Islip Messenger Archive Oct. 24, 2024

Zeldin Holds Rally Against Proposition One

By Matt Meduri

In less than two weeks, New Yorkers will decide on two ballot propositions. The first one, colloquially referred to as “Proposition One,” would add antidiscrimination language to the State Constitution. Many Democrats tout it as a need to protect abortion rights in New York, while many Republicans consider it a “Trojan horse.”

The text will appear as such on the ballot in front of voters: “Adds antidiscrimination provisions to State Constitution. Covers ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Also covers reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

A vote in favor of the proposition would add these protections to the State Constitution. A vote against would leave these provisions out.

The abstract of the bill, available on the New York State Board of Elections’ website, says that the current protections in the Constitution cover race, color, creed, and religion. The proposal would add “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

Continued on page 8

Islip Town Planner Receives Prestigious Andrew Haswell Green Award

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) announced that Ela Dokonal, AICP CUD CC-P LEED-AP, Commissioner, Town of Islip Planning and Development Department, is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Andrew Haswell Green Award for her outstanding contributions to urban planning for many years.

The award was presented on behalf of the American Planning Association – New York Metro Chapter (APA NYM Chapter) at the 2024 APA-NYM Annual Conference on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the NYU Kimmel Center for University Life.

The Andrew Haswell Green Award is given to individuals who have made significant and long-lasting contributions in the field of planning for at least fifteen years. This award recognizes dedication to improving the built environment, promoting sustainable development, and fostering community engagement.

Continued on page 15

(Credit - Town of Islip)

Lee Zeldin speaks against Proposition One (Credit - Matt Meduri)

2 Messenger Papers

Spacious

Kerry J. Maher Lic. Manager & Director

Kenneth Maher, Jr. Lic. Director

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

By Matt Meduri

After four years in Albany, Assemblyman Keith Brown is seeking a third term. His opponent, Spencer Cox (D), is not actively campaigning.

Assemblyman Brown 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’ve been a commercial real estate attorney for thirty years. All of the skillsets in my practice have helped me, such as constituent relations, bill drafting, and public hearings. I own my firm and I still practice

Q: What are some of your accomplishments for AD-12 and New York overall?

Candidate Spotlight

Thursday, October 24, 2024

A: For the district, I got the LIPA Reserve Fund passed in both houses; we’re waiting for the Governor’s signature. When LIPA had brought the tax certiorari case for the Northport Power Station, the case was going to trial and the decision was made to settle and provide a glide path, where LIPA would slowly pay less and less of their tax liability in terms of property taxes for the school districts and the Town of Huntington. The LIPA reserve fund allows school districts to set aside further money to build a shoulder on the glide path so that it won’t be as dramatic a loss when that last piece of the puzzle in eight years goes away. It’s been done by other host communities that host LIPA power plants.

I’ve obtained more than $1 million in grant funding for my area, everything from a high school mentoring program that was established in Northport, Harborfields, and Cold Spring Harbor school districts, all the way to acquiring $350,000 for the Halesite Harbor Walk project to build the new esplanade for housing and businesses around the harbor.

For Islip, I’ve gotten money for Brentwood Library, I’ve gotten the Brentwood Fire Department a tax-exempt status, and a $150,000 grant for the D.A.’s office to install ShotSpotter in Brentwood.

When I got into office, as part of my appointment as Ranking Member on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, I worked on legislation and an statewide Overdose Awareness Day. I’ve also worked on co-occurring disorders, when someone has mental health issues along with substance abuse issues. Right now, under state policies, clinicians either treat one or the other; they don’t treat both. What we’ve been attempting to do is to bridge that gap between the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Special Enforcement (OES) so that both cases would be treated. It would help ensure that a clinician is dual-licensed, the place at which patients are seeking treatment is getting reimbursed on both budgets, and clinicians are trained properly. I formed the Long Island Drug Coalition, a group composed of providers that has expanded to the Boroughs and Upstate. We’ve put on a conference for the last three years, all geared towards reducing the overdose deaths here in Suffolk County.

Q: What is your top priority if re-elected?

A: The biggest issue is restoring some of the cashless bail procedures. One of the most powerful tools we had in fighting substance abuse was treatment in lieu of jail at the arraignment stage. That, coupled with increased judicial discretion, is probably the largest issue in our state.

The second priority is tackling driving while impaired on drugs. The bill, A.00174, would amend the definition of “drug” in Vehicle and Traffic law to include any substance that impair, to any extent, physical or mental capabilities and updating state law to include the roadside testing of oral/bodily fluids to detect impairment, among other things.

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Assemblyman Keith Brown

Candidate: Keith Brown

Residence: Northport

First Elected: 2020

Prior Elected Office: None

Office Sought: New York’s Twelfth Assembly District Party Lines: Republican, Conservative Committees: Ranking Member on Alcoholism and Substance Use; Judiciary; Environmental Conservation; Housing Endorsements: All police unions, many construction trade unions, PEF, Suffolk AME, NYS Business Council, LIBI, Uniformed Firefighters Officers, Newsday

The third is dealing with the Child Victims Act. My bill, A.8076, would allow school districts to bond for settlements of Child Victm’s Act cases. Congestion pricing will come back up and that would really be a problem for Long Island. The foundational aid report out of Rockefeller Institute in December will change the formula for state aid. We’re hopeful that there will be measures in place to accurately quantify the cost of education for certain school districts that are based on English Language Learners (ELL), children with disabilities, children with 504 plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Q: What would you consider to be the “defining issue” of this election?

A: Easy: breaking up the one-party rule and supermajority in the Assembly and the Senate, so that NYC doesn’t dominate Albany politics.

Q: What’s your pitch to voters to return you to the Assembly as a member of the minority?

A: We have a powerful tool under Assembly and Senate rules where we can lay aside bills, which calls attention to issues we might have with it. We can slow down the approval process of some of these harmful bills. The supermajority can override that. For those Democrats that argue that there’s no role for a minority member: isn’t our country based on having multiple parties of disagreement and discord to come to a consensus? The biggest problem in Albany is there is no negotiation and consensus building when there’s a supermajority. It’s one of the things I’m most disappointed about. There’s no give-and-take.

Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic?

A: My father, a former State Supreme Court Judge, said, “to be a good attorney, you have to really want to help people.” It’s one of my guiding principles.

Q: How do you like to connect with your community?

A: I represent thirty miles of coastline from the county line to Smithtown. One of my biggest priorities is trying to make our waterfront more accessible to residents. That’s where the Halesite Harbor Walk comes in.

I really love door-knocking, it’s retail politics. Residents are telling you what their concerns are, and whether or not you’re doing a good job. It’s invaluable. It’s direct feedback.

The Messenger thanks Assemblyman Brown for his time for this interview.

About the Twelfth District

The Twelfth District is mostly composed of Huntington, but includes parts of Babylon and Islip. Within Huntington, the district includes Lloyd Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, Halesite, Huntington Bay, Eaton’s Neck, Asharoken, Centerport, Greenlawn, East Northport, Northport, and parts of Commack, Fort Salonga, and Elwood. Within Babylon, it has a part of Deer Park. Within Islip, it contains Baywood, Edgewood, and Pine Aire, as well as parts of Brentwood and North Bay Shore.

The Islip Messenger serves Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma, Oakdale, Holtsville, West Sayville, Sayville, Holbrook, Patchogue, Bohemia, Islandia and Islip 70 Years of Service to Our Community

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Proposition 2: Suffolk’s Future is in Your Hands

By County Executive Ed Romaine

On Election Day, voters will be casting their votes for President, U.S. Senate, Congress and state legislators. In Suffolk County, voters also have a once in a generation chance to safeguard the future of Suffolk County’s surface and groundwater in Proposition 2.

The proposition allows Suffolk County to begin the arduous process of bringing our wastewater infrastructure into the Twenty-First Century. Whether it is sewering our downtowns or supporting our neighbors installing I/A systems to combat nitrogen pollution, the successful passage of Proposition 2 gives us the tools we need to succeed.

Passage of Prop 2 establishes Suffolk’s eligibility for state and federal funding. Recouping as many tax dollars as possible from New York State is important to operate Suffolk County.

Proposition 2 also continues the highly successful Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program (SCDWPP). The SCDWPP is responsible for preserving thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land, stabilizing sewer rates and supporting clean water efforts.

We do not have to look far to see the need for improved wastewater infrastructure. Harmful algal blooms, brown tides, rust tides, mahogany tides, and hypoxia fill our summer headlines and are the cause of many beach closures each season.

We know, though, that through sewers, smart

zoning and open space preservation the damage is reversible. The obstacles we face are steep, but they are not insurmountable.

Building sewage infrastructure creates jobs and helps our small businesses and downtowns to flourish. The advancement of our downtowns creates permanent jobs in our communities and expands housing stock options for young people looking to start off and older folks looking to downsize. Our legacy fishing industry and emerging aquaculture industry will be able to expand employment and production as the environment improves.

It is not an understatement to say that passage of Proposition 2 is the most important measure voters have had on the ballot in generations, and its passage ensures our environment will grow stronger and protect the way of life that is a cornerstone of Suffolk County. This is not a political issue. It affects every present—and future—resident of Suffolk County and beyond.

Remember to vote on November 5 or take advantage of early voting. For more information on voting, please visit: https://suffolkcountyny. gov/Departments/BOE

Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has served as Suffolk County Executive since 2024. He has previously served as Suffolk County Clerk, a Suffolk County Legislator, and Brookhaven Town Supervisor.

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.

Townline Rail must now apply to the New York State DEC and the Town of Smithtown for authorization to construct the transloading facility. With this next step, we believe it is important to address some of the following misconceptions about this project:

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.

Townline Rail is an environmentally preferred alternative to trucking materials off Long Island. It will

and

Proposed Townline Rail Terminal

The best option for the future

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

By Matt Meduri

Nick LaLota won a three-way primary and would go on to defeat then-Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac) by over ten points in 2022 to succeed Long Island’s favorite son Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley). Now, LaLota is gearing up for a second term. LaLota is being challenged by former CNN anchor John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park), whose NYC residency questions were exclusively reported by The Messenger in April. After numerous attempts at contact, Mr. Avlon did not return our request for an interview.

Congressman LaLota 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 Congress?

A: My passion for service is somewhere in my blood. My father was a police officer and both of my grandfathers were NYPD officers. My stepfather served in the Navy and my brother served twenty years in the Marines with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was a Marine sniper who earned a Bronze Star for valor. I graduated from St. Anthony’s High School, and later, the U.S. Naval Academy, where I served three overseas deployments. I came home and got involved in state and local government. I worked as an aide to the State Senate and Congress on Veterans’ affairs. I served for seven years as a Suffolk County Board of Elections Commissioner, from 2015 to 2021. I was also Chief of Staff to the Suffolk County Legislature for one year (2022).

Q: What are some of your accomplishments for NY-01, New York, and the nation overall?

