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Charges Unveiled in Public Corruption Case Involving Prostitution Ring
By Matt Meduri
After a three-year investigation, District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), his department, and the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), have released the findings in a public corruption case that involves a nowformer SCPD officer and an Islip High School teacher. The two, along with other individuals, were allegedly involved in forging a criminal enterprise that perpetuated prostitution in Suffolk County.
The investigation was aided by the SCPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. The result is a fifty-eightcount indictment, charging four defendants with a litany of crimes.
Tierney described the “criminal enterprise” that operated for approximately five years, from 2019 to 2024, and the alleged perpetrators “unlawfully profited from prostitution.”
Frank Saggio is alleged to have been the “head” of the enterprise, who owned the two buildings involved in the investigation. One is located at 6089 Sunrise Highway in Holbrook and the other is located at 30 B Gleam Street in West Babylon.
Continued on page 16
Timber Point County Park Receives New Pickleball Courts
By Matt Meduri
Timber Point County Park has received four new pickleball courts.
Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) cut the ribbon on the new courts alongside Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).
Pickleball’s popularity in the country, and especially within the Town of Islip, has skyrocketed in recent years. Players enjoy the accessibility, simplicity, and social aspects of the sport, with the activity also offering health and fitness benefits.
First invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, the sport comes from three fathers looking to entertain their bored children during summer. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum are credited with inventing the sport.
Pickleball is often compared to tennis, but the sport uses light paddles and plastic balls as opposed to heavy racquets and rubber balls. Serves in pickleball are made underhand and diagonal, while tennis serves are made overhand. Pickleball courts are roughly half the size of tennis courts.
With a sport that’s relatively easy to learn and reportedly addicting to play, Timber Point now offers the amenities to the entire community.
Timber Point County Park is located at 398 Great River Road in Great River.
An aerial view of the new courts (Credit - Suffolk County Executive)
CreditMatt Meduri
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By Matt Meduri
Assemblyman Doug Smith won a special election in 2018 to fill the seat of his former boss, Al Graf (R). After winning three regular elections, the top Republican on the Education Committee is gearing up for a fourth term.
Assemblyman Smith sat down with The Messenger for an interview for this candidate spotlight.
Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Assembly?
A: I was a certified high school math teacher for grades seven through twelve teaching Algebra II and Trigonometry. Before getting elected, I served as chief of staff to my predecessor, Al Graf. I also had a small business doing website design. I was on the Board of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce.
Candidate Spotlight
Thursday, October 17, 2024
I miss teaching, but the reason I got involved in government on the education standpoint is because of the deeply-flawed common core curriculum that was being rolled out. I didn’t think it was age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate. When I worked for former Assemblyman Graf, I fell in love with education policy. I have a lot of respect for the practitioners who had to endure Andrew Cuomo’s (D) period of anti-teacher sentiments and the common core curriculum, which was a completely failed rollout, and then the pandemic. I’m fighting to give our students the best educational opportunities possible. I don’t think the state should be involved in every little aspect of education.
I also sit in on Regents Board screenings. We figure out if the nominees should be making education policy, and most of the time, the answer is they should be nowhere near making education policy. However, I do feel that the quality of the people on the Board of Regents has improved since I’ve been involved in the process. Education policy is run through the Board of Regents, who are appointed by the legislature, and then they appoint the Education Commissioner. It’s the only department where the commissioner does not answer to the Governor.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments for AD-05 and New York overall?
A: One of the first things I did when I took office was there was not a security vestibule or state-of-the-art visitor entry system in every school building. I was able to shake loose money - $11 million - that was tied up in Albany for years to ensure every single school building that I represent is secure. We’re working on getting there statewide.
I also put forward a proposal that anyone who died in service to our country would have their spouse or child attend any state university tuition-free, including room and board. Democrats defeated that initially. We caused such a ruckus because at the same time, they granted free college tuition for Dreamers. We got so much media attention that Donald Trump even tweeted about it. Eventually, Governor Cuomo (D) enacted it administratively. Democrats argued it was budgetary, but we were able to calculate how much this would have cost; it was miniscule.
The big one lately is securing the four-acre Holbrook Chamber Park on Union Avenue, the old Sachem administrative building. In collaboration with the county, the Sachem School District, and the Town Brookhaven, it will be an all-inclusive, disabilities-accessible park and playground, with walking paths, benches, and it would be a perfect venue for summer concerts or a Christmas tree lighting. It will be like Central Park for Holbrook. Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) and I successfully got Brookhaven to cover the cost of razing the building.
Q: What is your top priority if re-elected?
A: We have to be very careful about how the school aid formula is reworked. Since I’ve taken office, the Sachem CSD has received $10 million more per year, so it will be a fight because I don’t want us to go backwards. We need the schools fully funded to protect local property taxpayers. I’ve already started having conversations about keeping the harmless provision in place. Sachem has 2,000 fewer students than they had ten years ago. It costs more to educate students, but I don’t believe that burden should fall on the taxpayers. I think we also need a new metric to evaluate what a “successful” student is because our schools on Long Island are doing a much better job than other parts of the
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Assemblyman Doug Smith
Candidate: Assemblyman Doug Smith
Residence: Holbrook
First Elected: 2018 special election
Prior Elected Experience: None
Party Lines: Republican, Conservative Committees: Ranking Member on Education; Higher Education; Aging; Energy; Chair of the Task Force on School Safety and Security; Commission Member of the Future of LIPA; Member of the Future Caucus
Endorsements: Every law enforcement group, every building trade, NYSUT, IBEW, working people of my district.
state. Sachem has a graduation rate north of 90%, but it’s not the only way to measure success. What are school districts providing for a more enriching experience?
We also need to change how we deal with English language learners (ELL). Districts are seeing a great deal of influx, especially with the migrant crisis. It’s very expensive to educate people who might not have had formal English training. Funding special needs students is also expensive, but each student might have different education costs.
We have districts doing a great job in special ed and people are moving to them as a result of that. Middle Country has an incredible Universal Pre-K (UPK) program. Parents move into the district for those services, but now Middle Country becomes a victim of its own success by having its aid reduced. Costs go up, now they have to cut back on services, which becomes self-defeating, especially when families move into a district to have those resources.
Q: In your opinion, what is the “defining issue” of this election?
A: Safety and affordability, everyone knows it. Last time I checked, the average household income in my district was $94,000 per year, before taxes. Since Joe Biden took office, that same income only has buying power of $78,000. Inflation is a very insidious tax. Wages have not kept up and prices have skyrocketed. People are putting more on credit cards than they ever have.
People are not yet feeling fully safe either. I’m happy D.A. Tierney (R) and Sheriff Toulon (D) are here keeping us safe, but quality-of-life crimes, like catalytic converter theft, are still a very real concern. Also, about 75% of crimes being committed in NYC are related to the migrant crisis. The people I represent know who’s to blame for all of this. We tried to provide a good inflation reduction package which would have been a series of reductions in state income tax on certain items, a reduction in sales tax on certain items, and a reduction in the state fuel tax. It would have also allowed the counties to be able to make some of those decisions. We’re hoping that gets bipartisan support to take pressure off the families.
Child care is a big burden as well, and it’s particularly hard if both parents have to work. In some cases, it might not even make economic sense for one parent to work because child care costs are so high. It sometimes makes more sense for one parent to stay at home.
Q: What is your favorite, quote, motto, or work ethic?
A: “It’s amazing what you can get done when you don’t care who gets the credit.”Harry Truman. I have this quote on a plaque in my district office.
Q: How do you like to connect with your community?
A: You’ll find me at Irish Times in Holbrook, Flanagan’s Pub in Lake Ronkonkoma, and the Village Idiot in Lake Grove. My daughter goes to the same elementary school that I went to. I’m very active in the PTA as well. I want my daughter to be able to live the American Dream here in New York and not somewhere else.
The Messenger thanks Assemblyman Smith for his time for this interview. Smith’s opponent, Michael Reynolds (D-Lake Ronkonkoma), was contacted for an interview but did not reply with availability.
About the Fifth Assembly District
The Fifth District is split between the Towns of Brookhaven and Islip, containing the communities of Lake Grove and parts of Bohemia, Centereach, Farmingville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Islandia, Lake Ronkonkoma, North Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, and Selden.
The Islip Messenger serves Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma, Oakdale, Holtsville, West Sayville, Sayville, Holbrook, Patchogue, Bohemia, Islandia and Islip 69 Years of Service to Our Community
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Report: Hochul Receives Failing Grade on Fiscal Restraint
By Christian Wade | Center Square Contributor
New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul received a failing grade on fiscal restraint from a libertarian think-tank, which criticized her for supporting higher taxes and government spending.
The Cato Institute’s 2024 fiscal report card on U.S. governors gave Hochul an “F” grade. It ticked off a long list of tax increases that have driven up costs for average New Yorkers since she took office in 2021 to replace then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), who resigned amid sexual harassment claims.
The report credited Hochul with accelerating previously enacted income tax cuts in 2022 and, a year later, approving a six-month suspension of the gas tax, but it said those have been overshadowed by other tax and spending increases under her watch.
“Hochul has approved some tax cuts, but they have been narrow special-interest breaks,” the report’s authors said. “New York’s budget in 2022, for example, included breaks for such things as childcare, digital gaming, heating oil conversion, theatre productions, electric vehicles, and farmers. New York hands out $700 million a year
in film tax breaks.”
That included a significant increase in an MTA payroll tax, extending a capital base tax and an increase in the top corporate tax rate from 6.5% to 7.25% through 2026, and increasing the state’s cigarette taxes.
“A far larger cost to New Yorkers will be imposed by Hochul’s ‘cap and invest’ program, which is supposed to counter climate change,” the report’s authors wrote. “The program, which is scheduled to begin operation in 2025, will raise $2 billion or more in its first year in operation and increasing amounts after that from the auctioning of emissions allowances. These costs will ultimately land on every New Yorker.”
The report’s authors said the tax increases will “speed the exodus of New Yorkers to lowertax states” and pointed to Internal Revenue Service data showing New York lost a net 108,000 households to other states in 2022.
“Most troubling for New York’s economy is that high earners are leaving in droves and taking their wealth and skills with them,” the report noted. “The IRS data show that about two high earners have been moving out of the state for each one
moving in.”
The Cato Institute grades governors in their annual report on their tax and spending records. Those who have cut taxes and spending receive higher grades, while those who have increased taxes and spending get lower marks. The report also considers trends in school choice, business subsidies and government debt.
Only six governors all Republicans were given “A” grades in the report, including Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Jim Justice of West Virginia, and Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, according to the group.
“These governors have led the largest wave of state tax-cutting in decades,” the authors wrote.
“Half of the states have cut individual or corporate income tax rates in recent years.”
Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills joined Hochul as one of the six governors to receive an “F” grade and scored poorly on spending, which the group attributed to her support for “large budget increases” and an expansion of Medicaid spending. The group pointed out that Mills’ predecessor, Republican Governor Paul LePage, received an “A” grade for his fiscal restraint.
Can AI Save Us from Superbugs?
By Dr. Akhila Kosaraju
You’ve probably heard of artificial intelligence writing college admissions essays or producing authentic-looking “deep fake” images. Less discussed is AI’s potential to help us address health crises.
If deployed properly, AI could equip scientists with tools to fight the rise of drug-resistant superbugs.
Scientists predict that superbugs bacteria and fungi that have developed resistance to existing medicines could kill 10 million people per year by 2050.
Fortunately, AI has the potential to give humans a leg up on superbugs. But it’ll take the best efforts of the public and private sectors to ensure new drugs are accessible to patients before it’s too late.
In 2019, superbugs were linked to the deaths of nearly 5 million people worldwide.
Despite this alarming trend, many large companies have stopped researching antimicrobials. That’s not due to lack of scientific promise. It’s because the process is often commercially infeasible. In fact, nearly all of the small companies that received FDA approval for a new antibiotic since 2017 have filed for bankruptcy, been bought out by another company, or shut their doors.
We need to attack this problem from two ends: optimizing the discovery of treatments and reshaping the antibiotic market with new incentives.
