GET OUT AND
VOTE! Tuesday November 7
2021
Thursday, November 2, 2023 ~ Volume 135 ~ Issue Number 50 ~ $1.00
VOTER’S
GOP’S FINAL PUSH GUIDE
Garcia, Zeldin Rally For Romaine
Hundreds of GOP supporters descended on Calabro Airport Wednesday night for the final rally ahead of Election Day. The Suffolk County Republican Party held their final “Get Out The Vote” rally ahead Brookhaven Airport, where supporters enthusiastically displayed their support for the local GOP. The rally was headlined by a fired-up Chairman Jesse Garcia and former
FULL STORIES ON:
Final Election Update Page 12 & 13
2023 Smithtown Endorsements Page 15
Congressman and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) to rally support primarily for Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) for County Executive and the rest of the GOP slate before Tuesday. Candidates for County Legislature and Town positions across Suffolk County joined Garcia, Zeldin, and Romaine on stage, as supporters and other elected officials filled the hangar for the event. continued on page 19
Smithtown Receives Revitalization Grants Page 16
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Messenger Papers Thursday, November 2, 2023
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Endorsement Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
first E N D O R S E M E N T A L E RT: “The and most
ED ROMAINE for Suffolk County Executive
important duty of any government is public safety.” Ed Romaine
“My opponent would like to dismiss me because of my long record in government and my age…I may have to get my knee replaced in the future, but if I do that, I’m getting an experienced surgeon, not someone with ‘new ideas’.” - Ed Romaine, Stony Brook AARP forum 10/10/2023
“...Long Island’s most effective town executive.”
- Newsday Editorial Board, October 23, 2017
Endorsement Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
“This was not a difficult decision for us. Ed Romaine’s history in government, from the County Legislature, the County Clerk, and now Brookhaven Town Supervisor, he has always been propublic safety. He’s always done what’s important to the residents of the county and town to ensure their safety. He always supports the men and women who provide that service on a regular basis. He doesn’t just say the word, he votes for them, he puts forth legislation, he has worked throughout his tenure to show his support with actual action, not hollow words.” Noel DiGerolamo, President of the Police Benevolent Association. Noel DiGerolamo, President of the Police Benevolent Association (center), gives his endorsement to Ed Romaine at the PBA Headquarters.
Proudly Endorsed by The Messenger as well as: Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Suffolk County Police Conference Suffolk County Superior Officers Association Suffolk County Probation Officers Association Suffolk County Detective Association Suffolk County Detective Investigators PBA Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs Association Suffolk County Correction Officers Association Suffolk County Law Enforcement Coalition New York State League of Conservation Voters Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association Faculty Association Suffolk Community College Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees (AME) Utility Workers Union of America Local No. 393 Communication Workers of America Local 1109 International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138 LiUNA IATSE Local One Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Plumbers Local 200
Editorial
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Elections Have Consequences. Don’t Complain, Get Involved We don’t think that it’s a particularly controversial take that elections have consequences, for better or for worse. And while it’s easy to get wrapped up in the national elections, the consequences with doing so are usually for the worse. This isn’t necessarily because we can’t elect productive national leaders, rather the national races suck up the oxygen in the room that leaves our exponentially more significant local races starving for much-needed attention. We’ve said it many times before and we’ll repeat it one last time before Election Day: your local elected officials are the ones who actually make a difference in your life. And chances are, their productivity is for the better, not because we see them everywhere and they’re generally nice people, but because they live in the communities they serve. It would make sense for them to be good stewards not only for their neighbors, but for themselves. This is why we take such an intense interest in local elections and have spent every week since August handicapping the election and interviewing candidates. We understand and stress the importance of local elections, but we’ve spared no expense in bringing that coverage to you every week. However, since we can’t stress enough that elections have consequences, we also can’t stress enough how misplaced the perennial complaining can be after the elections. Some people often spend too much time idealizing the perfect candidate that they let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The other saying goes “politicians - or elected officials - are people too.” Some often let that obstruct their abilities to make decisions based mostly on policy and results. With that, we like to bring another saying into the mix: “A vote is not a valentine.” Regardless of who wins your local elections, there is one inevitable result: someone, somewhere will be unhappy. Life isn’t always about winning, and we don’t necessarily subscribe to the “fire and brimstone” arguments if “the other team” wins, but we take the position that life does go on, and the beauty of local politics is that disagreements on big-ticket items usually transcend party lines on a regular basis. There are some more divisive issues on which certain lines do need to be held, but overall, we believe many local issues are simply not that bleak. To put it shortly, will live after Election Day. However, we’re not entirely sure that reserves us the right to complain about every single aspect of government.
Sometimes your did your part. You got involved, you volunteered, you hit the polls on Election Day, you awaited the results earnestly, and your team still came up short. At that point, have at it and complain away. But we’re not ready to extend that same invitation to those who don’t get involved. We often hear many platitudes about how ubiquitous the opinions of others are. Sure, everyone has opinions, and anyone can have an opinion on any topic, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a valid one. Being completely out of the loop on local issues and deciding to cast a ballot anyway is a dereliction of civic duty and misuse of the electoral process. We’re not insinuating that everyone who casts an ignorant ballot is doing so purposefully, rather, their opinion simply does not match those of the people who have been involved, paid attention, and did their homework, regardless of their side of the aisle. At this point, people have no excuse to be ignorant in today’s world, but somehow some people are. Limitless information in the palms of our hands, constant mainstream media coverage, and your favorite local newspaper - preferably ours - delivered directly to your doorstep, it almost seems counterintuitive how our world became more out of touch and less informed. Succinctly, there’s no reason the world can’t do its own homework, research the candidates, or even take a field trip to their local Legislator’s or Town Councilmember’s office to ask them questions on the issues or even air grievances. It’s a busy, twojobs-required world, but people keeping themselves informed on the issues should remain one of their top priorities. Not only can a more informed decision be made on Election Day, but opinions go much farther than just simply having one for the sake of itself. In that vein, we know that this election will have consequences, and we certainly hope - and think that they will be good consequences. In addition to the skyrocketing cost of living, desperately-needed wastewater solutions and downtown revitalizations, and conscientious development, the county must also address the urbanization of Long Island and its poor handling of cyber security. The next slate of elected officials must face problems that will affect our county and our island in the long run and creative solutions are more than likely to be required.
This is why we stress voter participation and why we specifically do not endorse armchair political opinions and voter apathy, especially when it comes to complaining about our local government and the officials who are elected to represent us. Again, people are more than welcome to have an opinion, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it should be taken seriously if they’re not willing to put in the work to attain it. So, if things don’t go your way Tuesday, observe your own involvement in this cycle, and get more involved next time. It might not necessarily mean you help carry a significant campaign over the finish line, but you might be just one of many who cast a more informed vote. This doesn’t mean that informed voting will make partisan lines fade, but it does definitely bring us closer to the center on most issues. And again, since our local elections are much more important than the national ones, the local issues easily take center stage. In order to figure out where you should vote, check to see if you’re registered to vote in New York State by going to https://voterlookup. elections.ny.gov/ By entering your county - if you’re not from Suffolk County, we thank you for your patronage! - last and first name, date of birth, and ZIP code, not only will the website inform you of your exact polling location, but also your election district, your County Legislative district, your State Senate and Assembly districts, your Congressional district, your Town, and ward, if applicable. Additionally, the results will display your upcoming ballot and any applicable ballot propositions - there are two this year. Finally, we know that voting is a routinely simple process that is your constitutionally protected right. Most states have paid-time-off (PTO) laws regarding voting and New York State has many in our opinion, superfluous - provisions for early and absentee voting. To put it shortly, there is no excuse to skip Election Day. Hit the polls, take a victory or a loss in stride, and remember to complain after the election only if you know enough to complain about things right now.
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Barclay To Cornell President: College Campuses Must Deal With Antisemitism Assembly Minority Leader Requests Answers on University Practices; Legislature Should Address Rise of Antisemitism at NY’s Colleges By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay In a letter to Cornell University President Martha Pollack, state Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) addressed the weekend’s antisemitic activity on Cornell’s campus and posed a series of questions to the university president about the institution’s response. A copy of the letter is pictured at right. This weekend, disturbing threats were posted online warning of violence at Cornell’s Center for Jewish Living, which also hosts the university’s kosher dining hall. The anonymous threats, which encouraged brutal violence against Jewish people, were posted to a message board unaffiliated with the college. The matter is being investigated by Cornell University Police, which has notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In the letter to Cornell’s president, Barclay states: “Cornell was recently awarded a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for its ‘outstanding commitment to diversity and
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inclusion.’ However, I cannot possibly see how the Jewish community could feel included with such vile threats on the rise…The rise in extreme antisemitic behavior on college campuses, like what Cornell University experienced this weekend, warrants greater scrutiny and possible legislative action. These can no longer be dismissed as ‘isolated incidents.’” In the wake of the weekend’s threats, it has been reported that some Jewish students have left Cornell’s campus or are not leaving their dorm rooms in fear for their safety. The most recent incident on campus comes two weeks after Cornell professor Russell Rickford stated at a rally he was “exhilarated” by the brutal Hamas terror attacks in which 1,300 Israelis were killed and more than 200 civilians were taken hostage. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitic incidents have increased nearly 400% since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Saturday, October 7.