A: For the district, I’ve secured almost $150 million of federal money for Long Island, including $1.4 million for flooding and water quality issues in Smithtown and $1.5 million for the Port Jefferson Harbor. We’re looking forward to doing even more. The Long Island Sound Reauthorization Act secured $40 million for both water quality and economic development and to improve the Long Island Sound’s ecology and our fishing industry. We passed other bills on the small business committee to make it easier for small businesses to apply for grants and regulations. My “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities” Act aims to reverse some of New York City’s sanctuary policies.

Something I’ve continued from Congressman Zeldin’s tenure is working to preserve Plum Island. Preserving Plum Island has been a decades-long bipartisan endeavor to ensure it is free from development in perpetuity. It’s fortunate that it’s something that has a lot of bipartisan and bicameral initiative. There are many community groups carrying that ball. A lot of folks want to ensure Plum Island remains undeveloped and beautiful for future generations to enjoy.

Q: What is your top priority if re-elected?

A: SALT, SALT, and SALT. That is my biggest objective. We’re fortunate to have gotten commitments from Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R, MO-08), former President Donald Trump (R-FL), and many of my colleagues who want to provide Long Islanders tax relief. I give credit to Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) for being solid allies and steadfast in their commitment to a higher cap. We’re not going to stop there. Border security is also a top priority. We need to fight these sanctuary city policies. The free healthcare hotels being given to migrants is simply unsustainable and unaffordable. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has spent $5 billion on the Boroughs with this problem. She’s tried taking money from infrastructure and schools and raising taxes. From a federal perspective, I want the Senate to take up my “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities” act in the next Congress to give New York the financial incentive to stop the nonsense.

President Trump and I have both endorsed each other and I think that he is the right person to put America back on the right track, certainly with respect to our border and economy.

Q: What would you consider to be the defining issue of this election?

A: Telling the truth. In order to fix problems, you need to understand and admit what they are. Biden broke our border, I’m the only candidate in this race who can admit that. The rampant spending in Washington has fueled inflation; I’m the only candidate in this race who can admit that. The weakness of the Biden Administration has internationally catalyzed the situations in and around Ukraine and Israel. With respect to where we live, I’m the only one who can tell the truth about where I live. My opponent perpetuates the lie about abortion being federally banned. It’s simply not on anyone’s agenda and I don’t support such a plan. My opponent supports men playing in girls sports and raising middle class

Congressman Nick LaLota

Candidate: Nick LaLota

Residence: Amityville

First Elected: 2022

Prior Elected Office:

Trustee Village of Amityville from 2013-2019 Office Sought: New York’s Second First District

Party Lines: Republican, Conservative Committees:

Small Business (Chair of Contracting & Infrastructure Subcommittee; Economic Growth, Tax, & Capital Access Subcmte.); Armed Services (Cyber, IT, & Innovation Subcmte; Tactical Air & Land Forces Subcmte.); Homeland Security (Emergency Management & Technology Subcmte.; Transportation & Maritime Security Subcmte.)

Endorsements: Suffolk PBA, Suffolk Corrections Officers, Suffolk Deputy Sheriffs, Suffolk Superior Officers, Suffolk Detective Investigators, Police Conference of NY, IAFF Local 854, NSBCTC, NASRCC Local 290, TWU Local 252, Suffolk AME, IUOE Local 138, Plumbers Local 200, NFIB, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Republican Jewish Coalition

taxes. He says “in” Long Island, not “on” Long Island. It’s bizarre how disconnected he is and yet, he wants to lie to us when he’s not here.

Q: You’re consistently ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress. Some people in the district feel you’re not conservative enough. How would you defend your record?

A: I’m a common sense conservative who likes to get things done. My ideology is one of smaller government, personal responsibility, strong on national defense, and lower taxes. If you want to get a bill passed, you need to be able to compromise a little bit and I recognize that. I’ve been reaching across the aisle to ensure I can enact common sense legislation.

Q: What is your defense of concerns about your residency in NY-01?

A: My living seven miles outside the border hasn’t prevented my ability to represent the district. I’ve had more bills passed than 95% of the House has and I’ve secured $150 million in grant funding for the eight towns I represent. I have attended countless public events, held hundreds of events, and had over 600 constituent meetings in Washington. I am undeterred in my commitment to where I have served for the last ten years, two in Congress, seven as Elections Commissioner, and one for the Legislature. I have represented 100% of this district and I will continue to do so.

Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic?

A: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Teddy Roosevelt

It’s inspirational to me and provides a good perspective. This quote hangs on my wall in my Washington office.

Q: How do you like to connect with your community?

A: I love to grab a slice of pizza in all different parts of the district. We’re always trying new pizza places. It’s an opportunity to enjoy good food and good conversation with locals in all eight different towns.

The Messenger thanks Congressman LaLota for his time for this interview.

About the First District

NY-01 contains the entire townships of East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton, and Southold. It contains most of Huntington, all parts except Cold Spring Harbor, Halesite, Huntington hamlet, Huntington Bay, Huntington Station, and Lloyd Harbor. Within the Town of Brookhaven, NY-01 contains Stony Brook, Setauket, Old Field, Strongs Neck, Poquott, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Mount Sinai, Terryville, Lake Grove, Lake Ronkonkoma, Farmingville, Selden, Centereach, Coram, Gordon Heights, Middle Island, Ridge, Miller Place, Sound Beach, Rocky Point, Shoreham, East Shoreham, Manorville, Calverton, Moriches, Center Moriches, East Moriches, and parts of Eastport, Yaphank, Holtsville, and Ronkonkoma.

The Sarah Anker Investigation is the Real ‘October Surprise’

Two weeks ago, The Messenger reported of an investigation into former Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mt. Sinai), who is now running for the First Senate District against two-term Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk). The investigation was started in response to claims from Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Anker’s successor, and his staff that the Sixth District office was nearly empty, with no physical or digital records of constituent cases and ongoing projects. Lennon claims he was put at a significant disadvantage as a freshman legislator, essentially having to start from scratch to pick up the tab from where Anker left off.

The investigation was unanimously approved by the County Legislature, with Lennon recusing himself, as well as Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville), who serves as Chair of the Government Operations, Personnel, and Information Technology Committee, the body set to investigate the claims.

Interestingly, not a single other outlet seems to have this on their radar. Whether the claims are true or not, it’s still a significant development into a former local elected official, whose tenure is not far behind in the rearview mirror, and whose political future could be much nearer than anticipated.

In fact, Newsday actually made a pretty egregious typo in one of their latest issues. Their Monday, October 22, paper has a full-page article discussing matching public funds for campaigns. Essentially, your tax dollars go to fund political campaigns if candidates meet certain qualifications, regardless of whether you support them or not, but that’s a topic for a different editorial.

The Newsday article discussed the $375,000 Anker received in matching funds, to Palumbo’s near-$100,000. The typo we found was that Newsday listed Anker as “State Sen.,” as if she is currently the incumbent. We all make mistakes, and mistakes are inevitable in newsprint, but that’s a pretty glaring error, and one that only stands out more given that Newsday and company’s columnists are remaining oddly tacit about the investigation.

Again, allegations are allegations, but this is a major development in every sense of the word. Moreover, we were in frequent contact with Anker’s Senate campaign to set up a time for her to screen with The Messenger. Contact was made over a period of weeks, but scheduling conflicts on both our and her end did not make the interview a reality. However, contact went eerily silent after we apparently broke the story.

Couple this with the disbarment case of Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station). Our discussions with Flood’s attorney on the matter, Steve Losquadro, have presented these bullet points: a clerical error was in need of rectification on Flood’s part. Documents were delivered via courier service - requiring an in-person reception and/or signature - to an address where Flood is not regularly present anymore given his Albany obligations. However, the notice of his disbarment came right to his front door, giving him no opportunity to correct the error and costing him his legal license.

Losquadro remains confident that Flood will have his law license reinstated, but he stipulates that there’s no reason for the judicial review board to do so until after the election, whether Flood wins or loses his seat.

Of course, the media in Suffolk County had a field day with this. At face value, yes, that’s also a significant development, especially in the county’s most competitive seat next month. But there are some crucial components that have been omitted, and we think that this is an attempt to wrest that seat from Republican hands in a time when Democrats are aware of the increasingly competitive nature of New York. Suffolk is considered the “tip of the spear” for almost any statewide campaign, and areas like Three Village, which Flood represents, are now becoming much more competitive than they were a decade ago. Losing their hold on these valuable precincts means a much lower floor than the one to which Democrats are typically accustomed.

Moreover, Newsday’s endorsement of Flood’s opponent, which is their prerogative entirely, was noticeably lacking in Flood’s comments. When Flood screened with us, he was very specific and was able to rattle off what he’s been doing for his district and the state. We find it hard to believe he didn’t deliver the same pitch to Newsday. They must not have felt inclined to write it up. Our interview with Flood is on our website and can be viewed in copies of the October 10 edition of the Brookhaven Messenger

Both Flood and Anker have their rights to maintain their innocence and the investigating parties have their rights to fact-find as well, especially as these are perhaps the top-two races in Suffolk this year.

But it seems odd that most outlets piled relentlessly on Flood and didn’t even give him a chance at the endorsement table, while simultaneously remaining silent on a bipartisan investigation into Anker.

What is the Plan for the Landfill?

We recognize that simply shuttering a massive landfill site is no easy task, and we also understand that the debris and waste doesn’t disappear if we simply want it to be gone.

However, the plans to close the Brookhaven landfill have been pushed to 2027, but the facility will cease accepting ash at the end of this year.

That leaves the Town with an unenviable problem: what to do with the waste, how to get rid of it efficiently, how to mitigate health concerns from the landfill, and how to plug the massive hole left behind in the budget.

One solution being presented is the potential railyard in Kings Park. It recently cleared its federal review for a 5,000-foot rail extension, but it’s still a long way off from being approved, and an even longer way from being constructed and operational, should it be approved.

The alternative that’s commonly quoted is trucking the waste off Long Island. It’s not a bad alternative, but would be costlier and pose significant quality-of-life issues on our already-congested roadways. There’s also a good argument for health concerns, as idling trucks are feared to worsen air quality.

It’s not the current Town government’s fault that a decent chunk of Brookhaven’s budget was dependent on the landfill, but it is incumbent upon them to continue working on solutions. The green energy solutions are a good start, but it doesn’t make up for the $21 million being lost from declining landfill revenues. If anything, this should serve as a model for municipalities to not rely so heavily on a revenue stream that has been in end-of-life stages for years.

Being a municipality situated on Long Island makes it imperative that

money is made on our garbage, ideally hand-overfist. The concept is there, but the infrastructure is not. And if the Kings Park rail yard ends up not being approved, which would be of great relief to many Smithtown residents, it’s back to the drawing board, and possibly a longer lifespan for the landfill if other solutions do not emerge.

At the very least, operations at the landfill are winding down, something Town officials have long fought for. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that health and environmental impacts can begin being curbed if the use of the site is halted as intended.

The other silver lining is that Brookhaven is not alone. Eight other towns plan to pierce their tax caps, all but Smithtown and Huntington. All cite unfunded state mandates and a harsh economic climate at-large as the main culprits, but Brookhaven’s problem is much more localized with the landfill. Had the landfill not been a de facto dirty bomb from previous administrations - starting with the State DEC nearly forty years ago - this impact could have been avoided.