My company and our academic partners are working on the first part of the problem. Using AI, we’re developing new classes of antibiotics that treat the world’s most urgent threats. In days or weeks, AI can do discovery work that would take researchers months or years.
Here’s how it works. Researchers expose a pathogen to thousands of chemicals with diverse structures to determine which ones prevent bacterial growth. They use the results to train an AI model to predict which new chemical compounds might be similarly effective.
Researchers then bombard the model with millions to billions of possible molecular structures. AI can virtually screen millions of molecules in an afternoon, no petri dishes required.
Scientists then test the most likely prospects. AI could shorten the time between drug discovery and the pre-investigation stage from roughly 4.5 to 2.5 years. AI could reduce research expenses to one-third of what they might be otherwise.
With breakthroughs like these, we are poised to discover new antimicrobials. Yet the economics mean there’s little incentive to develop them.
Clinicians must use antibiotics judiciously to preserve their effectiveness. This has contributed to challenging economics for companies to recoup the investments made to bring a new antibiotic to market.
Government efforts have a key role to play. The bipartisan PASTEUR Act
The List of Non-Bail-Eligible Crimes is Absurd
Since election season is right around the corner, both parties are ramping up their messaging on one of the state’s most contentious issues: bail reform.
It’s no secret that it’s been a lightning rod for qualityof-life crimes across the state and it’s also public knowledge that a bipartisan slate of legislators have been fighting tirelessly to make some of these charges bail-eligible and restore judicial discretion in most cases.
If you have a chance, take a look at Page 14, our Civics 101 column. This week, we exhaustively list a litany of crimes for which defendants cannot be held on bail.
The kicker: our Page 14 article is just part one of a very long list. We look forward to running the second part next week.
Assaults, stalking, reckless endangerment, failure to register as sex offender, prostitution in a school zone, poisoning or attempting to poison an animal, aggravated labor trafficking, some degrees of arson, and a host of drug offenses.
These are just a few of the serious crimes that are currently not bail-eligible. It’s ludicrous that Albany would come to a point where they could think this is sensible.
Granted, some crimes have lesser degrees that are not bail-eligible, while the most serious offenses of certain crimes remain so. It’s also worth mentioning that some charges are not akin to the ones above, but it’s unsettling to see just how many are comparable to some of the more brazen crimes.
As a humorous side note, we were fascinated to learn that fortune telling is an actual crime in New York. It’s a class B misdemeanor applied to anyone who claims or pretends to tell fortunes for fees or other compensation, claims to be able to answer questions and/or give advice on personal matters, and claims to be able to influence or affect evil spirits or curses. The law does not apply to fortune tellers who engage in the practice for entertainment or exhibition.
Still, we found that to be a rather specific crime and we agree that con artists should be held accountable. We’ll even be willing to say that such a person could probably be released on their own recognizance, at least in most cases…benefit of the doubt…
Moreover, Democrats on the campaign trail are arguing that fear tactics completely blow the reaction out of proportion. They argue that since major
crimes are down in Suffolk, it’s a non-issue.
They might have a point, but we owe our major crime handlings to our fantastic District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) and our equally-fantastic Sheriff Errol Toulon (D).
However, quality-of-life crimes, and even those more severe, such as drug sales implicit in the sale of fentanyl and potential related overdoses, allow criminals to remain at large while the County’s top cop is handcuffed on the issue.
We also learned this week that some Democrats knew that the overhaul would convince voters to back the Republican Party. The premonitions were apparently palpable in Albany, yet the progressive legislature engaged in their typical cart-before-thehorse behavior.
Only adding insult to injury was a Governor (Cuomo) who could not get along with a legislature increasingly growing out of touch with his more traditional brand of politics. Cuomo attempted to get on the progressive bandwagon in 2018, only to be effectively couped in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.
Sensing the impending dysfunction and recognizing the zero-sum game of a legislature with powers to override his veto, Cuomo simply took the loss and signed the budget - and bail reform - into law.
This is not how laws in our state should be made. It’s one thing to address a bail system that might penalize some to a point of no return fiscally (we do believe in second chances), and it’s also sensible to create a check on more affluent offenders to whom bail bonds don’t apply.
But it’s another to throw the baby out with the bathwater in the other direction: a free-for-all, Wild West-style of criminal justice reform where the people who crafted the bill are seemingly discovering its ramifications at the same time the rest of the state is.
These laws need serious changes as soon as the next legislative calendar starts. Albany would be wise to consult with law enforcement personnel from all corners of New York to bring back reasonable checks and balances while also deliberating provisions in line with the original intent of the legislation.
We believe in second chances, but Albany only had to “fool us once” for us to say “shame on them.”
Prostitution Bust Reminds Us of a Familiar Face
District Attorney Ray Tierney’s (R) latest announcement of a three-year investigation that busted two prostitution rings managed by a vetted member of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) and an Islip High School teacher shows that some people are truly unaware of the dangers of flying too close to the sun.
Both public positions are of generally wellrespected careers, but to have allegedly acted in such nefarious ways is enough to make some people look at them differently.
We here at The Messenger understand neither individual is representative of their respective fields, but we can also understand why some are likely to be off-put by the charges.
One reporter at Tuesday’s press conference became argumentative with D.A. Tierney on this issue, first alleging that qualified immunity shielded the officer from any wrongdoing during his time on the force. Qualified immunity obviously has nothing to do with this, as the concept only applies to actions taken within the scope of duty.
The incensed reporter’s vendetta became clear when he claimed that he’s been harassed by police officers for seemingly no apparent reason. When Tierney vocally disagreed with his allusions to a broader problem within the department, the reporter retorted “that’s horrible.”
We think it’s reprehensible to engage in that type of conduct with public officials, especially those presenting and prosecuting evidence that takes these people off public payroll and into jail cells for what could be a rather long time. Moreover, using a major press conference to air personal grievances for
unspecified reasons is just immature and, quite frankly, lame.
But our bigger question is more or less of what the case reminds us of. The officer allegedly involved in the prostitution ring, which also saw sex workers forced to sign “lease” agreements that conscripted them to their “service,” was on the force since 2006. The officer is also alleged to have managed his properties while in uniform and on duty.
We can think of another long-time Suffolk cop who participated in prostitution-centric activities while on duty.
The ghost of Jimmy Burke’s decency serves as a poignant reminder of just what kind of “inner circle” and power class was set up in the department, enabled by crooked former D.A. Tom Spota (D), and passively allowed by former County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon). Although Burke wouldn’t be appointed by Bellone as police chief until 2012, he had served in the SCPD since 1995.
We’re not laying blame squarely on these three men for this particular incident, but it begs the question of whether or not the officer allegedly involved in such schemes was a leftover byproduct of an old guard that Caligula probably would have enjoyed running.
We commend D.A. Tierney, the SCPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, and all investigators and bodies involved in bringing this three-year case to light. It is our hope, that if the officer in question is, in fact, proven guilty, that another palace guard serves time for his crimes and breach of public trust.
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Thursday, October 17,
Judge: Even Year Election Law Has More Holes Than Swiss Cheese
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
New York’s politically motivated and unconstitutional Even Year Election Law has been struck down by an Onondaga County state Supreme Court Justice. For anyone who recalls the immediate pushback from local officials and constitutional law scholars when the law was first passed, this ruling should come as no great surprise.
The law was painted as a way to improve voter turnout in local elections by “consolidating” them to align with higher-profile state and federal contests taking place in even-numbered years. The problem with this law, outside its obvious political motivations, is that it excludes certain races and certain counties like those in New York City. In other words, there would still be elections in odd-numbered years, and all the costs and work associated with hosting those elections would still be incurred.
Rightfully, Supreme Court Justice Gerard J. Neri took exception to the contradictory and illogical legislation as he pointed out it tramples home rule, usurps the legal authority of counties to schedule elections and set terms of office, violates the state
constitution and raises federal equal protection concerns. There were a lot of holes in this law, and the courts saw right through them.
This law, which was pushed by legislative Democrats and Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) office in the waning hours of the legislative session, reeked of political manipulation. Even years tend to have greater participation than odd years because they include higher-turnout elections like that for the president. In New York, where Democrat voters outnumber Republicans by a wide margin, it’s clear the motivation behind the law had nothing to do with increasing voter participation overall but rather boosting downballot Democrats’ chances in local elections by putting them on ballots with candidates expected to draw more voters. Again, the court saw right through this tactic.
Our elections are sacrosanct. They are the cornerstone of our democratic system and should be treated with the respect they deserve. The laws governing our electoral system are not political tools to help generate one outcome or another; they must be fervently and aggressively fair, and
most everyone could see this law was not. I’m glad this matter was handled swiftly by the courts and am very happy to see local governments preserve their legal authority over this most important consideration.
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader and has represented the 120th Assembly District since 2003.
The 120th District contains most of Oswego County and parts of Jefferson and Onondaga counties.
Why We Celebrate Columbus Day
By Long Island Life and Politics
A member of our staff confided with us about a conversation he had with his eight-year-old son.
He asked if he was happy that his son had off for Columbus Day. The boy didn’t know what he was talking about. “What’s Columbus Day, dad?”
“It’s the day we’re celebrating on Monday.”
“Oh, you mean Indigenous Peoples’ Day.”
When the dad asked the boy if he knew who Columbus was, he replied, “Isn’t he the man who helped poison the Indians?”
In our new woke, politically correct era, Columbus is now portrayed as an evildoer.
The trend is to stop celebrating the second Monday in October as Columbus Day and instead use it as an opportunity to honor those he allegedly abused.
There’s no question that some of the methods of the European settlers were harsh. But we guess we could say that that would pertain to just about every group of explorers venturing into new territory since the beginning of time.
The relationship between Europeans, and then the Americans, with Indians in North America was complicated. It wasn’t so simple as to say that the settlers sought to kill off the Indian population and that the Indians were passive toward the new settlers. In fact, there was tremendous warfare between one Indian tribe and the next.
We’re now seeing horrific critical race theory, and DEI instructional mandates coming from the
New York Board of Regents that rolls out 40 videos to be shown in state parks, entitled “Revisit the Revolution.”
It emphasizes how people of color worked with the revolutionaries, only to be betrayed by them after the war. Another video states, “Since its founding, the United States has never upheld a treaty made with an indigenous nation.” They are looking to distribute these materials within our schools next year.
The constant berating of America to our children by our legislative and academic leaders is a prime reason why so many of the upcoming generation dislike the nation in which they live. The majority of young people have said they will not fight to defend America if it was attacked.
How about teaching this instead to our kids:
Columbus was an imperfect human being, but the opening up of America to the rest of the world helped usher in a future homeland where the world’s greatest democracy would flourish. It helped precipitate a vast explosion of world trade.
Readers are encouraged to check out the book Suicide of the West by Jonah Goldberg. It notes how present leaders of the West are doing their best to denigrate their own systems and culture which have produced the most advances, best quality of life, and largest extent of freedom that ever existed in the world.
People lived as serfs and under totalitarian rule
for the vast majority of human existence. Then two things suddenly erupted around the time of Columbus and immediately thereafter.
One was the opening of trade routes that allowed for an explosion of wealth and an opportunity for upward economic and social mobility. The other was the advent of democracy that placed the worth of the individual above that of the state. These values would usher in the Renaissance, which percolated coincidentally enough a short time after Columbus expanded European curiosity to other worlds.
It would take some time before the new world that Columbus discovered would result in this new American society that truly did become a beacon of light for the rest of the world. But, make no mistake, America’s astonishing achievements could never have happened without Columbus taking the brave step of sailing into the unknown.
This new land that Columbus discovered is one where people all over the world still strive to come to. It provides opportunities and freedoms that don’t exist in many other places.
That’s something that should be celebrated and embraced, not disowned as our younger generation is being taught to do.
This op-ed originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.
Dear Mr. Balzer, Thank you for your thoughtful and sensitive essay.
I wonder if you ever considered suggesting adoption to the women you describe in your article? I’m sure that this could be heart wrenching, but it could be the best option in these cases. There are childless parents who are ready, willing, and able to adopt.
I was a teacher for unwed mothers; many of my students had chosen abortion (after their first birth), and many regretted their decision and even found it traumatizing.