October 31, 2023 Martha E. Pollack President, Cornell University 616 Thurston Ave Ithaca, NY 14853 Dear President Pollack: I know it has been a tumultuous weekend for Cornell University. Members of the Assembly Minority Conference were outraged to learn about the violent antisemitic posts published to an online message board on Sunday that targeted the university’s Jewish community. These threats have left Jewish students and faculty fearing for their lives. Earlier this month, a Cornell professor participating at a rally said he felt “exhilarated” by Hamas’ horrific attacks against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7th, possibly inviting antisemitism onto your campus. In the aftermath of the Hamas terror attacks, we have witnessed alarming examples of blatant antisemitism displayed at college campuses. I’m sure you agree, universities should be a place for students of all backgrounds to feel safe and welcomed. But right now, Jewish students are afraid for their personal safety. Cornell was recently awarded a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for its “outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.” However, I cannot possibly see how the colleges should always a placeon forthe freerise. thinking a healthy JewishAmerica’s community couldand feeluniversities included with such vilebethreats Last and year, Cornell exchange ideas. But$1 thebillion events of recentinweeks beenwith eye-opening. Many incidents, received of more than dollars publichave funds; that, there is anbelieve expectation that demonstrations andasprotests have far. Intosome cases,diversity major donors are reevaluating their institutions such yours go togone greattoo lengths promote and safety for all students, longstanding financial commitments institutions that clarify have exhibited antisemitic Some including Jewish students. We aretoasking that you some questions webehavior. have regarding public officials haveoncalled for cutting off financial support at schools that have failed to condemn Cornell’s training this issue: Hamas’ violence or address rampant antisemitism. • What does Cornell’s training on diversity and inclusion consist of? riseprovides in extreme behavior on college campuses,and likehow whatoften Cornell • The Who thisantisemitic training? Who is required to participate, doesUniversity it occur? experienced thissteps weekend, warrants greater scrutiny and possible legislative action. from Thesetargeting can no • What will be taken to prevent antisemitic posts or racist activity longer bestudents dismissed as “isolated incidents.” There has been a disturbing pattern and my colleagues and faculty at Cornell? in the• Assembly Minoritywill Conference are discussing whatthe potential look like. What measures be implemented to ensure safety solutions of Jewishmight individuals on your campus? The threats made against Cornell’s Jewish students and community are intolerable. There is no place for racism or hatred in our stateshould and certainly nota place on ourforhigher education America’s colleges and universities always be free thinking andcampuses. a healthy We remain to events ensuring our college institutions are preparing students forincidents, success exchange of committed ideas. But the of recent weeks have been eye-opening. Many believe through a positive without of violence. demonstrations andlearning protestsenvironment have gone too far. Inthreats some cases, major donors are reevaluating their longstanding financial commitments to institutions that have exhibited antisemitic behavior. Some I look forward to hearing from off you.financial support at schools that have failed to condemn public officials have called for cutting Hamas’ violence or address rampant antisemitism. Sincerely, The rise in extreme antisemitic behavior on college campuses, like what Cornell University experienced this weekend, warrants greater scrutiny and possible legislative action. These can no longer be dismissed as “isolated incidents.” There has been a disturbing pattern and my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference are discussing what potential solutions might look like. Will Barclay TheMinority threats made against Cornell’s Jewish students and community are intolerable. There Assembly Leader is no place for racism or hatred in our state and certainly not on our higher education campuses. We remain committed to ensuring our college institutions are preparing students for success through a positive learning environment without threats of violence. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,
Will Barclay Assembly Minority Leader
$10 State Tax to Fill a Prescription–No Way! By Assemblyman Joe DeStefano Like we’re not paying enough to live in the Vampire state, the Democrats have come up with another way to pick our pockets. Governor Hochul wants to hit us with a $10.18 state tax every time we fill a prescription. This “Dispensing” fee will take billions out of our pockets and affect senior citizens and those who can least afford it. Of course, the Democrats have to weasel around what they’re actually trying to do, which is raise the fee for pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, the companies that process prescription drug claims on behalf of most health insurance plans. The fee will then be passed on to the customers. The Albany vampires already siphon off up to $3 for each prescription handled by the PBMs, and now want to crank the tax up to $10.18. When multiplied by the millions of prescriptions that New Yorkers fill each year, the additional expense for the health system as a whole would likely reach into the billions – and ultimately add to what are already some of the highest insurance premiums in the United States. I’m dead set against this latest scheme to make New York even more expensive and will fight it just like I do practically everything else the Progressive Democrats throw at us. Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) represents the Third District in the New York State Assembly. His office is located at 3245 Route 112, Building 2, Suite 6, Medford, and can be reached at (631)-207-0073.
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Election News Thursday, November 2, 2023
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National Election Update By Matt Meduri In addition to the 2023 local elections across the country, there are some big-ticket elections in several states that could have national ramifications. This year, Kentucky and Mississippi will hold competitive gubernatorial races, while control of state legislative chambers in Virginia and New Jersey will be on the ballot. Additionally, special elections for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District and Utah’s Second Congressional District will be held. Democrats are expected to easily win in Rhode Island, while a Republican victory is a safe bet in Utah. Republicans have started the season with a victory in Louisiana, as Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) won the jungle primary with a majority to flip the seat Republican after eight years of Democratic control. In Kentucky, moderate Democrat Andy Beshear is up for re-election. After ousting unpopular Governor Matt Bevin (R) in 2019, Beshear has enjoyed decent approval ratings despite governing one of the most Republican states in the country. Historically and ancestrally sympathetic to Democrats, Beshear is by no means a safe bet for a second term, but he will be tough to knock off. Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R) is running against Beshear. He is the first Republican to hold the Kentucky Attorney General office since 1943 and the first black man to ever be elected to the office. If he wins in November, he would be Kentucky’s first black governor. While the race is competitive, Beshear has the edge in virtually all polling. Furthermore, defeating an incumbent with even middling approval ratings is a complicated task, as highly vulnerable Democrats in Kansas and Wisconsin survived the 2022 elections under these exact metrics. Specific to Kentucky, however, is its polling. Most political analysts understand that polling regularly underestimates Republicans here. Of the forty polls conducted ahead of between 2014 and 2022, all had underestimated the final GOP vote share. However, the scale of the polling is even worse. Enough polls were off to result in an eight-point aggregate miss relative to the final result. Succinctly, horserace polling in Kentucky has been unreliable at best and severely misleading at worst. Still, we’re inclined to believe Beshear has the leg up in this race due to money and name recognition from his political family. A Cameron upset wouldn’t surprise us, but it would be more surprising than a Beshear win. Forecast: Leans Democrat. In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves (R) is up for re-election after a narrow 2019 against well-known and long-served Attorney General Jim Hood (D). Tate’s likeability issues and several problems during his governance, namely the Jackson water crisis of last year and Medicaid expansion, keep the race competitive against Brandon Presley (D), a member of the Mississippi Public Service Commission and second cousin of the late rock icon Elvis Presley.
