By Matt Meduri
America’s VetDogs Inducted Into Congressional Medal of Honor Society
By Matt Meduri
Recognizing the services and sacrifices of Veterans is one of the United States’ most important priorities, if not the most important. Likewise, Suffolk County and the Town of Smithtown hold that priority in equal standing.
America’s VetDogs, a 501(c)(3) charity established in 2003, states its mission as “to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.” The organization accomplishes this by training and placing service dogs with Veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities to help them from small, every-day tasks, to securing an emotional bond with a companion who loves unconditionally.
VetDogs currently has a ten-acre campus in Smithtown. The organization offers personalized classes for each trainer and their dog to allow them to bond and work together as a team.
In 2013, America’s Vet Dogs became the second assistance dog school in the country to be accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
Continued on page 3
(Left to right) Senator Mattera, Congressman LaLota holding nine-week-old Honor, and America’s VetDogs Executive Director Chad Graham (Credit - Town of Smithtown)
A Walk Towards Grace Monthly Bereavement Series
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Continued from front cover
America’s VetDogs Inducted Into Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Tuesday afternoon played host to a highly special event: America’s VetDogs was inducted into the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Chartered by Congress in 1958, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s membership is composed of those who wear or have worn the Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award for valor. In March, America’s VetDogs received the prestigious 2024 Community Service Citizens Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
VetDogs joins less than twenty organizations who have received a similar honor.
“We have great staff, volunteers, and board members,” said VetDogs President John Miller. “Not charging means we have to raise a lot of money. We have to raise $20 million to break even.”
It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but all of VetDogs’ services are delivered to their clients at no charge.
VetDogs is set to build a new headquarters within Smithtown, a project VetDogs leaders and elected leaders alike anticipate greatly.
“We have great partners in government who can all come together and move this project forward. We want Smithtown to be our home forever,” said Miller.
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), a Vietnam Veteran, offered remarks.
“We’re so honored and proud VetDogs has chosen to put their headquarters in Smithtown,” said Wehrheim. “We’re already working on the project and our land-use agency is working on zone changes and site plans. This is so important for Veterans across the country. They gave all and we’re trying to give back, which means supporting our VetDogs foundation.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) also offered remarks and the County’s support for VetDogs.
“Suffolk County has more Veterans than any other county in the state, second in the country, after San Diego,” said Romaine. “Our Veterans are a huge part of our county, and our Veterans should always be remembered and never forgotten. Because of VetDogs, our Veterans who have been wounded can come here and find a service dog.”
Romaine added that while the puppies are “cute,” they’re more than just adorable dogs, they’re the lost limb or the calm in the storm of a Veteran who needs them.
“They’re not only their companion, but they’re someone who helps them with whatever disability they might have. Dogs are the best, and dogs that can help our wounded Vets are incredible. The Congressional Medal of Honor is well deserved. This County will work with the Town of Smithtown to do whatever we can to support America’s VetDogs.”
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) also expressed his gratitude for the organization and presented VetDogs with a State Certificate recognizing their services.
“Our dogs are our heroes, they are a great support team,” said Mattera. “We can never do enough for our Veterans.”
Mattera added that “these beautiful dogs cheer us up every day,” and that he’s seen firsthand how dogs can calm a person’s anxiety.
“Your dogs are always happy to see you,” added Mattera, stating that in addition to the invaluable services dogs can provide Veterans, a loving friend who is eternally grateful for their own is invaluable in and of itself.
Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01), a Navy Veteran and a member of the Armed Services Committee, spoke highly of the organization and VetDogs’ achievement.
“I’m a stepson of a Navy man, a grandson of a Coast Guardsman, a brother of a Marine, a Navy Veteran myself. That’s what guides my services in Washington on the Armed Services Committee,” said LaLota. “We have 16.2 million living Veterans in this country; sixty-one living Veterans have earned the Medal of Honor. VetDogs is worthy of the honor. We pay tribute to those who have fallen, and we honor the services of VetDogs.”
“Things do not happen on their own. It takes people to step up and lead from the front,” said Executive Director Chad Graham. “These stories that earned the Medal of Honor remind us of the profound cost of freedom and all those who have sacrificed so much to protect it. All of this embodies the word ‘honor.’ That word was chosen deliberately.”
Graham invoked an appropriate quote from President Calvin Coolidge: “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of VetDogs’ newest recruit, a nine-week-old Labrador Retriever. Her name: Honor.
America’s VetDogs is located at 371 East Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown and can be reached at info@vetdogs.org, 631-930-9090, or its toll-free number at 1-866-VETDOGS (838-3647).
(Left to right) Supervisor Wehrheim and County Executive Romaine (Credit - Town of Smithtown)
County
Suffolk Transportation Service Unveils Veterans’ Patches for Transport Workers
By Cait Crudden
In an effort spearheaded by a Marine Corps Veteran, and a long-time employee of the Suffolk Transportation Service (STS)., the municipal employer has unveiled Veterans patches able to be worn by all employees who have served in the Armed Forces.
Luis Mercado, Chairman of the Veterans Committee within the Suffolk Bus Corp. has been in talks with the STS and leadership of the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) in allowing Veterans to be recognized by riders and fellow Veterans alike. In 2014, Mercado became a union delegate and realized that the STS did not have a Veterans Committee. TWU Local 252 President Debra Hagan told Mercado that he could start the committee and that he’d serve as its chairman.
Since then, Mercado has registered 678 Veterans within the company.
Mercado said that when Veterans Day comes around, he thought there should be some type of identifier for the Veteran transit workers.
“Our Veterans should be identified and something should be noted,” Mercado told The Messenger Mercado says that after a few years of deliberation, the committee brought up the idea to TWU Local 252 and STS President and CEO John Corrado.
“It should be an honor for Veterans to be recognized in the workplace. So, we came up with different ideas about hats and patches, and the patch is the one we decided to use,” said Mercado.
The patch is an American flag with the word “VETERAN” labeled underneath. The patch can be worn on any outer garment by an STS worker.
“From now on, when we order our uniforms, if we
put in a note for a Veterans patch, the manufacturer knows to put those patches on shirts, jackets, or sweaters,” said Mercado.
Mercado served four years with the Marine Corps and has been with STS for seventeen years. Mercado also served seventeen years in the Navy Reserves. Mercado was joined at the Suffolk Bus Corp. last Thursday by fellow Veterans and transit workers, including Walter Lacey, who served six years in the Army and has served thirty-three years with Suffolk transit, and Vincent Williams, who served four years in the Marine Corps and has been with Suffolk transit for eighteen.
Additionally, TWU Local 252 President Debra Hagan, Suffolk Bus Corp. President Corrado, Suffolk Bus Corp. Assistant Vice President John Corrado, Jr., Suffolk Bus Corp. Transit Director Angelo Carbone, and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) joined the Veterans for the patch unveiling.
“I support this measure 100%. I think it’s a great recognition of our men and women who have served this country,” Legislator Caracappa, Chair of the Veterans Committee, told The Messenger “If you’re going to have the American flag on your uniform, why not recognize a Veteran for all they’ve done for our country, all they’ve done to create our freedoms, which were anything but free?”
Caracappa added that he would “support every municipality going forward with this initiative.”
“I would encourage more unions to negotiate if they’re required to wear uniforms, to have both the American flag and for any veterans that may be employed,” said Caracappa. “I think it’s inspirational to other companies, whether municipalities, whether public or private, it doesn’t matter. They should all be in support and recognition of our Veterans.”
Caracappa said that he will be “certain to carry this forward,” and that he is “certain it will take off” in other unions and municipalities.
“I’m encouraged by it and I’m really thrilled by it,” he added.
Caracappa also says that recognizing Veterans can often correlate to recognizing a dependable worker.
“People who served in our military are disciplined; they know what it takes,” said Caracappa. “They’re trained, not only in many different fields, but in teamwork. Dedication, honor, and working together with other people to get the job done: that’s exactly what employers should be looking for in hiring someone.”
TWU Local 252 President Debra Hagan said that Suffolk County is the first county in the country to honor their Veterans this way.
Hagan, Corrado, Carbone, and Caracappa joined several mechanics in the garage bay in Ronkonkoma to learn more about the needs of Suffolk’s transit workers and the mass transit system at large.
Mechanics discussed how many of the buses are outdated and were not built to run the half-a-million-plus miles that they have. Remediating the buses and increasing the interoperability between all forms of mass transit have been priorities of Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).
STS President Corrado, Legislator Caracappa, TWU Local 252 President Hagan, and Veterans Mercado, Lacey, and Williams (Credit - Matt Meduri)
(Left to right) Walter Lacey, Luis Mercado, and Vincent Williams (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Caracappa speaks with STS workers and mechanics about the needs of the Suffolk transit system (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Executive Romaine Meets with Local Media to Discuss Quality-of-Life Issues
By Matt Meduri
To increase connectivity with the local media, County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and his office have started what they hope to be a series of virtual roundtables with reporters from local outlets.