Sincerely,
Marie Cotter Kings Park
By Cait Crudden
LaLota, Panetta Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Children of Fallen Service Members
In a strong show of bipartisan collaboration, Congressman’s Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) and Jimmy Panetta (D, CA-19), both Navy veterans, have introduced the Gold Star Children Education Act. The proposed legislation, aimed at supporting the families of fallen service members, would ensure that dependents of Armed Forces members who died while on active duty are eligible to enroll in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools on a tuition-free, space-available basis.
The bill is designed to alleviate the financial burdens that Gold Star families may face in accessing quality education for their children. Currently, DoDEA schools, known for providing top-tier education to military-connected students, are primarily available to dependents of active-duty service members stationed overseas or on certain military installations. The Gold Star Children Education Act would extend these educational benefits to the children of fallen service members, giving them access to the same level of education at no cost.
“As a Navy Veteran, I understand firsthand the sacrifices that military families make every day sacrifices that are even more profound for Gold Star Families who have suffered the ultimate loss. My bipartisan Gold Star Children Education Act aims to honor the legacy of our fallen Service Members by ensuring their loved ones receive the support they need, including access to DoD schools,” said LaLota (pictured right)
Congressman Panetta stressed that this bill is not just about access to education, but about offering stability to families who have endured profound loss.
“As a nation, we have an obligation to support the families of our fallen servicemembers,” said Panetta (pictured right). “The Gold Star Children Education Act ensures that children of the fallen can access Department of Defense schools, giving them a stable, supportive community as they navigate forward from the tragic loss of a parent. This bipartisan, bicameral bill honors the sacrifice of our Gold Star families by providing their children with the resources their children need to succeed”.
The Gold Star Children Education Act reflects a commitment to the enduring principle that a nation should care for those who have borne the brunt of war, including the families of the fallen. Gold Star families, designated as those who have lost a loved one in military service, face unique emotional and financial challenges. Education is a cornerstone of recovery and resilience for these families, and the bill aims to remove one critical stressor by offering access to top-tier
schooling without financial strain.
In addition to its bipartisan support, the bill has garnered interest in the Senate, with similar proposals. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed optimism that the legislation will gain widespread backing, given its focused mission of supporting military families.
The introduction of the Gold Star Children Education Act has been welcomed by military advocacy groups and veterans’ organizations, who see it as a much-needed expansion of educational benefits for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. DoDEA schools are renowned for their high academic standards, experienced teachers, and focus on the unique challenges faced by military-connected students, making them an ideal resource for Gold Star children.
As the bill moves forward, both LaLota and Panetta are urging their colleagues in Congress to act swiftly in passing the legislation, ensuring that Gold Star children across the nation can benefit from these educational opportunities.
“Studies have shown that access to quality schools on military installations significantly enhances the quality of life for military families. We must ensure that Gold Star children can remain in familiar military communities, where they can grieve and heal with the support of experienced professionals. These families have paid the ultimate price for our country, and providing this support is the very least we can do to honor their sacrifice,” remarked LaLota.
The Gold Star Children Education Act marks a significant step in ensuring that the children of fallen service members are given every opportunity to thrive, despite the hardships their families have faced. By providing access to free, high-quality education in DoDEA schools, this legislation seeks to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives for their country and support their children in achieving their fullest potential.
Garbarino, Newhouse Push to Protect Food Supply Chains and Counter China’s Biotechnology Advances
By Cait Crudden
In response to growing concerns over China’s advances in biotechnology and their potential impact on U.S. agriculture, Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) (pictured right) and Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04) are leading a bipartisan effort to protect the U.S. food supply chain. The two lawmakers recently sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence and the Director of Homeland Security at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging a national strategy to address Chinese innovation in biotechnology, particularly in agriculture.
The letter, also signed by Representatives Ken Calvert (R, CA41), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R, OR-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA01), Jennifer Kiggans (R, VA-02), Mike Lawler (R, NY-17), Nancy Mace (R, SC-01), Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19), Joe Wilson (R, SC-02), and Robert Wittman (R, VA-01), highlights concerns that China’s rapid advancements in biotechnology, specifically in genetically modified crops and food security technologies, could have serious implications for U.S. food supply chains, biosecurity, and agricultural dominance.
“These developments are related to the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to dominate emerging fields like innovative proteins, which includes cultivated meats. This year’s DNI Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community issued a stark warning about China’s strategic advancements and highlighted China’s use of synthetic biology and agricultural biotechnology as a targeted attempt to dominate global food supply chains. The report identified China as a formidable competitor aspiring to lead the broader biotechnological landscape. This reality has only been compounded by recent Chinese activity in the innovative protein market, most notably by the inclusion of cultivated meat research and development in China’s five-year agricultural plan,” the Members wrote.
The lawmakers expressed concerns about China’s strategic investments in biotechnology, which could allow them to gain control of critical segments of global food
supply chains. They noted that these innovations could not only undermine the U.S. position as a global leader in agriculture but also threaten national security by making the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or agricultural bioattacks.
The letter calls for the Director of National Intelligence and the USDA to coordinate to conduct a focused analysis on the potential implications of China’s advancements in innovative protein technologies and their potential to disrupt global food supply chains.
These representatives, who have long been advocates for U.S. agriculture and rural communities, emphasized the importance of protecting American farmers. “We request that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the USDA Office of Homeland Security coordinate to conduct a focused analysis on the potential implications of China’s advancements in innovative protein technologies and their potential to disrupt global food supply chains. We seek your recommendations on strategic measures the United States should consider to ensure continued leadership and resilience in this critical sector,” the Members continued.
The lawmakers see this as a potential threat to U.S. food security and believe that stricter regulations are necessary to prevent foreign control of key agricultural resources. As the global population continues to grow and the demand for food increases, biotechnology will play an increasingly important role in ensuring food security. The letter highlights the need for the U.S. to take decisive action to protect its agricultural industry from foreign interference and to remain at the forefront of innovation.
With bipartisan support, the letter signals a growing concern among U.S. lawmakers about the potential consequences of falling behind in the biotechnology race and ceding American leadership regarding the global food supply. The next steps will involve working with federal agencies to develop a coordinated national strategy to address these pressing issues and safeguard the future of American agriculture.
Image by freepik
This Week Today
Thursday, October 17, 2024
National, State and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
As the crucial 2024 election nears, a valuable barometer of political moods is voter registration.
The fresh numbers have come from Pennsylvania, where Republicans have been lapping Democrats in voter registration numbers not seen in decades. The valuable swing county of Erie has seen an eighteen-point drop for Democrats over the last four years. They still have the edge, but it’s a stark downturn in such a short period of time.
Erie County was won by Joe Biden (D-DE) in 2020 by only one percentage point. Erie County is regarded as one of the top swing counties in the nation and could have a hand in swinging the Keystone State, and the election, to either candidate. It’s also a valuable bellwether county, having backed the winner of the general election in twenty-five of the last twenty-eight elections.
A key player in the ground game in Pennsylvania comes from Scott Presler, who has tirelessly been registering voters across his home state.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, Democrats have lost over two points of their ground against the GOP compared to four years ago. The lion’s share of new registrants have sided with the Republican Party. In Nevada, the past four years have seen a 22% increase in voter registration, but Democrats have lost 4% of their share, while Republicans have picked up 8%.
In North Carolina, both parties have seen minor reductions in their shares, but voter registration overall is up 5% compared to 2020. Four years ago, Democrats had a six-point registration advantage over Republicans. Now, the GOP leads the Party of Jackson by one point.
Nationally, Decision Desk HQ notes that while Republicans have gained almost 150,000 new registered voters, Democrats have lost 3.5 million.
In foreign policy news, the U.S. has launched airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen in an effort to target five underground weapons aches. The Iran-backed militant group has experienced its first U.S. attack since last year.
“U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers were part of the operation,” U.S. Central Command said in a news release. “The employment of the B-2 bomber demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to reach these targets, when necessary, anytime, anywhere.”
The underground Houthi facilities reportedly housed “missiles, weapons, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels,” CENTCOM said in the release.
“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “We will continue to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks.”
State
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured above right) is apparently showing support for the currently embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D).
Last month, Adams was indicted on charges that allege bribery, conspiracy, fraud, and two counts of
soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. It is alleged that Adams received luxury travel and gifts from Turkish dignitaries and created a false paper trail to show that he had paid for the trips in full.
Adams (pictured above) is the first New York mayor to be charged with a federal crime.
During the Columbus Day Parade, Governor Hochul told PIX11 News: “Told him to bring in new blood…he’s doing that…working well through the chaos.”
Several members of Adams’ inner circle have resigned and some face their own investigations. Some notable resignations include former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
Mohamed Bahi, a Muslim liaison to Adams, was recently charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence relating to the investigation that led to Adams’ indictment. Bahi is accused of deleting encrypted messages to Adams and persuading a businessman to lie to federal authorities about a straw donor scheme.
A straw donor scheme is when a donor contributes to a political campaign before receiving reimbursement from another campaign. The secondary campaign uses that donor as a means of
exceeding limits on campaign contributions.
Adams has asserted he will not resign, despite a Marist Poll finding that 70% of New York City residents believe he should exit the office. The poll also found that 63% of New Yorkers think Hochul should remove him from office, a power never previously invoked against a mayor of the state’s largest city. The last time the governor removed an elected official from office was in 1932, when then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt (D) removed Manhattan Sheriff Thomas “Tin Box” Farley over padding his office’s payroll.
Adams’ approval rating stands at just 26%.
Local
The Suffolk Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force is set to hold a public listening session at the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge on Wednesday, October 23, at 6:30p.m.
The task force is seeking input from all who are concerned or have been impacted by material morbidity/mortality. The task force hopes for stakeholders, medical professionals, medical
students, midwifery organizations, civic and faithbased organizations, and elected officials.
The task force was started in 2020 by Legislator Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) (pictured above) The task force is composed of sixteen members Maternal morbidity is considered any health condition attributed to and/or aggravated by pregnancy and childbirth that has a negative impact on a woman’s wellbeing, such as diabetes, mental illness, anemia, infections, and other perinatal complications. The most severe complications of pregnancy affect more than 65,000 women per year in the country. This statistic also includes unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to a woman’s health.
The task force is charged with studying the challenges within the County with respect to these issues, particularly with a focus on majorityminority communities. The goal is to compare the number of deaths associated with improper vs. proper aftercare and provide recommendations to reduce the material morbidity/mortality rates in Suffolk County.
Timber Point Artists Take to the Great Outdoors
Senator Alexis Weik
about adding
By PJ Balzer
aren’t known, they both have come to the same
we wouldn’t recommend any one of any age to use strongly advise against it for adolescents, teenagers, and THC in a growing brain have been coupled up with life altering people using marijuana have gained an impaired ability to now
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
now a teenager who is now content winning a few
Some of my friends, just like myself, ended up getting
Some of my friends, just like myself, ended up
I personally started smoking marijuana in middle school. I was barely even a teenager when I took my first drag. I was a sports kid during the week but hung out with the kids who liked to fight, smoke, and drink on Friday and Saturday nights. My young body was resilient enough to be able to live between both worlds and still somewhat excel. Yet, as I look back in hindsight, if I could do it all over again, I would have stayed in one world. The world of discipline, scholastics, sports, and complete sobriety. Study after study has now taught us that marijuana has detrimental effects on the still growing and developing teenage brain, effects that are irreversible and last a lifetime
MANGOTREE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, L.P., AND OPPORTUNITY
ZONE RE 2019, LLC., PLAINTIFF, -AGAINST-
alone. Some used marijuana as a gateway to harder
3) NORTH 88 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST, 215.84 FEET;
Our brain is going through major changes from childhood right up until twenty-five years old. The frontal lobe and wiring of the brain go through monumental changes that determine the way we learn, memorize, react, feel, and process information and handle emotions. Much of our impulse control, decision making, and mental health all circles around this region of the brain. This area of the brain controls executive functions including the ability to plan, organize, initiate, self-monitor, and control our own response in order to achieve goals.
