Suffolk & Nassau Jointly Oppose Even-Year Election Law
By Matt Meduri
Last October, the New York State Legislature passed a bill that would align local, odd-numbered year elections with state and federal, even-numbered year elections. Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D), the legislation’s stated intention was to increase turnout, save public funds by condensing elections, and ease “voter fatigue.”
Shortly thereafter, A New York State Supreme Court judge found the law unconstitutional. After a lengthy appeal process, the State Court of Appeals has ruled that the law is valid.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) held a joint press conference in Farmingdale on Tuesday afternoon to oppose the decision and bring a lawsuit before the Court of Appeals, a symbol of unity between the two neighboring counties along with a cavalcade of elected officials from both sides of Route 110.
pursuant to NY’s even-year election law (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Continued on page 4
CreditSteven Zaitz
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Around Town
Legislator Donnelly and County Office for the Aging Announce Islip Spring Senior Advocate Schedule
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Islip residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Spring 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications, and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This spring, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Islip:
• Bay Shore Library, 1 South Country Road, Brightwaters: Friday, May 16, 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
• Bishop McGann Housing, 200 Bishop McGann Drive, Central Islip: Mondays, May 19 and June 23, 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
• Brentwood Senior Nutrition, 16 Second Avenue, Brentwood: Tuesday, June 3, 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m.
• East Islip Library, 381 East Main Street, East Islip: Monday, June 9, 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
• St. Anne’s Gardens, 80100 2nd Avenue, Brentwood: Thursday, June 5, 8:30a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and trouble-free access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) has represented the Seventeenth District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2018. The Seventeenth District includes Deer Park and parts of North Babylon within the Town of Babylon, parts of Dix Hills, Melville, and South Huntington within the Town of Huntington, and Baywood and North
Bay Shore within the Town of Islip. Legislator Donnelly serves on the Committees on Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness; Public Safety; Seniors and Human Services; Ways and Means; and Budget and Finance. The Seventeenth District office is located at 590 Nicolls Road, Suite 4, in Deer Park and can be reached at 631-854-4433.
Audit Reveals Flaws in Suffolk’s Opioid Settlement Fund
By Cait Crudden
A recent performance audit conducted by the Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office has raised serious questions about the transparency, fairness, and safeguards associated with the distribution of millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds. The audit, covering the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024, evaluated the grant award process for the Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Fund, which has the potential to distribute up to $197 million in litigation recovery funds.
The primary goal of the audit was to determine whether the grant application and award process was conducted in accordance with applicable New York State and County laws, and whether the process ensured accountability and protected taxpayer interests. Findings, however, indicate several troubling shortcomings.
One of the most notable findings in the audit was the exclusion of Suffolk County departments from consideration for funding during the first two rounds of awards. Even though several County departments are directly involved in providing services to those affected by the opioid crisis, none were granted funding in Rounds 1 or 2.
The report also highlighted potential ethical concerns surrounding the postemployment conduct of former county officials. Shortly after leaving office, the previous County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) and his Chief of Staff were hired by organizations that received a combined $6 million in grant awards constituting nearly 17% of the total $36 million awarded in Round 1 alone. This raised significant concerns about the appearance of conflicts of interest in the grant selection process.
To address these issues, the Comptroller’s Office recommended that future funding rounds include consideration for County departments actively providing opioidrelated services. This would ensure that taxpayer-funded resources are being used efficiently and are reinforcing existing public health infrastructure.
In addition, the audit recommended strengthening Section 77-6 of the Suffolk County Ethics Law to impose more robust post-employment restrictions for County officials. Such changes, the Comptroller argued, would reduce the risk of perceived or actual impropriety in future contract awards.
CreditMatt Meduri
The audit comes amid a continuing opioid crisis that has devastated Suffolk County. In 2020 alone, more than 68,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses, an eightfold increase from 1999. Suffolk County has not been spared from this epidemic, with rising overdose deaths and strain placed on hospitals, first responders, schools, the criminal justice system, and behavioral health services.
In response, the Suffolk County Opioid Task Force was created in 2021 by Executive Order No. 2-2021. Its goal was to solicit input from healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and community leaders to guide the strategic use of funds obtained through opioid litigation settlements.
To date, the County has been awarded $36.2 million in Round 1 and $21.5 million in Round 2 of grants to a combined 76 nonprofit and private organizations. These awards were intended to support programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery services. As of December 31, 2023, the County still held approximately $104 million in its Opioid Abatement, Recovery & Support Fund. While the intent behind these awards is widely supported, the audit revealed significant concerns regarding the execution of the process and a lack of oversight.
The audit found that some aspects of the grant award process did not comply with New York State Open Meetings Law, suggesting that critical decisions may have been made without full transparency or public accountability.
“As stewards of the public trust, it is imperative that every dollar from the Opioid Settlement Fund is administered with transparency, fairness, and accountability,” said Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset). “Our audit findings highlight both the progress made and the critical areas in need of reform. We urge County leadership to implement these recommendations to ensure these vital resources are directed to the communities and individuals most impacted by the opioid crisis.”
County officials, legislators, and community stakeholders are now reviewing the audit’s findings, and calls are growing for reforms to ensure that future distributions of opioid settlement funds are not only effective but also fair, transparent, and above reproach.
New York’s Even-Year Election Law is Partisan Damage Control and Ideological Suffocation
Last year, Albany Democrats and Governor Kathy Hochul (D) passed a law that would align local elections conducted in the odd-numbered years to coincide with even-year elections. The stated logic in the move was to increase turnout, especially among minority voters, limit voter fatigue, and streamline the overall election process.
The odd-numbered election years are often dedicated to local elections, those that include county executive, town supervisors, county legislatures, town boards, village boards, highway superintendents, tax receivers, and clerks, most of whom were on the ballot in Suffolk County two years ago.
The even-numbered years are when presidential and midterm elections are held. Almost always nationalized, sometimes to a fault, these elections are notorious for denying capable candidates of an elected office simply because of down-ballot energy.
In October, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled the law was unconstitutional. After a lengthy appeal process, the State Court of Appeals has ruled that it is, in fact, constitutional.
The elected officials from Suffolk and Nassau counties are doing the right thing in continuing their fervent opposition to this law. We’ve argued before that this is nothing more than partisan damage control and ideological suffocation. We still hold those beliefs, along with the serious issues this could entail.
First, the size of the ballot is laughable at best. It took three people to hold up the unrolled ballot from side to side. Imagine not only being handed that monstrosity when you hit the polls in November, but also being expected to give each candidate your own personal research time to make an informed decision.
Second, the nebulous concept of “voter fatigue.” A big argument in favor of this initiative is that voters are simply tired of having to go to the polls year after year, something that Suffolk’s own Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) stated to us when the law was passed last year.
We find it interesting that the party of “protecting democracy” is pushing so hard to let the voters have a year off. The reality is, whether you as a voter are tired or not, voting is your civic duty and responsibility. It is incumbent upon the electorate to make their own informed decisions and to do their own research. Shifting elections to evennumbered years isn’t giving the voters time off; it’s giving them less time to respond with their approval or disapproval at the ballot box.
We also understand Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg’s (D-West Babylon) point in increasing turnout, especially among minority voters. While he is correct that turnout normally plummets in local years compared to even years, we don’t think this initiative will achieve what he hopes. Instead of more people, minority voters or otherwise, simply going to the polls, it will likely be more voters in general wrapped up in nationalized elections and greeted with a logistical headache with a massive ballot.
We would compare this to simply shoving our belongings haphazardly into a closet, shutting the doors, and saying the room is clean. It might solve the problem at face value, but under the hood, more serious issues remain. Yes, voters would probably turn out more, but would their votes be delivered with all the information delivered to them in separate vacuums? It can be a lot to research each candidate as is, but one person can only take so much, especially when their eyes are on the presidential race or a marquee statewide race, while their local issues languish behind. Keeping local elections separate allows the best chance for information vacuums to remain in place.
We would even estimate that if this law sticks, we would probably see ballot drop-off towards the local end. It’s possible that many would just vote in the federal races and leave the others blank. We’ve seen this happen in the last presidential race; some voters just opted for a White House pick and had no opinion on local officeholders.
The will of the voter is confined to the voter only; how and for whom they vote is their prerogative. But for this bill’s objective, we don’t think this is really a “fix.”
We’ve seen interesting electoral patterns where an elected official of a party isn’t on the ballot, but their colleagues of the same party who are on the ballot often get punished. We believe this was an element of New York’s tectonic shift to the right in the
Sayville Community Notice
- May 21 Flyover
We would like to notify the community that on Wednesday, May 21, Sayville High School will host a scheduled event as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Fleet Week High School Visitation Tour.
A military helicopter flyover and landing will take place on school grounds during school hours. This event is fully coordinated with local authorities, and all safety protocols are in place.
This notice is intended to prevent concern regarding the activity, which is a planned and safely coordinated event. For questions, please contact Sayville High School at (631) 244-6600. Thank you for your continued support.
2024 presidential election - the 10.5% rightward swing was the largest shift in the nation. The dysfunction from Manhattan and Albany, we believe, contributed much to former Vice President Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) historic underperformance in November. Mayor Eric Adams (D) and Governor Hochul weren’t on the ballot, but Harris was.