Last week saw the maiden voyage of the new series, where Romaine invited local outlets to ask questions on quality-of-life issues and prerogatives of the County for the next three-anda-half years.
Romaine opened by summarizing some of the largest projects of the year, such as putting the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act on the November ballot, a referendum in which voters can approve an eighth-cent sales tax increase to fund sewer and Innovative Alternative Wastewater (I/A) Systems throughout the county; coastal resiliency initiatives with FEMA funds for the Scully Estate in Islip, the East Islip Preserve, and Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton; and the restrooms at Cedar Beach West in Mount Sinai that are slated to receive an I/A system through funding from the County and the Town of Brookhaven.
Romaine said that his biggest “complaint” is that Suffolk County does not receive its “fair share of funding” from Albany and Washington.
“We seem to be shortchanged,” Romaine told the media. “Suffolk gets $40 million in bus transport funding, while Westchester County, less than a third the size of Suffolk, receives $108 million. We need to push for more funding.”
Romaine also stated his opposition to the MTA payroll tax, which was just reinstituted. He called the now-indefinitely-shelved congestion pricing plan “another money grab in which Long Island does not get its fair share.”
“What happened to the infrastructure money that President Biden signed that I supported? What happened to the tax dollars we sent to Albany?” asked Romaine. “We expect our elected officials to treat us fairly in terms of funding distribution whether or not they carried Suffolk or Nassau counties in the last election.”
Romaine said that his capital budget was one of the largest in Suffolk’s history, as County buildings are in “horrible shape,” along with infrastructure having not been maintained over the previous years.
Regarding infrastructure and mass transit, Romaine mentioned he planned to be at the Greenport LIRR station the following day to greet the train from Ronkonkoma on the 180th birthday of the LIRR.
“I come from a county where electrification stops at Babylon, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma. Everything east is diesel,” said Romaine. “Why aren’t we getting electric trains, why do we have to put up with dirty diesel?” Romaine called the duality “absolutely incredible,” and that while the LIRR has been in operation for 180 years, he says that the County still has trains as if 180 years have not passed.
Romaine also called for State remediations to Nicolls Road (CR-97) and the Smithtown Bypass (State Route 347), including an overpass at the intersection of two of the county’s busiest roadways in Stony Brook.
Traffic solutions on Romaine’s agenda also include CR-39 and Montauk Highway on the South Fork, with the Executive calling it “one of the worst
traffic jams in Suffolk County.”
“Many of the people working in East Hampton and Southampton can’t afford to live there. They take Sunrise Highway and hit CR-39,” said Romaine, adding that prior administration doubled the lanes and reduced speed limits and shoulder space, which did not fix the problem.
“We might have to put in a traffic circle, we might have to push for the LIRR to take in South Fork commuters, or connect the LIRR stations with buses,” said Romaine. He said there is a committee working on remediating the traffic at this particular junction, adding that other alternatives are being considered, such as burying the power lines and building a service road.
Romaine is also monitoring the road work slated for CR-93, Ocean Avenue-Rosevale Avenue in Ronkonkoma, home of the notorious “curve” that has plagued the community for decades. Road work has been scheduled for the end of June, but nothing more than the initial simulation of the road diet with traffic cones has been done. Romaine said he’d consult with the Department of Public Works to check in on the progress of plan.
Romaine also touted that public safety and taxpayers suffered alike from fiscal irresponsibilities courtesy of the previous administration.
“The last administration put in a bunch of jobs that were not funded; it was not an honest budget,” said Romaine, adding that public safety jobs were added to the budget, but not filled, still costing the taxpayers money. “So far, we’ve filled vacancies, we’ve purchased new police vehicles, we have improved mental health services, and we are reforming Social Services with new leadership, especially in light of the Thomas Valva case.”
Thomas Valva tragically died last winter in the custody of his stepmother and father after it was revealed Social Services did not take proper actions in ensuring his safety, including stonewalling parts of the investigation from Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R).
Additionally, Romaine discussed backlogs that have been solved regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), in which call times were reduced from “hours to minutes.” DSS wait times were also reported down from “two hours to just six minutes.”
“It’s making government work for the people of Suffolk County,” added Romaine.
Romaine discussed the sewers that he is proposing county-wide, stating that due to 70% of the county’s reliance on septic systems and cesspools, it has caused ground and surface water problems.
“We’re looking to put the densely-populated areas of the county on sewers where possible, and the less-populated areas on I/A systems,” said Romaine. “The sewers I’m proposing are tertiary sewers. Many sewers now treat the effluent and discharge them into the waterways. Sewage treatment plants can do tertiary recharges to replenish the aquifer.”
Romaine also said he wants to upgrade existing sewage treatment plants to not only handle waste, but also road runoff.
“I have a drain right in front of my house; the
runoff flows right into Moriches Bay. When we have heavy rain and high tide, my driveway backs up,” said Romaine.
Romaine then took questions from the press, which included a wide array of issues.
In answering one question, Romaine said that people with felony indictments for embezzlement would not be able to receive County contracts or bids. Such a practice was also not permissible during his time as Brookhaven Town Supervisor.
Romaine praised the new voting machines in an answer to a question on the topic. $34.8 million is allocated in the capital budget for voting machines that actively record votes as ballots are cast.
“We have an extremely bipartisan Board of Elections that does a great job. I’m confident in them and I don’t fear their numbers. We haven’t had any serious complaints, even in a close election,” said Romaine.
In terms of waste management, Romaine said that while municipal solid waste remains a prerogative of the Towns and Villages, the County, nonetheless, can monitor the issue and suggest solutions.
“I’ve already had two meetings with all ten Suffolk town supervisors and the three town supervisors from Nassau. We talked about drafting a regional solid waste plan because we’ve given up on the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). They should be doing this, but they are not,” said Romaine. “They’re more interested in being regulators instead of innovators.”
Romaine said that the supervisors favor legislation that would allow glass and ash as an aggregate in concrete.
“We have to create new markets for old glass. Recycling glass is more expensive than making new glass,” said Romaine. “Ash can be used for construction purposes. In 1989, Stony Brook University built a two-story boat house out of ash blocks from the Brookhaven landfill. It’s stronger today than the day it was built.”
Romaine also endorses a plan that would ship ash and construction debris from the Brookhaven landfill, slated to be closed this year, off Long Island by train, rather than by a fleet of trucks.
“It should be done by train. It would be faster, cheaper, and would not tax our roads,” said Romaine.
Romaine also said that the situation can turn precarious, as Covanta has four waste-to-energy plants that sell energy to LIPA. If LIPA threatens not to buy from Covanta, it would mean an alternative route - and a possible higher price tag - for energy, as well as one less receptacle for solid waste.
“It’s not a county responsibility, but I won’t leave the towns out like the State has.”
Finally, Romaine addressed home ownership, discussing neighborhood stabilization, downtown revitalization, and incentivizing first-time home ownership so residents can have stake in their communities. He referenced the collaborative efforts between nonprofits and local governments, taking in properties on which back taxes are owed and converting them into affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families.
“We’ve done that in North Bellport; this has to be done on a much more frequent basis,” closed Romaine.
DiNapoli Hits the Nail on the Head with Olson Group COVID Report
Earlier this summer, the Olson Group, a Virginia-based consulting firm, released their long-awaited autopsy on New York’s - namely then-Governor Andrew Cuomo’s (D) - response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Our editorial from the June 20 edition of The Messenger was aptly titled “COVID Report Shows What We Already Knew.” Briefly, we didn’t think the Olson Group’s findings were too off base from what was already surmised, nor did we think that Governor Cuomo would somehow be redeemed from a botched, micro-managed response that garnered near-universal criticism.
However, the Olson Group’s report left much to be desired, with many detractors claiming that the report commissioned two years ago by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) spent taxpayer money to essentially have its contents be the intellectual property of the State. Hochul not only kicked the report past the 2022 gubernatorial election, which she almost lost in a stunning upset to then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), and then authorized the release of the report the very day after Albany’s legislation session ended this year.
To add one final squeeze of lemon juice over the paper cut, Hochul forced the Olson Group into a non-disclosure agreement, effectively placing a gag order on them discussing their findings with the media.
New York now finds itself in a rare situation of sage wisdom from a statewide elected official: Messenger-endorsed Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (D). Serving as the State’s chief numbers guy since 2007, DiNapoli has been known to buck his party in favor of common sense and call balls and strikes in light of those who wish to indulge in excess. A neutral and badly-needed voice of objectivity, DiNapoli hits the nail on the head with the Olson Group’s report. His solid take can be read next door on Page 7.
DiNapoli calls for an independent group to audit the COVID response, one devoid of commissions from the State (ie. the taxpayers). A group who is not on the payroll of New York State, and subsequently at the whim of the executive branch’s stonewalling, would be a welcome turning point in a dark, dark road on which New York has traveled since March 2020.
Luckily, no one seems to have any discernible level of confidence in the report’s findings, although it does establish tenets of leadership, or lack thereof, that came as a surprise to no one who didn’t quarantine themselves intellectually during the pandemic.