We can at least understand the Town’s desire to not cut services, even if it does mean a tax hike when the last elections were run almost entirely on affordability and quality of life. While the Town is caught between a rock and a hard place by virtue of the past, it’s still resulting in a tax hike in the first year of the new administration, something that’s unlikely to win brownie points with residents.

We’re refraining from calling too harsh shots here, given we haven’t had the opportunity to sit down with members of the Board to discuss the budget. It’s certainly a developing story that we intend to track religiously.

By Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick

Vote ‘No’ on Prop One

In a few short weeks, New Yorkers will head to the polls, and they will have more to consider than the list of candidates seeking public office. Also appearing on the ballot this year is “Proposal 1,” a measure that purports to protect individuals from discrimination, when, in reality, it forces our most cherished institutions to accept controversial views on subjects like gender ideology and gender identity.

I have deep concerns regarding Proposal 1. The proposal, which would amend the New York State Constitution, inserts new language presented in vague and unclear terms, leaving the text open to an overly broad interpretation. Its liberal supporters have framed Proposal 1 as an “equal rights amendment.” It’s more accurate to describe the measure as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

For generations, New York’s Constitution has prevented discrimination based on “race, creed, color or religion.” But the new proposal inexplicably adds “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

If passed, Prop 1 would create fundamental issues related to parental rights and gender identity, and it would potentially threaten the security and fairness of our state’s electoral process. The state constitution already provides substantial and clear protections for the rights of all New Yorkers, but if passed, this proposal could threaten those very protections.

The proposal is intentionally misleading. It was initially painted as a way to “protect” abortion;

however, the word “abortion” does not even appear in the text, and the prop covers myriad issues unrelated to reproductive health. Further, New York already has some of the nation’s most liberal abortion protections. Since 1970, New Yorkers have had access to legal abortion, and that access is not under any threat. In fact, just short of California, New York has the second-highest rate of abortion in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Additionally, the proposal also threatens parental rights by allowing minors to make critical health decisions without their parent’s knowledge. For example, Prop 1 would create new constitutional “rights” and grant minors the right to transgender and other types of medical interventions—all without parental notification/consent. Children should not be making such life-altering decisions, especially without their parents. I’m disheartened to know New York has become a state that would even think to allow parents to be removed from such critical decisions.

And when it comes to school sports, the proposal would put our students’ safety and wellbeing in jeopardy as well. The proposal’s inclusion of inordinate protections for “gender identity” and “gender expression” would result in biological males competing in female sports. This would unfairly and unjustly put female athletes in the position of competing against biological men who have a physical advantage over them.

Alarmingly, the proposition would also allow for biological men and women to have shared locker rooms and bathrooms, completely disregarding

Letter to the Editor

the safety and comfort of other students. This would be a massive step backward from the hard-fought protections given by Title IX to girls in academics and athletics.

Lastly, this specific ballot proposition is troubling because its vague language could allow illegal migrants the right to vote, which raises questions about the security and fairness of the electoral process. This protection undermines the rights of American citizens and dilutes our voice in determining our own government. Democracy is the foundation of our country, one of the characteristics that sets our country apart from the rest of the world. It should be protected, upheld and free from foreign influence.

Ballot Proposal 1 is designed to appear helpful but ultimately is dangerous to our citizens and our state. If passed, it could alter the future of New York forever, and I urge everyone to vote no. Changes to our state’s constitution should not be taken lightly, nor should they be made to advance a misguided, liberal agenda.

Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) has represented the Eighth District in the New York State Assembly 2013, redrawn from the Seventh District, which he had represented since 2003. The Eighth District includes the entire Town of Smithtown, the Village of Islandia, and the Islip portion of Hauppauge. The Eighth District office is located at 285 Middle Country Road, Suite 202, in Smithtown, and can be reached at 631-724-2929.

Dear Editor,

After years of delays, Suffolk County voters will finally be able to make their voices heard on a key challenge facing our region — restoring water quality. As Long Islanders, we treasure our pure drinking water, beaches, harbors and bays. If approved this November, Prop 2 will ensure that our ground and surface water resources are uncontaminated and useful for all present and future generations.

Currently, nitrogen pollution from untreated sewage is degrading both Suffolk’s groundwater and recreational waterways. The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is a critical step towards reversing this trend and achieving a sustainable future and would enable investment into tested and proven clean water technologies to replace our outdated septic systems.

Don’t forget to write, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at: editor@messengerpapers.com

This measure will also bring expanded sewer services to many of the most densely developed parts of our county, help secure additional federal and state funding, create thousands of good local jobs, revitalize business districts, and boost property values. Most importantly, if confirmed this referendum will protect the health and wellbeing of every Suffolk County resident.

This year, we have the power to protect our water and our future. We urge all Suffolk County residents to vote YES on Prop 2 this November 5th.

Sincerely,

The Suffolk County Legislature Democratic Caucus:

Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon)

Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park)

Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station)

Legislator Samuel Gonzalez (D-Brentwood)

Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket)

Legislator Ann Welker (D-Southampton)

Correction - Smithtown Messenger

The October 17 edition of the Smithtown Messenger featured a candidate spotlight of Craig Herskowitz (D-Northport), who is running for the Second Senate District against incumbent Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James). His name was spelled incorrectly - as “Hershkowitz” - and his endorsements were not included.

Herskowitz shared the following endorsements: The Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cover), former Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington), Citizen Action of New York, the League of Human Voters of New York, and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.

Continued from front cover

Zeldin Holds Rally Against Proposition One

The justification for the bill, also available at the State Board of Elections’ website, says that the word “sex” is “inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

Former Congressman and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) held a rally last Thursday at the Long Island Baptist Church in Holtsville to protest Proposition One. He was joined by a slate of elected officials and community members who are concerned about the bill’s overarching language and potential litigation that could be sparked by its passage.

“It’s been fascinating to watch as Democrats try to brand out of Albany Proposal 1 as a so-called ‘Equal Rights Amendment.’ Nowhere in the proposal will you see the term ‘Equal Rights Amendment,’” said Zeldin. “They say it is a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state of New York, and yet when you read the ballot proposal, there are all sorts of other changes to the New York State Constitution that have nothing at all to do with abortion.”

Zeldin added that he agrees with New Yorkers concerned about biological males participating in female sports and that many parents in the state do not believe that males should have access to female bathrooms and locker rooms.

“There has been a push in New York to allow non-citizens to vote. If Proposition One is passed, it will be used by Democrats to try to advance this push for noncitizens to be able to have sanctuary state protections in Albany and to allow them to vote,” said Zeldin.

Zeldin encouraged all voters to read the full text of Proposition One before heading to polls next month. He also added that Republicans were not the only ones present with him, but Democrats and “people in between” as well.

“This is a Trojan Horse of the most epic kind,” said Bobbie Anne Cox (pictured right), a constitutional law attorney who has been traveling across the state to campaign against Proposition One. “Boys will have a constitutional right to access female spaces like locker rooms, bathrooms, dormitories, prisons, and so on. It’s going to open the door for those immigrants that are here, legally or illegally, to claim the right to have the same access and rights as New York citizens. Those things could be taxpayer-funded benefits, but it can also include the sacred right to vote.”

Cox added that parents have a “constitutional right” to raise their children and that if the initiative is approved, she believes that the “overly broad language” will lead to protected classes being “pit against one another.”

“You’re going to have lawsuits across the state over who is more protected,” said Cox, referring to existing provisions in state and federal code.

Credit: Matt Meduri

“The language is not going to protect our rights. What it’s going to do is hamper and weaken our rights. This is a huge power grab by the government,” said Cox.

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) said he remembers equal rights amendments of the 1960s and 1970s, but remarks at how much the fight has “changed” since then.

“When did we all of a sudden get okay with the idea of genetic males being able to compete in female sports?” asked DeStefano.

“I have colleagues who have young daughters who are terrified that this is going to become a reality.”

Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) emphasized the “specifically vague” language of the bill.

“It will foment lawsuits and conflict between parties. It is the government intervening in every aspect of our everyday lives,” said Fitzpatrick. “This is what the radical left intends to do, and they’re acting this out. They’re looking to pass this because they want to disrupt the family dynamic.”

Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson), a father of five, said he’s already seeing how his five-year-old son is already faster and stronger than his two older sisters.

“This will only be amplified when they get older. This ‘equal rights amendment’ is nothing but equal,” said Flood. “This puts all women athletes at a competitive disadvantage. It takes away the scholarship opportunities, it will take away the ability to make teams, and it will take away a young girl’s morale and their confidence, no matter how hard they try, they can never be as physically dominant as someone of the opposite sex. This is just biology.”

Flood also dismissed claims of the initiative’s protection of abortion rights.

“Two years ago, New York City passed a law that gave the right to vote to non-citizens, here legally or illegally. That was challenged and it was reversed. However, the Mayor of New York City is appealing the decision. If Proposition One passes, that door is going to open and that could become a reality,” said Cox.

Cox shared an anecdote of a Westchester County school district that implemented a “speech code,” which required students to call other students and staff by their “preferred pronouns.”

“Whose right is going to trump the other person’s right?” asked Cox. “The language is much too broad.”

Cox added that last year, the State Department of Education issued a guidance that says if a student is “transitioning their gender,” or at least interested in doing so, the school administration is “not allowed to tell the parents” of their child’s newfound identity.

Cox also warned of already vague language being presented to the voter in the form of two sentences that would likely seem acceptable to most voters.

“If this passes, it would allow the government to discriminate against you if they’re doing so in the name of correcting past discrimination or preventing future discrimination,” said Cox, adding that as a “lifelong Democrat,” she opposes Proposition One as a constitutional law attorney.

“We have some of the strongest abortion laws in the country; they’re not going anywhere,” said Flood. “This is also a deflect on their [the Democrats’] part. Since 2018, they’ve taken a supermajority in both chambers and they have a Democratic Governor. They’ve made New York State go in a downwards spiral. This is their last effort to try and salvage some of these races and keep the majority by creating an issue.”

Candidate for Assembly Joe Cardinale (R-Amityville) added that “years of training” are “out the window” for rising female athletes in USA Boxing, which now allows biological men to fight against them.

Suffolk County Legislators Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) and Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) stated their opposition to the bill and its “lack of transparency.”

Community advocates stated that children are not able to make “educated and informed” decisions about their bodies in many regards, and that many treatments for gender transitions are irreversible, such genital mutilation, puberty blockers, and hormone treatments.

Zeldin said that if Proposition One passes, it might be in conflict with the U.S. Constitution. The term “national origin” could, according to him, be interpreted as anyone who is simply “not an American.” Zeldin also shared his lack of faith in the State Court of Appeals, saying that the Court will “support decisions” where “merit seems to be pushed aside.”

“Democrats know that their agenda does not pass in a legislature. The only way to get their agenda passed is in the courts,” said Fitzpatrick, primarily of the vague language of the bill. “I’m sure lawsuits are being worked on right now.”