While Reeves is by no means a popular governor, he’s not unpopular either, according to polling. Since knocking off an at least decently-approved governor is already an uphill battle, Democrats cashed in a valuable chip last year with Jim Hood, arguably the most well-positioned Democrat to win the election, and he still came up short by five points. Presley just isn’t as well-known or well-liked as Hood, but will still probably keep the race within single-digits. Forecast: Leans Republican. In Virginia, Republicans are trying to pull off a rare phenomenon: form a trifecta in a state that voted for an opposite-party president. Democrats, meanwhile, are trying to regain full legislative power against Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), who was elected in a semi-upset in 2021. Republicans flipped control of the House of Delegates in 2021 and are now hoping to hold it after the decade redraws of both the House and Senate maps alter the political calculus. Youngkin goes in with strong approval ratings, although that may be tied to a divided government. A major reservation of a Republican trifecta is one of a more conservative agenda without Democratic checks. However, as Democrats point to Joe Biden’s strong showing in most districts, the political wisdom here is that the local GOP frequently runs ahead of the national parties. In 2021, Democrats ran twelve points behind Biden, enough for the GOP to cement a 52-48 edge in the House. In 2021, Youngkin won a slim majority of the House districts while splitting the Senate seats 20-20 with Terry McAuliffe (D). Of the sixteen seats - ten in the House and six in the Senate - Biden won every single one, but Youngkin won two-thirds of them. This reinforces the philosophy that Republicans will have an easier time holding the House than they will flipping the Senate. Another statistical wash is that of the national party. While Biden’s approval ratings are worse now than they were in 2021, Democrats have done better - on average - in special elections across the country this year than they did in 2021. We think that with Virginia’s blue lean having been overstated by national pundits, but with a shifting political environment due to more socially liberal suburban areas, the forecast rests at the House with a rating of Leans Republican and the Senate with a rating of Leans Democrat. In New Jersey, Republicans only need six seats to take a majority in the State Senate and seven in the General Assembly. While the math is surprisingly small for a blue state, the geography makes it an intense battle for the GOP. Off the tails of strong local elections in 2021, and shifting Northeastern political messaging, the GOP will probably pick up some seats, but not enough to threaten the majorities in the Garden State. In the General Assembly, the GOP will probably pick up two seats, one in South Jersey, and the other in the Somerset County region, while in the Senate, the GOP will probably flip one South Jersey seat. Both chambers deserve the forecast of Safe Democrat. www.senate.gov
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
National, State and Local Temperature Checks By Matt Meduri
After previous refusal to publicize the sponsors of her trip to Israel, the office of Governor Kathy Hochul (D) (pictured right) has made a not-so-shocking revelation: the taxpayers. Hochul spent last Wednesday and Thursday in Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas after flying commercial to Tel Aviv from JFK Airport. Hochul’s spokesperson Avi Small said that a “New York-based nonprofit that works with the Jewish community” funded the trip, while the governor said that taxpayers will foot the bill for
Local Congressman Nick LaLota (RNY-01) (pictured left) has helped introduce a resolution to expel Congressman George Santos (R-Queens) of the Third District. The resolution was formally introduced by Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) of the Fourth District. The move comes off the heels of new indictments against the pathologically-dishonest Congressman, which include, but are not limited to, botching campaign finance reports and using donors’ credit card information for extraneous purchases. “George Santos deserves to be in prison, not in Congress,” said LaLota. “He lied to voters, donors, and party leaders to get to this point, committing numerous acts of fraud. He has had plenty of time to do the right thing and resign. Since he hasn’t shown any ounce of integrity or a moral compass, the only logical step is to expel him from Congress. New York and the House will be better off when he is behind bars.” Removing Santos would require a two-thirds vote of the entire House. House Democrats would likely spare no expense in removing Santos, as they proposed a resolution to expel in May. Republicans referred the Democrats’ motion to the Ethics Committee, which has been investigating Santos since March. D’Esposito said that the move is overdue. “I know that Ethics has been a little busy, but, you know, it’s time that we see some results,” he said. Getty Images
State
state police officers who provided security. However, the governor’s office declined to publicly identify the nonprofit who sponsored her trip, citing procedures to ensure no ethics laws have been violated. Now, after mounting pressure, Small has said: “Rather than delaying the process until the Commission’s November 2023 meeting or whenever they are able to issue a formal determination, the State will cover the costs of the Governor’s trip in an effort to avoid further delay and uphold the highest ethical standards. Governor Hochul is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and being a careful steward of taxpayer funds.” The cost of the visit is said to be around $12,000, with airfare, food, and hotels considered. The state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Government has said that state law prohibits them from commenting. Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, said: “Our recommendation would have been the governor should have cleaned this all up before wheels lifted off the tarmac.” Daniel Goodrich
probe into Hunter Biden, previously had authority to levy criminal tax charges against Hunter Biden in California. This contradicts claims made by Weiss that he was “not the deciding person” to bring charges against Biden. Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for Delaware, has been named special counsel in the investigation. Additionally, two FBI officials who have been assigned to the case could not corroborate Weiss’ claim that he lacked authority to unilaterally push the case forward. Two IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, both recommended federal charges against Hunter Biden, but were told that prosecutors in Delaware could not pursue charges in separate jurisdictions. The two have alleged “an undeniable pattern of preferential treatment.” Former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott Brady testified before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the probe into Hunter Biden’s business ventures. Brady was previously assigned work by then-Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate Hunter’s role on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Brady said that he and his office encountered several obstructions and forms of slowwalking atypical of an investigation of its kind. “I think there was reluctance on the part of the FBI to really do any tasking related to our assignment from [Deputy Attorney General] Rosen and looking into the allegations of Ukrainian corruption broadly and then specifically anything that intersected with Hunter Biden,” said Brady. Pressures will likely continue to mount on lawmakers to make a formal move for impeachment against the incumbent president, but not after more thorough investigations, which will likely culminate in a subpoena of Hunter Biden himself. AP / Patrick Semansky
In his first large move as House Speaker, Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) (pictured right) has signaled that House Republicans are likely to subpoena President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden in their ongoing impeachment inquiry of the President. Johnson has called the move “overdue,” as impeachment proceedings into Biden have carried over from September under the gavel of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-21). Republicans have alleged that President Biden has financially benefited from his son’s overseas business dealings, many of which stemmed from the senior Biden’s time and influence as Vice President. Prominent Democrats have called the inquiries a “waste of time,” while Republicans are adamant in investigating the families financial ties. A Hunter Biden (pictured below right) subpoena is seen as a missing link in the developments of the investigation, as the junior Biden’s work overseas, namely on the board of a Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and bureaucratic deals with Chinese officials, puts the president squarely in the middle of the conflict. While the Biden family has downplayed the president’s enrichment from his son’s business, business partners and confidants, including Hunter’s former business partner Devon Archer, have testified of too-closefor-comfort proximity of the President to his son’s business circles. Speaker Johnson stated in the FOX interview: “The reason we shifted to the impeachment inquiry stage on the president himself was because if, in fact, all the evidence leads to where we believe it will, that’s very likely impeachable offenses… That’s listed as a cause for impeachment in the constitution; bribery and other crimes and misdemeanors. Bribery is listed there, and it looks and smells a lot like that. We’re going to follow the truth wherever it leads. We’re going to engage in due process because, again, we’re the rule of law party.” Johnson also seeks to contrast this impeachment inquiry with those of the Democrats’ into former President Donald Trump. “I know people are getting anxious and they’re getting restless and they just want somebody to be impeached, but we don’t do that like the other team. We have to base it on the evidence,” said Johnson. Meanwhile, a U.S. attorney for Central California, E. Martin Estrada, has told Congress that David Weiss, the prosecutor leading the
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
2023 Ballot Propositions By Matt Meduri While tracking the election district by district and candidate by candidate can be fun and engaging, we usually forget about the more confusing and esoteric part of the election: the back of your ballot. The back of your ballot almost always consists of ballot propositions, proposed changes to state or local law that have gone through certain legal petitions to appear on the back of your ballot for your approval or rejection. This year, New York residents will have the opportunity to vote on two proposals: 1. Removal of small city school districts from special constitutional debt limitation 2. Extending sewage project debt exclusion from debt limit Proposition One The text of Proposition One reads: “The proposed amendment to Article 8, Section 4 of the Constitution removes the special constitutional debt limitation now placed on small city school districts, so they will be treated the same as all other school districts. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?” Abstractly, this amendment would remove special debt limits for small city school districts; debt limits would be established in state law for all school districts. According to the New York elections website, a small city school district is one
that “includes at least part of a small city. A small city is a city with less than one hundred twenty-five thousand (125,000) people.” As it stands, the state constitution stipulates that these small city school districts have a debt limit - the maximum amount they can borrow - of 5% of the total value of taxable property in their city. For example, if a small city has $100 million worth of property taxes on the rolls, then $5 million is the most they can use to update buildings, complete projects, etc. Most school districts in New York State can borrow up to 10% of their taxable property value. This limit is set by the state law, not the state constitution. If Proposition One is approved by the voters, then the 5% debt limit would be eliminated for small city school districts. They would then adhere to the 10% limit most other districts have under state law. Succinctly, small cities would not be treated differently from other school districts in terms of their ability to incur debt. An approved Proposition One would not increase property taxes. As it stands, Suffolk County is not home to any small cities. Small cities across the state include Albany, Ithaca, Troy, Hudson, and many others. These fifty-seven districts across the state house about 200,000 students collectively. Despite Suffolk not being directly impacted by this measure, since it requires a change to the state constitution, all New York voters must have a say in its passage or failure.
The reason this caveat to the constitution exists dates back to the 1950s, when small city school districts were under control of local municipalities and the budgets were not subject to district-wide votes. While budgets are now subject to that public approval, the debt limit provisions have remained the same. Proposition Two The text of Proposition Two reads: “The proposed amendment to Article 8, Section 5 of the Constitution extends for ten years the authority of counties, cities, towns, and villages to remove from their constitutional debt limits debt for the construction of sewage facilities. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?” This proposal is similar in scope to Proposition One. Under the current constitution, every city, town, village, and county in New York has a limit on the amount of debt they can incur, which varies from 7% to 10% of the value of taxable property on their rolls. As it pertains to sewage treatment facilities, the constitution stipulates that if a city must borrow money to repair said facilities or build new ones, the money borrowed does not count against their debt limit with approval from the state comptroller. Every ten years, voters are asked if they would like to maintain this provision in the constitution for sewage facilities. An approved Proposition Two would extend the provision through 2034.