However, the most insulting aspect of the “voter fatigue” argument, and the law overall, is that voters will have significantly reduced power in local years. New York might be an emerging battleground, but it’s still a blue state fundamentally. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will be as contentious as Pennsylvania, for instance, but it likely means Democrats will have to start investing in defense in a state that was typically a write-off for them. Albany Democrats are banking on top-down electoral energy to dilute the local waters to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, especially when it comes to preserving their Senate majority.
And that’s where this idea should have been DOA. Local elections are sacrosanct for a reason; the politics of Washington, Albany, and Manhattan should not have any electoral infusion to Suffolk’s - or Nassau’s - electoral independence. Republicans and Democrats in Suffolk are different from those of the national level, or even the state level to some extent. Voters should be able to see the idiosyncrasies for themselves, not be overwhelmed with a deluge of dozens of names on a ballot, while the presidential and gubernatorial races suck the oxygen out of the room.
The most insulting aspect of this bill is that New York City is, somehow - and, of course - off the hook. A new border has been drawn around NYC and the rest of the state, wherein Big Apple voters will still be afforded the same courtesy of an unmitigated local ballot.
Moreover, to Legislator Richberg’s point, wouldn’t increased minority turnout be especially effective in New York City, where much of the state’s minority population is located? It sounds like Albany is doing a disservice to the minority voters who rightly should participate in elections every year by not extending this courtesy to the state’s biggest basket of minority votes.
If Albany wasn’t governing with only NYC in mind before, they certainly are now.
The idea has been so widely panned that even Newsday’s editorial board encouraged Hochul to reject the bill - she didn’t. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) was the only Democrat in Hauppauge to join the Republican-led lawsuit against it. Good on all who can recognize a bad idea when they see one.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) are and have been correct: Long Island is regularly short-changed by Albany despite being an economic powerhouse without which the state could not pay its bills. One would think some courtesy would be extended to one of your biggest financers, but even the rural communities and counties are being shortchanged in both dollars and ideology.
The reality is that Albany Democrats, instead of governing in a way to stem the nationleading outmigration and fix the problems that imperiled Hochul in 2022, Harris in 2024, and will likely imperil Hochul further in 2026, they chose to shuffle the deck and bury the lede to obfuscate just how much New York is changing and how unpopular Democratic policies are.
Our proposition: communicate with voters that local government has a much more immediate effect on their lives than other forms of government. Sure, it’s not an easy “fix” by signing a law, but it’s the most realistic campaign to increase turnout. Problems with your local roads, crime, and property tax bill are adjudicated through your local representatives, law enforcement, and school boards. The president, by and large, has nothing to do with those aspects of local life.
This is perhaps one of the worst ideas to come out of Albany in recent years, and those who have backed it either don’t or won’t realize how short-changed their own constituents will be if this law remains on the books.
We can only hope that this will be the final tap of gunpowder that backfires against the Democrats in 2026.
Blueline News
Thursday, May 15, 2025
All I Want for Police Week…
By Mike Simonelli
…Is for democrats, mainstream media, and liberal activists to treat our law enforcement officers as well as convicted criminals, cold-blooded killers, and illegal aliens.
Besides the disastrous bail reform, which has unleashed crime and carnage across New York State, one of the other rushed, half-witted actions taken by former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) and his fellow democrats was to repeal 50A. In the name of police reform and transparency for George Floyd’s death, they overturned a decades-old law to “allow the release of unsubstantiated or false complaints against police officers.” Ironically, three years later, under the guise of criminal justice reform and social justice, Governor Kathy Hochul (D), along with a Democratic supermajority in the State Senate and Assembly, passed the Clean Slate Act in 2023, allowing the records of convicted criminals with misdemeanors and even some felonies to be sealed. So now, in the name of transparency and justice, a convicted criminal can file a false complaint to forever tarnish the record and reputation of an innocent officer, but that criminal will have a clean slate.
family spokesman rallying to defend Anthony is Dominique Alexander, a Dallas-based “defundthe-police” activist and social justice leader with his own criminal history and close ties to former Squad Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO). Democrats’ hypocrisy and disdain for law enforcement also extend to our brave men and women protecting our borders.
Attempting to control a surge of roughly 14,000 Haitian migrants in September 2021, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on horseback
Also in New York, thanks to Democrat criminal justice reforms, in the past eight years, forty-three convicted cop-killers have been released by Democrat-appointed parole board members. Among those recently released is Lee Ernest Walker, who on June 15, 1984, while being questioned about a pair of stolen sunglasses, assaulted NYPD Officer Juan Andino, stole his duty weapon, and murdered him with it.
Besides releasing convicted cop-killers, Democrats and their activists have a habit of demonizing cops for defending themselves and others.
On March 13, 2020, while conducting a search warrant at the apartment of Breonna Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, Police Department Sergeant Jonathan Mattingly was shot in the leg by Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker. Fearing for their lives, Sgt. Mattingly and Detectives Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison justifiably returned fire into the apartment, tragically killing Breonna Taylor. Protests erupted nationwide, laws were passed in Breonna’s name, and both detectives were fired. Democrat leaders used the shooting to “call for police reform and an overhaul of the criminal justice system.” Then-Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden (D-DE) remarked, “In the wake of her tragic death, we…ask ourselves whether justice could be equally applied in America.”
Then-Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), tweeted: “We must keep saying her name and demanding justice because the police who killed her still have not been charged.” Progressive defund the police ”Squad” member, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D, MA-07) wore a shirt outside the capitol that said “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.”
A year later on April 20, 2021, Ma’Khia Bryant was about to stab another female in the street when responding Columbus, Ohio, Police Officer Nicholas Reardon arrived in the nick of time and justifiably shot her before she could. In response protestors took to the streets demanding “police accountability”; as did Lebron James who tweeted a photo of Officer Reardon along with, “YOU’RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY”; Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D, OH-03) lambasted the shooting and Biden’s White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki insinuated race was a factor, remarking that “police violence disproportionately impacts Black and Latino people.” Even though it was justified deadly force, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther (D) used the shooting to invite the Department of Justice to review the police department for possible “deficiencies and racial disparities.”
Meanwhile, Democrats and their allies sympathize with suspected cold-blooded killers.
Although video shows United Healthcare CEO, husband, and father Brian Thompson getting shot from behind as he arrives at a hotel for a December 4, 2024, meeting, suspected premeditated executioner Louis Mangione has a “cult-like following” among the left and politicians blaming his victim. When asked about the execution, former The Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz told Piers Morgan that she felt “joy” at the murder and “not empathy,”; University of Pennsylvania English Professor Julia Alekseyeva posted on Instagram that Mangione was the “icon we all need and deserve”; and “Squad” member Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D, NY14), claimed Thompson had committed his own “act[s] of violence” by failing to grant every single insurance claim.
17-year-old Karmelo Anthony who told police, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” regarding the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalfe at a high school track meet, has also become a darling of the left. A GiveSendGo fundraiser garnered Anthony’s family over $520K, and he’s portrayed as the victim even though he illegally brought a knife to a school event, sat in another team’s tent area, refused to leave, and taunted Austin to put his hands on him and see what happens. The
“used the tactics they were trained to use, to do the job [Biden] sent them out to do.” When pictures of the encounter went viral, even after the photographer defended the agents, President Biden and his fellow Democrats wrongly accused them of whipping the illegal invaders. Biden remarked, “It was horrible what you see, what you saw to see people treated like they did, with horses nearly running them over and people being strapped. It’s outrageous. I promise you; those people will pay.” VP Harris told “The View”, “I was outraged by it. It was horrible and deeply troubling.” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters, “those images painfully conjured up the worst elements of our nation’s ongoing battle against systemic racism.” Though completely innocent of the accusations levied at them, the agents were moved to desk duty and still faced disciplinary actions by the Biden administration. While democrats vilified CBP agents for doing their job, they have spent 2025 rallying around the illegal immigrants flaunting our nation’s laws and sovereignty. Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) dared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to “come and get” the illegal immigrant he suggested was harboring in his home. Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano (D-NM) resigned and was arrested after it was discovered he was harboring an illegal Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang member. Flagrantly supporting a violent, criminal illegal alien over the police who investigated him and federal agents who deported him, Senator Chris Van Hollen (DMD) and then a congressional delegation, including Representatives Maxwell Frost (D, FL-10) Yassamin Ansari, (D, AZ-03), Maxine Dexter (D, OR-03), and Robert Garcia (D, CA-42), flew to El Salvador demanding that Kilmar Abrego Garcia be returned to the US. Democrats and the mainstream media refer to Garcia as a “Maryland man” who has been denied due process.
In reality, he is an El Salvadoran who illegally entered America in 2011, is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, and wife-beater with a 2019 removal order issued against him. Shockingly, Democrats took their pro-criminal, anti-law enforcement crusade up a notch this week, when Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D, NJ10) “body-slammed a female ICE officer”, as she, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NJ-12), Congressman (D-NJ) Rob Menendez (D, NJ-08), and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D) stormed a detention center to check on the welfare of the “murderers, child rapists, and MS-13 gang members” held there.
As Democrats are busy going around the world to defend illegals, law enforcement officers from around our country converged upon Washington, D.C., for this year’s National Police Week, May 11-17, to honor the lives of 345 officers killed in the line of duty. 148 of those officers were murdered in 2024, some because of the very antipolice, pro-criminal atmosphere that democrats foster.
Yet, how many democrats traveled to the funeral of Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna, who died on March 4, 2024, when the U.S. Army National Guard Helicopter he was in crashed while responding to a suspected illegal crossing near La Grulla, Texas?