The fact that Governor Cuomo is out doing book signings and likely still playing puppetmaster in New York politics instead of being regularly subpoenaed and facing legal ramifications for his unprecedented actions during the pandemic is nothing short of the New York State of mind. Perhaps the biggest misstep during his handling of the pandemic was requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-positive or symptom-displaying patients, no exceptions.
The Olson Group report does, to its credit, outline that Cuomo’s micro-management did much more harm than good, create food shortages, stymie vaccine and medical apparatus rollout, and needlessly increase the number of fatalities as New York’s health care workers did not have the physical nor emotional capacity to handle.
However, DiNapoli criticizes the report’s findings based on incomplete data, in which he says the Olson Group should have had access to the State Department’s death numbers. Nursing home deaths appear to have been deliberately undercounted during the most severe period of the pandemic, as nursing home facilities were not required to report COVID deaths until May 24, 2020.
DiNapoli says that the report relies on misinterpreted and misreported data and that New Yorkers deserve a “thorough and accurate” pandemic response assessment.
We couldn’t agree more and we couldn’t thank DiNapoli enough for his ability to call out the bureaucrats running this state when he gets the chance.
Can Any VP Save the VP?
As the 2024 election continues to barrel into territory previously uncharted for generations, if ever, the time is almost near for Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) to pick a running mate.
The media is already fawning over Harris, as polls already show a much more even game between her and former President Donald Trump (R-FL). While Trump seemed to be in a good position to run away with the election with Joe Biden (D-DE) on the ballot, the political calculus has almost entirely changed, at least in some parts of the country. We won’t know for sure exactly how the two will fare until the dust settles and the honeymoon effect we’re likely seeing for Harris fades.
The Democrats’ pushing Biden out of the race when they realized their egos made checks their policies couldn’t cash was neatly timed with Trump’s RNC speech, just days after an assassination attempt rocked the nation. What should have resulted in a post-convention, post-assassination attempt bump in the polls instead crumbled into a dead-heat match with the most unpopular vice president since Dick Cheney (R-WY). For reference, he was massively unpopular towards the end of George Bush’s (R-TX) second term.
Harris will also likely see a slight boost in polling after she selects a running mate. For what it’s worth, most of the Democratic nominees have pretty decent strengths. Many come from competitive states, have at least some sets of policies on which they’ve adopted moderate stances to court the middle, and are ostensibly sound enough to balance the ticket.
But can any of them really save her?
Our objective assessment of the pros and cons of each potential running mate can be found in our centerfold of pages 12 and 13. We outline what advantages each running mate could bring to the table, as well as the drawbacks of having said candidate second in line for the presidency. We’re inclined to believe that even Harris’ best pick can’t possibly save her from a difficult election, even one in which Trump might be slightly favored. Trump still leads the RealClearPolitics polling average against Harris by two points. While not a large margin at face value, it’s remarkable the lead hasn’t been completely wrestled from him at this point, as Republicans usually never have an easy time leading national generic polling.
Add that to the fact that most polling, especially in the last few cycles, has greatly underestimated Republican performance - save for 2022 - and Harris might actually be falling behind farther than anticipated.
Trump has also retained the aggregate leads in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona, while Harris has taken slight aggregate leads from Trump in Michigan and Virginia. Harris also has decent, yet not insurmountable, leads in Maine, Minnesota, and New Hampshire. A poll released on the day of her ascension to the top of the ticket put her in a standing not much better than that of Biden in New York, and a poll put out just today puts the Vice President just fives points ahead of Trump in Oregon, an idiosyncratic blue state that has not backed a GOP nominee since 1984.
That said, if the honeymoon effect is on display, then the map doesn’t change dramatically from what we were already seeing.
That’s because Harris is essentially Biden 2.0, just in a younger, female body, but whose words don’t make much more sense than Biden’s. Harris’ downfall here is that she is obviously not suffering from dementia. Do with that what you will.
So, can another Democrat save her? The problem is two Democrats who might be her saving grace are not nationally known and might have little appeal outside their home states: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. The two are not likely to get the job based on those stats alone and we wouldn’t be surprised if, in the case either of them did get the nomination, Harris didn’t suffer the same problem Hillary Clinton did in 2016 by picking littleknown Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA).
Harris’ most obvious choices are Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. All come from states Harris would need to win in order to secure 270, although Arizona is seen as more of the icing on the cake than the breaded foundation, and all would balance her lack of experience and bipartisanship with…experience and bipartisanship (in some cases).
Harris’ lack of likability in her home state of California posed obvious problems in her 2020 race. She could not muster more than 5% in the polls ahead of the primary, so much so that she suspended her campaign before California would have voted on Super Tuesday, likely saving her from a humiliating defeat to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
Harris also consistently ranked at the very bottom of the Senate’s bipartisan rankings, putting her California progressivism on display for the world to see…and cringe at.
If California didn’t think she was electable beyond the U.S. Senate, then what makes the Democrats think she’s electable in the eyes of centrist voters in America’s suburbs? If a San Francisco progressive wouldn’t have chosen her to be president in 2020, why wouldn’t a New Jersey union tradesman feel similarly?
This is where we believe a running mate can’t possibly save her candidacy, regardless of who she picks. This doesn’t mean the election is Trump’s to lose, and RFK Jr. is certainly still a factor, but what it does mean is that Harris cannot separate herself from the administration in which she was entirely complicit, even after calling Biden a virulent racist during the 2020 debates and subsequently agreeing to be the racist’s running mate.
Think of this election as New York’s last gubernatorial race: a mostly-revered executive who was well past his prime, pushed out by his own people, and succeeded by a number-two he kept mostly in the dark and now can’t throw elbows when necessary.
Vice President Harris, meet Governor Hochul.
New York, meet the United States.
Everyone, meet the most unprecedented election of your lifetimes.
America’s Commitment to Israel Must Not Waver
By Congressman Nick LaLota
Last Wednesday in Washington, D.C., a joint session of Congress welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his address, where he focused on the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the safe return of hostages, and the broader regional threats posed by Iran. In a break from tradition and as a sign of protest, Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) chose not to preside over the joint session.
Vice President Harris was not alone in her protest. Just a few hours after the address, and a mile away in Union Square, protesters burned American flags in opposition to Netanyahu and U.S. support for Israel. They replaced the burned American flags with Palestinian flags and also burned an effigy of Netanyahu. The protesters used graffiti to promote slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Hamas is comin’.”
Historically, Washington’s support of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself has been a bipartisan endeavor, stemming from an understanding that those belligerents who seek to “wipe Israel off the map” also chant “death to America.” Moreover, those who understand the nature of the bond between the United States and Israel recognize that our two nations were founded on principles of religious freedom and democracy.
Yet today, too many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are equivocal, at best, about their support for the one beacon of democracy in the Middle East. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address and the protests by
Vice President Harris and those who burned American flags have only reaffirmed my commitment to Israel and to combating antisemitism in all forms.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s inconsistent support for Israel is contrary to our national security interests and should be condemned. America cannot afford to abandon our closest ally in their darkest hour. With this in mind, I recently helped pass legislation to compel the Administration to support Israel by sending already approved and appropriated funding to help defeat Hamas.
Israel and the United States are nations founded upon religious freedom and the deterrence of conflict. I am proud to reaffirm my support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. Nine months ago, Israel was dragged into an existential fight against Hamas terrorists. Now, the world must unite to confront this evil head-on. The grave situation requires the Biden-Harris Administration to stop equivocating and to demonstrate the strength needed to achieve peace.
Our commitment to Israel must not waver. It is not just a matter of foreign policy but a testament to our shared values and the unbreakable bond that links our nations.
Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) is a lifelong Long Islander and Navy Veteran serving the people of Suffolk County in the U.S. Congress.
NY Needs an Independent Commission to Review State’s Covid Response
By Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli
The COVID-19 Pandemic upended the lives of New Yorkers and, for thousands of families, led to devastating losses of loved ones. For us all, and especially for the families of those who died in nursing homes, the time is overdue for a full analysis of the state’s response to the pandemic. We must better prepare for the next public health emergency and provide an accounting that the families who are still mourning deserve.
An independent report by the Olson Group, prepared under contract with New York state, was expected to be an objective assessment of the state’s response to the crisis. Sorry to say, the Olson report failed to provide the rigorous, factbased examination New York deserved, nor does it provide a roadmap for future improvement.
For the report to have been credible, it was imperative for its analysis to be accurate and complete. The Olson report often relied on flawed or unvalidated data, and at times data was interpreted incorrectly, resulting in erroneous conclusions.
One of the most glaring examples relates to nursing home deaths. The report cites figures based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data, stating, “New York’s poor performance, with a rate of 70.9 deaths per 1,000 nursing home residents, ranked it in the bottom third of all states.”
