Tx™ and Gamma Knife® radiosurgery technologies. Mount Sinai South Nassau operates the only Trauma Center on the South Shore of Nassau County verified by the American College of Surgeons as well as Long Island’s only free-standing, 9-1-1 receiving Emergency Department in Long Beach. Mount Sinai South Nassau also is a designated Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health and Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons; is an accredited center of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Association and Quality Improvement Program; and an Infectious Diseases Society of America Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence.

For more information, go to www.mountsinai.org/southnassau.

Long Island Ducks Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

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2024 Long Island Ducks Preliminary Promotional Schedule Announced The Long Island Ducks has announced their preliminary promotional schedule for the 2024 season, presented by Catholic Health.

Opening Night at Fairfield Properties Ballpark will kick off the season on Thursday, April 25, when the Ducks take on the defending Atlantic League champion Lancaster Barnstormers at 6:35p.m. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Beach Towels, courtesy of charter Ducks sponsor P.C. Richard and Son. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:15 to enjoy pregame team introductions.

The good times continue throughout Opening Weekend. Saturday, April 27, will feature the first of fifteen postgame Fireworks Spectaculars to take place at the ballpark this season. The following afternoon, the first 1,000 fans will receive 2024 Magnet Schedules, courtesy of Atria Senior Living. The full Fireworks Spectacular schedule is as follows, with UBS Financial Services, Forte Construction/Tap Electric, Fairfield Properties, Good Samaritan University Hospital, Flagstar Bank, Farmingdale State College, Uncle Giuseppe’s and the Suffolk County PBA presenting select shows: Saturday, April 27 Saturday, May 11 Saturday, May 25 Saturday, June 1 Friday, June 21 Saturday, June 22 Tuesday, July 2 Wednesday, July 3

Thursday, July 4 Saturday, July 20 Saturday, July 27 Saturday, August 3 Saturday, August 17 Saturday, August 31 Saturday, September 14

Also highlighting the promotional schedule in 2024 will be five games that celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Ducks first-ever Atlantic League championship, won in 2004. Fans will have the opportunity to receive collectors’ items celebrating this historic team, and a few key contributors to the championship could make an appearance at the ballpark too. Following are the scheduled dates for the 2004 Championship 20th Anniversary Series: Friday, April 26 – 2004 Atlantic League Champions Posters (first 1,500 fans) Friday, May 24 – Doug Jennings Oversized Baseball Cards (first 1,500 fans) Wednesday, June 19 – Kimera Bartee Oversized Baseball Cards (first 1,500 fans) Friday, July 26 – Justin Davies Oversized Baseball Cards (first 1,500 fans) Wednesday, August 21 – Kevin Baez Oversized Baseball Cards (first 1,500 fans) Also new to the promotional schedule this season will be Fans’ Choice Night on Thursday, August 20. This night will give fans the opportunity to personalize their experience at the ballpark by voting on things such as a giveaway item, music, food, and drink specials and much more. Voting will run through July 31.

Several other giveaway items and appearances are on the promotional schedule for this season, including: Quackers, courtesy of Romeo’s Fuel (first 1,000 fans) – Sunday, June 2 Ducks Baseball Caps, courtesy of Petro Home Services (first 1,200 fans) – Thursday, June 13 Superhero Night with appearances by Spider-Man and Captain America and Kid’s Health & Safety Expo, presented by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital – Thursday, June 20 Ducks Baseballs, courtesy of Yellow Dog Lawn Care (first 1,000 fans) – Sunday, July 21 Ducks T-Shirts, courtesy of SCOPE Education Services (first 1,500 fans) – Thursday, August 8 QJ Oversized Baseball Cards, courtesy of The Anne V. Graziani Fund (first 1,500 fans) – Thursday, September 12 The Ducks are also planning several exciting theme nights for 2024, including: Mother’s Day Brunch – Sunday, May 12 Bark in the Park – Saturday, May 27 (1:35 p.m.) and Monday, September 2 Golden Ticket Night – Thursday, May 30 Irish Heritage Night – Wednesday, July 10 Camp Day – Thursday, July 11 Jewish Heritage Night, presented by the Jewish Community Centers of Long Island – Sunday, August 18 Breast Cancer Awareness Night with Postgame Fireworks, presented by Uncle Giuseppe’s – Saturday, August 31 Fan Appreciation Day, presented by Coca-Cola – Sunday, September 15 Every game this year will include a chance to win an exciting prize, special offers or fun experiences as well. The following are the 2024 preliminary weekly promotions:

TRIPLE PLAY TUESDAYS: Every Tuesday game offers the chance to win $25,000!

If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will be a grand prize winner. To be eligible, simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk, located on the main concourse next to customer service.

WADDLE IN WEDNESDAYS: Wednesdays are for Ducks merchandise! Fans who spend $100 or more at the Waddle In Shop during Wednesday home games will receive a voucher good for $10 off a future purchase at the team store during the 2024 season (limit one voucher per person, per game). The Ducks will be highlighting special items at the Waddle In Shop throughout the season as well!