Which democrats issued proclamations honoring Homeland Security Investigations
Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Joseph Love who died on October 19, 2024, from the cancer he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks? Have any Democrats posted on social media recognizing the anniversary of the murder of NYPD Officer
Miosotis Familia, who was gunned down by a “cop-hating assassin” as she sat in her patrol vehicle on July 5, 2017?
It’s doubtful any did, but assuredly they acknowledged the anniversary deaths of Breonna Taylor and even George Floyd, a convicted criminal who once held a gun to a pregnant woman’s stomach during a home invasion robbery. If Democrats want to support law enforcement, instead of giving us lip service this one week, they should stop racializing, vilifying, and politicizing our police the rest of the year.
And please, take the bullseyes off our backs and let us do our job of protecting the American people. #PoliceWeek #BackTheBlue Mike Simonelli is an Army Combat Veteran (Afghanistan and Iraq), retired Suffolk County Police Officer, former PBA Board member, author of Justified Deadly Force and the Myth of Systemic Racism, and candidate for the Smithtown School Board.
National, State, and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
Canada’s recent federal elections mean another stint of Liberal government, as former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation took effect and as the country navigated a political crisis.
Trudeau had long insisted he would run for a fourth term, but low approval ratings and public polling showing a massive Conservative Party win led Trudeau to resign. The Conservative Party has not run Canadian Parliament since 2015.
The Liberal Party in Canada had already been on shaky ground, having won the 2019 and 2021 elections with a minority government. In Canadian Parliament, members of the legislature are elected from ridings - similar in theory to U.S. congressional districts - with the parties then electing their separate leaders. The leader of the party with the most seats becomes the prime minister, while the runner-up party in terms of full riding counts becomes the Official Opposition.
However, in a minority government, which has been continued for a third consecutive session, the party with the most seats must strike a power-sharing agreement with another party to reach a nominal majority, often with many policy and initiative concessions.
Although the Conservatives had seemed heavily poised to take the majority in Parliament this year, and while it had seemed Pierre Poilievre would be the next prime minister, the massive switch in public polling and the result of a Liberal win is attributed to threats of annexation from President Donald Trump (R-FL).
Mark Carney, of the Liberal Party, now serves as Prime Minister, staking much of his campaign and agenda on opposing Donald Trump and seeing the two countries’ long history of companionship as effectively over. Liberals won the popular vote for the first time since 2015 - also the highest vote share for any party since 1984 - and the 2025 election saw the highest turnout since 1993 at 68.7%.
Two party leaders also lost their seats, some of which could be owed to a new riding map drawn after the 2021 Census. Poilievre had represented his Carlton, Ontario, seat since 2004, with his defeat signifying a major setback for the Conservative Party. New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh lost his Burnaby Central seat in British Columbia after having held it since 2019.
However, Carney, despite being the first Canadian prime minister to be appointed and subsequently elected without any prior office experience, must govern in a power-sharing agreement, as the Liberal Party fell just two seats short of an outright majority. Liberals netted eighteen seats, while Conservatives netted twentythree seats, a remarkably polarized twoparty result for a Canadian election which typically features several parties. The Bloc Québécois, a center-left party focused on the sovereignty and secession of the province of Quebec, lost eleven seats, the NDP lost seventeen, and the Green Party lost one.
In terms of popular vote, Liberals won in all provinces except for the most conservative - Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba - as well as Nunavut.
For the U.S., the elections mean more Liberal government from our friends to the north. For Canada, however, they find themselves at an unenviable crossroads: taking more of the same government with whom they have been so displeased for the better part of a decade, while also watching Trump’s talks of Canadian annexation closely.
In U.S. news, Trump’s trade war with China has reached a massive de-escalation, as the two countries have struck a temporary deal at a meeting between dignitaries in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to a memo from the White House, both parties “affirmed the importance of critical bilateral economic and trade relationships” between the nations and for the sake of the global economy.
The agreement entails a joint lowering of tariffs to 115%, while each retains an additional 10% tariff.
China will remove its retaliatory tariffs announced on April 4, and will suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the U.S. since April 2. China will also suspend its initial 34% ninety-day tariff on the U.S., but will retain a 10% tariff during that period.
The U.S. will also remove its additional tariffs imposed on April 8 and 9, but will retain duties imposed on China prior to April 2. Those tariffs were imposed in response to the fentanyl national emergency and were invoked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The U.S. will also suspend its 34% reciprocal tariff imposed on April 2 for ninety days, but will retain the 10% tariff during that period.
“The 10% tariff continues to set a fair baseline that encourages domestic production, strengthens our supply chains, and ensures that American trade policy supports American workers first, instead of undercutting them,” the White House memo reads.
The polarizing nature of this election is evidenced perhaps best in Ontario, where Conservatives and Liberals flipped all seats not aligned with their parties.
Conservatives retained their stronghold in Alberta, a Rocky Mountain province that is often joked as the only part of Canada that would opt to join the U.S., while Liberals picked up just one seat in similarly-conservative Saskatchewan. Conservatives maintained a thin hold on the Manitoba delegation, while Liberals performed similarly in British Columbia - like Ontario, the BC delegation is unusually polarized between the two main parties.
In the eastern provinces, Liberals picked up the most ground in Nova Scotia, while they held the line in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Conservatives picked up one seat in Newfoundland and Labrador, while the Liberals greatly increased their seat share in Quebec, mostly due to the severe underperformance of the Bloc Québécois. The loss of support for a secessionist party could be attributed to increasing polarization due to the perceived U.S. threat.
Canada’s three territories stayed with their respective parties, each offering just one at-large riding, similar to at-large congressional districts for the sparsely-populated U.S. states. Yukon and the Northwest Territories each stayed with the Liberals, while the NDP retained control of the sole riding from Nunavut.
The U.S. trade deficit with China in 2024 was $295.4 billion, the largest with any U.S. trading partner.
“...there was a lot of groundwork that went into these two days,” said U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (pictured left) Just remember why we’re here in the first place the United States has a massive $1.2 trillion trade deficit, so the President declared a national emergency and imposed tariffs, and we’re confident that the deal we struck with our Chinese partners will help us to work toward resolving that national emergency.”
State
The New York State Budget passed on Friday morning, but one provision is catching eyes.
As part of the newly-enacted budget for FY2025-2026, community college will be free for New York State adults seeking “high-demand fields.”
The budget provides for $47 million to cover the cost of remaining tuition, fees, and books for community college students between the ages of 25 and 55. Select associate degrees are recognized under the program, namely those that include pathways to nursing, teaching, technology, and engineering.
Of that $47 million, $28.2 million is earmarked for SUNY schools, while $18.8 million will go to CUNY schools.
Onondaga Community College President Dr. Warren Hilton praised the initiative in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and the New York State Legislature for their historic investment in community colleges, which will significantly enhance financial access to higher education for adult learners,” said Hilton. “This forwardthinking initiative, coupled with Onondaga Community College’s
unwavering commitment to educating the workforce of tomorrow, promises a bright and prosperous future for Central New York. With 85% of our graduates choosing to live and work within 25 miles of our campus, we are excited to see how this transformative investment in community college education will not only shape the future of our region, but also enrich the lives of all who take advantage of the opportunity.”
Cayuga County Community College President Dr. Brian Durant also approved of the legislation.
“Increased funding for state-operated campuses and community colleges helps us keep Cayuga Community College one of the most affordable choices for higher education, and the state has strengthened its support for indispensable programs like the Educational Opportunity Program and Advancing Success in Associate Pathways. This is an innovative budget by Governor Kathy Hochul and leaders in our State Legislature, and we greatly appreciate their continued support for SUNY, Cayuga, and our students.”
Local
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) recently signed into law a bill sponsored by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) (pictured bottom photo) that was unanimously sponsored by the eighteen-member horseshoe.
The law amends the Suffolk County Code to establish a misdemeanor penalty for people on the convicted Animal Abuse Registry who are found to be owning animals in violation of existing code.
The existing code started in 2010 when the Suffolk County Legislature created an animal abuse registry, the first of its kind in the nation. Any Suffolk resident aged 18 or older who is convicted of animal abuse is required to register their name, address, and photo. The registry is then maintained on the Suffolk County Police website, where offenders must remain for ten years. They are also prohibited from owning animals during this period.
The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SCPA) approached Legislator Bontempi about a loophole in the code, in which the code did not impose penalties on registry individuals who were found to have been owning animals during that ten-year period.
Bontempi’s newly-signed law will not impose a Class A misdemeanor and associated penalties if someone on the Animal Abuse Registry is found to own animals during the tenyear period.
“I would like to thank Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross and his entire staff of volunteers for bringing this important issue to our attention, as well as County Executive Ed Romaine, my colleagues at the Legislature, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina for their unwavering support. Together, we are finally able to close this loophole and further protect our animals,” said Bontempi in a statement. “In Suffolk County, we will not tolerate the abuse or neglect of animals. By closing this loophole, we will ensure that those offenders who disregard the law will face consequences.”
Fellow Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), and Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) joined Bontempi and Romaine for the bill signing.
Legislator Bontempi represents the Eighteenth District in the Suffolk County Legislature. The district spans the northern two-thirds of the Town of Huntington.