The reality is far more grim. It is well known the CMS data undercounted the COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, as facilities’ reporting of COVID deaths was optional up to the week ending May 24, 2020 – a period that accounted for more than 75% of such deaths in New York. As a result, CMS reported our state had 5,974 nursing home deaths as of the last week of 2020. However, the State Department of Health’s data, which the Olson Group should have had access to, showed that the actual number of deaths for that time frame was closer to 11,350. Based on this more accurate data, New York’s nursing home death rate was nearly double at 135 per 1,000 residents, ranking us among the very worst states.
The report’s reliance on data known to be incomplete, as well as the misinterpretation and misreporting of data, is a serious shortcoming. Certain sources often lacked context, and cited information not included or contradicted by other sources. The Olson Group itself acknowledged the limited value of testimonial evidence, yet it leans on personal opinions from anonymous sources of unknown authority (such as a “Town Hall participant”). Rather than rigorous benchmarking or metrics, or evaluation against best practices, the report relies on testimonial evidence – even when substantive or authoritative documentation was available. The result, in many cases, is unsupported conclusions.
Especially baffling was a reference to my office’s 2021 audit that totally misstated our protocols by asserting the comptroller’s office is not required to consult with agencies we audit. In fact, the opposite is true, and if the Olson Group had bothered to read the document, they would have seen the response from the Health Department, which followed some twenty meetings with department personnel.
Fundamentally, the Olson report fails to provide meaningful answers to the most basic questions the review was expected to address, including: What mistakes were made? What processes and plans can be improved to make us better prepared? How can we best protect the most vulnerable among us?
The Olson report is a missed opportunity to provide answers or restore confidence in New York’s emergency planning. It is replete with large and small errors and omissions – most egregiously the undercounting of those who died in nursing homes. Without a thorough and accurate assessment of New York’s pandemic response, based on reliable research and thoughtful analysis, we will not learn from our mistakes and successes. Instead, the report leaves us without answers, and it particularly failed those who lost people in nursing homes who at the least want the deaths of their loved ones to have been counted.
It’s time for full consideration of proposed state legislation to establish an independent commission, with subpoena power, to provide the comprehensive accounting New Yorkers deserve.
Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza) has served as New York Comptroller since 2007 and previously represented the Sixteenth District in the New York State Assembly from 1987 until his bipartisan appointment as Comptroller.
8 County News
August 1, 2024
Suffolk Kicks Off Annual County Marathon
By Matt Meduri
A tradition for ten years, and one that attracts runners from around the country, the Suffolk County Marathon has officially been kicked off, marking its tenth consecutive year of operation.
Each year, the Marathon raises money to benefit Veterans. Sponsored by Catholic Health, the event has raised $1,000,000 since its inception in 2014.
Local leaders held a press conference at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge last Thursday to commemorate the kickoff.
“We have the largest population of Veterans in the state, second in the country behind San Diego” said Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), a Marine Reservist and Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee. “What’s unique about Suffolk County is that we don’t have an active-duty military base. That’s what makes Suffolk County special; people choose to come here [for the Marathon].”
Lennon, dressed in his fatigues, said he plans to carry twenty-two pounds on his back, as he does in every run, symbolizing the average twenty-two Veterans who take their own lives daily. County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) signed Lennon’s bill in April that designates September 22 as Veterans Suicide Awareness Remembrance Day.
“This is a crisis epidemic across our community,” said Lennon. “No Veteran can be left behind in this country.”
Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Chair of the Veterans Committee, said that he values the involvement of the Legislature on an annual basis, and plans to participate in the series himself.
“I’m proud of the role that Team Legislature plays in the Marathon with our bi-partisan relay team,” Caracappa told The Messenger. “We don’t just talk the talk, we run the run!”
“Over a million dollars, so far, have gone to our Veterans and their organizations; the Marathon is crucial,” added Caracappa. “We’re going to carry on this tradition.” Caracappa says that “seeing the difference” the money makes in the affected organizations, Veterans, and families is one of the most fulfilling parts of the process.
Bill Faulk, Regional Public Affairs Manager for PSE&G Long Island, said that the company has sponsored the race for many years and that PSE&G has supported over five hundred organizations in both Suffolk and Nassau counties, many of which have been Veterans’ organizations.
Ben Chiaramonte, a vice president on the executive board of the Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees (AME), said that AME has participated in the Marathon for “several years as runners, volunteers, and crossing guards.”
Corey Roberts, co-founder of Race Awesome, Inc., said that this is the company’s fifth
year of producing the Suffolk County Marathon. He added that it was “so refreshing” to learn that the Romaine Administration planned to continue the Marathon and recognized its benefit for Veterans’ organizations.
“On this day, we run in the spirit of the Greeks,” Executive Romaine told The Messenger, referencing the Athenian victory over the Persians in 490 B.C., in which the courier Pheidippides ran 26.2 miles from the site of battle victory to Athens to deliver the good news. “We run for Veterans and for Suffolk County.”
Romaine added that State troopers and parks department officials are cooperative in closing roads, directing traffic, and other logistical aspects of administering the Marathon. Romaine says that since the Marathon is to be held in October, it won’t cause massive traffic delays. Troopers will also coordinate to halt and allow traffic based on the waves of runners as they make their way around the track.
“It’s a year-long process; everyone is in constant communication,” Romaine added.
The race will start in Babylon Village, with the marathon track spanning across the Robert Moses Causeway bridge to Fire Island, looping back, and ending in Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore.
“The money obtained through a grant process and appropriated by the County Legislature every year, and net proceeds go from the event straight to the Veterans organizations,” said Romaine.
The marathon, the half-marathon, and the 10K will be held on Sunday, October 20, and the 5K will be held on Saturday, October 19.
Romaine encourages all who are able to register and run. Registration and additional information can be found at https://runsignup.com/ Race/NY/Babylon/SuffolkCountyMarathonHalfMarathonand5K or by scanning this QR Code.
County Announces Blood Drive in Honor of Scott Martella
By Matt Meduri
While local elected leaders are no strangers to hosting and sponsoring blood drives, one drive in particular has more personal roots in the governmental and political worlds.
Scott Martella, a former aide to then-Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) and former spokesperson for then-County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon), was tragically killed in a car accident in Manorville on August 21, 2016. The crash involved three vehicles and took four other lives. Martella was twenty-nine years old at the time of the accident.
Martella was hailed by elected officials on both sides of the political aisle for his public service and was generally seen as a rising political star.
Suffolk County, in collaboration with the New York Blood Center (NYBC), hosted a blood drive in his honor on Thursday afternoon at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge and at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank.
Martella, originally a native of Nesconset, was elected to the Smithtown Central School District Board of Education at the age of twenty-two and soon thereafter became Governor Cuomo’s representative.
“The only way people survive when they’re in crisis is what we give when we roll up our sleeves,” he added, urging residents to donate.
“Be in a nice setting, get your Lorna Doone, get your juice, and more importantly, give what everyone else needs,” he concluded.
“He was very skilled, very capable, and very stable,” said County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches). “All I can say is that he is not forgotten; he is remembered and he is missed. He was a phenomenal young man, and I always thought: ‘there’s a young man who’s going places.’”
Romaine stressed the importance of donating blood during the summer months, when supplies tend to dwindle to critically low levels, emphasized by closed schools and universities, an absent donor population due to summer vacations, and general activity that make donating blood an after-thought in some circles.
“Scott focused on giving, he never asked for anything,” said Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon). “Scott always pushed people to do more,” he added, saying that giving blood would be appropriate to honor Scott’s legacy of selflessness.
Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) remarked on his memories of watching Scott grow up as a neighborhood kid.
“He was a man of consequence, commitment, and giving,” said Kennedy.
Stacey Martella, Scott’s mother (pictured left), thanked the County and the NYBC for their roles in organizing a blood drive in her son’s honor.
“I would like to thank everyone for their continued support over the last eight years in honoring my son and his passion to give back and pay it forward,” said Martella.
Scott’s fiance, Shelbi Turau (pictured below left), also spoke in his honor.
“The shadow of the past might try to be lost to time, but it’s the light of the season that we reach out, come together, and help those in need that reminds you of the best of what communities have to offer,” said Turau.
Maureen Mills-Marcello, a representative for the NYBC, said that the collection of blood is “everyday” and “constant.”
“Every pint of blood can go to save three lives, since blood has three components: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma,” said Mills-Marcello, adding that the blood types of O-Negative and O-Positive are most in need.
The County also took the opportunity of giving back in Scott’s honor by hosting a back-to-school drive, wherein school supplies can be donated to give to children around the county who might not be able to afford new items required of them for the upcoming school year.
“We’re working with the Coalition for the Homeless to make sure kids can be equipped to go to school,” said Executive Romaine, asking attendees to remember the joy they once felt by receiving a fresh pack of crayons, or a new notebook ahead of a new school year.
School supplies can be dropped off at receptacles at County buildings ahead of the new year.
Also in attendance at Monday’s press conference were Suffolk County Legislators Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station), as well as Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset).
This Week Today
National, State and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri National
With less than 100 days until the November 5 elections, states are now holding their primary contests, which will undoubtedly carry more attention and ramifications than the presidential primaries and caucuses held earlier this year.