“When Riley Gaines’ rights come into conflict with Lia Thomas’ rights, which right is superior?” asked Zeldin. Gaines is a former competitive swimmer who tied for fifth in the 200-yard NCAA freestyle championship in 2022 against Lia Thomas, who became the first openly transgender woman champion in the NCAA women’s division after winning the 500-yard freestyle.

Cox added that the language of “age” is highly subjective, which she says could be interpreted in ways to allow school districts to teach “comprehensive sexual education” to children as young as five, or allow minors to make their own medical decisions without parental consent.

Proposition One has been one of the most controversial issues of this election. Suffolk voters will be faced with the decision on the backs of their ballots on November 5.

This Week Today

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

A crucial USA Today poll released on Monday tracks the presidential candidates’ support among key demographics.

The survey finds Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) with 45% of the vote to former President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) 44%, a closer race than the one that was tracked in August which showed Harris with a five-point lead48%-43%.

The poll was conducted by landline and cellphone through October 14 and 18 and surveyed 1,000 likely voters. The margin of error is +/- 3.1%.

By a margin of 57%-37%, voters believe that Harris has not done enough to clearly explain her policies if she were elected. Nearly onequarter of her supporters believe they want to hear more specific plans.

However, Trump’s supporters are somewhat more confident in his marketing. 49% said he had done enough to explain his policies, while 48% believe he hasn’t. Just 15% of his supporters want to learn more about his platform if he were to return to Washington for a second nonconsecutive term.

More shockingly, the poll found a dramatic backslide in Harris support among minority voters.

In August, Harris had consolidated Latino support by a margin of 53%-37%, still relatively underwhelming for how Democrats have fared nationally in recent elections.

The USA Today poll finds Trump leading Harris among Latino voters by eleven points: 49%38%.

Among black voters, Harris (pictured right) fares better, but has still experienced an erosion in support. The August survey found Harris leading among black voters by 76%-12%. Her margin slipped to 72%-17%. While at face value only a marginal shift, Trump is garnering support from black voters at levels not seen since the 1970s.

among these voting blocs towards Donald Trump could deliver him the election.

The poll also found Trump leading among male voters by 53%-37%, while Harris leads by a nearidentical margin among female voters, 53%-36%.

In other campaign news, President Trump made perhaps his most infamous campaign stop yet: McDonald’s.

Harris leads Trump by nineteen points in the presidential race, an increase from her thirteen-point margin last month. She leads him by 58%-39%. Voters contend that Harris would handle abortion (64%31%) and democracy (58%-38%) better than Trump. New Yorkers also feel that Harris would handle the economy (52%-46%) and immigration (50%-46%) better than Trump.

The former president stopped at the Golden Arches in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a key suburban county of Philadelphia that serves as one of the state’s premier battlegrounds. His intention: to work at McDonald’s longer than Kamala Harris. Trump says that his brief stint serving fries to drive-through customers came from a fabrication from Harris, where she claims she worked at the fast food chain when she was younger, despite the lack of corroboration.

USA Today notes that the margins of error in the subsamples for the two demographics is +/- nine points, meaning there is less confidence in their particular study of these groups than there is for their survey at large. This means that there is a potential shift of eighteen points in either direction. While other polls show Harris with decent Latino and black support, Trump has been courting these voters specifically, and much polling has shown strongerthan-usual support for the Republican nominee among these demographics than that to which the party is usually accustomed.

For context, Joe Biden (D-DE) took 92% of black voters and 59% of Latino voters. Even a slight shift

Trump exchanged his suit jacket for an apron and interacted with customers at the drive-through window. (pictured above)

The move is regarded as one of Trump’s ability to connect with middleclass Americans, as well as to put himself amongst the rank-and-file to contrast Harris’ alleged dishonesty on the subject.

“Some in the press called Trump’s McDonald’s photo-op bizarre. This is how you lose credibility. That was a home run photo-op. He looked like a real person there, connecting with the average American. If you can’t see that, you’re totally blind,” wrote Cenk Uygur on X, formerly known as Twitter. Uygur serves as one of the founding members and hosts of the Young Turks, a political online talk show consisting of highly progressive viewpoints and advocacy.

State

The Siena College released their latest poll conducted from October 13 to 17, among 872 likely voters. The margin of error is +/- 4.2%.

Harris has 88% of Democratic support, while Trump has 87% of Republican support.

The poll also finds that voters view Harris favorably - 54%-43% - while they view Trump unfavorably - 38%-60%.

Mike Sapraicone (R-Floral Park) trails Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) by twenty-six points57%-31%.

The College also finds voters support Proposition One by an overwhelming margin of 69%-22%. Republicans oppose it 50%36%, while 89% of Democrats and 62% of Independents support the constitutional amendment.

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) also remains unfavorable and with a negative job approval. The College tracks her favorability at 36%51%, up slightly from last month, and her job approval at 41%-51%, also up slightly from last month.

The poll also finds that a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents all view her unfavorably.

Meanwhile, 51% of voters find that the state is headed in the wrong direction, down slightly from 55% who held that position in September.

President Biden’s job approval is now 50%-49%, up from 47%-53% last month.

Local

A Siena College poll, sponsored by Newsday, finds that Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) leads challenger John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park) by three points - 47%-44%, leading Trump by just one point in NY-01.

This is a contrast from two recent polls. A Fabrizio, Lee, and Associates poll from late September gave LaLota an eight-point lead over Avlon, while a Cygnal poll from earlier this month found LaLota leading by nine points.

In local news, County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has announced the launch of a website to update residents on the study of County Route (CR) 39 in Tuckahoe to alleviate traffic in a major East End artery.

The County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has launched the page to keep residents informed as Romaine intends to fulfill a core component of his campaign platform of remediating roads and improving the quality of life through traffic studies.

“Making information readily available to residents is the surest way to alleviate concerns around ongoing studies and potential projects,” said Romaine. “It is important the community is aware of the work the DPW is doing to improve this important roadway.”

The study is hoping to develop, evaluate, and identify long-term solutions and improvements to reduce traffic congestion, minimize local detours, and improve overall safety. Residents can submit their comments and suggestions to cr39study@ suffolkcountyny.gov

Credit:

Donald

Trump campaign

10 Candidate Spotlight

By Matt Meduri

Senator Monica Martinez

Candidate: Senator Monica Martinez

Residence: Brentwood

First Elected: 2022

Prior Elected Experience: New York State Senator, Third District (2019-2021), Suffolk County Legislator, Ninth District (2014-2019)

Committees: Chair of Local Government; Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders; Education; Elections; Environmental Conservation; Insurance; Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee

Caucuses: Legislative Women’s Caucus, Select Majority Task Force on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises

Endorsements: CWA, NYSNA, National Institute for Reproductive Health, NYSUT, RWDSU, LIUNA, Eleanor’s Legacy, TWU, New York State Troopers PBA, League of Humane Voters, LIFL, SCCOA, CSEA, PBA of New York State, CWA Local 1109, AFL-CIO, National Organization for Women, NSBCTC, Suffolk AME, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, AFSCME, Italian American PAC, NYC Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs Police Benevolent Association, New York League of Conservation Voters, LIGRA

Senator Monica Martinez won her first term in the Fourth Senate District in 2022 after losing re-election in 2020 to Alexis Weik (R-Sayville). She is now running for a second term from this district.

Her opponent, Theresa Bryant (R-Central Islip), is not actively campaigning.

Senator Martinez sat down with The Messenger for an interview for this candidate spotlight.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Q: What is your professional background and how does it equip you for the Senate?

A: Throughout my time as an educator, county legislator, and State Senator, I have devoted my life to serving my community. As a teacher and principal in the Brentwood School District, I enriched the lives of students by building a positive learning environment. Thanks to my work as an educator, I understand what it takes to support our schools, support our students, and empower them to thrive. As a County Legislator, I championed public safety, securing funding for anti-gang programs, establishing the first Child Care Commission and strengthened animal protection laws, knowing that preventing animal abuse prevents other serious crimes from occurring. I also protected the environment and our public health and stood up against environmental injustices by leading the fight against illegal dumping in our public parks. On these issues and on many more, my work in education and local government has enabled me to better serve my constituents.

Q: What do you consider to be the “defining issue” of this election?

A: Affordability. Long Island should be a place where young people can afford to raise a family and where our seniors can afford to remain in their homes. I have worked tirelessly to confront the affordability crisis by championing landmark protections for homeowners and tenants, making the property tax cap permanent, and voting against new taxes 178 times. Every year, Long Island becomes less and less affordable for working families. We have to work on retaining young talent on the island to be able to maintain our quality of life. The more young professionals we lose, the harder it is for middle-age and retirees to stay on the island too.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments for SD-04 and the state overall in the last two years?

A: Under my leadership, we have made great progress in terms of school funding, public safety, and environmental protection. I fought successfully against proposed cuts in school aid in this year’s budget and ensured that schools throughout Senate District 4 received record funding while maintaining the property tax cap. I secured $350 million in funding for gun violence prevention programs and sponsored legislation to make fentanyl testing strips more accessible to combat the opioid crisis. I sponsored the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act which, if supported by Suffolk County voters this November, will provide funding to protect our drinking water by reducing excess nitrogen through expanded sewers and upgraded septic systems.

Q: The Siena College regularly tracks New Yorkers’ opinions on the direction of the state. Just last month, the College tracked a majority of voters who feel the state is on the wrong track - 51%-39%. With this in mind, what’s your pitch to voters that sending you back to the majority will be productive for your constituents? What case would you make for increased Democratic leadership in Albany, despite an extended period of the majority of New Yorkers feeling the state is on the wrong track?

A: As a member of the Majority Conference, I have been able to advocate more effectively for our district and ensure Long Island’s priorities have a meaningful seat at the negotiating table. Nowhere is this clearer than negotiations over the budget where we successfully pushed back against the governor’s attempt to cut funding to Long Island schools. Whether bringing home resources for students and families or supporting our law enforcement with the tools they need to make Long Island one of the safest places in the country, I have worked to make sure our majority serves Long Island’s needs. I have never been afraid to stand up to my own party on issues like bail reform or tax increases. However, on issues ranging from combating the cost of living crisis to standing up for women’s rights both in healthcare and victims of domestic violence, to protecting our environment, our majority

has delivered policy victories that meaningfully improve the lives of Long Islanders and that enjoy broad support throughout my district.

Q: What are your current thoughts on the bail reform laws? What aspects, if any, do you believe need changing and what aspects, if any, do you think should remain in place?

A: I have made it clear that the bail reform laws that were passed in 2019 were imperfect and needed changes in terms of allowing judges greater discretion in assessing defendants and making more serious offenses baileligible. I support the underlying principle of the law, which is that people should not languish in jail for minor offenses simply because they cannot afford to make bail. Our criminal justice system was somewhat unbalanced, but like any legislative initiative, there is always room for improvement. I believe judges should have more discretion when deciding bail, though they already have the ability to impose it if an individual poses a threat to themselves or others. As such, I was the only sitting Senator from Suffolk County who strongly advocated for these amendments, working alongside law enforcement unions and victim advocates to secure the changes needed. We were successful, and further amendments have been made this year to strengthen protections for our communities.