SCPD Honors Fallen Officers in Solemn Memorial Ceremony
By Cait Crudden
Under gray skies and steady rain, the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) held its annual Memorial Service for Fallen Officers in the Line of Duty this past week, gathering to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the community. The ceremony, held at SCPD Headquarters in Yaphank, was filled with solemn reflection, heartfelt remembrance, and a deep sense of unity.
Law enforcement officers, elected officials, grieving families, and members of the public came together to honor the brave men and women who died while protecting Suffolk County. The ceremony
served not only as a commemoration of individual lives lost, but also as a powerful reminder of the risks officers face every day.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured right) addressed the crowd with words of gratitude and reverence. He acknowledged the profound loss felt by families and the wider community, emphasizing that these officers’ lives and legacies are forever woven into the fabric of Suffolk County.
The most emotional moment of the ceremony came during the reading of the names of the fallen officers. As each name was spoken aloud, a solemn hush fell over the crowd, and the sense of loss became deeply personal. Family members were silent in remembrance as they heard the names of their loved ones honored once again. The reading underscored the enduring impact of each life lost in service and the collective grief carried by the law enforcement community.
At the center of the memorial grounds stood the SCPD Memorial
Monument, flanked by ceremonial wreaths adorned with the names of fallen officers. These floral tributes served as visual symbols of respect, mourning, and remembrance. The monument itself stands as a permanent testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Suffolk’s finest, ensuring their names and stories remain visible to all who pass through the headquarters.
The service was marked by moments of deep camaraderie, as officers stood shoulder to shoulder, honoring their fallen colleagues. Their unity reflected the close-knit bonds within law enforcement. These bonds are forged by shared duty and strengthened in times of loss. As the community watched officers salute
their comrades, it was clear that their commitment to service remains as steadfast as ever.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps,” the mournful bugle call that has long served as a farewell to fallen military and law enforcement personnel. The haunting melody echoed across the rain-soaked grounds, offering a final, solemn goodbye to the heroes being honored.
As attendees slowly departed, many lingered at the memorial, laying flowers, touching engraved names, and reflecting on the lives behind them. It was a poignant moment of shared sorrow and deep gratitude.
The Suffolk County Police Department’s memorial service is more than a ritual; it is a promise. A promise to never forget the sacrifice of those who died in the line of duty, and to uphold the values for which they gave their lives. In remembering the fallen, the SCPD renews its dedication to protecting the community they served.
For the families left behind, the ceremony offered comfort in knowing their loved ones’ bravery is remembered. For the officers who continue to serve, it was a reminder of the honor and responsibility they carry. And for the community, it was a moment to reflect on the courage it takes to wear the badge.
LaLota: Lifting the SALT Cap Isn’t a Bailout—It’s About Fairness for Suffolk County Families
By Raheem Soto
For families in Suffolk County, paying taxes is nothing new. But Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) argues that paying more and getting less is a pattern that can no longer be ignored. At the center of that debate is the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, a federal policy that continues to squeeze Long Island homeowners—especially income brackets.
“Some claim that lifting the SALT cap would unfairly reward high-tax blue states. But backward,” LaLota wrote recently. “States like New York, New Jersey, and California aren’t footing the bill for everyone else. These are donor states that consistently rank among the worst dollars.”
LaLota’s statement isn’t political spin—it’s backed by data. According to the Rockefeller Institute report, New York sent $311 billion received just $295 billion in return. every dollar New Yorkers paid in states like West Virginia and Mississippi every dollar they contributed.
This imbalance hits particularly County, where property taxes are country. In communities from it’s not uncommon for homeowners to $25,000 annually in combined under current federal law, only $10,000
The SALT cap, imposed in 2017 Jobs Act, was supposed to limit deductions
highest costs of living in the nation and see less in return from the federal government.
Critics argue that lifting the SALT cap would disproportionately benefit the wealthy. But that assumes every high-tax household is high-income. It ignores the
Credit -Matt Meduri
Robert Francis Prevost Elected as First American-Born Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV
By Cait Crudden
In a historic conclave decision, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American-born pontiff and the first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy. He becomes the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina, and ushers in a new chapter in Vatican leadership.
Born on September 14, 1955, to a multicultural family in Chicago, Leo XIV brings with him decades of global pastoral, academic, and leadership experience. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was of Spanish heritage, and his father, Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent. He entered the Augustinian Order in 1977, made solemn vows in 1981, and was ordained a priest in Rome in 1982. A graduate of Villanova University and the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, he holds a doctorate in Canon Law.
Elevated to Cardinal in 2023 and assigned the titular diaconate of Saint Monica, he quickly became one of Pope Francis’s most trusted collaborators. As Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Cardinal Prevost played a central role in shaping episcopal appointments and guiding pastoral policy across the globe.
His election follows a period of declining health for Pope Francis and signals both continuity and change. Known for his calm demeanor, deep spirituality, and pastoral approach, Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry forward the reforms of his predecessor while emphasizing synodality, missionary outreach, and global inclusivity.
Though American by birth, the new pope’s long years in Latin America have shaped his worldview, making him a bridge between North and South, tradition and reform. His election is widely seen as a recognition of the global nature of the Catholic Church and a milestone for U.S. Catholics.
His early ministry was marked by missionary work in Peru, where he served for more than a decade in Trujillo as a pastor, professor, and judicial vicar. Deeply engaged in community building and education in some of the country’s poorest areas, he later became provincial leader of the Augustinians in Chicago and then served two terms as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, leading the worldwide religious congregation from Rome.
In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, later confirming him as Bishop. He served in Chiclayo until 2023, taking on roles with the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference and holding posts in the Vatican, including at the Congregations for the Clergy and for Bishops.
Leo XIV’s selection also marks the first time an Augustinian has occupied the Chair of Saint Peter, a fact that brings added significance to his name choice. The Augustinian motto “In Illo uno unum” “In the One, we are one” featured prominently in his episcopal ministry and may define the spirit of his papacy.
As the Church enters a new era under Leo XIV, Catholics around the world look to him for unity, guidance, and renewed hope. His blend of theological rigor, pastoral experience, and global perspective positions him as a pontiff uniquely suited to lead the Church in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Hauppauge Students Honored with Youth Leadership Recognition Award
Hauppauge High School congratulates students
Meghan Barry, Hannah Harten, Serena Narang and Jacob Wolmetz on receiving the prestigious Youth Leadership Recognition Award from the New York State Senate.
This statewide program celebrates exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence,
leadership in school activities, and a commitment to volunteerism. Each student was nominated by their school counselor and received a personalized certificate from their State Senator in recognition of their achievements and potential as future leaders.
Pictured left to right is Serena Narang, Hannah Harten, Meghan Barry, and Jacob Wolmetz.
Brentwood Middle School Artist Honored
By Suffolk Bar Association
Selah Snow, a seventh grade student at Brentwood’s East Middle School, was honored for her winning Law Day poster design at the Suffolk County Bar Association’s annual meeting on May 5.
“We Are One,” her winning design sketched in pencil, depicted a sea of hands working together to write the text of the Declaration of Independence – a powerful image that evoked the impact of collective action and the enduring importance of civic engagement. The Suffolk County Bar Association hosts the contest each year for students from grades 2-8 across all of Long Island, challenging them to use drawings, paintings or mixed media artwork to embrace the year’s theme.
In addition to being recognized for her artistic achievement, Selah had the special opportunity to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the event, joined by her younger siblings.
West Islip Announces Top Two Students for Class Of 2025
West Islip High School has named its top two academic leaders for the Class of 2025 – Abigail Lam and Taylor Riley.
An Advanced Placement Scholar, Lam is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She is also an All-County tennis player and is a member of the wind ensemble, PEP band and marching band at West Islip High School. Lam has participated in the SPARK Program at Brookhaven National Laboratory as well as its STEM Coders Program. She will be attending Boston University in the fall to study environmental systems and policy.
Riley is the co-president of Student Senate and is a member of the National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She also serves as captain of the varsity flag football team, captain of the varsity girls bowling team and captain of the varsity girls tennis team. Having completed more than 100 hours of community service, Riley is also a member of the high school’s Century Club. Some of her other involvements include P.S. I Love You Day, SADD, HEARTT Club, Environmental Club and Young Women’s Forum. She will be attending Fairfield University in the fall to study psychology.
Sachem Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent
A total of 78 senior student-athletes from the Sachem Central School District took a significant step in their academic and athletic journeys by signing national letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level.
Over two days—Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1—Sachem North and Sachem East High Schools held celebratory events to honor their studentathletes. Sachem North recognized 39 students who committed to 17 different sports, while Sachem East honored 39 students across 15 sports.
This achievement reflects the dedication and talent of Sachem’s students and the strength of the district’s athletic programs. It also acknowledges the ongoing support of coaches who have helped guide these students toward success both on and off the field.
These commitments mark an exciting new chapter for the athletes, who will go on to represent their schools in collegiate athletics across the nation.
Blue Point Elementary Clubs
Unite to celebrate Earth Day
Blue Point Elementary’s Community Club, STEAM Club and Wellness Club united to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way. Together, they cleaned up a nearby nature preserve, reflected on the types of trash they found and brainstormed solutions to prevent future pollution.
The students wrapped up the day by enjoying the beauty of nature through a fun and engaging scavenger hunt. This collaborative event beautifully tied together the missions of all three clubs: the Community Club, led by Ms.
Olmstead, brings students together in support of common causes; the STEAM Club, guided by Ms. Vlachos, encourages creative problem-solving to make a difference; and the Wellness Club, led by adviser Ms. Yonick, promotes the health of both people and the planet.