Suffolk County Early Voting 2023 General Election
Vote at ANY Location found below: Voting Hours Date
Time
Saturday 10/28
10:00am6:00pm
Sunday 10/29
10:00am6:00pm
Monday 10/30
10:00am6:00pm
Tuesday 10/31
7:00am3:00pm
Wednesday
11/1
7:00am3:00pm
Thursday 11/2
12:00pm8:00pm
Friday 11/3
12:00pm8:00pm
Saturday 11/4
10:00am6:00pm
Sunday 11/5
10:00am6:00pm
*NEW LAW:
Wyandanch Public Library 14 South 20th St Wyandanch, NY 11798
North Amityville Fire Department 601 Broadway Amityville, NY 11701
Robert Reid Recrea�on Center
Brookhaven Town Hall
West Islip Senior Center
Greenbelt
Defense Hill Rd, Shoreham, NY 11786
1 Independence Hill Farmingville, NY 11738
Babylon Town Hall Annex
281 Phelps Ln North Babylon, NY 11703
Ambulance Company
Islip Town Hall Annex
Greenlawn Fire Department
Nesconset Elementary School
American Legion Post 273
Shelter Island Youth
89 Hubbard Avenue Riverhead, NY 11901
1 Bateman Rd Shelter Island, NY 11964
Kings Park High School
SUNY Stony Brook Southampton
Board of
St. Mark’s Southold Town Episcopal Church Recrea�on Center
40 Main St, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
970 Peconic Lane Peconic, NY 11958
Manorville Fire Windmill Village Department 219 Accabonac Rd
Knights of Columbus
Dix Hills Fire Department
(Student Ac�vi�es Center) 39 Tuckahoe Rd Southampton, NY 11968
Bellport, NY 11713
East Hampton, NY 11937
96 2nd Ave Brentwood, NY 11717
200 East Main St Kings Park, NY 11754
Mount Sinai, NY 11766
739 NY-25A
16 Silas Carter Rd Manorville, NY 11949
281 Patchogue-Holbrook Rd
115 East Deer Park Rd Dix Hills, NY 11746
South Country Ambulance
1630 Montauk Highway
90 Higbie Lane West Islip, NY 11795
Holtsville, NY 11742
Rose Caracappa Senior Center
700 Yaphank Ave Yaphank, NY 11980
401 Main St Islip, NY 11751
54 Browns Rd Nesconset, NY 11767
are Accessible to voters with
Call 631-852-4500 Or visit www.SUFFOLKVOTES.com
23 Boulevard Avenue Greenlawn, NY 11740
Acampora Center 39 Montauk Highway Blue Point, NY 11715
Old Junior High School 151 Greeley Avenue Sayville, NY 11782
1335 New York Ave
or vote on
Elec�on Day Tuesday November 7th, 2023 6:00am-9:00pm You must report to your in order to cast your vote If you cast a ballot during early voting, you may not vote again on Election Day
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On the Campaign Trail Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
The Messenger’s Crystal Ball Final Update and Ratings Changes Before Election Day By Matt Meduri After much anticipation and our consistent coverage since the summer, Election Day is finally around the corner. Be sure to hit your local polling place on Tuesday, November 7, if you intend to vote on Election Day.
The Messenger’s Crystal Ball has been a periodical column dedicated to tracking each race within our three townships of coverage, plus some extra races within Suffolk County. This will be the final update of this column and we will give all of our applicable races a final look. County Executive By far the most significant race on the ballot this year, we’re less than a week away from learning who will be Suffolk’s next County Executive. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) is squaring off against Dave Calone (D-Setauket). Romaine’s high name recognition, long service in county and town government, bipartisanship, and respect from both sides of the aisle have, we believe, given him an edge in this election. Additionally, the current political environment in Suffolk County has favored Republicans in the last two elections. The GOP flipped control of the County Legislature and the District Attorney’s office in 2021 for the first time in fifteen years. The 2022 elections were especially beneficial to down ballot Republicans. Despite the midterms being run on a more national level, Long Island’s local politics shone through and made New York a much ¬¬¬redder picture than many expected. While we still maintain the race is competitive, we do think Romaine is favored to be Suffolk’s next County Executive. Ratings Changes 1. Shelter Island Town Supervisor (OpenSiller): Safe Democrat Moves to Leans Democrat 2. Southampton Town Supervisor (OpenSchneiderman): Likely Democrat Moves to Toss Up
Shelter Island Town Supervisor We held this race as Safe Democratic until we had some more inside information. Outgoing Supervisor Gerold Siller (D) was primaried by Arnott Gordon Gooding, Jr. (D-Shelter Island Heights) this spring. Amber Brach-Williams (R), a Councilwoman of seven years on the Town Board, is running against Gooding. Brach-Williams has served as Deputy Town Supervisor under supervisors of both parties. Her name recognition and multiple consecutive victories make us think she’s a strong candidate who has also had a head start on the campaign trail since Gooding had to go through a primary earlier this year. Shelter Island is difficult to politically handicap. In addition to its unique type of elected officials and candidates, as well as its tendencies to cross-endorse candidates on a perennial basis, retail politics also goes a much longer way here. The tiny island of just 3,200 people makes it easy to be-
come intimately familiar with each resident and their concerns. We think that due to intrinsic lean, Gooding has a slight upper hand, but a Brach-Williams victory on Shelter Island would not be a shock. Southold resident and 2022 Assembly candidate Peter Ganley (R-Cutchogue) gave his thoughts: “Amber Brach-Williams transcends political lines. Shelter Island residents trust her commitment to service and she has the experience necessary for the town’s top job.” Southampton Town Supervisor While Southampton leans Democratic on a fundamental level, there is a strong working-class population west of the Shinnecock Canal. A hot Legislative race is already brewing here, with Manny Vilar (R-Springs) waging a strong uphill battle for the seat being vacated by Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac). Furthermore, the seat of Town Supervisor is open as incumbent Jay Schneiderman (D) is term-limited. While Southampton already has a tendency to elect Republicans on the local level, what’s really changed the race is Newsday’s endorsement of Cyndi McNamara (R-East Quogue), a current Town Board member. The Messenger did not make an endorsement since we don’t specifically cover the area. We think that with the added attention on the South Fork this year, along with an estimated strong Republican turnout from the west side of the Canal, McNamara has a real shot at flipping this seat. While Vilar is considered the underdog in his corresponding Legislative race, any extra momentum he can receive will likely help McNamara over the finish line. A Final Look at the Remaining Competitive Races In the Legislature, seven of the eighteen seats are broadly considered at least somewhat competitive. Perhaps the most engaged race is the Huntington-based Sixteenth District, where freshman Legislator Manuel Esteban, Sr., (R-East Northport) finds himself in a competitive race against Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station). Esteban’s original opponent, Sidney Joyner (D-Huntington) was removed from the ballot for not fulfilling the residency requirements to run in the district. Sanin was placed on the ballot in the eleventh hour. The temporary hiccup to the race might have helped Esteban retain some support, but he’s still not out of the woods yet. Esteban’s district is one that is more Democratic, but his unique position within the Suffolk GOP might help him get the crossover support he needs. In the Patchogue-based Seventh District, freshman Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue) is facing union representative Ryan McGarry (D-Patchogue). Although Patchogue is home to a younger, more progressive voting age, Thorne has remained in touch with the district’s diverse, working-class neighborhoods. Republicans are eyeing three seats to flip in this year’s races: the North Fork-based First, the Port Jefferson-based
TOWN SUPERVISORS Safe Dem
Likely Dem
East Hampton
Southold
Leans Dem
Toss Up
Shelter Island Southampton
Leans GOP
Likely GOP
Safe GOP
Islip
Brookhaven
Riverhead
On the Campaign Trail Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
The Messenger’s Crystal Ball Final Update and Ratings Changes Before Election Day By Matt Meduri Fifth, and the Rocky Point-based Sixth. In the First District, the North Fork’s deep Republican roots might be more on display this year than they have in the past, mainly due to strong retail politics and home-rule messaging. Outgoing Legislator Al Krupski (D-Cutchogue) has represented this district for the past decade, winning by wide margins each time. His long-time legislative aide Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) is making a real play for this district that covers five townships In the Fifth District, Anthony Figliola (R-East Setauket) is hoping to make a tectonic shift in northeastern Brookhaven. The Fifth District notably contains Setauket, Port Jefferson, and Stony Brook, and has long been one of the most Democratic parts of Brookhaven. Margins for the Democrats slipped in the 2021 local elections and extra attention this year might be just what turns this area red. Curiously, lawn signs bearing former Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s (D-Setauket) name tell voters to “reelect” him to the Legislature. While Englebright technically would be re-elected to the Legislature, he’s not the incumbent, having left the body in 1992 after his election to the Assembly, where he remained until his upset defeat to Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) last year. In the Sixth District, Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point) is hoping to flip this seat red after twelve years of representation by Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mt. Sinai). Anker won all but two of her elections by extremely close margins, so the environment this year, plus the dynamic of an open seat, might make it difficult for her chief of staff Dorothy Cavalier (D-Mt. Sinai) to keep it in the Democratic fold. Outside the big-ticket races, there is another race that warrants watching: Brookhaven Town Council, District One. This is the only town-based election we find particularly engaged within our three townships of coverage. Political newcomer Gary Bodenburg (R-Port Jefferson) is hoping to take advantage of new political energy is his corner of town and ride the coattails of Ed Romaine and Anthony Figliola across the finish line against Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), who was overwhelmingly elected in a 2021 special. It’s difficult to characterize this race one way or the other. One thing that is certain, however, is that this will be a photo finish either way. Since the area of this district overlaps with the Fifth Legislative District, any and all down ballot energy either party can get will pay dividends, even if it translates to a margin of just a few votes. Republicans appear dominant in the Riverhead and Islip Town Supervisor races. Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) recently received the crucial endorsement of The Messenger, as well as that of Newsday, leading us to believe she has had a successful enough tenure to deserve a third term. While we retain Likely Republican ratings for Brookhaven Town Council District Four and Islip Town Council District Three, neither race appears to have become significantly engaged and we will maintain these ratings through the election.