4) SOUTH 03 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST, 433.55 FEET;
5) SOUTH 88 DEGREES 09 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST, FEET:
ISLAND PROPERTIES & ASSOCIATES, LLC., IPA ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC.,IPA ASSET MANAGEMENT III, LLC., 31FO, LLC., 453F, LLC., 91G, LLC., LONG ISLAND INVESTMENTS, LLC., 35DO, LLC., IPA ASSET MANAGEMENT IV, LLC., AND 1032C, LLC., DEFENDANTS. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------X
STATE OF NEW YORK) ) SS: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK)
BY VIRTUE OF A CERTAIN EXECUTION ISSUED UPON A JUDGMENT IN THE SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, STATE OF NEW YORK, AND TO ME DIRECTED AND DELIVERED AGAINST CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY THEREIN DESCRIBED, I HAVE SEIZED ALL THE RIGHT, TITLE AND INTEREST WHICH THE DEFENDANT, IPA ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC., HAD ON THE 19TH DAY OF JULY, 2024, OR ANY TIME THEREAFTER OF IN AND TO THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY, TO WIT: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT HAUPPAUGE, IN THE TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK, KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT NO. 119 ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED, “MAP OF HIDDEN PONDS AT SMITHTOWN SECTION 2” AND FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AUGUST 15, 1985, AS MAP NO. 7949, WHICH SAID LOT IS MORE PARTICULARLY BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PREMISES HEREIN WHERE THE SAME IS INTERSECTED BY THE DIVISION LINE BETWEEN LOTS 118 AND 119 ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED MAP, SAID POINT OR PLACE OF BEGINNING BEING ALSO DISTANT THE FOLLOWING 7 COURSES AND DISTANCES FROM THE CORNER FORMED BY THE INTERSECTION OF THE EASTERLY SIDE OF MT. PLEASANT ROAD (AS WIDENED) WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY SIDE OF NESCONSET-PORT JEFFERSON HIGHWAY N.Y.S. ROUTE 347;
1) NORTH 59 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST, 943.07 FEET;
2) SOUTH 30 DEGREES 34 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST 237.00 FEET;
6) NORTH 09 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 50 SECONDS WEST, 0.78 FEET;
Some selling and have had a life full of run-ins with the law. Some are dead and were just never able to fully pull it together after using marijuana with alcohol their entire young life. In being where I’ve been and seeing I’ve seen, I would easily agree with the sentiment of both Harvard Hopkins in saying, “I would strongly advise that young people with developing brains do not add marijuana to it.”
alone. Some used marijuana as a gateway to harder drugs. Some selling and have had a life full of run-ins with the law. Some are dead were just never able to fully pull it together after using marijuana with alcohol their entire young life. In being where I’ve been and I’ve seen, I would easily agree with the sentiment of both Harvard Hopkins in saying, “I would strongly advise that young people with brains do not add marijuana to it.”
Harvard and John Hopkins University both have extensive and ongoing studies being conducted about adding high levels of THC to a brain that’s still growing and developing. While the studies are ongoing and the longterm effects still aren’t known, they both have come to the same premature conclusion: “While we wouldn’t recommend any one of any age to use marijuana, we would strongly advise against it for adolescents, teenagers, and young adults.”
7) NORTH 80 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 10 SECONDS EAST, 39.25 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OR PLACE OF BEGINNING;
High levels of THC in a growing brain have been coupled up with life altering changes. Young people using marijuana have gained an impaired ability to
8) NORTH 03 DEGREES 49 MINUTES 25 SECONDS EAST, 656.88 FEET; THENCE ALONG THE DIVISION LINE BETWEEN LOTS 118 AND 119 AND ALONG THE COMMON AREA NORTH 9 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 50 SECONDS WEST 61.83 FEET; THENCE NORTH 80 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 10 SECONDS EAST 25.83 FEET TO THE DIVISION LINE BETWEEN LOTS 119 AND 120; THENCE ALONG SAID LAST MENTIONED DIVISION LINE SOUTH 9 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 50 SECONDS EAST 61.83 FEET TO A COMMON AREA;
THENCE ALONG THE COMMON AREA SOUTH 80 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 10 SECONDS WEST 25.83 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OR PLACE OF BEGINNING.
119 HIDDEN POND COURT, SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK 11787
DISTRICT 0800 SECTION 132.00 BLOCK 01.00 LOT 119.00
WHICH I SHALL EXPOSE FOR SALE BY PUBLIC VENDUE AS THE LAW DIRECTS ON THE 16TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024 AT 11:00 A.M., IN THE FORENOON OF THAT DAY, SALE TO BE HELD IN THE AUDITORIUM AT THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, 360 YAPHANK AVENUE, YAPHANK, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK.
TERMS OF SALE: PAYMENT BY CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK OR ATTORNEY’S CHECK, BANK CHECKS TO BE MADE PAYABLE TO SHERIFF OF SUFFOLK COUNTY (AND INCLUDE OR YOURSELF) THIRD PARTY CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, AT LEAST TEN PERCENT (10%) DOWN AT CONCLUSION OF BIDDING WITH THE BALANCE DUE NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M. OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. NOTE: DOWN PAYMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE IF THE BALANCE DUE IS NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE.
DATED AT YAPHANK, NEW YORK THIS 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024 ERROL D. TOULON,Jr.,Ed.D., SHERIFF SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
6485 S 11-28-24
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE TRUST ACQUISITION, Plaintiff, vs.
FRANCINE CASHEL A/K/A FRANCINE PARZIALE CASHEL, ET AL., Defendant(s).
U.S. BANK NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA, NA, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LASALLE BANK NA, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE WASHINGTON MUTUAL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, WMALT SERIES 2005-8, Plaintiff, vs.
ANTHONY URBINATI, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 9, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., premises known as 2 Patricia Lane, Lake Grove, NY 11755. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated village of Lake Grove, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0208, Section 021.00, Block 05.00 and Lot 008.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $317,496.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602208/2018. Cash will not be accepted.
Annette Eaderesto, Esq., Referee
Knuckles & Manfro, LLP
120 White Plains Road, Suite 215
Tarrytown, New York 10591
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 2020 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on August 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738 on November 20, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., premises known as 56 Thomas Street, Coram, NY 11727. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Cora, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 374.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 026.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $517,894.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617259/2018. No cash or third party checks, only bank or certified checks made out to Giuseppe Rosini, Esq. as referee.
Giuseppe Rosini, Esq., Referee
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
10 Bank Street, Suite 700
White Plains, New York 10606
Attorneys for Plaintiff
12 Candidate Spotlight
By Matt Meduri
Garrett Petersen
Candidate: Garrett Petersen
Residence: East Islip
Prior Elected Office: None
Office Sought: New York’s Seventh Senate District Party Lines: Democratic Endorsements: None
Garrett Petersen is making his first run for public office against two-term Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville).
Mr. Petersen sat down with The Messenger for an interview for this candidate spotlight.
Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Assembly?
A: Education and the education-adjacent world. I worked as a special education teacher and aide for three years in Central Islip. I have a Bachelor’s from SBU in history and political science, and a Master’s in education from Dowling. I worked in New York City as a dual-certified teacher in social studies and special ed at a small school in the Upper West Side for a couple of years. The commute became too brutal, so I became a clinician at the Development Disabilities Institute (DDI) working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities for the last fourteen years. We have five group homes within the district and our office is in Smithtown. We have forty-five group homes across Nassau and Suffolk and about a dozen programs. Permanent programs consist of early intervention and residential habilitation for folks who can’t live on their own, as well as job training and a cradle-to-grave range of services. Part of my job is to develop technology for our folks to be more independent at home or in the community, consisting of smart home technology, job training programs and virtual reality, and dental/medical desensitization. Right now, we’re working on a dental de-sense program to help our residents become acclimated to the sights, sounds, and surroundings of a dental office. Exposure breeds tolerance, but it’s also expensive, and we save a tremendous amount of State money. We are funded by Medicare/Medicaid from the State.
of the state. Since Democrats formed a trifecta in 2019, the approval ratings have seen a net decrease. What’s your pitch to voters to add you to a majority with which they’re already unhappy?
A: I would be able to introduce legislation, because you can’t if you’re a minority party in the state government. Right now, the reality is that Democratic Party-run state and that probably won’t change in my lifetime. The Democrats have no reason to give Republicans anything because there’s no political gain. You won’t get anything above what you need. You need Democrats from Long Island at the table fighting for our slice of the pie. Assemblyman Gandolfo has done a great job with the resources he has, but he’s limited by his status in the minority.
On Long Island, I feel like we allow ourselves to be brainpoisoned by the NY Post and we get worried by nonexistent crime rates. I think, more broadly speaking, we haven’t been leading as a party. Hochul is our Governor, but she has not been especially decisive or effective as a leader. The other very prominent elected official in the state is NYC Mayor
Eric Adams and he’s under indictment. When your leadership looks like that, that’s going to impact perceptions. Why hasn’t the legislature passed free school breakfasts and lunches free, like other states have done? Why is New York not the leader in that? Why are we still playing around with that for two years? If you have a perception that the government isn’t effective in terms of leadership, it’s easy to see why voters are dissatisfied. There’s no political instincts, such as Hochul’s nebulous reasons for canceling congestion pricing, and the Senate’s decision with Hector LaSalle.
Q: What would you consider to be your best or proudest professional accomplishment?
A: We’ve run an initial study with four individuals to track improvements in tolerance elements of dental procedures, and we’ve seen significant improvements in three of them. We’re putting together all of the paperwork for a larger study of ten individuals. We would consider duplicated results statistically significant. The Dental Trade Association is interested and the State gave us a $10k grant for the whole program.
Q: What is your top priority if elected?
A: Our field is dramatically underfunded. Most of our programs have between 40-50% staff vacancy. Our state does not give us enough to provide the services we need. The entire time Andrew Cuomo (D) was governor, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) gave us nothing. Since Kathy Hochul (D) has been in, she’s been better, but you don’t make up for years of neglect with a band-aid. I am genuinely afraid that somebody is going to die because there isn’t adequate staffing to provide care. Covering shifts is far from a unique circumstance. This is not entry-level work, but you can make better money at McDonald’s. This is my first, second, and third priority. A lot of it comes down to budget allocation. I feel like this isn’t something that’s a number-one priority for anyone and it has to be fought for in the state budgeting process.
Q: In your opinion, what is the “defining issue” of this election?
A: We have a housing affordability crisis. One thing I’ve talked about is a choice as a resident of the south shore: we can either accept some change and some development and at least try to get a voice in what that looks like. It won’t be the same as it was, but our kids will be able to live here. Or, we can continue to negatively shut down every chance to build housing that we can and you’re going to see declining school enrollments, people moving off the island, and we’ll become a hollowed-out, exurban, midwestern ghost town. I don’t want that; I want my kids to grow up where I did and enjoy the same things. There’s only so much the state can do about it. I can advocate and push, but I think we need to have a broader conversation.
I give my opponent credit for sewer expansion and water quality. I wouldn’t change anything there.
Q: The Siena College regularly tracks New Yorkers’ views of the direction
On sanctuary status for the state and city, there is no need to repeal them. I am married to a refugee from Ukraine. Our country and state benefit from a steady stream of new people. Our economy is dependent on more people coming in and contributing. They eventually become net economic gains to this country’s economy. I think the conversion around immigration is poisoned.
On bail reform, statistics show that crime hasn’t increased. We had a spike in 2021 and 2022 because of economic dislocation caused by COVID. If bail reform was such a trigger to increase crime rates, we would still be seeing increased crime rates. The math, and science don’t support it. We could use more judicial discretion for unique circumstances.
Suffolk County was rated the twenty-second safest county in the country. Is there any real deep source of crime in Long Island that we’re not capturing that’s impacting quality of life? It’s law enforcement’s job to say there’s a crime problem. Last year, the chief of police testified in the open session of the County Legislature that the county had never been safer. I’m not saying there aren’t occasional nuisance crimes, but as someone who grew up in Central Islip in the 1990s, I’m not seeing a whole lot of chaos. I respect that the cops think that they’re handcuffed on certain issues, but is this their true belief or are there other factors? The PBA will say whatever they can to get bigger contracts. We need to have them all paid well, but there’s no proof that there is a significant impact to our quality of life. If there were, I’d be all for changes to bail reform.