By Matt Meduri
The Necessary Standard for American Education
The Twenty-Second Amendment
The Twenty-Second Amendment is perhaps one of the most politically significant changes to our Constitution, although more in theory than as history would dictate. Despite the two-term norm established by tradition, the constitutional term limitation of U.S. presidents is actually a much more recent addition to our laws, so much so that the law has only barred seven twiceelected presidents from seeking more than two terms in office.
History and Origin
Although this amendment is relatively new in American history, conversations of term limitations had been raised at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the de facto birth of the framework of our current Constitution. Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and James Madison supported a lifetime tenure for presidents, which is similar to those of Supreme Court Judges and other members of the judiciary, and, at the time, flew in the face of the monarchy from which the fledgling United States had just won their independence. Others insisted on fixed terms, with an early draft providing for a seven-year term.
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.
Effects
Presidents have since been limited to two (2) four-year terms, although one may serve for ten years if a successive vice president serves two years or less of their preceding president’s term. In such a case, a vice president may seek two full terms. If a vice president serves more than two years of the last president’s term, the vice president may only seek one term.
Term limits were considered during the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Washington had been unanimously elected president in 1788 and 1792, but his failing health, exhaustion, and frustration with political partisanship rising, he chose not to seek a third term in 1796. Thomas Jefferson would later write in his second term that if the “services of the chief magistrate be not fixed by the Constitution…his office…will in fact, become for life; and history shows how easily that degenerates into an inheritance.”
Historians argue that Washington’s decision to not seek a third term and his position as the first president have made the tradition something of a precedent. Such proponents might be right, as that is the case for many presidents after Washington. John Adams served after Washington, but lost re-election in 1800. Subsequently, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and Andrew Jackson (D-TN) would all follow the two-term precedent. John Quincy Adams only served one term and lost re-election in 1828.
After Jackson was re-elected in 1832, there was a large string of one-term or once-elected presidents. Eight presidents would at least be elected to one term each and two would die in office: William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor. Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) would win a second term in 1864, but he was assassinated shortly thereafter, making Ulysses S. Grant (R-OH) the first president since Jackson to serve two full terms. A third term of Grant seemed like the logical choice ahead of 1876, but his term plagued by scandals by virtue of his associates and public negativity on Reconstruction made talks of a third term moot. Grant would, however, attempt to win the 1880 Republican nomination, but lose it to James A. Garfield (R-OH). From 1880, only one president - Grover Cleveland (D-NY) - out of seven would serve two full terms until 1920.
Theodore Roosevelt (R-NY) had succeeded to the presidency in 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley (R-OH). Having been elected to a full term in 1904, Roosevelt pledged to not seek a third. However, his attempts to primary WIlliam Howard Taft (R-OH) - then Roosevelt’s hand-picked protege whom Roosevelt had now considered not progressive enough - failed in 1912. Roosevelt would run as a third-party candidate, splitting the Republican vote between him and Taft, getting Woodrow Wilson (D-NJ) elected. Wilson had contemplated running for a third term in 1924, but had scarce support and would die later that year.
The basis of this amendment, like some others at the time, was reactionary. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) had been elected four times: 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944. While Roosevelt did not specifically “run” in 1940, he gave the delegates free will and would only run if drafted. The historical anomaly of running for a third term quickly dominated the campaign, as many saw World War II as the need to break with precedent and a constitutional amendment to cap term limits became the closing message of Thomas Dewey’s (R-NY) failed 1944 campaign against Roosevelt.
Roosevelt died in 1945, just eighty-two days after his fourth inauguration, which prompted the issue on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail almost immediately thereafter.
Ratification
Section 1: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.”
Section 2 only addresses the amendment’s inoperability if it did not pass three-fourths of the state legislatures.
The Eightieth Congress, during Harry Truman’s (D-MO) presidency, quickly passed an amendment. It passed 285121 in the House, with support from forty-seven Democrats. The Senate, on the other hand, proposed their own different amendment that stipulated a state ratifying convention for passage, rather than direct deliberation from the legislatures. The Senate version also contained a provision that would have prohibited anyone from who served more than 365 days in each of the two terms ineligible for further service. This was done with the intention of allowing successors to run for two full terms. Those two provisions were removed from the bill. The concession was a provision that clarified a succeeding vice president’s further eligibility. The amended proposal passed the Senate 59-23, with 16 Democrats in favor, on March 12, 1947.
Maine was the first state to ratify on March 31, 1947. Followed by Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, and New Hampshire. New York would be the twenty-first state to ratify, doing so on March 9, 1948. Minnesota was the tipping-point state on February 27, 1951. Massachusetts and Oklahoma rejected the amendment and never ratified, while Arizona, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia took no action on the amendment.
The grandfather clause allowed Truman to run again in 1952, after having served most of Roosevelt’s fourth term and being elected in his own right in 1948. However, amid an abysmal approval rating and a poor showing in the New Hampshire Primary, Truman chose not to run for re-election. Since then, the amendment has only applied to seven twice-elected presidents: Dwight Eisenhower (R-KS), Richard Nixon (R-CA), Ronald Reagan (R-CA), Bill Clinton (D-AR), George W. Bush (RTX), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Donald Trump (R-FL).
With successive presidents after the ratification of the Twenty-Second Amendment, Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) was eligible for two terms after becoming president after John F. Kennedy’s (D-MA) assassination in 1963. Johnson won a landslide election in 1964, but chose not to seek re-election in 1968, making him the last incumbent president to do so until Joe Biden (D-DE).
Gerald Ford (R-MI), the only person to serve as president without being elected as neither a president nor vice president was eligible for just one term after Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
Some debate, however, swirls around this amendment’s interaction with the Twelfth Amendment, which states age, citizenship, and residency as the constitutional eligibility for president and vice president. The Twelfth Amendment also addresses that a vice president serves unless a presidential candidate is deemed unqualified after an election and until a successor can be chosen. However, neither amendment addresses a term-limited president’s ability to seek the vice presidency, either through election or nomination to a line-ofsuccession position in the Cabinet.
Some argue that neither amendment restricts term limits of vice presidents, and that former two-term presidents could theoretically wind up in the Oval Office through the line of succession, although this application has never been tested and will remain so until the courts must interpret the laws if and when the situation arises.
While term-limits are a generally acceptable idea among most of the electorate, some have disapproved. Truman thought it was one of the worst proposed amendments, behind Prohibition, and Ronald Reagan promised he would push for a repeal. In 2000, Bill Clinton suggested that the amendment be altered to limiting presidents to two consecutive terms but allow for non-consecutive terms due to increased life expectancies.
The first congressional repeal effort took place in 1956, after which fifty-four resolutions over the next fifty years would be filed. Nine of those resolutions were proposed between 1997 and 2013 all by the same person: former Congressman José Serrano (D-NY).
Despite talks of a third term of Trump, it would be a monumental task to abolish term limits as set by the TwentySecond Amendment. A new amendment would need to be ratified, which requires two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-fourths of the state legislatures. Amending the Constitution is intentionally difficult and with the vast majority of public opinion in favor of term limits, it’s nearly impossible that we’ll see a third term of any president in the future.
U.S. Capitol Building (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Islip High School Dedicates First Responder Wall of Honor
Islip High School took a moment on April 29 to honor the Town’s first responders on its very own Wall of Honor in the lobby.
The wall commemorates ninety-one members who have not only served as first responders but once walked the halls of Islip High School as students. Inductees’ only criteria to fill were to have graduated from Islip High School and have provided an honorable service as a first responder with either ten-plus years on the job or a line-of-duty incident.
The project started as a vision before the COVID-19 Pandemic. After an American Experience course was added to the curriculum, the project was able to take flight. The American Experience course continues to thrive at Islip High School, where students are actively involved in community initiatives.
(R-Brightwaters), to bear witness to the unveiling.
“What an example you are setting for the rest of the schools across the town, the county and quite frankly, the nation,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “To have this monument be a visible example every single day, so that students walk by and see it, is only going to inspire them.”
The lobby of Islip High School was packed with over one hundred attendees, many of whom were family members standing alongside their respective honorees, all of whom were dressed in uniform. Members from the Islip Fire Department, the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Precinct, and the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips.
Islip Senior Gavin Williams, founder of the high school’s First Responder Club and an Exchange Ambulance volunteer, led the ceremony’s Pledge of Allegiance.
The wall was then unveiled by art teacher Jenna Buzzeo, who, along with her Art Club members Assistant Principal Meghan Stern, painted the background mural.
“This experience has meant so much to us, because we found importance in showing gratitude for those who served and continue to serve in our community,” said Islip Senior Keira Ferrera, one of the student masters of ceremony.
“On behalf of myself and members of the Islip Fire Department, I want to thank the staff of the high school for putting this together and acknowledging those who have walked the halls of this buildings and upon graduation, chose to dedicate themselves to serve the public as a first responder,” said Islip Fire Department Chief Joseph Marino (pictured left)
The range and capabilities of the Islip Fire Department cannot be understated, as Chief Marino shared just what territory and calls Islip F.D. is responsible for.