I have worked and will continue to work with legislative leadership to make additional changes so we can keep our communities safe while ensuring our justice system is rooted in fairness and equity.

Q: What is your reaction to the even-year election law being deemed unconstitutional? When we spoke last year of its passage, you offered a passionate defense of the change. Has your opinion changed since then?

A: No. I was disappointed with the most recent ruling in favor of the partisans who would rather have fewer people vote in our local elections, but I look forward to this ruling being overturned on appeal. Our democracy is strengthened by greater public participation, especially at the local level. When this law is upheld and implemented, it will strengthen democracy in local government throughout New York.

Q: What is your top priority if re-elected?

A: Tackling the affordability crisis is a top priority of mine and I look forward to working with legislative leaders on Day 1 to do just that on multiple fronts. We need a comprehensive housing policy which supports the unique needs of Long Island, including supporting aspiring new homeowners and supporting our seniors so they can stay in the homes and communities in which they have lived and built their lives over the years.

We must reassess how affordability is defined, both at the federal and state levels. The current metrics often fail to capture the real cost of living on Long Island, where housing prices, taxes, and everyday expenses can be significantly higher than in other regions across the State. We need to adjust our affordability standards to ensure any policies designed to address this crisis are tailored to meet Long Island’s unique needs. By doing so, we can ensure these initiatives truly reflect the realities faced by our residents and provide meaningful relief to those struggling to make ends meet. I will continue to fight for increases in state aid to local schools, not only to support our students and teachers, but to ensure we do so without massive property tax hikes which threaten to drive Long Island families away, and I am committed to protecting Long Island’s middle class from tax increases by holding the line on taxes.

Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, work ethic, or words to live/work by? Alternatively, is there a particular historical, local, or personal figure you find particularly inspiring?

A: My mother; a trailblazer who taught me to never give up, to never allow anyone to tell me I can’t do something, to be humble but yet proud and to focus on education as no one can take that away from me.

Q: How do you like to connect with and enjoy your community?

A: As someone who was both raised in this community and continues to be an active part of it, my connection here is deeply personal. This is where my roots are, where my family and friends live, and where I’ve built my life. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to a good book while going for a run in my neighborhood. It’s one of the ways I find balance and stay grounded. I believe one of the best ways I have been able to connect with my community is through local events. Whether it’s a school gathering, a neighborhood festival, or a town hall meeting, these events bring people together and create meaningful opportunities for conversation and collaboration. They allow me to hear directly from constituents and understand the issues that matter most to them, which informs my work and strengthens the bond I have with the community.

Throughout my career as an educator, administrator, county legislator, and now state senator, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with neighbors at local events, visiting our schools, and being present in the very spaces which have shaped who I am. These connections are what inspire me and remind me why I chose to serve in public office. I want the next generation of leaders to feel proud of where they come from, knowing their community and roots can both fuel and inspire their dreams. This community raised me, and I am honored to work every day to make it even stronger.

The Messenger thanks Senator Martinez for her time for this interview.

About the Fourth Senate District

Within the Town of Islip, the district includes Baywood, Brentwood, Central Islip, Hauppauge, North Bay Shore, Pine Aire, and parts of Bay Shore, Brightwaters, Islandia, Islip hamlet, Ronkonkoma, and West Islip, Within the Town of Babylon, the district includes Deer Park, East Farmingdale, North Amityville, North Lindenhurst, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, and parts of Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst, Melville, North Babylon, and West Babylon.

12 Candidate Spotlight

By Matt Meduri

Rob Lubin

Candidate: Rob Lubin Residence: Lindenhurst

Prior Elected Office: None

Office Sought: New York’s Second Congressional District Party Lines: Democratic, Working Families Endorsements: Congressmembers Jerry Nadler (D, NY-12), Grace Meng (D, NY-06), Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13), Pat Ryan (D, NY-18), Dan Goldman (D, NY10), Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), CWA 1109

Rob Lubin, 30, is making his first bid for public office against two-term incumbent Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport).

Rob Lubin 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 Congress?

A: I was the youngest partnerships executive in history of the soccer club FC Barcelona. I focused on generating revenue for North and Latin America and building out the FC Barcelona’s women’s team. Being a young executive for a top-five revenue team in the world really gave me some perspective. I’m also fluent in Spanish and Italian. I also got a lot of perspective from traveling around South and Central America. I took an internship in 2015 at the New York Jets’ ticketing office. I learned the art of picking up a phone and fighting for things. A lot of that is what I do when I’m knocking on doors.

My first internship in sports was when I was still in high school, for a soccer team called the Philadelphia Union. I was in their data analytics cybermetrics department, which focused on player formulas based on player performance. It was pretty prenatal because statistics weren’t emphasized in soccer as they are in other sports.

I then interned with the Washington Commanders (Redskins at the time) in their partnerships department. I worked on marquee partnerships like StubHub, Bank of America, and other big accounts. When I graduated college from George Washington University, I went to work for AS Roma, an Italian soccer team I’ve cheered for my whole life. I even spent some time in Italy while working for them. I was a manager of business development. We closed two very big deals for the clubs, which was Hyundai for the back of the jerseys and Qatar Airways for the fronts. FC Barcelona called me the following year in need of help running their NYC office.

After about seven years in the sports world, I started my own business called IN-HOUSE, manufacturing clothing and athletic wear. Being a small business owner teaches you the importance of protecting our small businesses, how hard it is to make payroll, and how important it is that employees are insured. With the clothing line, we see how much brand power athletes have. They dictate a lot of trends and styles. I am no longer with the business since I’ve been running for Congress full time.

Q: What is your top priority if elected?

A: Capping prescription costs. I have a rare condition called keratoconus. I lost vision in my left eye in just six months. I take a daily medication that is really expensive and the surgery was really expensive. I pay out of pocket for my prescription and it’s really tough for me and a lot of other Americans. Negotiating with the pharmaceutical companies and making sure it makes its way into a bill and not getting lost in the other stuff is a priority.

I like Harris’ idea of capping insulin costs at $35. It’s fair when it comes to not affecting the flow of business. We want our pharmaceutical companies to be making pharmaceuticals, but it needs to be done delicately and diplomatically. Insurance companies also don’t step up to the plate with what they’ll cover. I’m not scared of going against my own party and working with Republicans. I would work with the Trump Administration if he is elected because my job is to make my district better, point-blank.

Q: What would you consider to be the defining issue of this election?

A: It matters to different people, but the American Dream is one of those things all of us are after. Repealing the SALT cap is one way to tackle affordability, and I know the Republicans also want to repeal the cap. The

problem is it was lost under their leadership, so maybe a fresh set of eyes could fight for it differently. I would also say expanding the child tax credit is another way to tackle affordability. We also need to increase our housing supply, but it’s not as simple as building. The communities have to be for it and the construction has to be in conjunction with them.

From a federal perspective, it means working with the local electeds. I appreciate Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) $25,000 down payment credit that she’s proposing. It has to be fleshed out further, but it’s something I’m dedicated towards looking into more.

Q: What’s your pitch to voters to flip a red seat blue and possibly flip the House majority to the Democrats by sending you to Congress?

A: It’s threefold. One, I live the housing crisis and health care problems. I’m a small business owner and recognize the plight of a small business. Two, where is Garbarino? My opponent doesn’t do town halls, debates, and meet-the-candidates events. Even if you have a bad day, showing up is important. Showing up for your constituents and making that a cornerstone of your campaign is just being present with your community so that people see you. Even if you’re doing a fantastic job, people still have questions and it’s their right to have them. Party over people; sometimes, it feels that my opponent is party over people because he’ll vote the Republican line. He portrays himself as bipartisan, but he is endorsed by Trump, he’s voted against women’s rights, capping prescription costs, and red-flag laws.

Three, I’m a new perspective. I’m 30 and I understand these issues from firsthand personal experience. I feel like I can fight for the people of this district and represent them in an honorable way. 30% of the district is Hispanic, and I connect with voters in the native language.

I think I can do better than my opponent with infrastructure. We need to redo our roads, upgrade public transportation, and a lot of residents feel we need revamped sewage infrastructure. Federal funding towards community health centers for preventative care is important, and we can get union jobs there. Federal funding for vocational schools is also important.

I would buck my party on the rise in capital gains tax. That’s insane. I’m happy to say that that doesn’t make any sense. I think while both Harris and Trump are running to make people’s pockets better, I just think that her plan is a little more clear.

Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic?

A: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”Teddy Roosevelt I have it at my home and I look at it every day. You have to try to succeed, because if you don’t try, then what’s the point?

Q: How do you like to connect with your community?

A: My fiance and I have a routine. We wake up, walk our dog to Argyle Park, go to Jack Jack’s in Babylon for coffee, and after work, or campaigning as of now, we’ll watch something together or go to dinner. I love Teller’s Steakhouse in Islip. I love to fish as well. There’s great places along the south shore, or even Montauk Point, to catch some blues and bass.

The Messenger thanks Rob Lubin for his time for this interview.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

By Matt Meduri

Andrew Garbarino entered Congress to succeed the legendary Peter King (R-Seaford) in 2020. He was re-elected in a landslide in 2022 and is now running for a third term.

Congressman Garbarino 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 Congress?

Candidate Spotlight

A: I’m an attorney with a degree from Hofstra. At my Sayville firm, we practiced commercial law, real estate law, wills, trusts, estates, and zoning laws. We did pretty much everything but divorce and personal injury. I could go into my office, have a real estate closing in the morning, a will signing in the afternoon, and a zone hearing at a town hall at night. As an attorney and legislator, you learn how to read the laws, how actual technical legislation language matters, and why an idea might be great on paper, but if the bill isn’t written properly, you have unintended consequences. That allows me to review legislation and be able to really focus on what the intent is in the way it’s written. I’m not currently practicing anymore, but being a small business owner of a law firm, I know the costs of running a business. I also served on the Small Business Committee in my first two years in Congress. I learned in the Assembly that New York is a big state and each region has different needs. Congress is the same way, but the nation has even more different needs than Long Island. I’m able to learn the issues and work on a topic that I didn’t grow up with in Sayville.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments for NY-02, New York, and the nation overall?

A: It’s unbelievable what we’ve been able to do in NY-02. Over the last four years, we’ve been able to bring back almost $100m in funding to our villages and towns for projects, like sewer projects in Wyandanch, Babylon, Oakdale, Central Islip, Patchogue, and North Bellport. I won’t stop working until we are able to fully sewer this county. I want a Blue Point oyster that comes from the Great South Bay again. Most come from the Sound. We’ve also gotten funds for police vehicles, not-for-profits, and drainage programs. The fact we’ve been able to get that in four years is something we’re very excited about. We’ve also solved over 7,000 constituent cases in four years. One case was a father from India who was coming here to attend a funeral. We were able to get him a special visa. While a passport might not seem like something that matters to most people, for someone, it can mean the whole world.