Arizona held its primaries on Tuesday night, establishing nominees for the open U.S. Senate seat and several competitive U.S. House races.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I) is not seeking a second term. Elected as a Democrat in 2018, Sinema registered as an Independent in 2023, but continued to caucus with Senate Democrats. Sinema became a pariah in Democratic circles, as she and her moderate colleague Joe Manchin (I-WV) became two votes against multiple pieces of liberal legislation and Democratic attempts at changing Senate procedures, such as eliminating the filibuster.
Originally a three-way race, Sinema dropped out in the spring, leaving it an effective two-way contest between presumptive nominees. Those nominees earned their official statuses on Tuesday night: Congressman Ruben Gallego (D, AZ-03) and television anchor and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (R).
comfortable eight-point margin. With no vetted incumbent to take down and two years of incumbency himself, Crane should be in a decent position for re-election.
Another hotly-divided primary unfolded Tuesday night for the aforementioned AZ-03, a deeply-blue Phoenix-based seat being vacated by Congressman Gallego in his run for a Senate seat that may very well determine partisan control of the body. Whichever Democrat wins the primary will be heavily favored in November.
In AZ-08, an interesting and rare political situation has come to a head. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (R) is retiring, and the race to succeed her not only brought six Republican candidates, but a vicious rivalry between two former statewide candidates.
Former prosecutor Abe Hamadeh (R) and venture capitalist Blake Masters (R) were locked in a close race for the primary win on Tuesday night. Hamadeh ran for Arizona Attorney General in 2022 and Masters ran for U.S. Senate the same year; both lost.
Yorkers don’t have to do anything to receive this payment. No forms, no hoops to jump through. It’s just going to come to them.”
The payments going out this month are in addition to the 2023 tax credits that families already received. The program was expanded last year during state budget negotiations. The expansion includes children younger than four years old, adding 600,000 children to the program.
Local
In congressional campaign news, Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) has entered the third fundraising quarter with nearly $2.2 million cash on hand.
LaLota enters the general election with a significant war chest, and a cash-on-hand advantage over former CNN commentator John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park). Avlon reported just under $600,000 for the second quarter.
Lake unsuccessfully sought the governorship in 2022, narrowly losing to then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs (D).
Gallego represents a deep-blue Phoenix-based district, also containing Glendale and Tempe, that sits at nearly twenty-five points left-of-center. With Sinema out of the picture, some think Lake’s stances on certain issues are out of touch with increasingly-swingy Arizona, a prime swing state this cycle and a regular marquee battleground that has hosted a competitive Senate race every two years since 2018. Gallego was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, essentially giving him a head start in a state where the GOP’s intraparty fighting has cost them winnable races in recent years.
Lake took just over 50% of the vote as of press time, defeating Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.
In the U.S. House, Arizona’s closest 2022 race is shaping up to be yet another competitive one, but the Democratic field was uncertain as of press time.
AZ-01 covers northeastern Maricopa County, taking in suburban Phoenix and Scottsdale. Congressman David Schweikert (R) has represented Arizona in Congress since 2011 and has survived relatively close elections in 2018 and 2020. However, Schweikert barely got by in 2022, winning by just under one percentage point in this left-trending district. The district became about half as Republican as it was last decade after redistricting.
Schweikert won his primary handily, dispatching two challengers.
Amish Shah (D) narrowly leads the wide primary field of six Democratic contenders. Shah served in the Arizona House from 2019 to 2024. He resigned his position in February to focus on the U.S. House campaign.
Any path to a House majority for either party likely includes AZ-01. Suburban, educated, and diverse, it’s quickly becoming a microcosm of the country at-large. AZ-01 is also one of eighteen districts that, under the current lines, would have backed Joe Biden (D-DE) for president while simultaneously being represented by a Republican.
In AZ-02, freshman Congressman Eli Crane (R) easily won renomination over a primary effort that functions as retribution for his vote to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R, CA20) last year. Crane was one of eight Republicans to back the Speaker’s ousting, prompting McCarthy’s supporters to feed him a challenger.
AZ-02 takes in all of northeastern Arizona and includes parts of suburban Phoenix, as well as Flagstaff and twelve Native American reservations, including the Navajo Nation. Crane defeated blue-dog incumbent Tom O’Halleran (D) in 2022 by a
However, the dynamic of the race shifted when Trump initially endorsed Hamadeh in December. But Trump made an unusual update last weekend endorsing both Hamadeh and Masters. Trump’s dual endorsement prompted the theories that a vote-splitting effect could give way to a new candidate. Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma (R) sits narrowly behind Masters in third place, while disgraced former Congressman Trent Franks (R) appears to have handily lost an underdog comeback.
Whichever Republican emerges victorious from the bitter primary is virtually guaranteed this House seat. Based entirely within Maricopa County, the seat carries parts of Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Sun City. Lesko cruised to reelection in 2020 and was unopposed in 2022.
Finally, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer (R) appears to be in a tight battle for renomination, as State Representative Justin Heap (R) has a three-point lead over Richer with 96% of precincts reported as of press time. The controversy of this race stems from claims of election fraud and a lack of trust in Arizona’s electoral system over the last two cycles. Richer has been locked in a defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake, who alleges Richer helped steal the 2022 gubernatorial race from her.
Maricopa County constitutes 60% of Arizona’s population and is the nation’s fourth-largest county.
State
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has announced $350 million in supplemental payments for moderate- and low-income residents, with more than one million New York families set to receive a check.
“Child care has gone up 20%, and I think it’s not a news flash that wages have not kept up with that,” said Hochul. “The strain on working families is too much, and we’re losing families who are going elsewhere where they don’t have the same challenges, and that actually threatens New York state’s long-term viability.”
“Since day one, I have made this campaign and this movement, about the people of Suffolk County, not partisan politics and meaningless divisive rhetoric. While CNN host and Manhattan resident John Avlon continues to raise money from his millionaire neighbors in the city, I am proud to have earned the support and trust of so many hard-working Long Islanders,” said LaLota. “With our financial advantage, superior message, dedicated manpower, and efficient mechanics we are feeling optimistic about our prospects in November. The mission is clear: to win in November so that in January, we can secure our border, fight inflation, and steer our great nation back on track to help Long Island families.”
In congressional news, the U.S. House passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with bipartisan support. The legislation will authorize studies and projects within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works mission areas, including navigation, flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration.
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) (pictured below) added language to the final bill that would aid flood mitigation and flood risk management efforts in NY-02.
Garbarino’s added language would authorize repair and restoration work for storms that damage the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point Project, as well as the Fire Island Inlet and Shores Westerly Project. Repairs for both projects would not typically qualify for emergency declarations, as qualification previously required demonstration that the storm was “extraordinary.” Previously, repairs via emergency declarations could only be obtained if the areas were damaged by nor’easters.
All parents who qualified for the Empire State Child Tax Credit in 2023 and filed their taxes on time will automatically receive a check in the mail. Eligible applicants are: married couples jointly making $110,000 or less, a single parent making $75,000 or less, and married couples filing separately who make $55,000 or less. The payments are set to range from 25% to 100% of the amount of the taxpayer’s Child Tax Credit for the last year, with the specific percentage based on family income.
“One million New York families will be receiving a check in the mail by the end of August. Depending on your income and size of family, some people will receive $330 per child. You have three children, that’s $1,000 in your pocket,” said Hochul. “New
clerk.house.gov
Congressman Garbarino also secured the authorization of feasibility studies for flood risk management projects for the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, and Islip, hurricane and storm damage risk, reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in Babylon and Brookhaven, and a project for coastal storm risk management and flood risk management near Tobay Beach in the Town of Oyster Bay.
“Long Island’s South Shore has been heavily impacted by recent nor’easters which eroded local beaches, endangered homes and public structures - from boardwalks to playgrounds - and even left emergency vehicles unable to traverse the eroded beaches to get where they are needed. Each passing storm increases the damage to our shoreline,” said Garbarino. “Timely renourishment is necessary to prevent further deterioration and the current renourishment schedule is not adequate to meet the needs of our South Shore communities. That’s why I advocated for the inclusion of language in WRDA that would allow for emergency renourishment in the wake of future storms and further protect Long Island beaches from erosion and flooding. I am pleased to have had my proposal pass the House and I thank my colleagues for their support of this critical issue.”
The WRDA (H.R.8812) passed 359-13, with 59 members not voting. The bill received the support of 177 Republicans and 182 Democrats. 30 Republicans and 29 Democrats did not vote.
Congressman LaLota also voted in favor of the bill.
Arizona House districts shaded to 2022 margin of victory. (Darker colors indicate larger margin)
Continued from front cover
First Task Force on Human Trafficking Meets at SBU
The task force compiled professionals from law enforcement, school districts, and nonprofits, as well as a slew of social workers and lawyers. The panel split into four groups, with an even distribution of professionals from each professional field, to discuss certain issues and initiatives and offer unique perspectives to each. The task force concluded with a roundtable discussion of the findings.