“Last year we responded to over 1,100 emergency calls. That’s more than three calls a day in just a barely six square mile tiny fire district,” said Marino. “We provide emergency services to nearly 20,000 residents, protect thousands of structures, and respond to numerous roadway incidents on both the ten-lane major highway being Sunrise Highway and the six-lane pathway being Southern State Parkway, and, of course, the over 100 miles of local roadways in between. We are responsible for and have responded to train incidents with the Long Island Rail Road running throughout town, the same railroad that is the busiest commuter rail system in North America. We provide emergency services on the waterways in the Great South Bay and beyond.”
“This project has not just been about displaying plaques,” said Senior Kailey Roarty, another student masters of ceremony. “To us, this Wall of Honor brings awareness to your sacrifice and honors your dedication.”
“Coming from a family with a long line of service heroes made this project all the more special to me,” said Buzzeo. “I know the weight your family members feel when you kiss them goodbye to go to your next shift. I know the adrenaline that goes through your body when an alarm sounds and calls come in, and I have witnessed the fast decision making that has saved countless lives. To be able to paint this wall for you with my students was a great honor. Your jobs are not easy, and you often carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, but know that your family, friends and community members can never thank you enough for all that you do. You are the real-life superheroes. Thank you, Islip alumni, for being the lifesavers that you are.”
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) (pictured right) was also on hand, along with Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron
However, Marino said that the social aspects of the F.D. have forged bonds between service members that have lasted lifetimes.
“The friendships made are lifelong and at any time, if anyone needs any of us, there are plenty of fellow firefighters willing to help,” said Marion. “If anyone’s interested in joining, whether it be Islip or any other firehouse, go down there, walk in, ask questions. But specifically, when it comes to Islip, you walk into headquarters at 28 Monell Avenue, that century-old historic building, I warn you, you will be hooked.”
“It is unbelievable what the staff and the school has put together here. This is especially great coming from young people, and it means a lot to all of us first responders to be acknowledged this way,” said Suffolk County Police Department Inspector David Regina (pictured above)
“EMTs who provide medical care, police officers who ensure our safety and firefighters who bravely face fires put their lives on the line to protect us every single day,” said Exchange Ambulance of the Islips 2nd Assistant Chief Joseph Mendola. “Their bravery is inspiring, and we appreciate the sacrifices they have made. What they do is more than a job, it is a calling to serve and protect. Thank you to all our first responders, especially our local heroes being honored today. You truly deserve recognition, and our community is safer and better because of your service.”
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Media Shocked That Media Covered Up Biden’s Cognitive Decline
By Shane Harris | Editor-in-Chief AMAC
It’s a headline that reads more like satire than reality. But the corporate media is once again pretending to be shocked at new details about Joe Biden’s cognitive decline – despite having themselves perpetrated the cover-up of the former president’s failing health for years.
Since Biden left office, details have slowly emerged about the lengths to which top White House staff, Democrat insiders, and liberal media pundits went to cover up the president’s physical deterioration. But that trickle has become a torrent this week as details from “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” a new book from CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, have entered the headlines.
The book is reportedly based on interviews with more than 200 people and includes explosive revelations like the fact that Biden’s health was apparently so bad as early as 2023 that advisors privately discussed the potential need to use a wheelchair if he won re-election. Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, also pleaded with aides to give the president more time to rest, and White House staffers were instructed to plan events so that Biden had to walk as few steps as possible.
In another instance, Biden allegedly did not recognize movie star George Clooney at an event, despite the fact that the two men had known each other for nearly two decades. Clooney would later pen an op-ed urging Biden to drop out of the race –but only following his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.
For Americans who watched the media’s fawning coverage of Biden for four years, the feigned shock and outrage of the commentariat class over these new details is as laughable as it is insulting. Do Tapper, Thompson, and their legacy media brethren really expect us to forget that they themselves paved the way for the cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline until that lie became impossible to maintain?
Those of us with working eyeballs and an ounce of objectivity know that Biden’s unfitness for office was obvious well before 2024. He waited longer than any president in 100 years to hold his first news conference, and overall held by far the fewest press conferences of any president in modern history.
In 2021, Biden fell multiple times attempting to climb the steps of Air Force One. That same year he appeared to fall asleep during a climate summit and repeatedly appeared lost and confused during official events. 2022 and 2023 saw the president fall again during an Air Force Academy graduation ceremony, fall off his bike while standing completely still, and rack up an astonishing record of gaffes, misstatements, and incoherent ramblings.
Yet through all of this, Tapper himself was a reliable defender of Biden on CNN, repeatedly going to bat in defense of the president’s supposed mental sharpness. Journalist Tom Elliott compiled a damning supercut of Tapper’s participation in the cover-up of Biden’s deterioration over the years.
In October 2020, for instance, Tapper accused Trump campaign adviser Lara Trump of “mocking” Biden’s “stutter” for suggesting that Biden was “in a state of cognitive decline.” Four years later, Tapper was still dismissing Biden’s gaffes as merely a “stutter” and accusing Trump of “belittling” Biden for it. In 2022, Tapper claimed that Biden was “sharp mentally.” He further alleged that the narrative of Biden’s cognitive decline was a Russian ploy to undermine “election integrity.”
Thompson’s Axios, meanwhile, dutifully repeated the party line that Biden was a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.”
Various other clips and headlines of the media attempting to cover up the truth about Biden’s health are also now making the rounds online. Just two days before the first presidential debate last June, CNN published a story describing the notion that Biden was “a senile, mentally incapacitated elderly man” as a “conspiracy theory.”
Yet now, the same networks who attempted to gaslight the public for four years are shocked, stunned, flabbergasted at these supposedly new,
never-before-known details about just how poor Biden’s health was. This new narrative – that the corporate media was completely fooled and misled by the White House – creates two distinct possibilities, neither of which is particularly flattering for our supposed betters in the journalist class.
The first possibility (if we are to take Tapper and Thompson at their word) is that no one in the liberal media really had any clue about Biden’s cognitive decline.
This interpretation seems rather suspect from the get-go. Journalists have infinitely more access to the president than everyday Americans. They cover his every move for a living. So are we really supposed to believe that an overwhelming majority of Americans (and conservative news outlets) saw that Biden was too old to run for reelection, but no one in the liberal media could see it?
If that is indeed the case, then what good are those “journalists” in the first place? Why should any American believe anything that comes
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out of the mouth of someone who apparently can’t see what is right in front of their face and simply repeats whatever those in power tell them to say? A pundit who is only now “discovering” what most Americans have known for years isn’t much use to anyone.
The second and more likely possibility is that the media knew exactly what they were doing and repeatedly, knowingly, and consistently lied to the public anyway because it advanced their political agenda. Now that the lie has become impossible to maintain, they are scrambling to cover their own hides by pinning blame on Biden staffers.
Of course, the great irony here is that the lie was never all that believable. Most Americans knew they were being lied to.
Either way, the cover-up of Biden’s cognitive decline remains one of if not the single greatest media scandal in American history. Public confidence in the legacy press was collapsing before the fraud was exposed, and this is only likely to accelerate that trend.
WHERE BROADWAY MEETS MAIN STREET
May 15–
Jun 29, 2025
Jul 10–Aug 24, 2025
By PJ Balzer
Messenger Perspectives
Park Anywhere, But Don’t Park Here
This past weekend, my wife and I had a dog-sitting twenty-four-hour trial run. A friend of ours is going to visit her family in Guatemala starting this weekend for ten days, for which she asked us to watch her dog. So, we used one day this weekend to get acquainted with her sixteen-year-old dog. She slept over, explored every inch of our apartment and even went for a long car ride on Sunday morning to deliver newspapers.
She’s an older dog, so naturally, we are trying to both figure out and fully accommodate her walk and bathroom schedule. I’ve heard it said that older people are pretty set in their ways, and I believe that goes for dogs too. Since we abruptly took her on such a long car ride with many stopand-go miles, we ended up stopping several extra times to let her stretch and use the bathroom if she needed; not to mention she was nervous about this whole new ordeal she was experiencing. Sometimes, a good walk can relax the nerves.
The last stop we made for her was in a residential and wooded area in Manorville. I found a quiet piece of a long block with no houses close by and a lot of surrounding woods. There was even one of those circular bike trials that the neighborhood kids had worked hard at clearing out - a perfect little stretch of land for her short walk and some relief. Yes, we had plastic bags to pick up after her and we’re respectful of other people’s properties.
We pulled over on the side of the road and turned the hazard lights on just so cars coming from either direction could see us parked. much less intimidating and suspicious time to see a car parked along the roadside. In my opinion at least. My wife opened both passenger the woods, left them open and took the six-pound woods. I decided to wait in the car.
I was prepared with an already thought-out my tongue for any passersby that may stop to was fully expecting someone, or several people there, to stop and ask me if everything was alright. There was a strip of residential houses starting a couple hundred feet away. parked close by with hazard lights, two doors fully open, and show some good old neighborly concern.
The first car rolled up slowly. It was a large, burly guy with his arm hanging out the window. The back of his truck was full of all kinds of tools and gadgets. He slowed down to about three miles per hour when he saw us parked there. He took a long look at me, at my car and whatever else he could observe. I’m almost certain he was trying to remember my license plate. At this point my wife and our new four-legged friend were well into the woods. After his long look at myself and my car, he floored the gas on his pickup truck and growled up the long block - without words, letting me know that he wasn’t happy I was parked there.
the man per say, it was about how many people drove by him without stopping. that as a community, we could do better and show concern for one another, especially someone in distress. Not surprisingly, the post was met with mostly disdain. there are many dangerous situations that arise out there and that we do need to be on guard at all simultaneously understand that we are also losing our empathy, compassion, and concern for one another, especially those in need of help. fully ready with my answer prepared for the person that was to my car to ask, “Is my answer because hear and read people saying with much emotion that the United States was founded on this or that principle and how they feel we need to return to it. United States also has Judeo-Christian thread running through it which used to help govern every area of society. We were better people for it and God’s blessing rested upon the land. At the very core of the principles being, “To love your neighbor as yourself.” That would include neighborly care, concern, off with action.