Q: What is your favorite, quote, motto, or work ethic?
A: “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” - Horace Mann (attributed). You have to turn around and be a positive impact for the greater good for the people as a whole.
Q: How do you like to connect with your community?
A: I grew up in Central Islip, class of 1999. My wife and I bought our home in East Islip about ten years ago. We have a son in the fourth grade and another one on the way in the next couple months. I enjoy video games and I play paintball and softball. I’m also Deputy Chair of Islip Dems and a long-suffering Mets fan. I do a lot of reading and I enjoy gardening. The downtowns in AD-07 are phenomenal and the restaurants have great options with just a fifteen-minute drive. Our beaches and parks can’t be beat.
The Messenger thanks Garrett Petersen for his time for this interview.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
By Matt Meduri
Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo succeeded his former boss in nowCongressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) in 2020. After cruising to a second term, he is running for a third. Assemblyman Gandolfo sat down with The Messenger for an interview for this candidate spotlight.
Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Assembly?
A: I grew up in West Islip, lived in East Islip for about a year, and moved to Sayville in 2019. Before I ran for office in 2020, I had worked in the Assembly as a staffer for about seven years. I started as an intern in Albany to then-Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport). I received an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from SUNY Albany and a Master’s Degree in public administration from Villanova. I graduated college and worked in the district office and later became Garbarino’s chief of staff. I ran for this seat when he ran for Congress in 2020.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments for the First Senate District and New York overall?
Candidate Spotlight
Thursday, October 17, 2024
A: I was a co-sponsor of the Water Quality Improvement Act, which will be on the ballot as Proposition 2 to fund sewer and wastewater infrastructure throughout Suffolk County. It’s desperately needed in the Seventh District for environmental purposes, drinking water protection in the Great South Bay, and overall economic development. I have voted for and sponsored bills over the last couple years in support of open-space preservation, requiring the state to preserve 30% of its lands for open space, and wetland protection bills. I was also the author and sponsor of Laken’s Law, which hasn’t been passed yet. The bill would require cooperation between state law enforcement and ICE for any non-citizen who is arrested by any law enforcement agency. The bill would also remove “sanctuary” city and state statuses. Through next year, I don’t think the migrant crisis is going away, and New York hasn’t made changes to sanctuary policies. It’s already projected that housing costs will be $2.5 billion for migrants.
Something else I’ve been working on is State funding for upgraded crosswalks. We have this in Sayville and I’m working to expand this to other downtowns in the district. In Sayville, the crosswalks have rapidly-flashing beacons to make it safer for pedestrians to frequent our downtowns without taking their lives into their hands crossing the state. I’m talking with Islip Town Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville) and Suffolk County Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) to further improve safety in our shared communities, and I’ve talked with Councilman Mike McElwee (R-West Islip) to bring the concept to Bay Shore. Sayville’s crosswalks were prioritized with grant funding and the community has been grateful for it.
Q: What is your top priority if re-elected?
A: The cost of living is extremely difficult for many families. The state can’t necessarily address inflation itself, but we can take steps to ease the burden. I’m a co-sponsor of proposals to cut the gas tax, sales tax on personal care products, housekeeping supplies, and ready-to-eat foods. I would like to see the earned income tax credit expanded for some of our working families and expanded child care assistance in New York State. I know from experience how expensive it is to have kids in daycare; it costs more than the mortgage for our house. We’re fortunate enough to be able to afford it, but I worry for other families. I would like to increase some assistance there. One of the bills I’ve introduced there would regionalize the median income eligibility for state subsidies for child care. They base it on a statewide median income, which doesn’t work in New York City or Long Island. I think that does need to be updated to reflect the cost of living in certain areas.
Sewers will also be huge. Once we get sewer lines from Oakdale to Bayport, I think you’ll see a great revitalization. There are restaurants that want to open but can’t because of the lack of sewer connections. They don’t think it’s a good investment.
The big thing that will remain a major topic: the migrant crisis. We have to get rid of sanctuary state laws, push New York City to end their status, and mandate cooperation between law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Otherwise, I don’t see an end in sight. Even if Donald Trump is elected president and
Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo
Candidate: Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo
Residence: Sayville
First Elected: 2020
Prior Elected Office: None
Office Sought: New York’s Seventh Senate District
Party Lines: Republican, Conservative Committees: Ranking Member on Health; Insurance, Higher Education, Racing and Wagering, and Mental Health
Endorsements: Entire police coalition, NYC PBA, LIFL, AFL-CIO, LiUNA, NASRCC, CSEA, PEF, NYSUT, Suffolk AME, CWA 1109
secures the border, there’s still a lot of people in the country illegally. If they’re smart, they’d make their way to New York to take advantage of what we have here. It’s unsustainable, in my opinion.
Q: In your opinion, what is the “defining issue” of this election?
A: The Southern border and the migrant crisis. People are worried it will eventually spill over and the state will attempt to put migrants in Suffolk County. The driver is purely economic. The effects of inflation have gotten so much more real for families. In years past, everyone knew what they were getting into by settling here, but they were able to make it. But over the last few years, with the levels of inflation we’ve seen, it’s really made it difficult for families to make ends meet when your grocery bill is doubled and you’re racking up credit card debt.
Q: What’s your pitch to voters to return you to the Assembly as a member of the minority?
A: We’ve seen candidates use the argument that a majority member would get more money, but speaking for myself, we have brought money back to the district and supported budgets that have brought money back to the districts for good projects. One thing was the wellness center at the Bayport High School. As the Ranking Member on Mental Health, I recognize we have a mental health crisis among students, so when that district approached me for funding, it was a nobrainer. It’s the first of its kind on Long Island. The wellness center in the school has a social worker and psychologist and students can stop in at any time.That’s something I’d like to expand to other districts.
Republicans have also been presenting a different vision for the state with forms of tax relief. A lot being in the minority has to do with getting along with people across the aisle. Even if we differ on bigger picture issues, we get along for local issues.
Q: What is your favorite, quote, motto, or work ethic?
A: A high school football coach would always stress that you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it. I’ve always tried to live by that credo to remain calm, control the things you can, and just take it from there.
Q: How do you like to connect with your community?
A: My wife, kids, and I are always walking around downtown Sayville, and we’re always spotted there by residents and business owners. I spend a lot of time in downtown areas, and having grown up on the south shore, those downtowns are everywhere. when you grow up in the south Shore kind of everywhere. Always loved in the communities, we have beautiful parks here and places like the Arboretum in Great River, Heckscher Park, and Connetquot Park. We’re lucky to have these resources available, and any time we can, get the kids out to the parks.
In my spare time, I like to golf when I can, and I like cooking. A lot of my time is spent with my kids and teaching them how to play sports.
The Messenger thanks Assemblyman Gandolfo for his time for this interview.
About the Seventh Assembly District
Within the Town of Islip, the Seventh District includes Atlantique, Bay Shore, Bayport, Brightwaters, Corneille Estates, Dunewood, East Islip, Fair Harbor, Great River, Islip Terrace, Kismet, Lonelyville, North Great River, Oakdale, Ocean Beach, Robbins Rest, Saltaire, Sayville, Seaview, Summer Club, West Bay Shore, West Sayville, and parts of Bohemia, Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree, Islip hamlet, and West Islip. Within the Town of Brookhaven, the district contains Blue Point, Cherry Grove, Davis Park, Fire Island Pines, Ocean Bay Park, Patchogue, Point O’Woods, Sailor’s Haven, Sunken Forest, Watch Hill, Water Island, and parts of East Patchogue.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
The Necessary Standard for American Education
Bail Reform in New York: Part I
By Matt Meduri
The bail reform laws passed by the New York State Legislature and then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) in 2019 have been a continued source of controversy among community members, elected officials, and law enforcement personnel. While carried predominantly by Democrats, some have bucked their party to call for changes to the laws.
Since it’s such a hot-button issue in this year’s elections, we’ll dedicate a column to unpacking the issue, the pros and cons, and the list of charges
Intent of Bail Reform
The intent of the change was to eliminate cash bail for most misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges. New York is one of the few states to abolish bail for many crimes without simultaneously giving judges the discretion to consider whether to hold a defendant if he/she poses a threat to public safety.
The other intent was to limit incarcerations and to lift penalties that might adversely impact the financially destitute, with the only alternative is sitting in jail until the court date. Proponents argue it balances out the criminal justice system since affluent offenders can post bail and remain relatively free until their court date. Proponents also argue that prolonged jail time or a hefty bail bond can impact employment and family life, leading to financial strain and even job loss. Opponents argue that the too many charges are now non-eligible offenses for bail and that the law creates a “revolving door” system of crime. Opponents also heavily criticize the lack of judicial discretion, as other states who have implemented similar systems have retained this check and balance.
Below is just the first half of charges, separated by category, that are not bail-eligible under New York State law. The list was given to The Messenger by the office of Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James).
Editor’s Note: This list is exhaustive and we are publishing it since it is a hot-button issue with just weeks to go until the state elections. We will print the other half of the list next week.
Assault and Related Offenses
Assault in the Third Degree; Reckless Assault of a Child by a Child Day Care Provider; Vehicular Assault (2nd degree); Menacing (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Hazing (1st, 2nd); Reckless Endangerment (1st, 2nd); stalking (2nd, 3rd, 4th).
Children Offenses
Disseminating Indecent Material of Minors (1st, 2nd); Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, except Level-Three Sex Offenders; Obscenity (1st, 2nd, and 3rd); Abandonment of a Child; Non-support of a Child (1st or 2nd); Unlawfully Dealing with a Child (1st, 2nd); Facilitating Female Genital Mutilation; Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person (1st or 2nd); and Misrepresentation by, or on behalf of, a Caregive for a Child or Children.
Prostitution
Prostitution in a School Zone; Patronizing a Prostitute (3rd); Patronizing a Prostitute in a School Zone; Promoting Prostitution in a School Zone; Promoting Prostitution (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th); Permitting Prostitution
Harming Animals
Killing or Injuring a Police Animal; Killing a Police Work Dog or Horse; Harming an Animal Trained to Aid a Person with a Disability (1st or 2nd); Harming a Service Animal (1st or 2nd); Interference, Harassment, or Intimidation of a Service Animal; Aggravated Cruelty to Animals; Abandonment of Animals; and Poisoning or Attempting to Poison an Animal.
Firearms Offenses
Criminal Possession of a Weapon (4th); Criminal Possession of a Firearm; Criminal Possession of a Rapid-Fire Medication Device; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon Upon a School Ground; Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, and Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments; Criminal Purchase or Disposal of a Weapon; Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device; Failure to Safely Store Rifles, Shotguns, and Firearms (1st or 2nd); Criminal Possession of an Undetectable Firearm, Shotgun, or Rifle.
This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.
Kidnapping, Coercion, and Related Offenses
Unlawful Imprisonment (2nd); Aggravated Labor Trafficking; Custodial Interference (1st or 2nd); Substitution of Children; Coercion (1st, 2nd, or 3rd)
Burglary & Robbery
Criminal Trespass (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Burglary (3rd); Burglary (2nd), except where an individual enters the living area of a dwelling; Possession of Burglar’s Tools; Unlawful Possession of a Radio Device; Robbery (2nd and 3rd)
Drug Offenses
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th); Use of a Child to Commit a Controlled Substance Offense; Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th); Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in or near School Grounds; Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument; Criminal Injection of a Narcotic Drug; Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance to a Child; Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia (1st or 2nd); Criminal Possession of a Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material (1st or 2nd); Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine; Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Unlawful Disposal of a Methamphetamine Laboratory Material; Witness or Victim of a Drug Overdose; Criminal Sale of Marijuana (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th); Criminal Possession of Marijuana (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th); Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (1st or 2nd).