The first group discussed how New York can strengthen support for survivors and communities. The second group discussed the coordination and tools that law enforcement and prosecutors need to better combat traffickers and help victims. The third group discussed the impacts the migrant crisis is having on human trafficking crimes within the state. The fourth group discussed the kinds of education and training needed to better equip professionals and all New Yorkers to recognize the signs that someone needs help.
Lois Sicignano Rowman, Esq. (pictured right), of the Law Office of Lois Rowman, presented on behalf of the first group, discussing how New York can strengthen support for survivors and communities.
Rowman says that New York’s Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) system does not always function as intended. The PINS system stipulates that any person under eighteen years of age who does not attend school or exhibits dangerous or highly unusual behavior might require supervision.
“When I have clients brought to [family] court on apparent PINS, the judge cannot put the child in place,” said Rowman. “Judges cannot take children away from their parents, even if they’re running away, committing crimes, or using drugs. The judge has no power to put them in placements.”
Rowman says that PINS services could be “beefed up,” and that would help reach “some of the juveniles who are falling through the cracks who have inattentive parents.” Almost all panelists said that parent inattentiveness and frequent school truancy are usual causes of a child or adoelscent’s desire to run away from home, likely becoming entangled in the world of drugs and sex trafficking.
Rowman also says that children with “comorbidities” also prevent State services from working effectively.
“They’re not just trauma victims, they’re also using drugs, or have behavioral and mental health problems,” said Rowman. “You can’t go to a drug counseling program if you can’t sit still and stop screaming. These services for people who have more than one problem just don’t exist.”
Rowman added that “parents are reluctant to report their kids” because parents “don’t want their children taken away from them,” advocating for more comprehensive services that assuage those fears while also helping the child in question.
Rowman also says that while the State Legislature has allocated money for mental health initiatives, the wait list is “tremendous.”
“We need more providers and we need more money for more programs so people can get services when they need them, not in three months when their crisis is over, or they wind up in crisis for months on end, or the crisis never ends.”
Rowman also says that reaching children at younger ages is crucial in curbing their likelihood of being trafficked, adding that children are trafficked most commonly between the ages of twelve and fourteen.
“We need to reach them in an age-appropriate way in the elementary schools, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, community groups, and churches,” said Rowman. “They think they understand what the world is all about, but they don’t. They’re children.”
Rowman also says that while child sex trafficking is a problem, there’s no “legal mechanism to hold those minors.”
“There’s no place to go. The housing situation is so bad that victims can’t find any apartments,” said Rowman. She added an anecdote of a client who left a homeless shelter and was able to sleep on a friend’s couch. A letter for housing requires someone to confirm that the client is homeless, but if the client is on a couch, then she’s technically not homeless in the eyes of the State.”
“It’s a catch-twenty-two,” said Rowman.
Rowman also called for more caseworkers, better courtroom logistics, and a dedicated human trafficking court.
Legislator Lennon (pictured above right) and Assemblyman Flood presented on behalf of the second group, discussing coordination and tools that law enforcement and prosecutors need to better combat traffickers.
Lennon said that hotels and motels that are complicit could be handled by abolishing hourly rates, requiring digital recordkeeping of guests, requiring photos IDs, and instituting security cameras. He also mentioned fly-by-night massage parlors and that their landlords should be held accountable for “allowing them to come in and turning a blind eye.”
Assemblyman Flood suggested giving family courts discretion to be able to remand youth victims under terms of mental health issues rather than criminalization.
“It’s a big ask in Albany and not an easy thing, but I think that’s a step in the right direction of recognizing that it’s not about criminalizing these children, but taking them out of those situations,” said Flood, adding that treating the endangered youth as criminals puts them back on the street to return to their “pimps and getting back on drugs.”
Increased statute of limitations on sex trafficking offenses as well as dedicated funding for human trafficking investigations were also suggested.
“Suffolk County has their own dedicated trafficking unit, of which there are not many in the state,” said Flood. “They can funnel information to the police department and the District Attorney’s office and they can all provide those wraparound services.”
Flood suggested Suffolk could be used as the “model” to other agencies and to allocate funds to make it a universal practice statewide.
Feride Castillo (pictured below), co-founder of ECLI-VIBES, a non-profit serving victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking, presented on behalf of the third group, which discussed how the migrant crisis is affecting the human trafficking trade.
Castillo said that trafficking is perpetuated through family members, extended family members, or people pretending to be family members of children. She also says that people in foreign countries are “actually selling some of their children here to those so-called sponsors,” adding that the sponsors end up having relationships with the children as if they were adults.
Castillo also says
that migrant children are forced to work and are not allowed to go to school, combining elements of sex and labor trafficking. She adds that part of ECLI-VIBES’ mission is to build trust among the children, but it takes “months.”
“We have to build trust, we need to build a relationship, and unless what we can offer is better than what the crowd is offering, there’s not much that we can do,” said Castillo.
Castillo pleaded with present lawmakers to not “pass legislation without funding,” citing bail reform’s 2019 passage that was unaccompanied by services and funding trickling down to the local level.
Castillo said that her firm is “overwhelmed” with about 5,000 people per month requesting services. She also said that the “brilliant staff” within the Suffolk County Health Department are facing the same problem.
“It’s like a mountain that everybody has to climb every day,” said Castillo, adding that some people are living in their cars.
“If we’re not offering something better than what the traffickers are offering, there’s nothing that we can do,” she added.
Castillo also says that migrant children are connected to family members in parts of Suffolk County, such as Riverhead, Central Islip, and Brentwood, where schools are being “inundated.”
“Two years ago, the registration for unaccompanied minors just in Riverhead was between three and four hundred,” said Castillo, adding that the mandate was “completely unfunded.”
Assemblywoman Giglio (pictured below right), a Riverhead resident, stated that her children who attended school there just two years ago were in classes where 65% of the children did not speak English
When asked if ECLI-VIBES knows of how many children go missing after crossing the border, she countered: “How would we even know that they’re missing?”
“There is no communication between the federal, state, and local governments. We don’t get the information,” said Castillo, adding that when children do eventually find their family members, there might be forms of resentment and instability, prompting them to find a family of their own.
“If a child only speaks Spanish, doesn’t have a community, doesn’t have a sense of family, what’s a great sense of family? A gang,” said Castillo.
Castillo also said that her organization “can’t even break through into the Hispanic community” as it relates to border crossings because of lack of services. Recent statistics show an increase in Uzbek, Afghan, and Chinese immigrants, who also suffer from lack of services because of larger language barriers.
“We’re doing even less for the others and that is a travesty in general, because we’re not touching those communities at all,” said Castillo.
Laura Ahearn, Esq., LMSW, Executive Director for the Crime Victims Center, said that gangs are “following families to Long Island.”
“The gangs are controlling young girls from far away with their representatives here, and they have the resources to find these people,” said Ahearn, referencing people who escape gang activity in their home countries.
Assemblyman Durso (pictured below left) represented the fourth group, discussing education and training to better equip professionals and all New Yorkers alike to better recognize the signs of trafficking.
Durso said that while action movies highlight a more obvious forms of trafficking, the reality is trafficking can take root in more innocuous ways, most notably in the form of social media and self-esteem issues.
“It’s just an app one of their friends downloaded and now someone is looking at their information or our family’s information,” said Durso. He added that reporting is also a problem, as some people might be “uncomfortable” talking with law enforcement or the D.A.’s office.
Durso recommends that trafficking survivors campaign to educate the public on the crisis and discuss their experiences.
“We have the Survivor’s Council, which is people that have been trafficked becoming a teacher with lived experiences,” said Durso Panelists also mentioned growing problems with video games and Artificial Intelligence, where users can be assaulted virtually or displayed in doctored footage, photographs, or audio clips with the help of AI.
Assemblyman Maher hopes to bring the task force across the state and convene with panels within the different localities.
Photo Credit: Matt Meduri
CONTINUING TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL CARE TO SUFFOLK COUNTY.
For the second consecutive year, Long Island Community Hospital has been listed as a High Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. We have also received top ratings in treating the following five conditions:
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Pneumonia
This accolade showcases our expertise as we prepare to merge with NYU Langone next year. We are proud to be part of this community and dedicated to providing the highest quality care for you and your families.
Learn more about what makes us a High Performing Hospital
By Matt Meduri
Who Will Be the VP’s VP?
Since President Joe Biden (D-DE) made the unprecedented decision of suspending his campaign earlier this month, Vice President Kamala Harris (DCA) has risen as his most likely successor. Endorsed by Biden and a slew of highprofile Democrats, a Harris candidacy seems more than likely at this point, as not only have a majority of delegates reportedly pledged their support for her at the Democratic National Convention later this month, but the transition from her status as Vice President to the top of the ticket makes electoral sense if Democrats want to put their best bet forward going into uncharted political waters.
But since Harris has her sights on the Oval Office, the biggest scramble has not been on Biden’s ability to continue to run the country, rather whom Harris might select as her running mate. Reports indicate that Harris is set to hit the campaign trail with her vice presidential nominee as early as next week.