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: Enjoy exciting drink specials from Ducks exclusive partners during every Thursday game throughout the ballpark. The special offers will change each game and be announced in advance. All fans will also be invited to enjoy the Duck Club restaurant/bar, normally reserved for season ticket, luxury suite, and mini plan holders.

TAP ROOM FRIDAYS: Coming to a Friday game? We’ve got a special offer for you! As fans exit the ballpark, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a special offer from The Tap Room to enjoy at any of their six locations.

L.I. MACARTHUR AIRPORT LUCKY SEAT SATURDAYS: During every Saturday home game, the Ducks will select a lucky seat in the ballpark. The fan holding the ticket to that seat will win an exclusive prize, courtesy of Long Island MacArthur Airport. Sign up at the Ticket Kiosk prior to the end of the third inning for your chance to win. In addition, every Saturday night will feature a postgame Fireworks Spectacular!

BETHPAGE SUNDAY FAMILY FUNDAYS: Sundays are even more fun for families, courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union. All fans will be invited down for a pregame catch on the field once the gates open. Simply bring a baseball and gloves to take part!

After the game, all fans can take part in the weekly tradition of running the bases.

Individual tickets for all 2024 Ducks home games will go on sale Wednesday, February 7, at 10:00a.m. Fans can purchase their tickets by visiting LIDucks.com, calling (631) 940-TIXX, or visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office. Those purchasing tickets on February 7 will be entered into a raffle to win a Fan Appreciation Day VIP Experience.

The Ducks are entering their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 706 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Messenger Spotlight

Thursday, February 8, 2024

The ParentChild+ Program in Center Moriches Catherine Gutierrez reads to the children. Photo by PJ Balzer

By PJ Balzer ParentChild+ is an early literacy home to home-based program that started in Greenport, New York, in the early 1960s. Dr. Phyllis Levenstein was asked to develop a program for families that would increase the number of high school graduates. After extensive research, she concluded that the most effective intervention would be to reach out to children before they even entered school.

The late Dr. Levenstein had a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University. She studied and saw the large gap in literacy, vocabulary, and kindergarten readiness between children from underserved and possibly povertystricken households, in comparison to children from just

the opposite. Levenstein decided to develop a program that intervened early which has proven through the years to be successful.

Since then, the program has expanded, not only all over the United States, but now in other countries as well. The program focuses on children from a year-and-a-half to around four years of age. The heart behind it is to actively find children within the school district who may find themselves vulnerable for one reason or another. The majority of the children enrolled are living below the national poverty level, in some type of communal housing and may not have access to the same resources as everyone else. The ParentChild+ program visitor enters their homes with a book and a toy that the program provides. A half hour is spent interacting with the child and their parent or parents using the materials, with the goal in mind of modeling literacy, education, and healthy interaction between parent and child.

The most local site and school district that hosts the ParentChild+ Program is the Center Moriches School District. This site has been open since 2004 and Catherine Gutierrez has been the site coordinator there for nearly six years now. This specific site serves both Center Moriches and the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic.

Gutierrez believes in not only the program itself but also the plus, with the plus

meaning going the extra mile as herself and her home visitors are able to do for the children in the program and their families’ needs.

This may mean helping with diapers, snacks, and clothing for the child, as well as assisting in filling out job applications with a parent, providing references for a new job, or even a listening ear to a concerned parent.

They help translate in school matters for parents that speak English as a second language. This specific site is also beginning English classes for parents this year. There are times that the early learning specialists may observe delays in speech or certain behaviors that may indicate that the child is on the autism spectrum. They are able to screen, intervene early, and assist the parent in finding further resources to help their child.

When asked about the program, Amy Wallace of the Unkechaug Indian Nation on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic gave her thoughts.

“I love the program because when parents are involved the children succeed,” said Wallace. “This program will unlock your child’s potential. Every parents’ involvement fuels their child’s success.”

Melissa, whose child is currently in the program said, “This program has been wonderful for my son but also for me. I have learned new things that have helped me to help my other children with their schoolwork. I am extremely grateful for this program.”

Home visitor and early learning specialist Lillian Penney said, “Seeing that one can make a difference right in my own community is so rewarding. I love seeing their little faces beam with excitement as they learn something new. It’s so vital to invest in children as they truly are our future.”

Wallace’s statement has proven true. According to the program’s observation of their long-term success rate, ParentChild+ graduates are “50% more likely to be prepared for kindergarten than their socio-economic peers. ParentChild+ graduates outperformed the statewide average on third grade state math achievement tests.

ParentChild+ graduates are 50% less likely to need special education services by third grade.

ParentChild+ graduates scored two times higher on social-emotional skills than their peers.

ParentChild+ participants have 30% higher graduation rates than their peers.”

Keep reading, keep playing, keep succeeding, and making a difference, ParentChild+ Center Moriches and beyond!