Thursday, April 18, 2024 ~ Volume 136 ~ Issue Number 22 ~ $1.00
MESSENGER EXCLUSIVE Avlon’s Manhattan Residency Raises Concerns for Suffolk Congressional Bid By Matt Meduri New York’s First Congressional (NY-01) is one of the largest congressional districts in the nation by population and is an economic powerhouse for New York State and the northeast region of the country. The district, while fundamentally Republican leaning, has been at all ends of the competitive table in recent elections. Because of its outsized importance in congressional politics, and the influence it can give its representative, NY-01 has witnessed successive election cycles marked by candidates who lack substantial ties to the district and its residents yet seek to represent them. In 2018, Perry Gershon (D) challenged then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) for the seat. Zeldin, lifelong Suffolk resident, was running for a third term against Gershon, whose New York City residence earned him the moniker “Park Avenue Perry.” Despite the national Democratic year and the GOP losing three House seats in New York, Zeldin outperformed the national average and was re-elected by about four points. In 2022, the Republican primary featured Michelle Bond, a cryptocurrency magnate who had big money behind her and big names stumping for her in NY-01. The Messenger filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and found that her registered voting addresses were in Potomac, Maryland. She was squarely defeated in the primary by now-Congressman Nick LaLota (R). Continued on page 3
Avlon outside his NYC home on April 6.
Inclusivity Forefront for Town of Smithtown By Cait Crudden In the heart of Smithtown lies a summer sanctuary unlike any other. As April unfolds and the world commemorates Autism Awareness Month, the Town of Smithtown’s Camp SMILE (Smithtown Motivating Individuals thru Leisure and Entertainment) along with the Adult Socialization Program for Individuals Living with Disabilities emerges as shining examples of compassion, understanding, and inclusivity for individuals living with neurodiversity. Since its inception last summer, the Adaptive Sports and Socialization Summer Program for Children and Adults, which was wildly successful, has now been made into two separate programs for the upcoming season called Camp SMILE and the Adult Socialization Program. Continued on page 10
FULL STORIES ON:
LI Senators Address Jake’s 58 Breaks Budget Needs Ground on Expansion Page 5
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St. Catherine’s Health Fair Page 24