It’s common knowledge that the vice presidential running mate is one of the biggest assets a presidential ticket can have. Not only is presidential succession on the line, but the vice president can dramatically “balance the ticket” and leverage support from demographics otherwise uninterested in his/her candidacy.
The Democratic strategy has undoubtedly been turned on its head since Biden dropped out of the race, a move not made by an incumbent president since Lyndon Johsnon (D-TX) in 1968. While Biden was able to leverage his Scranton-born, working-class image with near-fifty years in Washington, thirty-six of them as a Senator from Delaware and eight of them as vice president under a president who was elected on significantly populist overtones, Harris now loses that marketing strategy. Instead, the top of the ticket is run by a San Francisco progressive who consistently scored at the very bottom of the list of bipartisan lawmakers during her time in the Senate.
It’s also unlikely that Democrats have spared themselves any political liabilities associated with Biden by dropping him for Harris, as Harris has been a steadfast component of the Biden Administration. Separating her image from her own involvement in Biden’s policies is not akin to starting over with a clean slate. Moreover, Harris will likely have to answer to any approval, even tacit approval, of Biden’s policies that likely would have resulted in a referendum election on a Biden America versus a Trump America.
Harris will also have to grapple with the possibility of historical popularity problems. While polling right now suggests Harris has made the election more even against Trump, some say it’s the classic “honeymoon effect” that is likely to dissipate by Labor Day, the official-unofficial kickoff of the general election. Detractors say that Harris’ stunning unpopularity in the 2020 presidential primaries, hallmarked by low polling numbers in her home state of California and her withdrawal just before that state’s primary on Super Tuesday, will not coalesce into fervent support come Election Day.
Essentially, Democrats overall seem to be running, not necessarily on a Biden-Harris-VP TBD slate of policies, but rather against Trump at any costs. While this strategy will undoubtedly win over ardent Democrats, it remains to be seen if it can attract a significant chunk of Independents and disaffected Republicans. Many national and state polls before the Biden dropout had Trump leading generously among Independents and showed him earning more support from Republicans than Biden was from Democrats.
All said, balancing the ticket will be Harris’ top strategy going into November. Exchanging her largely-liberal, urban California, progressive profile for a more moderate, working-class politician from a working-class state is likely to be her move. The shortlist of apparent contenders speaks to this strategy.
We’ll evaluate the names we understand are circulating within the Democratic campaign, as well as several others that have been floated in other circles.
Governor Josh Shapiro Office: Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023
Pros: Shapiro hails from the Rust Belt state Democrats might need the most help in holding. Any path to victory for either party lies through Pennsylvania,
as it did in the previous two elections. Shapiro has a long list of credentials in Pennsylvania politics, ranging from the State House, to Montgomery County, to Attorney General, to being elected Governor in 2022. Shapiro held the governorship in a year Republicans should have been able to flip it, facing a term-limited incumbent and on-paper fortuitous electoral prospects. Nevertheless, Doug Mastriano (R) won the primary, allowing Shapiro to win by a whopping fifteen points. Shapiro has presided over rising bond ratings and enjoys 49%-31% approval ratings.
Cons: Shapiro’s electoral mandate in 2022 is, in part, due to a flawed Mastriano candidacy and a divided Pennsylvania GOP. Had both been more effective during the campaign, the race likely would have been much closer. This isn’t to detract from his victory or time in office, rather to accurately paint his initial popularity with Pennsylvanians. Some also accuse Shapiro of not threading the Israel-Gaza issue as well as other Democratic leaders, a move Democrats fear might lead to ideological schisms and depressed turnout. While Shapiro’s approval rating is net-positive doubledigits, he still only attracts a plurality of voters and less than half of Independents. Some also point out his support for $100 million in private school vouchers, a GOP-led initiative that Shapiro later backed away from. Harris choosing Shapiro also increases the possibility of Democrats losing the governorship in the next election.
Senator Mark Kelly
Office: U.S. Senator from Arizona since 2020
Pros: An astronaut with no prior political experience, Mark Kelly won the special election for Arizona’s Senate seat in 2020, becoming the first Democrat to win that seat since 1962. Kelly is more of a self-proclaimed moderate in the Senate, calling for more oil drilling to lower gas prices, rejecting the “Green New Deal,” and calling for more resources to the southern border. While Democrats might not “need” Arizona, a victory there with its eleven electoral votes virtually guarantees Harris the presidency. Kelly would certainly be an asset in that regard.
Cons: While Kelly holds some views considered more moderate, or even palatable to conservatives, he has still racked up some more liberal policies, such as supporting lateterm abortions, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and gun control measures. Kelly became a highly outspoken advocate for gun control after the shooting of his wife, then-Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (D, AZ-08). Kelly’s comments on increased border security may or may not clash if he were to run alongside the “Border Czar” in Harris, under whom the southern border situation has become largely exasperated. Finally, vacating the seat would create another special election in Arizona. Since 2016, Arizona has had a Senate election every two years. Kelly would resign the seat either before or after November, followed by an appointment from Governor Hobbs (D) and an ensuing special election. As control of the Senate seems likely to flip towards Republicans this cycle, keeping every man on deck in a tightly-controlled chamber might overpower what slight advantages Kelly might have over an alternative.
Governor Andy Beshear
Office: Governor of Kentucky since 2019
Pros: Beshear stunned the political world by winning a gubernatorial election in deep-red Kentucky in 2019. He was re-elected by a five-point margin in 2023. Beshear holds moderate views on gun rights and even allowed a Kentucky bill to become law without his signature, requiring doctors to perform care on infants and fetuses. Beshear is also one of the most popular governors in the country, with the latest Morning Consult polls putting him at 67%-28%.
Cons: Name recognition. While the Democratic Party is trying to extend
This column will cover national politics heading into the 2024 elections. The purpose is to offer commentary on the national electoral environment and provide a dashboard of key races, balance of power in Congress, and notable polling data.
Vice President Harris (Credit - Lawrence Jackson, White House)
Senator Mark Kelly (Credit - John Klemmer, U.S. Senate)
Governor Josh Shapiro (Credit - Office of Governor Tom Wolf)
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Who Will Be the VP’s VP?
Harris’ name recognition from an already-decent position, they’ll have a field day doing the same with Beshear. While not insurmountable, a campaign with an extraordinarily short runway might benefit from someone with more clout. Additionally, Beshear was elected governor of Kentucky over a deeply unpopular incumbent in Matt Bevin (R). As gubernatorial races are more about local issues and candidate quality, it’s not a massive stretch for candidates of opposing political parties to win in their home states. Vermont, one of the bluest states, has an immensely-popular Republican governor, Phil Scott. While Beshear is popular in Kentucky, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will translate to all Democratic voters across the country.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Office: Secretary of Transportation
Pros: Buttigieg has been a dayone Cabinet member in the Biden Administration, after running for president in 2020 and serving as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Buttigieg took a narrow and nominal win in the Iowa Democratic Caucuses in 2020 and demonstrated strength going into the primaries, but dropped out before Super Tuesday. Buttigieg is young (42), aligns with most, if not all, progressive values, and can possibly help Harris with outreach to Midwestern voters. His cult-classic following in the 2020 election will likely coalesce to younger voters, a demographic who have largely soured on Biden within the last year.
Cons: In 2020, many South Bend residents took to the media to decry Buttigieg’s ineffectiveness during his two terms as South Bend Mayor, citing racial disparities, high crime, and low quality of life. Buttigieg’s proposed spending plans during his 2020 campaign included trillions of dollars in government programs, a price tag many Americans might not be comfortable with, especially as Harris is mostly aligned ideologically with Buttigieg. Additionally, Buttigieg is not likely to help Harris make a dent in Indiana, a red state, and his lack of connections in other Rust Belt states might not help her as a prominent elected official from that region would. His position that the Electoral College should be abolished is not likely to go over well in states whose electoral votes will decide the presidency for either campaign.
Governor Tim Walz
Office: Governor of Minnesota since 2019
Pros: Walz served over ten years in Congress from MN-01, a mostly-rural district covering the entire southern border of the state. Walz received high ratings from the NRA but passed laws on universal background checks and red-flag laws for prospective gun owners in 2023. As a former public school teacher and Army National Guardsman, along with a smalltown Midwestern appeal, Walz would provide a unique palette to the ticket if selected, likely bolstering Harris’ support among Independents and helping her retain Minnesota. Walz, like Governor Beshear, could help Harris with voters beyond her reach.
Cons: Walz will likely suffer from the same problem Beshear would: name recognition. Walz isn’t particularly known outside of Minnesota, but bridging that gap would likely be easier than another lesser-known candidate. Walz also received scrutiny for the riots of the summer of 2020, during which the Twin Cities faced billions in property damage.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Office: Governor of Michigan since 2019
Pros: Whitmer has had a storied career in politics, ranging from prosecutorial roles, Michigan Senate Minority Leader, and Vice Chair of the DNC. She was reelected in 2022, expanding slightly on her comfortable 2018 margin. As Governor, she is known for signing sweeping tax cuts and campaigning on a “fix the damn roads” platform. Her standing in Michigan would likely be a large boon to the Harris ticket in a state where Trump has had consistent polling leads since November. Both campaigns view Michigan as a mustwin on their paths to victory.