In the ten-minute span we were there, three other cars did basically the same thing. Each passerby let me know in their own way that they didn’t like us parked there. Not through words but through actions, body language, and indifference.
I can honestly understand that.
We live in a time where evil, manipulation, and strange occurrences go on every day, especially at the side of the road in a very wooded area. While each person that passed by was undoubtedly hyper vigilant, they also seemed to lack one other trait that used to be mainstream in our society and communities as a whole.
What if there was a medical emergency happening on the side of the road and the situation could have used a passerby’s help? What if the suspicious car was two parents dealing with an unresponsive child or elderly family member and were too frantic to dial the phone for help? What if we simply forgot our jumper cables at home and just needed a stranger’s boost to get home safely? What if we were somehow stranded without a cell phone in an emergency situation and needed someone to call 911? What if someone simply asked, “Hey, is everything ok?” Instead of giving us a sneer and a large portion of the fumes from their exhaust pipe?
Strangely enough, but not coincidentally, that same evening, I was scrolling through one of the community pages on social media from my own area. A community member had written about a recent event where she came across what she thought was an unresponsive man lying on the sidewalk. She immediately pulled over to check on him and called an ambulance, which he needed. Her post wasn’t about
‘Live From Studio 6B’ Hosts First Live Audience
By Matt Meduri
Long Island’s very own alternative media continues to make inroads across the state and the nation, as Live From Studio 6B (LFS6B) hosted their first live audience after several years on the air.
The show was done at the America First Warehouse in Ronkonkoma, with dozens of attendees not only from Suffolk County, but Vermont, North Carolina, and Ohio, among other places.
The Messenger spoke with co-host Vincent Butta (pictured right), who goes by
“Vinny Mac” on the show.
“Back in 2015, we started the show when Donald Trump (R-FL) was first running, and the ironic thing about the whole campaign is that we predicted literally every step of how he was going to win, and that [opinion] was not quite popular at the time,” Vinny Mac told The Messenger “In the beginning, we were more about change and seeing if a conservative could win [the presidency]. Trump entered, it gave things a little sizzle. I’m not going to say that people didn’t take him seriously, because we did, but it was hard to take him seriously and be taken seriously yourself at the time.”
Vinny Mac says that he departed from the show to chase a project in Austin, Texas. After a couple years, he returned to the show after a few more hosts had been brought on. It was then that the group saw the opportunity of conservative, alternative media.
“We’ve been wanting to do a live show. We wanted to take the show on the road too, because we have fans all over the country. California is one of our biggest markets,” said Vinny Mac. “It’s incredible how well the fans know us; we’re talking to them all the time.”
The show airs every night from 8:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. on prime time on Real America’s Voice. Lower ballpark estimates give audience membership about 500,000 views per show, with possibly many more from different social media outlets. Live From Studio 6B can be viewed on most streaming platforms, such as Pluto, as well as social media and websites, such as Facebook and YouTube.
“Real America’s Voice is a sleeping giant. Their audience is very close to Newsmax’s audience.”
Live From Studio 6B’s first live show kicked off promptly at 8:00 with a fired-up live audience. The panel consisted of Damon Roberts (pictured left), “Slick” Rick Ammirati (pictured below center) - also the president of the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce and publisher of the Holbrook Happenings magazine - Paul Nolan, Rick Delgado, Vinny Mac, and comedian Kevin Downey, Jr (pictured above center).
The panel jumped in immediately talking about the recent Emmy nomination that CBS received for their “Sixty Minutes” segment with then-Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) while she was running for president. The interview quickly gained notoriety for its apparent editing to make Harris’ sentences and phrases more concise. President Trump sued the network and CBS agreed to a $15 million settlement.
“They were nominated for best editing, which they’re going to win handsdown because that was an insane job,” said Roberts.
“I needed my Budweiser-to-English dictionary to find out exactly what she was saying,” said Downey, Jr. of a recent Harris interview.
Vinny Mac said that the episode is emblematic of the “insulation” of mainstream media.
“They actually think this is a good idea. This is perfect evidence of the small little bubble they’re in,” said Vinny Mac.
Trump’s First 100 Days
The panel spared no expense in discussing the first 100 days of Trump 2.0, with the president getting full marks on immigration and the southern border.
their businesses here. In the first 100 days, the media had a eulogy for Trump like he died already.”
“I love what he [Trump] is doing with getting men out of women’s sports. The bottom line is we have to make sure we raise these children right,” said Ammirati, adding that Trump’s discussion of the issue at a University of Alabama commencement speech received thunderous applause.
“No way it’s an 80%-20% issue, it’s a 97%-3% issue,” said Ammirati.
Rick Delgado (pictured right) showed a video of a North Carolina father confronting his local school board over co-ed bathroom usage, to which Delgado said, “If you look at
the people that serve on the school boards, their kids are already out of school. It’s all about keeping their job, their power, and going along with the next thing that gets them federal funding. It’s all about the money.”
Vinny Mac said that while there are many issues from the previous administration and that some should be adjudicated, he finds the administration’s prerogative not about “redemption”, but “resetting our country’s priorities.”
“All the areas where they breached honesty and integrity - public office, law enforcement, elections - I’m for anyone involved getting arrested and taken to task, but not because I want to see them screwed and redeemed. I want to see things straightened out so we can move forward as a country.”
The panelists also urged patience with a lot of Trump’s big-picture ideas, investigations from Attorney General Pam Bondi (R-FL) and FBI Director Kash Patel (R-NV), health initiatives from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I-CA), and the overall state of the country and the world.
“President Trump is prioritizing the administration’s efforts to bring America back from the brink of self-inflicted ruin and back onto the path of renewal,” Damond Roberts read from a piece in The American Thinker. “His focus is first and foremost on making America great again, not running the world. Hence, his willingness to put America’s interests and its values first, to the surprise of many allies who came to perceive the American government as decoupled from the American people, and thus easily swayed into subvert the interests of the values of the people.”
A humorous reel was also played of Connecticut state legislators saying what they would have endured rather than 100 days of Trump, including sitting in traffic on I-84 for 100 hours and being stuck on a bus with 100 school children singing “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”
The panel also discussed solar geoengineering, a controversial practice that uses chemtrails to potentially lower the Earth’s temperatures, while mention of Bill Gates’ name elicited hearty “boos” from the audience.
“Twenty-four states have legislation to stop geoengineering. Several countries, including Mexico, have stopped geoengineering,” said Paul Nolan, adding that he is “glad” that EPA Administration and Suffolk native son Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) is “aware of it.”
Interactions with the Live Audience
No live show - especially an inaugural one - would be complete without some interactions with the fans, and LFS6B fans are certainly some of the most dedicated fans out there. One “patriot”, Warren, expressed his concern for the administration to look into the overnight flights that brought illegal migrants to places like Westchester County. Another “patriot”, John, came to the show despite fighting pancreatic cancer.
“He’s taken what was 10,000 [crossings] a day, 300,000 a month, and effectively turned it into zero,” said Vinny Mac, adding that the most “impressive thing” he’s done is a “full reset in everything.”
“He’s tackling wars and foreign policy, he’s tackling the economy and unfairness with the tariffs. I’ve never seen a president do this,” said Vinny Mac. “Even when Ronald Reagan (R-CA) came in, it was the economy and the Soviet Union and he tackled those two things over the course of four years.
Trump has effectuated major change in 100 days.”
“The Red Sea is open for business, shipping lanes are opening up, China is quietly rolling back their tariffs,” said Paul Nolan (pictured left) “$5 trillion of infrastructure committed back to the states, manufacturing coming in, tech giants expanding
“Just got to fight strong - God, faith,” said John.
Jeremy, of New Hampshire, showed up with a “Slick” Rick Ammirati t-shirt, and gave a passionate “Fight! Fight! Fight!” to the camera, an homage to Trump’s reaction after being shot in Pennsylvania in July.
Another audience member, John, recited a limerick in honor of Real America’s Voice (RAV).
“There’s a network called RAV, it’s really the best that we have; they give us the truth with receipts and with proof, and the chaps like a warm, soothing salve.”
Live from Studio 6B airs every night from 8:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. and can be viewed through Real America’s Voice.
(Pictured right)
Downey Jr. with audience member John
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Theater & the Arts
Thursday, May 15, 2025
The Gateway Opens Its 76th Season with the Tap Extravaganza ‘42nd Street’
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
With their latest polished-toperfection production of “42nd Street,”
The Gateway Playhouse once again proves that Bellport is the place to see Broadway-caliber shows right here on Long Island.
From the moment the curtain rose, revealing a glamorous chorus line of world-class tap dancers decked out in stunning costumes strutting their stuff, it was apparent why this Broadway musical received a Tony Award for Best Musical after its premiere in 1980. The 2001 Broadway production won the Tony for Best Revival.