Arson
Arson (3rd, 4th, 5th)
Criminal Mischief and Related Offenses
Criminal Mischief (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th); Criminal Tampering (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Cemetery Desecration (1st or 2nd); Reckless Endangerment of Property; Aggravated Cemetery Desecration (1st or 2nd); Unlawfully Posting Advertisements; Tampering with a Consumer Product (1st or 2nd); Making Graffiti; Possession of a Graffiti Instrument; Criminal Possession of a Taximeter Accelerating Device
Larceny and Theft
Grand Larceny (2nd, 3rd, 4th); Aggravated Larceny of an ATM; Petit Larceny; Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Unlawful Use of a Secret Scientific Material; Auto Stripping (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Theft of Services; Unauthorized Sale of Certain Transportation Services; Unlawful Use of a Credit or Debit Card; Fraudulently Obtaining a Signature; Jostling; Fraudulent Accosting; Fortune Telling; Criminal Possession of a Stolen Property; Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th); Trademark Counterfeiting (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Seizure and Distribution or Destruction of Goods Bearing Counterfeit Trademarks.
Fraud
Welfare Fraud (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th); Criminal Use of a Public Benefit Card (1st or 2nd); Criminal Possession of a Public Benefit Card (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Insurance Fraud (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th); Aggravated Insurance Fraud; Life Settlement Fraud (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th); Aggravated Life Insurance Settlement Fraud; Staging a Motor Vehicle Accident (1st and 2nd); Health Care Fraud (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th); Criminal Diversion of Prescription Medications (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th); Issuing a Bad Check; False Advertising; False Personation; Criminal Impersonation (1st or 2nd); Criminal Sale of a Police Uniform; Unlawfully Concealing a Will; Misconduct by a Corporate Official; Criminal Usury (1st or 2nd); Possession of Usurious Loan Records; Scheme to Defraud (1st or 2nd); Scheme to Defraud the State by Unlawfully Selling Prescriptions; Unauthorized Radio Transmissions; Criminal Use of an Access Device (1st or 2nd); Identity Theft (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Aggravated Identity Theft; Unlawful Possession of Personal ID Information (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Unlawful Possession of a Skimmer Device (1st or 2nd); Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud (1st or 2nd); Money Laundering (2nd, 3rd, or 4th); Fraud in Insolvency; Fraud Involving a Security Interest; Fraud Disposition of Mortgaged Property; Fraud Disposition of Property Subject to a Conditional Sale Contract; Residential Mortgage Fraud (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th)
Forgery
Forgery (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument (1st, 2nd, or 3rd); Criminal Simulation; Criminal Possession of an Anti-Security Item; Unlawful Using Slugs (1st or 2nd); Forgery of a Vehicle ID Number; Illegal Possession of a Vehicle ID Number; Fraudulent Making of an Electronic Access Device
Brentwood STEAM Program Partners with Conservationist to Restore Eel Grass Beds in Great South Bay
On October 9, students in the STEAM program at Brentwood High School took a hands-on approach to environmental conservation, partnering with local conservationist Robert Vasiluth to restore critical eel grass beds in Long Island’s Great South Bay. Vasiluth, a native Long Islander and passionate advocate for marine ecosystems, is utilizing a groundbreaking method that involves gluing eel grass seeds to baby clams, providing a unique solution to the decline of these vital underwater plants.
The students engaged in an educational afternoon where they glued eel grass seeds to over 345 baby clams, a task that showcased their commitment to marine restoration. Guided by educators Janelle Ramsaran and Megan Connell, the students learned about the importance of eel grass for local biodiversity and water quality while gaining practical experience in conservation techniques. “Hands-on experiences are at the heart of STEAM education,” noted Dr. Rebecca Grella, the district’s K-12 science coordinator. “The Brentwood STEAM program’s eel
grass project provides invaluable real-world learning, inspiring students and making a tangible difference for Long Island’s waters.”
The initiative, supported by The Nature Conservancy, aims to replenish eel grass beds that serve as crucial habitats for various marine species, improve water clarity and contribute to the overall health of the Great South Bay ecosystem. As these clams are placed back into the waters of Long Island, the students’ efforts represent a significant step toward restoring and preserving the local marine environment for future generations.
16 County News
Charges Unveiled in Public Corruption Case Involving Prostitution Ring
The Holbrook location is comprised of three suites, all allegedly owned by Saggio. Tierney (pictured left) stressed that although the three storefronts appear to be separate businesses, internal connections show the one business was essentially subdivided into three suites, each of which housed an alleged sex worker.
American Girls Spa was located in Suite 3, a separate spa in Suite 4, and an adult toy shop in Suite 5.
Additionally, each suite had a separate manager who was required to “pay up” to Saggio.
The West Babylon location, called the Tunnel of Love, a live adult entertainment venue. The managers of Tunnel of Love were also allegedly required to “pay up” to Saggio.
Furthermore, sex workers within these two locations were required to collect “house fees” and cash from customers. The house fees went to the managers and Saggio, while the tips were retained by the workers, who were not paid a salary from management. Tip amounts varied based on specific sex acts required, which Tierney described as an “a la carte” menu of services offered.
A search warrant of Saggio’s West Islip residence was executed in June, which resulted in the seizure of $104,225 in cash, which was hidden throughout the house.
Saggio also allegedly had some of the sex workers sign agreements, which he “euphemistically,” according to Tierney, termed as “leases.” These agreements stipulated the workers to pay $6,000 per month at the Holbrook location and $12,000 at the West Babylon building. Other euphemistic terms included “rents” and “towel fees.”
“All they really were were terms to hide what the proceeds were,” Tierney told reporters at a Tuesday afternoon press conference in Hauppauge. “All proceeds were derived from prostitution and prostitution acts. Some of these sex workers spoke limited English and could not read in English, but nonetheless Saggio required them to sign agreements with him written in English.”
Saggio and his girlfriend, co-defendant Dana Ciardullo, allegedly discussed how many specific acts of prostitution the workers would need to perform each day in order to maintain their monetary obligations. These findings were obtained through intercepted communications.
The story thickens with now-former SCPD officer George Trimigliozzi, who had been with the department since 2006. He is charged with serving as manager of the Holbrook location from October 2019 until March 2021. He was suspended in August without pay from SCPD for conduct unrelated to the investigation.
Tierney described March 19, 2021, as the “turning point” in the case. Trimigliozzi was called by
a sex worker to report that a customer at the Holbrook location had been robbed; Trimigliozzi had been on duty in the Third Precinct at the time. Based on GPS data for his patrol car provided to the D.A.’s office by the SCPD, Trimigliozzi allegedly abandoned his post while on duty and traveled at speeds of almost ninety miles per hour to the Holbrook location. He allegedly traveled six miles outside of the Third Precinct into the Fifth Precinct. After spending roughly a half-hour in Holbrook, he traveled back to his post in Islip Terrace.
“It’s alleged he couldn’t report this because the SCPD was unaware that he allegedly had a side job managing a prostitution business,” said Tierney. Trimigliozzi is being charged with one count of Enterprise Corruption, thirteen counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, two counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree - pertaining to his unauthorized response to the Holbrook robbery - one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, and one count of Official Misconduct. All but the last charge are felonies.
Steven Arey, a twenty-six-year employee of the Islip School District, is also alleged to have served as a manager at the Holbrook location on Saggio’s behalf. The physical education teacher was suspended prior to the school year.
Contacts from sex workers’ phones label Trimigliozzi’s phone number as “George,” with a further designation of “Boss.” The number is registered in Trimigliozzi’s government name.
Saggio, 60, is charged with one count of Enterprise Corruption, two counts of Sex Trafficking, and fifty-one counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, all felonies. He faces eight-and-onethird years to twenty-five years in prison if convicted.
Tierney called the case a “comprehensive investigation that employed electronic evidence collection, undercover police investigation, years of surveillance, and interviews of numerous witnesses.”
“No one is above the law and this indictment illustrates that point,” said Tierney. “Public servants committing crimes are a violation of public trust and that will not be tolerated.”
Tierney relayed another message to public officials and the general public: “In Suffolk County, we’re watching. The D.A’s office is watching and our law enforcement partners are watching. But more importantly, so is everyone else: coworkers, colleagues, and members of the public.”
“The charges outlined here today are deeply disturbing,” said SCPD Deputy Commissioner Belinda Groneman (pictured right), adding that Trimigliozzi will “never work again” as an SCPD officer. “The men and women of our department are the utmost professional and dedicated to public safety. The actions of Trimigliozzi are his own and are in no way a reflection of sworn officers who are protecting and serving with integrity.”
Tierney also noted that there is currently no evidence the sex workers were living at the locations or were forcibly held against their will. The sex workers have been interviewed, but Tierney said the charges against the four alleged defendants are the only charges being disclosed at this time.
One reporter became slightly argumentative with Tierney over Trimigliozzi’s representation the SCPD overall, even questioning whether or not officers’ “qualified immunity” is a culprit in perpetuation of such public corruption cases.
“Qualified immunity has to do with acts that are taken in connection with official [police] duties,” Tierney. “This, we allege, is clearly misconduct.”
Tierney also asked the reporter: “Is the teacher [Arey] indicative of an underlying problem with teachers on the lot?”
“Could be, yes,” said the reporter. Tierney stated his disagreement, to which the reporter replied, “that’s horrible.”
Arey, 53, of Islip, charged with one of Enterprise Corruption and twenty-seven counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, all felonies.
Ciardullo, 32, of North Bellmore, is charged with one count of Enterprise Corruption and seventeen Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, all felonies.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward of the Public Corruption Bureau.
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The Moloney Family
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
17,
Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run: Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House
By Ashley Pavlakis
The first annual Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run took place in Stony Brook over the weekend to benefit Ronald McDonald House.
The 5K and one-mile walk/run was in support of Stony Brook’s campaign for the new Ronald McDonald House that’s set to open in 2026 at Stony Brook Hospital.
“I organized the FUNd run, it’s in memory of my nephew Anthony who was 14 when he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at the children’s hospital at Stony Brook. Unfortunately, he passed away at 16. The two years he was there in the Ronald McDonald House room, was so critical, mostly to my sister who never left him the whole time he was there,” said Lisa Muratori, organizer of the FUNd Run.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities, established in 1974, is an organization that helps families going through treatment alleviate the financial burdens that come with being in the hospital. On Long Island, the new house will be the first-ever in Suffolk County and the second on the Island.
“My family and I just wanted to be part of it. I have connections with Stony Brook as a full professor in the School of Health Professions. I wanted to do something with that, when I brought it up to my dean, she was all about sponsoring it,” said Muratori.
The new house that will reside in Stony Brook is a 60,000-square-foot facility where families will be able to receive no-cost housing, respite, meals, and hospitality all while maintaining a close distance to the hospital while their child receives the care they need.
“100% of the money raised through donations and registrations goes to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Metro. That’s the division that’s responsible
for the building of the house. We’re in the last [estimated] $4 million,” said Muratori.
Anthony’s Red Shoe FUNd Run was held on the Stony Brook University Campus, runners who signed up for the race were given a free t-shirt as well as access to the post-run patio party with music and food trucks on site.
“This was our first one and hopefully will not be our last one. It was really successful and we’re very pleased with the turnout,” said Muratori.
A special connection was made at the FUNd Run in honor of Anthony.
“Of the three speakers we had, the second speaker was the head of Pediatric Oncology who was Anthony’s oncologist. She [Laura Hogan] really wanted to come because she was his doctor. She still felt this closeness to him and his family,” said Muratori.
Stony Brook University members showed up and showed out for one of their own as the cause was near and dear to the heart of Muratori and her family.
“It was tremendous, so the men’s basketball team led the walk portion. We also had almost forty runners from the physical therapy department, we had over thirty volunteers from the east campus School of Health Professions, we had competitors from nursing and public health. It was really great; it involved people from all over campus as well as people from outside in the neighboring communities,” Muratori told The Messenger. “The first three sponsors for the event overall were Stony Brook sponsors. The first three that stepped up were the School of Health Professions, the program at Public Health, and the Department of Preventive Medicine. Stony Brook really stepped up for sure.”
Catholic Health’s Skilled Nursing Facility Ranked #1 on Long Island
Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Nursing & Rehabilitation has once again been ranked as one of the top skilled nursing facilities in the country by Newsweek For the sixth consecutive year, the Smithtown facility was listed on its “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025” report. In addition to being rated as one of the nation’s top care centers, St. Catherine of Siena Nursing and Rehabilitation was ranked #1 on Long Island and the 3rd best facility in New York state.