A Final Look at the Safe Races Republicans remain safe bets in eight districts: Three, Four, Eight, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen. Meanwhile, Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood) is the sole Democrat we find to be a safe bet for re-election. In Smithtown, all races deserve a rating of Safe Republican: • Town Council: incumbents Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown) and Lisa Inzerillo (R-Kings Park) • Receiver of Taxes: Deanna Varricchio (R-St. James) • Town Clerk: (open), Tom McCarthy (R-Smithtown). In Brookhaven, the following races hold a rating of Safe Republican: • Town Council: Districts Two, Three, Five, and Six • Receiver of Taxes: Lou Marcoccia (R-East Setauket) • Town Supervisor: open, Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) In Islip, the following races hold a rating of Safe Republican: • Town Clerk: (open), Linda Vavricka (R-East Islip) • Town Council, District Four: Councilman John Lorenzo (R-West Sayville) • Receiver of Taxes: Andy Wittman (R-Sayville) Finally, Democrats are a safe bet to retain the town supervisorship in East Hampton. Top Races to Watch 1. Suffolk Legislature, District Five 2. Brookhaven Town Council, District One 3. Suffolk Legislature, District Sixteen 4. Suffolk Legislature, District Six 5. Suffolk Legislature, District One 6. Southampton Town Supervisor 7. Shelter Island Town Supervisor
SUFFOLK LEGISLATURE Safe Dem
Likely Dem
LD-09
LD-15
Leans Dem
Toss Up
Leans GOP
Likely GOP
Safe GOP
LD-02
LD-16
LD-01 LD-05
LD-07
3,4,8,10
LD-17 LD-06 LD-18
11, 12, 13, 14
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History
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
America the Beautiful: How History Shapes our Electorate Nevada - The Silver State
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
This is the thirty-seventh of a series column that will look at the history of all 50 States, all 5 territories, and the Capital and the influence history has on our current political environments. The aim of this column is to capture that our country is not just red or blue, but rather many shades in between. Each Lower 48 state’s current political landscape can be traced back to its early settlement and geography and its particular involvement in the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Era.
By Matt Meduri Although one of the most politically significant states today, Nevada wasn’t always at the center of competition. Its population has more than tripled since 1980, giving it a relatively new profile amidst a rapidly shifting western political landscape. Early History - An Empty Desert Spanish missionaries first explored Nevada in the 1770s after it was annexed as part of New Spain. Nevada was included in the Mexican territory of Alta California, which was lost to the U.S. in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. While Mexico never had any presence in Nevada, American settlers and prospectors were already active in the region as early as 1827. Mormons were the first permanent presence in Nevada in 1851, setting up way stations for travelers during the California Gold Rush. Since there was no official government presence, religious tensions pulled Nevada in different directions, with Non-Mormons seeking annexation to California, while the Utah Territory administered the Nevada Territory as a county. After the Mormons left for Utah, the non-Mormons pushed for state status. One of Nevada’s defining moments came in 1859, as silver was discovered at the Comstock Lode mine in Virginia City. The discovery set off a mining boom that began to attract settlers to the state - many of whom were gold miners from California - giving Nevada the nickname “The Silver State.” Nevada also had its own gold rush with the discovery of gold in Aurora in 1860. Gold is still a crucial part of the state’s economy, as Nevada today is the fourth-largest producer of gold in the world, behind China, Australia, and South Africa. Nevada’s status as a territory was short-lived, as President Lincoln (R-IL) sought additional Union support ahead of the 1864 election. In a hasty move, Nevada’s Constitution was sent to Washington via telegram - then the longest transmission in history - just eight days before the election. Nevada was admitted as the thirty-sixth state on October 31, 1864. During the Civil War, Nevada sent 1,200 troops on behalf of the Union. After the war, Nevada became the first state to ratify the Fifteenth Amendment, which gave black men the right to vote. Nevada handily backed Lincoln in the 1864 election, but as one of the three electors was snowbound, the state only cast two electoral votes, resulting in one of just three occasions in history a state or the capital sent less than three electoral votes to the college. Republicans would win every election in Nevada until 1880, as Winfield Hancock (D-PA) narrowly won the state on pledging to control immigration from China. From its inception, Nevada would develop a profile as a reliable bellwether state. Nevada has only voted for the losing candidate of a presidential election eight times of the forty elections in which it has participated. Much of this has had to do with its historically transient population, creating a much swingier, less consistent electorate. Industrialization and the 20th Century The Silver Party Homesteading experiments were done at the turn of the century in hopes of increasing dry cattle grazing, but the environment was inhospitable to most forms of agriculture. Railroads proved somewhat unreliable as well, as floods, fires,
developing road infrastructure, and fluctuating amounts of ore from mining towns made it difficult for them to be profitable. Gold discovery in the city of Tonopah ushered in a new political era in Nevada, as several men of different backgrounds converged on the town and would later dominate state politics for decades. These included George Nixon, a banker, editor, and cofounder of the Silver Party; Key Pittman (D), who would serve as a U.S. Senator; Vail Pittman (D), Key’s brother, who would serve as Governor of Nevada; and George Thatcher, leader of the state Democratic Party. Iowa Congressman James Weaver would win Nevada in a landslide in the 1892 election on his Populist ticket and would be won by William Jennings Bryan (D-NE) in 1896. Bryan also ran on the Populist and Silver tickets, garnering him 81% of the vote, the strongest performance of any candidate in Nevada’s history. Much of the Populist strength was due to calls for bimetallism, an economic practice of defining silver as a monetary unit and creating a rate of exchange between silver and gold. The concept of free silver was also a national concept at the time, as intentionally inflating the currency sought to buoy industrial and agricultural sectors affected by deflation and depression of the 1890s. Nevada is the only state to have elected both Senators and Congressional representatives of the Silver Party. By 1902, the Silver Party and other silver organizations like it were absorbed by the state Democratic Party. Nevada’s heavily transient culture affected its identity as much as its economy. Organized religion - namely Catholicism - was difficult due to no consistent congregational base. Italian immigrants who moved to the state to become miners later became farmers or ranchers, but still affected the state’s religious culture with their ardent anticlericalism. The year 1931 became one of the most pivotal in Nevada’s history. The defined social structure in an otherwise disorganized state led to soft positions on practices like gambling and prostitution. During the Great Depression, Nevada legalized gambling in 1931 as a short-term fix, but its repealment has never been seriously considered; gambling taxes now account for 34% of Nevada’s revenue. On the other hand, brothels have been tolerated in Nevada since the mid-1800s. In 1937, a law was enacted to require weekly health checks of all prostitutes. Today, prostitution is legal in ten of Nevada’s seventeen counties. Ironically, Clark County, home to Las Vegas, is not one of them. In 1931, Reno reduced the residence requirement for divorce to six weeks, making it a famous site for quick divorces. 1931 is also the year the Hoover Dam was constructed, at the time the largest single public works project in U.S. history, creating Lake Mead, today the largest reservoir in the country.