Based on the 1932 “scandalous potboiler” novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, this jukebox musical has a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, and music by Harry Warren. The original Broadway production, directed and choreographed by the theatrical visionary Gower Champion, turned out to be his “swan song.” Sadly, Champion passed away ten hours before the show opened. During the curtain call, Producer David Merrick announced the devastating news, much to the dismay of the shocked cast and audience.
Randy Skinner masterfully directs The Gateway’s current production, featuring the choreography from the original Broadway production recreated by Mary Giattino. Skinner worked directly under Champion and was largely responsible for the tap dance routines in the show. After Champion’s untimely death, Skinner stepped in to
offering glimpses into the personal lives of the creative team involved.
The musical takes place during the Great Depression, a time when “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” became the anthem of a generation. The plot revolves around an aspiring chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer from Allentown, Pennsylvania, who comes to the big city armed with big dreams, a warm heart, and an abundance of innate charm and theatrical skills. Elizabeth McGuire, a versatile actor, delivered a tour-deforce performance as the talented but timid Broadway wannabe. McGuire is a tap dancer extraordinaire, and her powerhouse vocals were showcased throughout the performance. Griffin Wilkins was perfectly cast as Billy Lawlor, Peggy’s love interest, and the leading tenor in “Pretty Lady.” Wilkins and McGuire’s powerful duet, “Young and Healthy,” was one of the musical’s highlights. Wilkens also delivered a riveting performance of “Dames.”
Broadway veteran Kristen Beth
take over the choreography, ensuring the meticulous technical expertise of the famed director, choreographer, and dancer lived on.
“42nd Street” is a backstage musical that celebrates the magic and wonder of Broadway, utilizing the theatrical technique known as a play-withina-play. The audience witnesses the evolution of the musical “Pretty Lady” from auditions through rehearsals to the drama-filled premiere, highlighting the highs and lows of the process while
Williams, a charismatic and captivating performer, held the audience spellbound every time she stepped on stage. Williams possesses that hardto-define, yet muchsought-after Hollywood magnetism necessary to pull off the part of Dorothy Brock, an aging diva desperate to stay
relevant, no matter what the cost. Janine Loesch, the astute Costume Coordinator, outfitted Williams in some of the most spectacular gowns you will see on any stage. Williams’s heartrending delivery of “I Only Have Eyes for You” was an unforgettable onstage moment. Robert Anthony Jones as Abner Dillon, the producer of “Pretty Lady,” and Dorothy’s jealous Sugar Daddy, received the biggest laughs of the evening. He also stunned the audience with his singing and dancing ability during the “Getting Out of Town Reprise.” Jesse Swimm aced the role of Pat Denning, Dorothy’s former vaudeville partner and true love.
Ryan K. Bailer, a Gateway veteran, was believable as the renowned and demanding director Julian Marsh. He commanded the stage and showcased his rich, velvety vocals during “Lullaby of Broadway.” This musical starts with a bang and goes out with a whimper as this magnificent actor stood alone on stage, with just a single ghost light illuminating him, delivering a hauntingly beautiful reprise of “42nd Street” in a soft, melancholic reverie.
Jessica Wockenfuss as Maggie Jones and Cullen R. Titmas as Bert Barry were convincing as the co-producers and co-writers of “Pretty Lady.” Their duet, “Keep Young and Beautiful,” was one of the high points of the show. Titmas and Wockenfuss, along with Sarah Dearstyne as Ann Reilly, showcased their immense talents during the comedic number, “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”
Willie Clyde Beaton II gave a standout performance as Andy Lee, the dance director of “Pretty Lady.” The mega-talented ensemble, with their pitch-perfect vocals and dynamic dance moves, brought their A-game to this production. A standing ovation is extended to all of them, including Ian Black, Marlina Brown, Chase Fontenot, Haley Holcomb, Josh McWhorter, Brandon J. Morris, Becca Perron, Sean Quinn, Colleen Roberts, Sam Sanderson, Bryan Seastrom, Halle Surgil, and Keila Sue Wong.
The Gateway assembled a topnotch creative team, including Music Director Andrew Haile Austin, Scenic Designer Kelly Latta, and Sound Designer Ben Takitch. A special shoutout goes to Dustin Lawson for his wig design, which replicated the glamorous hairstyles of the 1930s, and to José Santiago for his exquisite lighting design, which included a well-executed “Shadow Waltz” featuring Maggie, Dorothy, and the Male Ensemble. The big production numbers, costumed by Loesch, especially the sparkling gold sequin and paillette designs displayed during “We’re in the Money,” are stunning visual treats and are worth the price of admission.
This electrifying musical is like an ecstatic energy effusion that leaves you breathlessly excited and exuberantly alive! The show runs through June 1, 2025. To purchase tickets to The Gateway’s high-voltage production of the beloved Broadway hit “42nd Street,” contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 or visit Thegateway.org.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.
Around Town
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Two Islip High School Football Players
Recognized by Suffolk County Legislature
Suffolk County Legislator Steven J. Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) recognized Islip High School’s varsity football team quarterback Brady Nash and offensive back Dylan Smith who were named to the New York State Sportswriters Association 2024 All-State third team offense, at a Legislative General Meeting in Hauppauge.
With leadership from their coach Jamie Lynch, Islip had a memorable 2024 season, finishing 6-2 and earning the third seed in the playoffs. Led by Nash and teammate Smith, the Bucs defeated the sixth-seeded Hauppauge Eagles in the Conference III quarterfinal before their season ended in the semifinals against Half Hollow Hills West.
Nash’s senior year highlights included 33 touchdowns, 3,259 total yards, 2,362 passing yards, 897 rushing yards and a 65 percent completion rate. For Long Island football players, he finished third overall for passing yards, second for total yards and second for touchdowns. Smith notched 255 rushing yards during the 2024 season, tallying 69 receptions for 1,047 total yards.
John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, Donates $100K to Friends of Connetquot for Red Trail ADA Walkway
The John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce a $100,000 donation to the Friends of Connetquot in support of their Red Trail ADA Walkway –Phase 1. This transformative project will create a wheelchair-accessible pathway through Connetquot River State Park Preserve, enhancing access and inclusion for visitors of all abilities.
The donation will directly fund the development of the ADA-compliant walkway along the historic Red Trail, allowing individuals using wheelchairs or with mobility challenges to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the Preserve—many for the first time. Phase 1 of the project represents a significant step toward making the park more accessible and welcoming to everyone in the community.
“We are honored to support Friends of Connetquot in their efforts to make the Red Trail accessible to all. This project beautifully aligns with our mission to improve the quality of life for others in the spirit of John Dunphy. We believe that nature should be experienced and cherished by everyone, regardless of physical
limitations.,” said Karlyn B. Grasso, Secretary and Communications Officer for the John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, Inc. “Through this contribution, we continue our commitment to enhancing community spaces and creating inclusive environments that reflect John Dunphy’s enduring legacy of compassion and generosity.”
Friends of Connetquot, a nonprofit partner with New York State parks, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Connetquot River State Park Preserve, has long envisioned a more accessible park. This generous contribution marks a major milestone in turning that vision into reality.
The John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, Inc. continues its tradition of impactful giving by investing in meaningful projects that strengthen communities across Long Island and beyond.
For more information about the Red Trail ADA Walkway or to learn how to get involved, please visit www.friendsofconnetquot.org.
Sachem North Varsity Softball: Scoring Runs is Fun
By Ashley Pavlakis
The Sachem North varsity softball team has reclaimed its superior status in League II, winning the title back after a one-year hiatus. The regular season is wrapping up, and the playoff bracket is starting to take shape.
The Arrows softball team is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League II. The girls sit atop the league with a 14-3-0 record with two games remaining in the regular season.
The team is led by head coach Ken Sasso, who has been coaching at Sachem for over a decade. Sasso is joined by assistant coach Jackie Saverese in the dugout. The duo has helped coach the Arrows to a League II title in four out of the last five seasons. On their home field, they have the championship banners from the previous seasons hanging on the fence behind home plate. A source of motivation, one might say.
The squad has played well this season, having found its offensive production early and maintaining it throughout the season. The Arrows outscored their opponents 117 to 52, and kept them under 6 runs all but once, in which they allowed 10 runs in a loss versus Eastport South Manor.
In sports like softball and baseball, you need your offense to be buzzing if you want to win. Quiet bats aren’t a good thing even if pitching and fielding are on top of their game. Offense is the only way to help the pitcher and reward her for her efforts. For the Arrows, they were successful this season in getting runs across home plate. Some days the bats were really hot, and they scored 10 plus runs in five games this season.
Sachem North celebrated their lone senior last Thursday in a 4-2 win over Walt Whitman.
They’ll graduate one senior this season and send them off to further their education and excel in softball at the next level. Camryn Russo, a first baseman for the Arrows, has committed to Mitchell College in Connecticut, where she’ll further her education and play softball at the D III level.
On May 15, Sachem North and Sachem East will come together to honor one of their
own in the annual “Dezy Strong” game. Matthew DiStefano, a former Sachem alum and teacher in the district, lost his battle to cancer in 2020. The beloved teacher excelled in sports during his time at Sachem. Before his passing, he created the DezyStrong Foundation in an effort to help support those affected by cancer. Since then, the foundation has remained strong at Sachem and on Long Island as a whole.
Softball is a fun sport to watch, especially at the high school and college levels. With playoffs right around the corner, teams are battling it out to claim their spot to play another day.
The Arrows have two more games left to play before they begin their postseason run at the Suffolk County title.