For the state, I’ve been traveling with Speaker Mike Johnson (R, LA-04) to discuss how we can increase the State and Local Tax (SALT) cap from $10,000. Peter King led the fight on the 9/11 healthcare bill, and when he left, I took the charge on it. There was a $3 billion shortfall that was going to hit that program, which is designed for firefighters, trade workers, police, and anyone who got sick from 9/11. They would have faced cuts to their healthcare. Myself along with Senator Gillibrand (D) got $1.5 billion in the last two years to help cover the shortfall. We’re working on more, but we’ve cut it in half and that’s been very exciting. It’s also a national issue because people came from all over the country to work on Ground Zero and they got sick. The program is not easy to get into because you have to prove you were there. There are beneficiaries in all 434 out of 435 congressional districts across the country. They deserve what they were promised.

For the nation and district, I’ve led on making sure that the national flood insurance plan doesn’t expire. People who are in flood zones have access to that program. Making sure that doesn’t expire is hugely important to the entire country.

The U.S. and Israel are the most attacked cyber spaces. We have a grant program that helps support businesses that partner with U.S. and Israeli businesses to come up with cyber defenses. The K-12 Cybersecurity Act gives money to help states develop curriculums for teachers to teach cyber issues. For kindergarteners, the curriculum is built around wording that includes cyber security technology to make sure kids are open to it at an earlier age. We need to give companies and municipalities grants to be able to focus on updating cyber security in their systems. We saw how bad it could go when Suffolk went down for over a year. The next thing we’re focusing on now is getting people into the cyber workforce. Over 500,000 cyber security jobs nationwide are open. That is not a good thing for us and it puts us at a major disadvantage, especially when China and Russia are forcing people into the industry. We need to close that gap.

I’ve also led the Climate Solutions Caucus to focus on making sure that we can produce clean energy, including natural gas and nuclear. Companies have cleaned up how natural gas is done, as well as hydrogen. The energy demand with data centers, chip manufacturing, and population growth will see a double-digit rise in energy demand. You’ll need an all-of-the-above approach to meet that demand. No one is going to want to face a blackout or brownout in August. I’ve worked with Senators Manchin (I-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) to pass permit reform to be able to get these projects moving quicker. It should not take three years to set up a solar field or wind farm. There should be oversight but we should be able to move quicker

Q: What is your top priority if re-elected?

Congressman Andrew Garbarino

Candidate: Andrew Garbarino Residence: Bayport

First Elected: 2020 Prior Elected Office:

Seventh Assembly District, 2013-2020

Office Sought: New York’s Second Congressional District

Party Lines: Republican, Conservative Committees: Financial Services (Vice Chair of Capital Markets Subcommittee; Housing & Insurance Subcommittee); Homeland Security (Chair of Cybersecurity & Infrastructurze Protection Subcommittee); Ethics Caucuses: Problem Solvers Caucus, Republican Main Street Partnership, Republican Governance Group Endorsements: AFL-CIO, NYSUT, NEA, LINSBT, Suffolk, Nassau, and NYC police conferences, Superior Officers, Detectives, NYFD

A: SALT is expiring next year and the tax bill is done in the first 100 days. We haven’t put out a number on the new cap yet. Knowing who the president is and what the Senate majority will be will matter with negotiations. Putting a number out now would effectively be negotiating against ourselves.

Q: What would you consider to be the defining issue of this election?

A: People are talking about the migrant crisis on Long Island more than other places. My constituents go into NYC for work and they see the effects. We’ve seen a growth of unaccompanied alien children and rising school district costs. Solving the migrant crisis is definitely the top issue.

The Senate could have passed the border bill, but they didn’t. The House passed HR2 to close the border and reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy. People coming across the border know our laws better than we do. It’s not a one-step solution. We need to fix the asylum issue: who can claim asylum and how long it takes for a hearing. Legitimate asylum claims shouldn’t have to wait two years, but we can stem the flood with Remainin-Mexico, which can be done by Executive Order. Someone shouldn’t just claim asylum and be released in the country until the hearing. We have to fix the visa program because we need more workers here for certain jobs that local people won’t take, such as in agriculture and hospitality. I think we need a better physical and technological border; more border patrol officers and technology that focuses on knowing whether people are digging below us or coming through us. The amounts of fentanyl and people on terrorist watch lists that have come across the border have to stop. I thought HR2 was very good; we negotiated it through Homeland Security. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a good bill.

Q: You’re consistently ranked as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress. Some people in the district feel you’re not conservative enough. How would you defend your record?

A: I’ve always voted for bills that help the district. For the Infrastructure bill, 10% of that bill came to New York State. We need that money here. We have had multiple governors over twenty years. Hochul has done a terrible job with our roads. When Cuomo was governor, we had a meeting with him about sewers and he said “I don’t do pipes.” He wanted to build a bridge to do a ribbon cutting. There was such an abandonment of what the state was required to do, such as tending to Long Island’s roads, sewers, water quality, and coastal erosion. Our electrical grid on Long Island is terrible. PSE&G has even said that some solar projects are unsustainable because the current grid can’t handle it. That’s what happens in third-world countries. The money has been invested in our airports, like Islip MacArthur, Farmingdale, JFK, and LaGuardia. That’s a vote I would still take today. At the end of the day, my district has 22,000 more Democrats than Republicans and the south shore has specific needs. I will always do what I believe is right for the district and people might personally disagree, and they have that right, but I will always do what I think is right. I would never want to regret not taking a vote that was right for the district because it was better politically. Some of my colleagues don’t have that freedom and it’s unfortunate, but I will always do what I think is right.

Q: What is your favorite quote, motto, or work ethic?

A: Work is what you make of it. You have to have fun and enjoy life and if you have a tough job, you have to make it fun and enjoyable. By the time you realize that in life, it’s usually too late.

Q: How do you like to connect with your community?

A: I love going to events that are in the district. I recently went to the Chowder fest in Patchogue over the weekend. Sometimes, all I want to do on a weekend is watch football and have a drink, and I hope my constituents can sit with me. I always talk politics with my constituents, but sometimes I’d rather yell at the TV with them when the Jets or Giants are losing. I’ve loved growing up on Long Island; I don’t think I would ever want to live anywhere else. I’ve had great opportunities, climbed the Pyramids, and met the Pope, but at the end of the day, Long Island is the best. We have the greatest golf courses, the best beaches, and all four seasons. We have everything.

The Necessary Standard for American Education

Bail Reform in New York: Part II

By Matt Meduri

The bail reform laws passed by the New York State Legislature and thenGovernor 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 Last week, we covered charges of the following categories: assault and related offenses; children offenses; prostitution; harming animals; firearms offenses; kidnapping; coercion; and related offenses; burglary and robbery; drug offenses; arson; criminal mischief and related offenses; larceny and theft; fraud; and forgery. This week, we’re publishing the second half.

Intent of Bail Reform

The intent of the change was to eliminate cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent 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 noneligible 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.

False Written Statements

Falsifying Business Records (1st, 2nd degrees); Tampering with Public Records (1st, 2nd); Offering a False Instrument for Filing (1st, 2nd); Issuing a False Certificate (1st).

Bribery

Commercial Bribing (1st, 2nd); Commercial Bribe Received (1st, 2nd); Bribing a Labor Official; Bribe Received by a Labor Official; Sports Bribing; Sports Bribing Received; Tampering with a Sports Contest (1st, 2nd); Impairing the Integrity of a Pari-Mutuel Betting System (1st, 2nd); Rent Gouging (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Bribery (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Bribe Receiving (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Rewarding Official Misconduct (1st, 2nd); Receiving Reward for Official Misconduct (1st, 2nd); Giving Unlawful Gratuities; Receiving Unlawful Gratuities; Bribe Giving for Public Office; Bribe Receiving for Public Office; Impairing the Integrity of a Government Licensing Examination; Corrupt Use of Position or Authority (1st).

Obstructing Public Servants

Refusing to Aid a Peace or Police Officer; Concealment of a Human Corpse; Obstructing Governmental Administration (1st, 2nd); Obstructing Firefighting Operations; Obstructing EMS Services; Obstruction of Governmental Duties by Means of a Bomb; Destructive Device; Explosive; Defrauding the Government.

Contraband and Hindering Prosecution

Promoting Prison Contraband (1st, 2nd); Hindering Prosecution (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

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.

Court Proceedings

Misconduct by a Juror (1st, 2nd); Tampering with Physical Evidence; Compounding a Crime; Criminal Contempt of the Legislature; Criminal Contempt of a Temporary State Commission; Unlawful Grand Jury Disclosure; Unlawful Disclosure of an Indictment; Unlawful Disposition of Assets Subject to Forfeiture; Perjury (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Making an Apparently Sworn False Statement (1st, 2nd); Making a Punishable False Written Statement (1st).

Gambling

Promoting Gambling (1st, 2nd); Possession of Gambling Records (1st, 2nd); Possession of a Gambling Device; Gambling Fraud (1st, 2nd); Possession of Unlawful Gaming Property (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Use of Unlawful Gaming Property; Manipulation of Gaming Outcomes; Unlawful Manufacture; Sale; Distribution; Marking; Altering; Modification of Equipment and Devices Associated with Gaming.

Offenses against Public Order

Disseminating a False Registered Sex Offender Notice; Riot (1st, 2nd); Inciting a Riot; Unlawful Assembly; Criminal Anarchy; Disorderly Conduct; Disruption or Disturbance of a Religious Service; Funeral; Burial; Memorial Service; Harassment (1st, 2nd); Harassment against Rent Regulated Tenant (1st, 2nd); Aggravated Harassment (1st, 2nd); Loitering; Loitering (1st); Loitering for Purpose of Prostitution; Appearance in Public under Influence of Narcotics; Criminal Nuisance (1st, 2nd); Falsely Reporting an Incident (3rd); Unlawful Prevention of Public Access to Records; Criminal Interference with Health Services or Religious Worship (1st, 2nd); Aggravated Interference with Health Services (1st, 2nd); Directing a Laser at an Aircraft (1st, 2nd); Public Lewdness; Exposure of a Person; Promoting the Exposure of a Person; Public Lewdness (1st); Offensive Exhibition; Public Display of Offensive Sexual Material; Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image.

Right of Privacy Offenses

Eavesdropping; Possession of Eavesdropping Devices; Failure to Report Wiretapping; Divulging an Eavesdropping Warrant; Tampering with Private Communications; Unlawfully Obtaining Communications Information; Failing to Report Criminal Communications; Unlawful Surveillance (1st, 2nd); Dissemination of an Unlawful Surveillance Image (1st, 2nd); Manufacture of Unauthorized Recordings (1st, 2nd); Manufacture or Sale of an Unauthorized Recording of a Performance (1st, 2nd); Advertisement or Sale of Unauthorized Recordings (1st, 2nd); Unlawful Operation of a Recording Device in a Motion Picture or Live Theater (1st, 2nd, 3rd); Failure to Disclose the Origin of a Recording (1st, 2nd).

Computer Offenses

Computer Trespass; Computer Tampering (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th); Unlawful Duplication of Computer Related Material (1st, 2nd); Criminal Possession of Computer Related Material; Operating an Unlawful Electronic Sweepstakes.

Marital Offenses

Unlawful Solemnizing a Marriage; Unlawfully Procuring a Marriage License; Unlawfully Issuing a Dissolution Decree; Bigamy; Adultery.