World War II benefitted Nevada - namely Reno and Las Vegas - immensely, as open land and sunny conditions gave way to military bases and airfields. In the 1950s, the state became the prime site for nuclear testing and military research, prompting the establishment of the secretive Area 51 in 1955. Nevada would continue to be a swing state for most of the 20th Century, backing the Republicans of the 1920s, the New Deal Democrats of the 1930s and 1940s before settling into a more rural, Republican-Libertarian mindset in the 1970s. The state voting streak for the GOP from 1968-1988 is the longest for any party in Nevada’s history. Geography - Two Swing Cities Nevada’s political geography consists of the blue-leaning urban counties of Clark (Las Vegas) and Washoe (Reno). 1. Clark County - Although a consistently Democratic county, Clark is not a staunch “blue” county. The last Republican to win here was George H. W. Bush in 1988; the GOP has only won Clark six times since 1912, all in national landslides. Clark consists of 75% of Nevada’s population today, but its blue-leaning status keeps the state healthily competitive. A poor Democratic showing in Clark usually means a statewide loss. 2. Washoe County - Home to Reno in the northwestern part of the state near Lake Tahoe and extending up to the Oregon border, Washoe is the second swing county in Nevada. Formerly a GOP stronghold - it only backed Democrats once between 1944 and 2004 - Washoe is now a quintessential swing county that still leans slightly Democratic. It has more rural parts than Clark County, producing much closer results on a regular basis. George W. Bush is the last Republican to have won Washoe County in 2004. 3. Exurban Nevada - The rest of Nevada’s counties used to be more Democratic, as the party pertained more to workingclass voters and organized labor. The high mining population made the state a solid fit during the New Deal. However, as the state became a GOP stronghold during the 1970s and 1980s, the rural regions became intensely Republican and have remained that way since. Current Political Leanings - An Eternal Swing State Nevada’s current lean consists of an intrinsically libertarian-conservative base, one that is intrinsic to most Western states. A history rooted in mining and gambling, and an aversion to big government, big business, and big labor, gives it a unique individualistic profile that influences the state’s politics today. On paper, Nevada should be more sympathetic to the Democratic Party, with diverse suburbs and decent control of the state’s urban centers. However, an ever-fluctuating population, a shift of the Latino vote to the GOP, and low percentage of college degrees keep the state in the balance every year. Democrats control both U.S. Senate seats, having flipped one in 2018. The GOP has not held both simultaneously since 1954. Democrats were in a gubernatorial drought from 19992019 until Steve Sisolak (D) won the open seat amid the 2018 blue wave. He was denied a second term in 2018 by Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo (R), mainly serving as a referendum on the Democratic Party’s handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic. COVID affected Nevada more negatively than most states, as the tourism and services industries make up a significant portion of the state’s economy. Nevada regularly receives outsized attention during election years, especially in presidential elections. In addition to being a perennial swing state on every level, the Nevada Caucuses are an early litmus test of presidential viability ahead of Super Tuesday. Going forward, Nevada finds itself squarely in the eye of the hurricane as both parties scramble to redefine themselves nationally.
Endorsements Thursday, November 2, 2023
LESLIE KENNEDY
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
ROB TROTTA
for Suffolk County Legislature, District Twelve
for Suffolk County Legislature, District Thirteen
No stranger to county government and certainly no stranger to a wide variety of issues, Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) is running to continue her work in public service. A Registered Nurse of thirty years, a mother of four, and a legislative aide to her husband, then-Legislator, now-County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Kennedy has the blend of real-world and governmental experience to continue accurately representing the residents of Smithtown and Brookhaven. The Twelfth District, while mostly contained in Smithtown, does contain parts of Centereach, Lake Grove, and Lake Ronkonkoma. Kennedy’s long and determined work on remediating the stream beds of the
An ardent champion for the taxpayer, Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) is running unopposed for a sixth and final term in the County Legislature. Trotta has been a staunch fiscal watchdog and has held the county to the wall on programs that have overcharged residents such as the red-light cameras and the school-bus cameras. Additionally, Trotta was also one of the many vocal opponents to this summer’s sewer bill, stating that money earmarked by the taxpayer should go to its intended cause. Trotta’s vocality on open-space preservation and affordable housing and workforce housing echoes a much-needed perspective that our County will continue to require going forward. He joins the ranks of many Republicans who hold this same view, making his membership
Nissequogue River, being a fiscal watchdog on behalf of the taxpayer, constant advocacy for fiscal responsibility, and her commitment to making Suffolk County a better place to live, instead of - as she puts it - moving to Florida, is what makes her deserving of continuing to represent the Twelfth District. The Messenger is proud to endorse Legislator Leslie Kennedy for Suffolk County Legislature, District Twelve. The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Safe Republican.
LISA INZERILLO
for Smithtown Council
different units in a hospital setting and her decorated profile with civic groups gives her the community outreach we believe is necessary for the Town Council. The Messenger endorses Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo for Smithtown Council. The Messenger’s forecast for Smithtown Council: Safe Republican.
TOM McCARTHY
Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown) has demonstrated not only specific and intimate knowledge of local governance, but also a determined work ethic that accounts for more than full-time work. Lohmann demonstrates granular knowledge of Smithtown and offers specifics whenever any Town topic is presented. While Lohmann does not face a singular opponent due to Smithtown’s at-large council system, we believe that one of his opponents, Maria Scheuring (D-Smithtown), presents a more angry and cynical view of Smithtown than her
Democratic ticket-mate, Sarah Tully (DSt. James), as presented at the October 16 debate. Scheuring’s apparent disdain for her Town and her constant inspirations from Patchogue make us skeptical she can accurately represent the Town’s stakeholders. The Messenger endorses Councilman Tom Lohmann for Smithtown Council. The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Safe Republican.
DEANNA VARRICCHIO
for Town Clerk
Few candidates have the decorated background that Tom McCarthy (R-Smithtown) has. From managing security operations for national and international companies, protecting assets valued in the multi-millions, and working as a government liaison in the security sector, McCarthy has proven he has more than what it takes to be a steward of Smithtown’s records and the “front desk” of the town government. In what McCarthy describes as the “cover on the book” of local government, he demonstrates intimate understanding of the services offered by the Clerk’s office and has specific intentions for advancing the presence and services of the office,
of the Legislature a requirement to work in tandem with Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) as county executive. True to Trotta’s practicality and representation of his constituents, the Democratic Party did not field a candidate to run against him for his sixth and final term. His fiscal conservatism and no-nonsense brand of politics will continue to give the Legislature the edge it requires. Even if Rob Trotta had an opponent this year, it would still be no contest: The Messenger endorses Legislator Rob Trotta for Suffolk County Legislature, District Thirteen. The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Safe Republican.
TOM LOHMANN
for Smithtown Council
Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo (R-Kings Park) has served on the Town Council since 2016 and has since been a valued member of the Smithtown team in moving the town forward. Perhaps one of Inzerillo’s strongest accomplishments was that of the conversion of the Smithtown Animal Shelter from a condemnable, abhorrent facility, into one that fosters helpless animals, partners with other shelters and rescue groups, and implements strong safety measures for all animals. Inzerillo’s long career managing
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including, but not limited to, instructional how-to videos for residents, digitization of records, and community outreach efforts. McCarthy’s opponent, while legally well-versed in town government, proves too argumentative for a role that isn’t political. McCarthy has the temperament to work cohesively with Town Hall. The Messenger endorses Tom McCarthy for Smithtown Clerk. The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Safe Republican.
for Receiver of Taxes
Incumbent Receiver Deanna Varricchio (R-St. James) has been a wellknown and accessible face at Town Hall for many years. Her lifelong experience in banking and handling money, as well as her intimate knowledge of Smithtown’s tax office makes her qualified to retain this position. Varricchio’s positive reputation and understanding that it is best not to inconvenience people while
paying their taxes makes her deserving of another term. The Messenger endorses Receiver Deanna Varricchio for Receiver of Taxes. The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Safe Republican.
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News Thursday, November 2, 2023
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Smithtown Receives Downtown Revitalization Grants By Matt Meduri As the conversations regarding downtown revitalization and proper infrastructure continue county-wide, Smithtown was able to cash in on much-needed county grant money earmarked for small business, regional tourism, workforce development, and downtown districts. Smithtown finds itself in a unique position compared to other towns across Suffolk County and its position has been the subject of much political debate, especially in this year’s local elections. Since Smithtown’s former Supervisor Pat Vecchio’s (R) tenure ended in 2017 after a successful primary from then-Councilman Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), actual development and planning for Smithtown’s future are now regular conversations at Town Hall. Vecchio’s previous mantra was not to raise taxes, and while this earned him general likeability, not raising taxes meant no new services, infrastructure, or redevelopment, which has put the town in the odd position of having to work backwards to meet the economic and infrastructural needs of today. Now, in the final months of County Executive Steve Bellone’s (D-West Babylon) time in Hauppauge, Smithtown has been awarded millions of dollars in competitive grant money geared specifically for these purposes. A presentation of the funds, both in terms of speech as well as oversized checks, was held Tuesday afternoon on the stage of the Smithtown Theater on Main Street with elected officials and community leaders in attendance. Firstly, Smithtown was presented with $3.4 million in JumpStart Funding to support economic development in the Kings Park and St. James downtown districts. The Suffolk County JumpStart program, according to the office of the County Executive, is “part of a comprehensive economic development plan designed to strengthen existing community assets and encourage, foster, and enhance the planning and development of regionally significant projects in and around Suffolk’s downtowns.” The County is set to distribute $16 million in such funding to local municipalities this year. Furthermore, organizations within Smithtown also received funds from the County’s JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program. According to the office of the County Executive, the JumpSMART program “provides a funding source for projects and programs that support small businesses, strengthen local arts and cultural organizations, promote tourism, and enhance workforce development efforts in conjunction with the County’s existing JumpStart program.” This year, more than sixty organizations will have received approximately $30 million in collective grant funding. “We realize that our long-term economic prosperity is dependent to a
(Photo above) Local elected and community officials pose with one of several big checks awarded after the press conference (Inset) Senator Mario Mattera at the podium.