“This recognition is a true testament to our incredibly talented and caring staff at St. Catherine and their continued excellence in keeping our residents safe and healthy,” said St. Catherine of Siena Nursing & Rehabilitation Administrator John Chowske. “We always strive to provide the best possible quality and compassionate care to our residents and their families.”
This year’s list recognizes 1,050 nursing homes across the 25 states with the highest number of facilities, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data. The top nursing homes in each state were assessed and ranked based on four pillars: performance data, recommendations of medical professionals, accreditations and resident satisfaction.
“I would like to congratulate John and his team on this incredible honor and their continued commitment to excellence,” said Catholic Health Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gary Havican. “To be ranked among the top facilities in the country reflects Catholic Health’s mission of providing Long Islanders with the highest level of care.”
Thursday, October 17, 2024
The Messenger Goes on the Ground in Nevada Ahead of 2024 Election 18 Election News
By Matt Meduri
An aspect of the presidential landscape rarely afforded to New Yorkers is regularly provided to Nevada, one of the several premier swing states of the last several elections.
The Messenger had the opportunity to speak with voters in Reno, the state’s third-largest city, a crucial pinpoint for any statewide campaign, and the site of a weekend rally by former President Donald Trump (R-FL).
Nevada has not backed a Republican presidential nominee since 2004. Democrats only recently consolidated control of the state legislature, but voters ousted oneterm Governor Steve Sisolak (D) in 2022 for Clark County (Las Vegas) Sheriff Joe Lombardo (R). Lombardo’s role in the governor’s mansion broke the trifecta Democrats had held in the Silver State since 2019. Nevadans also ousted one-term Senator Dean Heller (R) in the 2018 midterms, opting for then-Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (D), who is currently running for her second term against war hero Sam Brown (R).
Despite Nevada’s consistent support for Democratic presidential candidates, the state has seen razor-thin margins in the last two elections. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) won Nevada by just over two points - a margin of about 27,000 votes out of over one million cast - and Joe Biden (D-DE) carried the Silver State by a slightly slimmer margin in 2020. Nevada was one of just six states, along with the District of Columbia, to give Trump a better margin than his 2016 showing.
Nevada’s politics comes down to two counties: Clark (Las Vegas and its suburbs) and Washoe (Reno). While Republicans have been able to win the state without Clark, Washoe is seen as a must-win county for any campaign. Washoe, along with Nevada, was once reliably Republican, having backed every GOP nominee from 1944 to 2004, with the exception of 1964. Since then, however, it has backed Democrats in every election, with the 2012, 2016, and 2020 margins being especially thin.
With a total population of about 500,000, Washoe County has a median household income of $84,183, an education rate of 35% (Bachelor’s or higher), and an employment rate of 62.6%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 25% of the Washoe population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
A Trump win in Nevada consists of significantly courting the Latino population and taking a decent share of the suburban, educated electorate. Capitalizing on the state’s slow response and recovery period from the COVID-19 Pandemic will also likely help him with the state’s vibrant tourism and entertainment industries, a facet of the 2022 gubernatorial campaign that escorted Sisolak out of office.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) strategy would simply be to hold the bottom line and ensure turnout does not dip below what it was in 2016. A narrow win in Washoe for Trump, along with decent turnout in Las Vegas and/ or the rural areas, would likely mean he would clinch the state’s six electoral votes.
For either campaign, speaking on a message of community values can be challenging in some parts
in certain areas.
We spoke to some residents in Reno to get a bigger picture of where the state might be headed, as well as to afford to our readers a boots-on-the-ground picture of one of the nation’s most hotly contested battlegrounds.
“The old Democrats who used to care about the United States have switched over to this socialist agenda,” Val Wagner, a forty-nine-year Reno resident told The Messenger as she was waiting in line for the Friday Trump rally.
Wagner said she was a registered Democrat who backed Al Gore (D-TN) in the 2000 election, but switched her registration with the presentation of John Kerry (DMA) as the 2004 nominee.
“John Kerry scared me,” said Wagner, as one of the two reasons she switched her registration. “The other is I stopped watching our local news because they wouldn’t give both sides of any story. That’s when I decided I needed to vote down the ballot for Republicans.”
Wagner said she was “excited” about Trump’s 2016 candidacy.
“Finally, we have a businessman who’s going to run the largest business of our country, which is our country itself,” said Wagner. “I don’t think the politicians should be there [Washington]; it needs to be businessmen like Trump.”
Wagner added that getting her finger on the pulse of the electorate is complicated, as she believes people are afraid of putting out lawn signs supporting the former president.
“After 2020, people got really scared of repercussions if they supported him. I think more people support him, but they’re not willing to say anything,” said Wagner, who referenced verbal abuse and/or berating that she has personally experienced from Democratic family members.
Wagner also believes Trump has a “realistic shot” at both Washoe and Clark counties and adds that she thinks the Silver State will flip red in November. She stated the “defining issue” of this election as national security.
“I fear that we’re going to be taken over by anyone and
country,” said Wagner, fearing a gradual “internal social takeover.”
Wagner offered a final interesting point: Even if Trump wins, she believes the U.S. is headed for a large-scale internal conflict.
“But I think he [Trump] has a better chance of stopping it,” said Wagner.
The Messenger also spoke with John Parrish, a State Republican Committeeman from Carson City.
“We’re not nervous so much as we are concerned,” said Parrish. “We’ve got the lead, but it’s a critical election. Harris and Walz are extremely liberal and Harris wasn’t really vetted [as a candidate]. We have the most liberal Senator and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), who is extremely liberal. They could change the fabric of our nation if they get in. We really want to win and win fairly.”
Parrish also spoke of Trump’s chances in Nevada, as it’s one of the only states in which Democratic support is regularly underestimated in pre-election polling, as of the last several cycles.
“If all the Republicans in Nevada’s rural counties voted, they could sweep the state and beat Clark [County],” said Parrish. “The numbers are with us.”
Parrish added that he personally thinks Trump has an 80% chance of winning Nevada, but remains optimistic that Trump has the advantage nonetheless.
“I’m encouraged,” said Parrish, based on what he has seen as a state GOP committeeman.
Just over the border in Truckee, California, The Messenger spoke with a Harris supporter, who also lives in Reno.
“Mr. Trump pretty much has Nevada locked up,” said Merritt Weisinger, a four-year resident of Sparks. Despite being a Democrat, he thinks Trump will “absolutely” carry the state. Weisinger thinks that the “big” race is the one between Senator Rosen and Sam Brown, which he believes will go to Rosen.
Weisinger likens Trump’s support across rural Nevada to campaigning on issues that affect the inner-cities, such as homelessness and migrants, two key issues that he argues the rural Nevadans are “not used to.” He also posited that “most of the people” in Las Vegas are likely from California.
“The fact is that these problems don’t go away just because you live in a rural area,” said Weisinger.
He also says that Trump’s “big lie” about the 2020 election allegedly being stolen is giving him enough lift to get his Nevada campaign off the ground.
“If the lie is big enough, people believe it,” said Weisinger. Weisinger has been a registered Democrat for over ten years, after having previously been a registered Republican who voted for Ronald Reagan (R-CA). He is a former resident of the San Francisco Bay Area who retired four years ago after a fifty-year career practicing law. He concedes that the homelessness issue in San Francisco is “intolerable” and retired to Sparks due to familiarity with the area and friends in town.
With the election just weeks away, states like Nevada will continue to be a lightning rod for both campaigns as they make their final pitches to the American electorate.
Credit: Ashley Chindamo
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Due To Inflation, Americans Are Spending More Under Biden-Harris Than They Have In Decades
By Paul Ingrassia | AMAC Contributor
Inflation has been a constant headache all throughout the Biden-Harris years, which have observed everything from the price of groceries to gasoline to electricity —skyrocket to decades (and by some estimates, even century) highs. While record-setting inflation has been perhaps the most defining hallmark of this miserable era in our politics, Americans are only now beginning to fully grapple with the scope of the harm wrought by “Biden/ Kamala-nomics,” which is sure to have a lasting toll on our economy. For example, over the past four years, a $100,000 income is now only worth $83,000 per year – a whopping 17% decrease in value! In just the four-year period in which Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have occupied the Oval Office, the dollar has lost 4.3% of its total value per year and that’s the government’s own, trumped-up numbers. The real costs have been even worse.
Although Biden-Harris administration officials try to patch over these damning figures by claiming that inflation has cooled in recent months, that only tells part of the story. As the old saying goes, a halftruth is often a whole lie. What they fail to remind everyone is that inflation is cumulative – even though the rate might have slowed down ever slightly, its cumulative effect cannot be wished away. And since there hasn’t been deflation, prices remain higher now than they were a year ago and much higher compared to when President Trump departed office. As inflation has skyrocketed at home, this reckless administration’s response has been to send the money printers on overdrive. The current administration has used these funds not to invest in domestic businesses, but to fuel the war machine as Biden’s latest blank check to Zelensky goes to show. While the Ukrainians, Chinese, and Mexicans receive hundreds of millions from American taxpayers, millions of our own citizens still languish in Hurricane-ravaged states like North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia – our government is hardly able to scrap together a measly $750 to help them out. The effects of inflation in America have touched every aspect of day-to-day life: energy prices have quadrupled, car insurance has quintupled, while foodstuffs like coffee and eggs have risen by a staggering seventy percent.
The toll on the American consumer has been the most devastating. Americans now increasingly fear a Weimar Germany or Venezuelan-type situation where inflation, the result of too many dollars chasing too few goods, continues to spiral out of control, forcing either the Federal Reserve to implement dramatic rate hikes, and potentially kick off a recession. Or be pressured to do nothing (or lower rates further still), which comes with an outsized risk of triggering an inflationary firestorm, when inflation slips beyond the control of policymakers.
The correction to this disaster scenario naturally involves a prudent monetary policy coupled with an administration devoted to fiscal responsibility. However, that will not happen unless Donald Trump, who pledges to reduce taxes dramatically and downsize the scale of government – including putting a full stop to the winless overseas conflicts that have drained the American taxpayer of vital resources at home – gets re-elected on November 5th. Indeed, the 45th President has even proposed teaming up with Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, to establish some sort of “government efficiency” commission (better late than never!). This commission would be dedicated to cutting wasteful regulations based on frivolous environmental and equity-based policies, which do nothing but stifle growth and dampen American prosperity.
However, even with President Trump’s return to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Americans will still be contending with the financial fallout emanating from the most economically reckless administration in our history for a period of time. Under the BidenHarris regime (a more appropriate word for an administration of doubtful legitimacy), $8 trillion has been added to America’s national debt. $4.3 trillion of that total has come over the last year alone,
ballooning the total debt in size to nearly $36 trillion, or 124% of total GDP.
Indeed, the United States is on a precarious economic course, one whose future is more uncertain than at any time in modern history. Simultaneously, rather than implement fiscally responsible measures, the Democrats have taken a far leap leftward, proposing dyed-in-the-wool communist policies like taxes on unrealized capital gains, a surefire economy wrecker, which would send America onto the road to serfdom. If, for instance, Americans were all forced by their government to pay taxes on unrealized capital gains from investments in stocks, bonds, and other asset classes, it would trigger a panic selling of untold proportions – ending in an apocalyptic market crash.
Donald Trump, on the contrary, has pledged not to tax
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social security, hospitality tips, overtime payments, and even deductions on automobile loans. All these things are oriented with a singular objective: to empower the American consumer, who will in turn have more cash on hand to help fuel our embattled economy. He has also pledged to rein in The Federal Reserve, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and myriad other three-letter agencies that have fought tooth and nail over the past four years to make life harder for Americans – whether by deploying armed agents on political dissidents, as the IRS actively seems to be preparing to do, or by clamping down on crypto, Bitcoin, and other emerging alternative asset classes, which the SEC has done, squelching growth and innovation in the process. The result of this keeps more Americans poorer and dependent on Big Brother.
20 Bits & Pieces
October 17, 2024
WORD OF THE Week DERELICTION
Origin: late 16th century: from Latin derelictio(n-), from the verb derelinquere
Synonyms: disrepair (sense 1), negligence (sense 2), failure
Noun
Pronounced: deh·ruh·lik·shn
Definition: the state of having been abandoned and become dilapidated; the shameful failure to fulfill one’s obligations.