Public Safety Offenses

Unlawful Dealing with Fireworks; Unlawful Possessing or Selling Noxious Material; Creating a Hazard; Unlawfully Refusing to Yield a Party Line; Unlawful Wearing of a Body Vest; Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Terrorism

Making a Terroristic Threat

Islip Town Planner Receives Prestigious Andrew Haswell Green Award

“Your work, both regionally and internationally, has had a lasting impact on urban design and sustainability. From your leadership in Form-Based Codes to your work on eco-city projects, you have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to promoting smart growth and pedestrian-friendly urban environments. Your contributions to the APA NYM Chapter, particularly as Vice President of Communications, have also helped advance the profession and strengthen our community of planners,” said Kevin Corte, AICP, 2024 Conference Chair, APA NYM Chapter.

“We are fortunate here in the Town of Islip, to have such an incredibly talented team of professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life for all our residents. It is no small undertaking to implement policies that shape the future of the more than 330,000 residents living in a total area of 106 square miles, while promoting sustainability, inclusivity and resilience,” said Carpenter. “Ela Dokonal is a forwardthinking professional with a proven track record in planning and urban design and is truly deserving of the prestigious Andrew Haswell Green Award.”

Trained as an architect, Ela Dokonal focused her career in planning and urban design and is a certified planner (AICP) and urban designer (CUD), certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P) and LEED accredited professional (LEED AP), creative thinker and strategist, with 25 years of local and international experience in transforming places through innovative solutions. Ela has led multi-disciplinary teams integrating technical solutions to solve complex development challenges, while creating development strategies for mixed-use revitalization and development projects. Ela utilized her design skills to create numerous adopted design guidelines and innovative form-based codes.

She brings this innovative experience and her training as Climate Change Professional and LEED AP to the Town to provide solutions for climate-related risks and incorporate sustainability solutions in land use policies. Ela contributed to projects that received the following awards:

• Project: Redevelopment Action Plan, New Rochelle, NY, Award: William H White, American Planning Association NY Metro Chapter, 2015

Project: Downtown Overlay Zone, New Rochelle, NY, Award: Westchester Municipal Planning Federation, 2015

• Project: Daniel Robertson Australian Headquarters, office building, Award: Builders Association of Australia, 1997

“I am deeply grateful for the APA NYM Chapter’s recognition and for the opportunity to serve the Town of Islip. Planning is not just about designing places; it’s about shaping communities, enhancing lives, and fostering a sense of belonging,” said Ms. Dokonal. “In my role, I have the privilege of working on policies and applications that shape our community’s future, promoting inclusivity and resilience, and I take that responsibility very seriously, ensuring that our collective decisions reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. Together, we strive to create spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful and sustainable, ready for all the challenges the future brings.”

The theme of this year’s conference was, “Planning in an Era of Change: Past Lessons, Emergent Issues, Future Adaptations.”

Incorporated in 1683 under English rule, The Town of Islip is a municipality within the State of New York. The Town provides valuable services to over 330,000 residents.

County News

The Suffolk County Marathon: A Salute to Those Who Served

By Ashley Pavlakis

Marathons are no easy task to tackle; months of training take place before the big race. For Long Island residents, their big moment was the Suffolk County Marathon which took place on October 19 and 20. The proceeds from the marathon go toward supporting the Veterans living in Suffolk County.

“This year’s event had more than 2,500 participants with runners from across America coming to Suffolk County to support our veterans,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “The more than $1 million dollars raised to date from the Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon is distributed to local Veterans’ organizations through an application and vetting process led by our Veterans Service Agency and the Suffolk County Marathon Grant Committee.”

The 2024 edition of the Suffolk County Marathon saw two first-place winners with times below the three-hour mark. Jonathan Schloth won the men’s division and Cristin DelaneyGuille took the women’s division.

The Marathon was first established in 2015 with a 5k and 10k run. As of last year, they hit the $1 million mark. The runners lined up at the starting line in Babylon Village, made their way over Montauk highway and the Great South Bay before eventually turning around and completing the race in Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore. At the finish line, runners were met with a Freedom Fest, where they could cool down and enjoy live music and vendors.

“Everything ran smoothly, the race was awesome. We handled everything with grace and ease. I know it wasn’t that easy, but they made it look easy with the final product of the race itself,” said Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Chair of the Veterans Committee. “We were very fortunate to have the weather that we had. The participation [I believe] exceeded the last two years as far as entries, which is great.”

“There’s a committee, which I also sit on, that accepts and reviews grant applications for the money that’s brought in by the marathon. The committee reviews these applications and makes a decision on who is to receive and how much, depending on the needs,” Caracappa told The Messenger. “One thing everybody should know is it’s not for capital improvements, it’s for how they improve their services to the Veterans who need them. Whether it be mental health, food, clothing, or whatever they may need, not the infrastructure.”

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa and his team (pictured below) took part in the marathon as part of Team Legislature.

“Team Legislature, which I put together, is a relay team and we run the whole marathon. We run it in bits and pieces, each member of our legislature has a different piece of the course that they are responsible for running. It was just another great experience in our third year doing Team Legislature. We realize what we’re doing, our contribution is helping our Veterans, which was designed around this marathon,” said Caracappa.

Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee and a Marine Corps Veteran who has served for sixteen years, also took part in the 10k marathon and carried some extra weight as motivation for himself and those around him.

“Twenty-two Veterans a day take their own lives on average, so that’s why I wear that vest for that run. I’ve done it for other runs, and I’ve done other physical activities or challenges to help bring awareness to the epidemic of Veteran suicides that’s been going on for well over a decade now,” said Lennon. “I ran the 10k in boots and utes, a twenty-two-pound vest, and an American flag.”

Caracappa spoke about the positive feedback he’s received from agencies and Veterans who were on the receiving end of the support.

“I’m Chair of the Veterans Committee, so I get to work with these agencies and I know firsthand a lot of their needs. When we’re able to pitch in and help them meet those needs, they’re 100% appreciative and grateful for that, as are the veterans to receive those services. We get stories all the time from their loved ones, how it made a difference to them and how they were struggling, this made a difference for them and that’s the reward,” said Caracappa.

Caracappa addressed the participants before the race with some final words of motivation before they hit the ground running.

“Every stride you take is a stride we make in Suffolk County for assisting our Veterans and it’s much appreciated,” said Caracappa.

“Hopefully, I’ve motivated some folks to keep going, but it really is to demonstrate to our community that you might be in mental, physical, or spiritual pain, but we’re still there to support each other. Every pound for every life that’s taken each day on average is to bring awareness to that,” Lennon told The Messenger of the importance of bringing awareness to Veterans’ mental health issues.

Credit: Nick Caracappa

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Even Kamala Harris Can’t Explain Her Economic Plan

By Andrew Shirley | AMAC Contributor

Kamala Harris has finally started to unveil pieces of an economic agenda with just weeks to go until Election Day. But unfortunately for the vice president, she has proven incapable of explaining how any of her proposals would work – or how they would pass basic constitutional scrutiny.

Harris’s most recent policy proposal is a socalled “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men” that, in addition to being shameless pandering, also appears to be blatantly illegal.

The agenda consists of five specific promises. The first is one million taxpayer-funded “fully forgivable” loans of up to $20,000 that will only be available to black men and women. The second is a vague promise for “education training” for only black men. Next is a promise to protect “cryptocurrency investments” for, again, only black men, followed by a “national health initiative” focused on illnesses that “disproportionately affect black men.” The final point in the proposal is a promise to “legalize recreational marijuana.”

The proposals have thus far been lambasted for their brazen illegality and unconstitutionality – along with the fact that they are overtly discriminatory against non-black men. Even if Harris were somehow able to pass these policies into law, they would likely quickly be struck down by the Supreme Court.

The assertion that Harris will protect cryptocurrency investments for only black men and provide taxpayer-funded “forgivable loans” to only black men is perverse and, absent of any specifics, appears nonsensical. If she intends to provide cryptocurrency subsidies for only black men, this would be profoundly unconstitutional. If she means to regulate the industry for the advantage of black men, this would be similarly illegal.

The unintended backlash against this agenda left many feeling that the policy was put together in a haphazard manner with no real thought behind it. Seeming to confirm this accusation, neither Harris nor anyone on her campaign has offered any explanation for how these policies would work.

But failing to defend the practicality of its policy agenda has become commonplace for a Harris campaign that has by and large failed to release any specifics for how they plan to implement their grand ambitions.

Perhaps the most infamous example of this was Harris’s rollout of a proposal to ban “price gouging,” which critics quickly pointed out was just a pitch for socialist price controls. The Harris campaign has largely abandoned the policy as even normally friendly media outlets slammed it as unrealistic, dangerous, and likely illegal.

Harris also floated a $25,000 “credit” for firsttime homebuyers, supposedly to make buying a home more affordable. Economists blasted the practicality of the plan, pointing out that it would only further increase the cost of housing. Again, neither Harris nor her campaign had a serious answer or provided any logical explanation for why they believe the housing credit would make housing more affordable.

But perhaps the clearest evidence that Harris doesn’t have a clue about how her economic agenda would actually work came during her appearance on 60 Minutes earlier this month. CBS’s Bill Whitaker noted that the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates Harris’s plan would add $3 trillion to the budget deficit over a decade, asking Harris how she proposes to pay for it.

“Ok, so the other economists that have reviewed my plan versus my opponent and determined that my economic plan would strengthen America’s economy. His would weaken it,” Harris said.

“But pardon me Madam Vice President,” Whitaker responded. “The question was, how are you going to pay for it?”

Whitaker’s response left Harris in a moment of stunned silence, as if that thought had never crossed her mind. She tried to recover by repeating a tired Democrat line about “making the rich pay their fair share,” but the damage was done. The clip went viral on social media and cable news as yet another example of Harris being unable to provide any rationale for her proposals.

While Harris defenders have alleged that Trump hasn’t provided any specifics about his economic plans either, the difference is that Trump has a record of success to point to.

Under Trump, the country saw record increases in real wages and job growth, along with low inflation and high business optimism. Even following the depths of the pandemic-induced economic dip, the country was seeing a

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sharp “v-shaped” recovery before that recovery stagnated under Biden and Harris. Trump’s basic pitch is, “I did it once – elect me, and I’ll do it again.”

Joe Biden himself has said there is “no daylight” between him and Harris, while Harris has repeatedly stated that there is “not a single thing” she would have done differently than Joe Biden. The Biden-Harris record is one of 20 percent cumulative inflation and economic stagnation, leaving voters no reason to be confident things would be any different if Harris were in charge.

With two weeks to go until Election Day, Harris now may not have enough time left to make the case to voters about how her plan could work – assuming there is a case to be made at all.

Andrew Shirley is a veteran speechwriter and AMAC Newsline columnist. His commentary can be found on X at @AA_Shirley.

& Pieces

October 24, 2024

WORD OF THE Week

Origin:

mid 18th century (denoting a proposal for approval): from Latin, gerund (‘referring’) or neuter gerundive (‘something to be brought back or referred’) of referre (see refer).