great extent on the success of our downtowns,” said Bellone. “These are the places that are the hearts of communities. By investing in our downtowns, we are supporting all our small businesses. Our downtowns are the places where we have the vibrancy we need to keep and attract young people into our communities.” Bellone announced a $500,000 grant to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center (PAC). “Local, historic theaters like this one are critical to bringing people into the downtown, and when people come into the downtown, they spend, which is good for all small businesses.” Bellone hailed the Town’s work in St. James, calling it “tremendous progress” under the leadership of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) and the Town Board. He announced a $100,000 JumpSMART grant to the Celebrate St. James organization and a $900,000 JumpStart grant to Smithtown for the acquisition, planning, and development of the Calderone Theater. Of Kings Park, Bellone said it is “one of the best examples of community-based planning for the revitalization of a downtown. The Kings Park Community is further along in advancing its downtown revitalization vision than just about any community in Suffolk County.” Bellone then announced the award of a $1.45 million JumpSMART grant to Agape Sports Services, which is looking to build an indooroutdoor sports complex that will be what Bellone described as a “major regional tourism asset,” expected to bring 350,000 people to the Kings Park downtown. Additionally, the Town of Smithtown was awarded a $2.5 million JumpStart grant for traffic calming and streetscape improvements for Kings Park. Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim then took the podium. “We have a very impressive program that we started in 2018 to revitalize our three major business districts,” said Wehrheim. “We would not be able to do this alone at the local level. They [the County] have bought into our vision and have supported it 100% from day one.” Wehrheim thanked the elected officials involved in securing the funds, as well as the community organizations who contribute to the economic health and wellness of the downtowns Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), of the Twelfth District, representing roughly half of Smithtown said: “This is the (Photo left) The Smithtown Theater on Main Street as it appears today. (Inset) Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim at podium.
start of the beautification and economic revival of Main Street in Smithtown. We will get there thanks to these grants.” Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), of the Thirteenth District, representing the other half of Smithtown joked: “If you [Executive Bellone] would have done this ten years ago, I would have never given you such a hard time.” Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) thanked the community groups for their persistence in lobbying elected officials for these funds. “Our chambers and civics groups are the ones who brought these plans forward and said this is what we need to do great downtown revitalizations,’” said Mattera. He continued: “Look at our Supervisor and our Town Council, look at what they have done in just six years. They’ve done what hasn’t been done in fifty years.” Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) said: “Creating an environment for economic growth is what the government should do and then get out of the way and let the private sector create the vitality necessary to make downtowns thrive.” The large checks were then presented for photo opportunities. (See above) In attendance also were Deputy County Executive Peter Scully; Smithtown Councilman Thomas J. McCarthy (R-Nissequogue); Barbara Franco, President of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce; Tony Tanzi, President of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce; Kenny Henderson of Agape Community Sports; William Garthe, Board Member and Past President of St. James Chamber; Michael Mucciolo, Board President of the Smithtown PAC; Jack Ader, Founder and Executive Vice President of Celebrate St. James; and Jonathan Keyes, Director of Downtown Revitalization and Transit Oriented Development, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning.
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Falling for Fall Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Happy Halloween!
This is the fifth of a weekly column that looks to help readers enjoy the season of autumn by providing the best tips and information on scenic parks, fall-favorite activities, recipes, and more.
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By Kaitlyn Foley ted by their community, commonly support their community right back. If your little league team has their end of season party at their local pizza place, that pizza place will be more likely to sponsor the team in their next season. Getting to know your local business owners and being proud to support their work creates a sense of community and togetherness that our society craves. Each weekend of this month will host different craft fairs in surrounding communities with some familiar and some new local vendors. Be sure to invest in Long Island and shop local. Wading River Holiday Craft Fair November 4, 10:00a.m to 3:00p.m. Wading River School 1900 Wading River Manor Road Wading River, NY 11792 Hauppauge Craft & Gift Fair November 11 & 12 6:30a.m. to 3:00p.m. Hauppauge High School 500 Lincoln Boulevard Hauppauge, NY 11788 East Islip Craft & Gift Fair November 18 & 19 9:30a.m. to 6:00p.m. East Islip High School 1 Redmen Street Islip Terrace, NY 11752 Centereach Craft Fair November 24, 25, 26 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Centereach Fire Department 9 South Washington Avenue Centereach, NY 11720
This Week’s
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Fall
Favorite Recipe
INGREDIENTS
FEEDS 10-15 PEOPLE Extras can be frozen and reheated
Butter, half pound Onions, chopped finely, half pound Mushrooms, chopped finely, half pound Flour, 6 ounces Chicken Stock, hot, 3 quarts Milk, hot, 1 quart Cream, half quart Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Croutons, optional
Slowly add the hot chicken stock gradually, stirring till smooth. Simmer for 7 minutes or until it is thick, whip if necessary. Mix in the hot milk and cream. Season to taste, and sprinkle croutons over the top.
DIRECTIONS:
NOTES:
Sauté chopped onions and mushrooms in butter till they are soft and have no color. Slowly add the flour to the sauté pan and stir in until the mixture is smooth, cook for five minutes on medium heat.
This Cream of Mushroom soup is absolutely fantastic on its own. However, it is also commonly enjoyed over pasta, preferably tortellini, or made with shredded chicken for a little extra protein.
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My father, a professional chef and restaurateur, has been making his delicious homemade soups for over forty-five years. Though he studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, he arguably learned most of his skills while working in restaurant kitchens from the early age of fourteen. As his daughter, I love everything he makes, however his cream of mushroom soup is definitely one of my favorites. In celebration of National Soup Day this past Monday, The Messenger is embracing the cool weather with Pat’s Cream of Mushroom Soup.
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Now that we are entering November, we will also be celebrating one of my favorite seasons: craft fair season. Local high schools will be hosting different vendors and small businesses selling their products and merchandise every weekend throughout the month. This comes just before the holiday season, creating the perfect time to buy personal gifts for loved ones while supporting your local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Shopping locally can benefit you, your community, and the environment all at the same time. At these local craft fairs or even at a storefront, customers are essentially investing in their own neighborhood. More of the money spent at locally owned businesses will stay within the local economy than when spent at a national chain or corporation. Our small businesses also create more local jobs that can benefit our neighbors. Small businesses employ more than 52% of the nation’s employees, according to the University of Michigan. They create learning experiences for our teenagers and young adults, extra income for our low-income workers, and creative outlets for our retired community. Conserving energy and resources are also great benefits to shopping locally. Shops within our community require less infrastructure, maintenance, and therefore, more return on tax dollars. Small businesses that are suppor-
Kaitlyn Foley
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 2, 2023
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Garcia, Zeldin Rally For Romaine and GOP at Calabro Airport
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NYU Langone Orthopedics is expanding in Suffolk County. With a growing team of experts, we treat the full range of musculoskeletal conditions, from joint pain, tendinitis, and arthritis, to sprains, strains, and fractures. Our dedication to excellence has helped make NYU Langone Health a top performer in delivering high-quality outpatient care, as measured by the 2023 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking. Right here in Suffolk County, you'll find the general and specialized orthopedic services you need, including: • Adult Reconstruction • Concussion Management • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand & Wrist Surgery • Joint replacements of the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow
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715 Roanoke Avenue. Building A, Suite 4 Riverhead 631-475-1224 2500 Nesconset Highway, Building 20-A Stony Brook 631-475-1224 NYU Langone Orthopedic Associates—Hauppauge 517 Route 111, 3rd Floor, Suite 3B 631-486-8855
NYU Langone Huntington Medical Group (Pediatrics & Adults) 180 East Pulaski Road 631-425-2140 NYU Langone Medical Associates—Riverhead (Ages 13+) 889 East Main Street, Suite 308 631-386-3500 NYU Langone Long Island Family Medicine Associates—North Babylon (Ages 2+) 986 Sunrise Highway 631-587-6060
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
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Long Island Restaurant Week By Kaitlyn Foley Long Island is known for some of the most delicious and creative menus in New York. This week, we celebrate that accomplishment with great deals and new dishes at some of our cherished dining establishments. Long Island Restaurant Week began Sunday, October 29 and will stretch until November 5. The tri-annual event has been celebrated by chefs and foodies since 2006, and this year more than 100 restaurants in Suffolk County will be participating. During lunch hours, restaurants are offering two courses for $29, with menus exclusive to each restaurant. For dinner, three courses may cost $29 per person (pp), $39 pp or $46 pp depending on the options, quality, and service provided by the restaurant. H2O, a seafood and sushi restaurant in Smithtown will be serving a three-course meal for $46 pp as well. Jeremy Pitcoff, H2O’s General Manager, is proud of the menu they have set thus far. “Of course, our menu will highlight some of our best and wellknown dishes, like the Filet Mignon Wellington and our signature sushi roll [the H2O roll],” says Pitcoff. “We look forward to seeing some familiar faces and are excited to meet some new customers this week.” COCO BISTRO, known for its flavorful Cuban food and elevated environment will be offering a three-course meal for $39. Located on West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown, Coco Bistro is known for its perfectly crisp coconut shrimp. The Messenger’s favorite is the Seafood Paella, piled high with aromatic yellow rice and Long Island’s freshest seafood. Finish the night off with sweet flan or rich chocolate lava cake, whichever way your sweet tooth takes you.