Example: “The recent indictment from the District Attorney highlights public corruption and a dereliction of duty.”
Antonyms: fulfillment, attention, care
Source: Oxford Languages
S
H K L M A I
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
SUDOKU
See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)
This Week in History
October 19, 1983: U.S. Senate establishes Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, observed on the third Monday in January (on or near his January 15 birthday).
October 23, 1981: U.S. national debt hits $1 trillion.
October 18, 1867: U.S. takes formal possession of Alaska from Russia, after paying $7.2 million in the Alaska Purchase.
October 20, 2020: U.S. Justice Department sues Google for holding an illegal monopoly on search advertising.
October 17, 1973: OPEC oil ministers use oil as an economic weapon in the ArabIsraeli War, mandating a cut in exports and recommending an embargo against unfriendly states.
October 21, 1858: Jacques Offenbach’s operetta “Orpheus in the Underworld” premieres in Paris, includes “Infernal Galop” (Can-Can tune).
October 22, 1884: International Meridian Conference in Washington, D.C. adopts Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) worldwide, creating 24 international time zones with longitude zero at the Greenwich meridian.
Messenger Perspective
Park Right on Main Street
By PJ Balzer
Well before the “shop local and shop small” movement sprang up, I’ve fully known and have seen the benefits of supporting a local business. My parents have made a living most of my life out of a small “Mom and Pop” clothing store, a store so small that it’s extremely possible to miss on the way to Kohl’s or Walmart. Yet local people, and one friend telling another friend, have caused their business to both survive and thrive.
The inside and outside of the store aren’t fancy or trendy. There are stores not far from us that are, but that’s just not us or our selling point. We buy inexpensive, sell our items inexpensive, and keep our overhead low. This has allowed us not to raise our prices much when everyone else has had to. After decades in business, we are still the store where you can find a Christmas gift for ten dollars.
We live a few miles from where we have our business. We understand the community we sell to, its concerns, needs, and changing demographics. My siblings and I played sports on the same teams as many of our customers. We often spend time reminiscing with our customers about those times while we help them find their size. We buy our neighbors kids chocolate bars, raffle tickets, and coupon books, all because we love our community and its people. To us it’s not only about making a living, it’s about being a vital part of the place we live.
A few miles down the road, you can find several big chain stores. You can run in and quickly grab the items you need. You don’t have to have any human contact or conversation while you ring up your own items at the self-checkout. Easy, fast, convenient, and making an unknown CEO richer by the moment, someone you’ll most likely never meet and will never know your name.
We have one small, older model register in the corner of our small store. We know most of our customers by first name and if we don’t, we’ll at least offer you a kind greeting and some casual small talk. It’s not rare to hear, “Charlie, that extra-large charcoal colored hoodie just came in.”
During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we nearly shut our doors for good. People weren’t coming out to shop, especially in small places like ours. They were nervous to be in such a small room with a non-family member, even with both having a mask on. In the midst of that long customer drought,
we had a pickup truck pull up to our storage unit in the middle of the night. A man exited the truck, carved a hole in our storage and loaded up thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. He drove away and was never caught.
Discouraged, overwhelmed, and seriously considering having one last sale just to get rid of whatever merchandise wasn’t stolen before closing down, we reluctantly decided to take our most recent woes to social media. We put up a post about the recent robbery in the midst of the COVID struggles of a small business. In what we would consider a modern-day miracle, that one post totally revived and helped revamp our business.
What happened next always reminds me of the final and heartwarming scene in the timeless Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” People came from up and down the island to support us and help us keep our doors open. People and families we haven’t seen in years visited our business to do purposeful, intentional early Christmas shopping. That social media post not only kept our business alive during some dark days, it also reconnected us with a lot of old friends from Floral Park all the way to Montauk. We once more came to understand why small businesses are the very heartbeat of a community.
As the holiday season is rapidly approaching, don’t forget to get out there and “Park Right on Main Street.” There are small store fronts right in your community and mine that are counting on us walking through their doors in the next few months. Some are even praying for a miracle. In some cases, it may cost a few dollars extra to support them, but you are supporting a family that may sit next to you at your child’s sports event or chorus concert.
In my opinion and personal experience, that is money so well spent.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Breeze Airways and MacArthur Airport Welcome Fort Myers Inaugural Flight and Expanded Vero Beach Service
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) recently celebrated the inaugural nonstop Breeze Airways flight to Fort Myers, Florida, along with the air carrier’s doubling of frequency to Vero Beach, Florida.
“Fort Myers and Vero Beach are destinations that Long Islanders love, and Breeze Airways recognizes this opportunity to provide the excellent customer experience and convenience our community has been requesting repeatedly. Offering Fort Myers service year-round is an important advancement for Islip’s MacArthur Airport and a strong selling point for Long Island air travelers,” said Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip).
Elected officials, community and business leadership, Breeze Airways representatives, and airport customers gathered at Gate A2. The convenient gate was decorated with a festive Florida theme, blue and white balloons, and banners representing Breeze Airways’ nonstop MacArthur Airport destinations for remarks and an official ribbon cutting.
Breeze Airways announced the new flights between Fort Myers and Long Island MacArthur Airport and additional flights to Vero Beach on June 25. The service was immediately embraced both in Florida and on Long Island. Breeze will serve Fort Myers and Vero Beach with a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday schedule. Less than one month after this announcement, Breeze Airways revealed they will begin serving SarasotaBradenton, Florida nonstop 4x weekly (Sunday, Monday Thursday, Friday) starting November 21.
“So many Long Island residents have family in these Florida destinations and frequently want to gather for visits and celebrations throughout the year. Many also have businesses, rental properties, and second homes. Others just want to relax with their toes in the sand,” Carpenter said. “We also appreciate the importance of encouraging and enabling travelers from Florida to explore Long Island, bringing jobs and prosperity to businesses in Nassau and Suffolk counties as visitors enjoy our airport and community. The Town Board and I are thrilled to welcome this additional air service,” she added.
As well as the Florida destinations, Breeze will continue nonstop flights to Charleston, Norfolk, and Raleigh-Durham along with BreezeThru service (one-stop / no plane change) to New Orleans. BreezeThru flights to Jacksonville will be returning soon. Check out www.FlyBreeze.com
“Breeze Airways’ commitment to Long Island is clear and we are thrilled to work with this ‘Seriously Nice’ air carrier on additional flights and destinations,” said Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken. “We’re proud to be the airport where Breeze Airways received its air carrier certification from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2021, and to be the first New York airport the carrier selected to serve,” she added.
Breeze Airways inaugural flight will feature the carrier’s new Airbus A220 aircraft, which offers the airlines’ First Class product called Breeze Ascent. As Breeze Airways builds towards the goal of an all A220 fleet by the end of this year, the carrier also operates Embraer 190-195 aircraft on some routes. This fastgrowing airline now flies to over 170 destinations across the U.S.
“There’s nothing like flying Breeze from Long Island MacArthur Airport. We’re nice people, flying nice people, to and from nice places. Travel + Leisure readers voted us one of the best domestic airlines for the third year in a row, and we’re the airline industry’s only ‘NLCC’ or ‘Nice Low-Cost Carrier’,” said Breeze Airways’ Founder and CEO David Neeleman. “Guests earn BreezePoints with every flight,
enjoy free Wi-Fi onboard, and may choose Flex, Nice, Nicer, or Nicest fares for total flexibility depending on their preferences,” he added.
“In working with Town and MacArthur Airport leadership and listening to customers and the Long Island community, we were able to see that a key factor in making Fort Myers service successful was to offer it year-round,” said Breeze Airways Co-Founder and Vice President Corporate Real Estate and Airport Development Jim Smith. “Fort Myers has grown beyond being a seasonal route and we’re delighted to offer these new flights so Breeze Airways Guests both in Fort Myers and on Long Island can count on them as they regularly and comfortably travel throughout the year,” he added.
“It’s been a particularly energizing summer and early fall at ISP with many air service announcements. We’ve also recently completed many capital projects, upgrades and additions, along with marketing MacArthur Airport in both Nassau and Suffolk counties to gain new customers and widen the airport’s reach,” said Deputy Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider. “We’re looking forward to the new Breeze Florida service and to welcoming their additional routes and air service in the weeks ahead,” he added.
The Girls of Hauppauge-Smithtown Varsity Swimming: A Dynasty in the Making
By Ashley Pavlakis
Long Island is surrounded by water, so naturally people have gotten fairly good at swimming. If we’re talking about the shared varsity swim team for Hauppauge-Smithtown High Schools, they’re simply unmatched. The team is in a lane of their own, looking for a fourth straight championship this season.
The team is led by head coach Richard Lionetti, who serves on the Girls Swimming & Diving Committee for Section XI in the New York State High School Public Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). Lionetti has coached at Hauppauge for twenty-two years.
“Yeah, it’s kind of fun. We took our lumps early on, we weren’t that good. We’ve had kids make county and qualify for county. We’ve had some good competitive kids but we haven’t had the horses that we do now,” said Lionetti.
In 2021, both Smithtown and Hauppauge High schools merged to form one team. The merger benefited both teams as Hauppauge needed more swimmers and Smithtown needed a pool. Combining the two teams has worked out for both parties regarding scheduling, a diverse pool of swimmers to choose from, and the social aspect has increased for the girls on the team.
“Their numbers were dwindling, our numbers were dwindling, and financially I think the districts decided we might as well combine. It’s been a great merger, the kids all get along because they all swim together in club,” said Lionetti.
The team has taken home titles three years in a row in both League One and County, going undefeated in the two categories since 2021. Since then, the team has had 31 consecutive wins.
“I think it’s a testament to how hard the kids work. It’s a tradition that the other kids will uphold, they’re not only swimming for themselves but they swim for the team, and they push each other. That’s the best part about our team, we help each other. When you do that, you don’t want to let your other friend down,” Lionetti told The Messenger. Lionetti has a diverse group of girls that can go into a meet and compete in all aspects. His teams’ strengths fall on the underclassmen as they graduated 12 seniors last year.
“Most of the kids that swim on the team are already club swimmers, they have the background and they’re going to swim.
We have [roughly] 33 kids on the team, and we can get them all into a meet so that everybody can swim, which is the best part about swimming. Everybody has an opportunity to swim at every meet,” said Lionetti.
Lionetti echoed the importance of what it means to have good qualities in a teammate.
“You want somebody that’s coachable, willing to take constructive criticism, a person you’re able to push to be their best, and wants to be pushed to be their best. You want somebody to be a good teammate, you want somebody to buy into what we’re selling. It’s about the team, it’s not about you, sometimes you have to make sacrifices,” said Lionetti.
GET THE FACTS ON TOWNLINE RAIL
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved the Townline Rail application for a 5,000-foot rail line onto the CarlsonCorp property in Kings Park.
During a thorough Environmental Assessment, the STB addressed questions and concerns raised by residents. Unfortunately, misinformation continues to circulate in the community. You can read the STB’s full environmental findings by scanning the QR Code below.
HazMat Because the Town of Smithtown and the State DEC have jurisdiction over the transloading facility and will not permit hazardous materials to be transloaded at the facility, materials such as chlorine, petroleum products, or other hazardous chemicals will not be transloaded on or off of rail cars coming in and out of Townline Rail.
Hours of Operation Loading and unloading of material will take place under our permitted hours of operation Monday through Saturday with one train per day in and out; this will not be a 24/7 facility.
Truck Traffic Transportation of sand, gravel, and other materials to the industries along Old Northport Road by rail reduces truck traffic into the area from other locations. Shipping ash and construction debris off Long Island by rail significantly reduces truck traffic on our major highways.
Environment The STB’s analysis states that with mitigation measures that we have agreed to, there will be minimal to no adverse environmental impacts (EA at pg. iii) and “no impacts on groundwater.” (EA at pg. 50)
Zoning The Town of Smithtown updated Master Plan acknowledges the history of Old Northport Road as an industrial corridor which contributes to the local economy and states this area is not for residential development.
The best option for the future
Credit: Ashley Pavlakis