Synonyms: vote, election

REFERENDUM

Noun

Pronounced: reh·fr·en·dm

Definition: a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Example: “A referendum is on the ballot to fund wastewater solutions.”

Antonyms: mandate, executive order

Source: Oxford Languages

See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)

This Week in History

October 24, 1929: “Black Thursday”, start of stock market crash of 1929, Dow Jones Industrial Average drops 12.8%

See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

October 27, 1962: Black Saturday during the Cuban Missile Crisis: An American spy plane is shot down over Cuba and the navy drops warning depth charges on Soviet submarines

October 29, 2015: China announces the end of their one-child policy after 35 years

October 26, 2019:

October 30, 1973: The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey is completed, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosporus for the first time C V A E M N O

October 28, 1904: St. Louis police try a new investigation method - fingerprints

October 25, 1971: United Nations votes to expel the Chinese Nationalist ruled Taiwan and admit the Communist People’s Republic of China

Raid by U.S. Special Forces kills ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria

Why the Suffolk PBA Backs

President Trump

By Louis Civello

Our country’s law enforcement faces an unprecedented crisis. Violent crime is up, our border is open, and police recruitment is at a historic low. This crisis was largely created by the left. They’ve spent the last few years demonizing our officers, attempting to defund us, and strip us of the very tools we need to protect the public. Electing Donald Trump (R-FL) will be a harsh rebuke of the anti-police movement, and it will mark a return to a safer America.

When it comes to police and public safety, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris (DCA) could not be further apart. Vice President Harris supports defunding the police. Asked about her position, she stated “for too long the status quo thinking was you get more safety by putting more cops on the street. Well, that’s wrong.” In contrast,

President Donald Trump pushed to fund police departments, signing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Authorization Act in 2018. This Act funded a nationwide law enforcement program focused on the reduction of violent crime, which meant more cops on the streets to keep communities safe.

As President, Donald Trump restored the 1033 program providing law enforcement with access to lifesaving equipment such as bullet proof vests, long guns, and armored vehicles which are used by police nationwide to respond to mass casualty events like terrorist attacks and school shootings. Vice President Harris instead called for the “demilitarization of police” and cut the program, putting officer’s lives at risk and endangering the public.

Vice President Harris presided over the border crisis. Leaving the border virtually unsecured has allowed for the influx of violent criminals and allowed deadly fentanyl to flow into our communities. In 2022, Suffolk County saw over 400 deaths from these deadly drugs, many of which were young adults and children. President Trump oversaw one of the most secure borders in American history. While running for President, Trump’s life was even threatened by Mexican drug lord “el Chapo” because of his tough positions on the border and illegal drugs.

President Trump supports the death penalty for cop-killers. As a prosecutor, Harris refused to seek the death penalty for the thug that murdered San Francisco Police Officer Isacc Espinoza. This outraged many SFPD Officers. It’s an outrage we share, since New York has released forty-two cop-killers in the last seven years.

The Suffolk PBA is also a member of organized labor. President Trump has proposed to eliminate taxes on overtime. This would put thousands of dollars into the pockets of union workers across the country. Vice President Harris has no such proposal and has signaled she favors tax increases.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, as police officers, we take an oath to uphold the constitution. Chief among the constitutional rights is the first amendment. All other rights depend on Americans having freedom of speech. The Harris-Biden administration has laid siege to that right. They coerced social media companies to censor Americans in the name of “disinformation” (much of which later turned out to be true information). This was an egregious abuse of power and something that goes against the core of what it means to uphold the constitution.

Some of President Trump’s critics point to January 6 as evidence he does not support the police. They say his rhetoric is responsible for the riot that took place at our Nation’s Capitol. This argument is fundamentally flawed. If we held Vice President Harris to the same standard, she would be responsible for all the carnage caused by the BLM rioters, violent attacks on police and the two assassination attempts on President Trump.

At the end of the day, we must have one standard by which to judge. For the SCPBA that standard is examining what these candidates have done and what they intend to do. For the safety of our Nation’s police officers and all those we protect, President Trump is the right choice and the only Presidential nominee that backs the blue. Louis Civello serves as President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA).

Civello (left) presenting Congressman Jim Jordan (right) the PBA’s endorsement of President Trump (Credit - Matt Meduri)

22 School Highlights

Sachem East Students Perform Alongside A Pro

Sachem High School East drama students gathered on Saturday, October 12, to learn from a professional. The East Drama Club invited Frank Gabriel, a Long Island native and professional stage performer, to present an interactive workshop. Gabriel taught students the differences between children’s theater and main stage during his presentation. As part of the workshop, students stepped on stage to perform a one-act play in nine minutes.

Gabriel has performed in several regional and national productions of children’s theater. His workshop helped Sachem students prepare for their upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz” on November 22, 23 and 24.

Three East Islip Senior Artists Chosen for NYSSBA Art Exhibit

Three talented East Islip High School senior artists studying under teacher Heather Toomey –Tammy Chen (“Self-Portrait”) and Kiersten Galli (“Renee Rapp”) in the Digital Imaging and Design category, and Florence Gonzalez (“Germany”) in the Photography category – were recently chosen for participation in the 2024 New York State Boards Association Student Art Exhibit, sponsored annually by the New York State Art Teachers Association. School board members will be able to view the student artwork while attending the NYSSBA Convention in New York City this week, while attendees and the public can view a virtual art exhibit through December 31.

“I am so proud of Florence, Kiersten and Tammy,” Toomey said. “Not only are they exceptional students, but they are members of the National Art Honor Society and stellar humans and artists. Each works diligently and has shown tremendous talent and skill in their crafts. It is exciting to have them exhibit in this NYSSBA show and represent our school.”

“It is the support and passion of our teachers that allows our students to be successful,” Director of Art and Music Dr. Rob Wottawa said. “We are very proud of our art teachers and students for the outstanding work they created to represent our school district.”

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Senator Alexis Weik

The Sachem East Drama Club looks forward to a visit from another Long Island native and professional performer, Erik McCormack, this spring. McCormack was in the original cast of “1776” on Broadway. He will present on utilizing the body and voice together to tell the story of a production.

St. Joseph’s Girls Soccer Has the Offensive Spark

By Ashley Pavlakis

The Golden Eagles Girls Soccer Team of St. Joseph’s University is a member of the Skyline Conference in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Eagles have posted a winning record this season and still have two games left to play in the regular season.

The Golden Eagles are led by head coach Tom Williamson, who served as assistant coach for four years before earning the promotion. Williamson is familiar with Long Island having spent time coaching at Long Island University before joining the Eagles. Williamson is joined by assistant coaches Jaclyn O’Shaughnessy, Michelle Barclay, and volunteer Matthew Schindler.

Williamson’s extensive coaching experience has allowed him to shape his teams in a way that gives them the necessary tools to be successful on-andoff the field.

“My main focus has always been, and will continue to be, encouraging players to outwork the opposition, enjoy the ball, maintain possession, and try to control the tempo of the game in all situations,” Williamson told The Messenger.

Win/Loss records can be broken down into different categories. Statistics aren’t everything, but they’re certainly a good source of judgment for coaches who are planning how to take down their opponents. For the Golden Eagles, they play better at home. Their record at home is 6-1-1 while their record on the road is 3-30. The Eagles have capitalized on home-field advantage this season.

“This season has been marked by significant growth in many areas. Despite facing a more competitive conference than in previous years, with a strong finish we remain well-positioned to finish on a high note and meet the goals we set at the beginning of the year,” said Williamson.

The Eagles have outscored their opponents this season 32 to 10, fortunately for them, their offense is coming from everyone. The team has nine goal-scorers with double digit goals and a handful of players who are very close to reaching the same feat.

“For a team to achieve success, it’s essential to have multiple players capable of

scoring from anywhere on the field. Building a roster where any player can step in and make an impact has been crucial to our growth over the past few years,” said Williamson.

Universally, kids grow up playing youth soccer. At some point in their athletic journey, the athlete will decide if they want to focus their time on making it to the next level in their respective sport. St. Joseph’s is one of three colleges on Long Island to offer girls’ soccer as a collegiate program. Female soccer players now have the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to aim for after their collegiate careers are finished. At least seven female players with Long Island roots are representing the island when they take the field as professional soccer players.

“Every year, more and more Long Island girls are progressing to the highest levels of the game, thanks to the remarkable coaching at both youth and collegiate levels in the region. This is a trend that I see continuing for a long time,” Williamson remarked.

Point, Set, Match: Senior Night Success for Ward Melville Varsity Girls Volleyball

By Ashley Pavlakis

The Patriots of Ward Melville High School have a long-standing history of success in athletics, and the girls’ varsity volleyball team is no different. The Patriots celebrated their seven seniors last Tuesday night versus the Long Wood Lions in dominant fashion.

The girls’ varsity volleyball team is led by head coach Haley Blunt, a Patriot alum who excelled in volleyball, softball, and track during her time at Ward Melville. It’s a full circle moment for Blunt, as she’s in her ninth season as a coach for the Patriots. She has her team on a historic run, as they’re 16-0-0 with one game left to play in the regular season. The Patriots are four-time League Champions (regular season), securing the title with a win on Monday night.

Volleyball is played in sets; each set is determined by the first team to notch 25 points. The Patriots have dominated their opponents by taking the match in 3 sets, only needing a fourth set twice all season.

“We do have a very talented crew this year. Our league has a tendency to change year after year based on enrollment. In terms of who we’re going to

be up against it could vary based on the season. However, we don’t allow that to dictate how we are or are not going to prepare. Everyone we face is a threat to our record and what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Haley Blunt.

“The girls do a great job of taking practice seriously and playing how they plan to play in a game like they do at practice, which helps us prepare for all levels of competition. I found this season that the girls are very cohesive and always excited to compete on game day. They’ve done a really good job of getting the job done.”

Senior night is a tradition amongst high school and collegiate athletic teams to celebrate the seniors who put in four years of hard work and dedication to their team.

“Senior night is always emotional; it just means that you’re coming to the tail end of the regular season. We find that it’s a turning point in the season where it’s starting to hit our upperclassmen that the guaranteed matches are coming to a close. The transition into the postseason is always what we look forward to most, but it’s also additional pressure and can be a little sad and scary at the same time. It’s just an interesting feeling because we’re so excited for it but it reiterates how important it is to continue showing up and giving our best effort because you never know when you’re going to be playing your last match,” Blunt told The Messenger.

The seven seniors who were celebrated for their contributions to the Patriots, on and off the court, were Emma Bradshaw, Emily Shields, Alexa Gandolfo, Ava Saunders, Megan O’Donnell, Yilin Chen, and Katie Specht.

“I’m excited for them, I know that competing at the next level is not for everyone. It’s definitely a big commitment. I do encourage and support the girls who want to pursue, focus, and dial in on academics or other clubs or hobbies. They get my support no matter what, I think the college player in myself is always extra excited that some of these girls do go on to experience college volleyball because it’s incredible. These girls grow up with the sport being such a big part of their life, it’s a big transition to hop into the next level of volleyball, but also a big transition to not be playing anymore,” said Blunt.

Credit: Alan Schaeffer

Credit:

Jon Singh