NOCO, in St. James will be participating with a three-course meal priced at $46 pp. Located on North Country Road, Noco is well-liked for its diversified menu and great service. A fall favorite dish is the duck confit with pumpkin risotto. The duck is cooked to perfection, juicy and savory, while the risotto is soft, creamy, with a touch of pumpkin. “First time dining at NOCO and it was truly spectacular,” says Sharon Camerino on Facebook. “Food was excellent, and the staff was attentive and pleasant.” Long Island Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore our island and seek out some new establishments. Participating restaurants often put their best-selling dishes on this week’s menu, giving its customers a great idea of what they are capable of, all for a great price. To see other restaurants on Long Island participating in Long Island Restaurant Week, check out the Long Island Restaurant Week website (Scan QR-Code on bottom) and be sure to make a reservation with your favorite establishment.
TOWNLINE RAIL: WHY RAIL? Townline Rail is a proposed alternative to trucking locally generated incinerator ash from the Huntington-Smithtown waste-to-energy facility as well as Construction & Demolition debris off Long Island once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. Rail is less costly to the taxpayers who must pay to have the ash transported. Every rail car represents four trucks being taken off the road. Rail reduces pollutants and carbon emissions in our environment. The Town of Smithtown has recognized the many economic, environmental and infrastructure benefits of transporting ash and debris by rail rather than by truck (2015 Draft Comprehensive Plan). 140 Old Northport Road Kings Park, New York 11754 631 368 4000 | CarlsonCorp.com
Proposed Townline Rail Terminal
Townline Rail will save taxpayers money, create jobs, and benefit the environment. To learn more visit www.townlinerail.com
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 2, 2023
SMITHTOWN
FORWARD VOTE ROW A OR D
SARAH TULLY FOR TOWN COUNCIL MARIA SCHEURING FOR TOWN COUNCIL AMY FORTUNATO FOR RECEIVER OF TAXES WILLIAM HOLST FOR TOWN CLERK
COMMON SENSE GOVERNMENT
Fiscal Responsibility Fair Contracts for Town Workers Stop Exorbitant 22% Raises for Elected Officials End Developer Tax Giveaways Revitalize Our Downtowns Prioritize Safety & Security
VOTE NOVEMBER 7TH
OR EARLY VOTING
OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 5 More Information at SmithtownForward.org Paid For By Smithtown Democratic Committee
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
Plymouth – The Spirit of America
By Peter Chidichimo It is convenient to associate the birth of America with the defeat of the British after the Revolution and the War for Independence. But so much occurred before then, and when and why those events unfolded is also part of American history and woven into the fabric of who we are as Americans. In September of 1620, a group of around 100 English men and women set sail from Europe in search of religious freedom on a three-mastered ship called the Mayflower. After several attempts to find a suitable place to establish a colony, they landed on the western shore of Cape Cod Bay, in what would later be named Plymouth. The settlers decided the name was appropriate, as the Mayflower had set sail from the port of Plymouth, in England. The landing occurred in December and the winter that followed was brutal. Although half the settlers perished that first year, the survivors were able to establish good relations with the native inhabitants. Within five years, Plymouth would become a largely self-sufficient colony and the first English colony in New England. In fact, three more ships would sail to Plymouth soon after the Mayflower, including the Fortune in 1621. Passengers on these ships would bring fresh supplies which were desperately needed for the colonies. Interestingly, Cape Cod Bay was not the colonist’s planned destination. However, high winds and rough seas prevented any attempt to land along the Hudson, and the decision was made to attempt a landing on the shores of western Massachusetts. Because the colony was in Massachusetts, and not the Hudson valley, the colonists wrote a new covenant to establish a government, known as the Mayflower Compact. It was the first document to establish self-government in the New World and remained active until 1691, when Plymouth Colony became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony. My friend Ron and I recently visited Plymouth on a lovely Autumn weekend. It began with a drive to Orient Point, from which we boarded the ferry for the one hour and twenty-minute crossing to New London, Connecticut. After a stop in Falls River, to tour the battleship, the U.S.S. Massachusetts, we spent the night in New Bedford, and started fresh the next morning in Plymouth. The Pilgrims owe a lot to the Native Americans who were inhabiting the countryside. Before it was called Plymouth, the village where the pilgrims settled was known as Patuxet, which means “place of running water,” in the Wampanoag language.
Cape Cod Bay (pictured above) The Mayflower II ( pictured left)
One particular native, known as Squanto, would serve as an interpreter and mediator between Plymouth’s leaders and the local native tribes, including Chief Massasoit of the Pokanoket tribe. Even more importantly, the natives taught the colonists how and where to grow corn, and where to fish, which was instrumental to their very survival. In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims shared a harvest feast with the Pokanokets, consisting of venison, chestnuts, cranberries, garlic and artichokes. Turkey was probably served as well. The celebration of thanks took place over three days, sometime between late September and midNovember, and included games and military exercises as well as bountiful food. By the late 1600s, this day of thanks and appreciation had become an annual fall tradition. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln named the last Thursday in November a national holiday of thanksgiving. Plymouth is an outstanding destination, whether you appreciate the history here or not. For me, history is always on my mind when I plan these trips. In this case, besides the history, the area offers a lovely seaside town, beautiful nature walks, and of course Plymouth Rock, where the Mayflower came ashore 400 years ago, bringing with it the English pilgrims who helped found our nation. We purchased a bundled ticket, which included a recreated 17th Century English Village, the Mayflower II, and Plymouth
Grist Mill. The Mayflower II is a full-size reproduction of the original Mayflower, which was built using 17th century manuals and descriptions, since no photos were available to study. I found it difficult to believe that 102 passengers were cramped below deck on this voyage, without fresh air or modernday sanitation, on a vessel barely 100 feet long and 25 feet wide. The voyage lasted 66 days. The grist mill is a reproduction of the original mill, which was built in 1636. It was used to harness waterpower to grind corn into meal or grits, which were staples for a colonial diet. Prior to construction of the mill, grinding corn was done by hand, a very tedious process. All the attractions at Plymouth, or Plimoth, as it was spelt in the records kept by its first Governor, William Bradford, are staffed with knowledgeable and costumed guides, who are eager to share their knowledge, speaking as actual colonists. In fact, we met a townsperson who was mending a chimney, using clay, sand, and water to form a hardening, cementlike substance. We also witnessed a musket firing demonstration, a favorite of the many school children that were present. The town of Plymouth also offers whale watching, bay cruises, and cultural activities. You can stroll along Water Street, which lines the harbor where the Mayflower II is docked, or Main Street, where you will find restaurants, antique shops, galleries, a theater, coffee shops, and other businesses. Plymouth is the quintessential, quaint new England town. Whether the pilgrims actually crossed over Plymouth Rock when they set ashore is debatable. However, there is no question it has become a foundational token of religious freedom, perseverance, and stoic determination. For many, including myself, it is the quintessential symbol of the American spirit, the very essence of America. (Pictured left) A guide reenacting a musket demonstration.
Smithtown Messenger - Brookhaven Messenger - Islip Messenger - Thursday, November 2, 2023
On Tuesday, November 7th, Help Make Suffolk Safer and More Affordable.
Ed Romaine is: 9 Endorsed by Every Suffolk County
Law Enforcement Organization
ELECT FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE
9 Endorsed For His
Environmental Record by the New York League of Conservation Voters
9 Endorsed by Newsday
“[W]hat Suffolk needs most in Hauppauge is experience, proven leadership, and an ability to work with the county’s famously fractious Republican-led legislature. Newsday endorses Romaine.” — Newsday, October 22, 2023
9 Endorsed by the Teachers, Trade
and Municipal Unions
Republican/Conservative • Vote Row B or C on November 7 for a SAFER and MORE AFFORDABLE Suffolk. Early voting continues through November 5. Scan the QR code to find the location nearest you. For more information, call the Suffolk County BOE at (631) 852-4500.
ROMAINEFORSUFFOLK.COM Paid for by Romaine for Suffolk