Cons: Whitmer might not balance the ticket enough for Harris to leverage her own candidacy. While Harris and Whitmer are likely to have strengths with women, having a moderate pick for vice president might help make the candidates slightly more dissimilar. Whitmer’s political experience might leave some wishing that she were the head of the ticket, not Harris, especially when Harris’ gaffes and lack of experience in local governance might come into question. Whitmer also faces questions for Michigan’s undercounting of COVID-19 nursing homes deaths by 42% and policies similar to that of New York, where COVID-positive patients were allowed into nursing homes, although the policy was not as sweeping as the New York mandate.
Governor J. B. Pritzker
Office: Governor of Illinois since 2019
Pros: Pritzker flipped the Illinois governorship in 2018, ousting unpopular incumbent Bruce Rauner (R) by a near-sixteen-point margin. Pritzker is a member of the eponymous family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain. Pritzker has a net worth of $3.5 billion, a monumental fundraising network, and the ability to self-fund parts of the campaign. Pritzker also demonstrated strength in Republican-leaning suburban areas in his 2017 election.
Harris selecting Pritzker as her running mate would not only mean a massive cash injection to her campaign, but Pritzker also checks nearly all the boxes on the liberal-progressive scorecard.
Cons: Pritzker’s wealth might pose some dissension within Democratic ranks, albeit not likely enough to seriously damage their base, as some voters might feel his addition to the ticket brings a level of corporatism out of touch with some voters. Pritzker’s liberal scorecard, along with Harris’ far-left platform, might be too much for centrist Democrats and Independents to stomach. Furthermore, Pritzker lost ground in his 2022 re-election, winning by just over twelve points over Darren Bailey (R), considered by some to be “far right.”
As of now, only one candidate is reported to have withdrawn his name from consideration: Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC).
Cooper was elected Governor of North Carolina in 2016, ousting a Republican incumbent and securing a decent re-election in 2020. Cooper has demonstrated his ability to win in a highly-partisan, red-leaning battleground state, but suffered limited legislative powers during much of his term as governor due to Republican supermajorities in the state legislature.
Cooper was seen as a potential ticket-balancer for Harris and a foot in the door to put North Carolina and its sixteen electoral votes back on the map. However, Cooper withdrew his name from consideration on Monday. Democrats believe Cooper is playing defense in his home state, as the state constitution stipulates that the lieutenant governor assumes the governor’s job in the latter’s absence. Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson (R) is seen as a strident conservative, who is running for governor this year.
A vice presidential pick is expected to be announced Monday for a following marquee rally with the 2024 Democratic ticket soon thereafter.
Governor Andy Beshear (Credit - kentucky.gov)
Secretary Pete Buttigieg (Credit - U.S. Dept. of Transportation)
Governor Tim Walz (Credit - minnesota.gov)
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (Credit - michigan.gov)
Governor JB Pritzker (Credit - U.S. Dept. of Defense)
The Necessary Standard for American Education
Standing Committees of the House: Part IV
By Matt Meduri
Congress, already divided between the House and Senate, becomes further departmentalized at the committee level. Standing committees are simply those that are permanent. The party with the majority in the chamber of Congress earns the chairmanship and majorities on the chamber’s committees. The top spot for the committee member of the minority party is called the Ranking Member.
Committees are divided to utilize specializations and knowledge of its members as it pertains to a certain area of focus, as well as view legislation to debate, amend, or table it before the legislation can advance to the floor of the chamber for a vote from all representatives.
While standing committees are permanent, there are several other types of committees and caucuses that serve numerous purposes in Washington. Each committee also has certain subcommittees that are composed of members of the committee at large. In three separate columns, we looked at fourteen standing committees of the U.S. House. This week, we’ll explore a few more.
Rules
The Rules Committee is one of the oldest House committees, having been established on April 2, 1789. The committee is often known as the “Speaker’s Committee,” as it is the body that the Speaker of the House uses to maintain control of the chamber. The committee was chaired by the Speaker until 1910.
The committee works under two broad schools of jurisdiction: special orders - or special rules - for the consideration of legislation and original jurisdiction. A special rule sets rules and conditions of debate on a particular bill or matter. Original jurisdiction pertains to changes to the standing rules of the House.
The Rules Committee is one of the most powerful in Congress, as all rules, terms, and conditions of debate and consideration lie through this committee. The committee also has a unique power in which it can include a self-executed amendment of legislation, which can rewrite parts of a bill or the entire bill. As long as a majority of the House votes to pass a special rule, there is virtually no end to what the Rules Committee could do.
The Subcommittee on Rules and Organization of the House has jurisdiction over processes and procedures of the House, relations between the House and Senate, relations between Congress and the Judiciary, and the internal operations of the House, all pursuant to the Rules Committee’s official scope. The committee also examines committee structure and jurisdictional issues of all House committees.
The Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process primarily focuses on relations between Congress and the Executive Branch, with the budget process being the foremost responsibility. The committee examines budget process-related provisions of budget-related statutes, most notably, the Congressional Budget Act.
The committee is composed of thirteen members: nine Republicans and four Democrats. Michael Burgess (R, TX-26) serves as Chair and Jim McGovern (D, MA-02) serves as Ranking Member.
Science, Space, and Technology
This committee has jurisdiction over all energy research, development, and demonstration of all federally-owned or operated non-military energy laboratories; astronautical research and development (R&D); civil aviation R&D; environmental R&D; marine research; commercial application of energy technology; exploration and control of outer space; science scholarships; and oversight of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, the National Weather Service, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The Energy Subcommittee has oversight of the Department of Energy, its laboratories, activities, and R&D. It also has jurisdiction over fossil energy research, clean coal technology, energy conservation R&D, alternate fuels, distributed power systems, pipeline R&D, and at-large energy standards.
The Environment Subcommittee handles matters of environmental research; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) R&D; environmental standards; climate change R&D; scientific issues relating to environmental policy; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including its activities relating to weather, weather services, climate, the atmosphere, marine fisheries, and oceanic research.
The Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee has special investigative authority on all matters within the jurisdiction of the parent committee.
This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.
The Research and Technology Subcommittee has a broad scope of oversight, including, but not limited to science policy and STEM education; the National Science Foundation; innovative R&D projects of most executive departments; civilian use of defense technologies; emerging technology policy, including biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and quantum; international scientific cooperation; standardization of weights and measurements; international technology trade; university research policy; earthquake programs; windstorm programs; fire research programs; and R&D relating to nanoscience; biomedical, health, and nutritional programs; and agricultural, geological, and biological sciences.
The Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee has oversight of aeronautical R&D; national space policy, including space access and sub-orbital access; NASA and its contractor and governmentoperated laboratories; space commercialization; international space cooperation; the National Space Council; space communications; civil aviation; and R&D and programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The committee has forty members: twenty-two Republicans and eighteen Democrats. Frank Lucas (R, OK-03) serves as Chair and Zoe Lofgren (D, CA-18).
Small Business
The Small Business Committee was originally created as a select committee in 1941 to address the growing number of small businesses and organizations calling for more protections and government policies for the country’s small businesses. The committee was reauthorized every Congress until 1975, when it became a permanent standing committee. The committee has oversight over the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its programs. It also provides financial aid and protections to small businesses.
The Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access evaluates the operation of domestic financial markets and their abilities to provide capital to small businesses. The subcommittee also reviews federal programs that attempt to assist entrepreneurs in obtaining capital. The body also examines the impacts of federal tax policies on small businesses.
The Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee serves to assess the federal procurement system as it relates to small businesses providing goods and services to the federal government. It also reviews opportunities for small businesses to rebuild and modernize national infrastructure. Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) serves as Chairman of this subcommittee.
The Oversight, Investigations,and Regulations Subcommittee reviews regulatory burdens on small businesses levied by federal agencies. The body also examines efficient government programs that affect small businesses and works to make them more efficient.
The Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains addresses issues to enhance rural economic growth, increasing national energy independence, and competition of domestic businesses in a global marketplace.
The Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development Subcommittee examines economic growth and job creation through innovation, as well as such growth through advanced technologies.
The committee has twenty-seven members: fifteen Republicans and twelve Democrats. Roger Williams (R, TX-25) serves as Chair and Nydia Velázquez (D, NY-07) serves as Ranking
Subcommittee.
Transportation and Infrastructure
This committee has oversight of all modes of transport: aviation, highways and bridges, transit and rail, pipelines, and maritime and waterborne transportation. It also has oversight over wastewater infrastructure, national emergency preparedness and response plans, the U.S. Coast Guard, public buildings and federal real estate management, and federal economic development agencies.
The Aviation Subcommittee handles all aspects of civil aviation, all programs of the FAA, except for R&D, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Essential Air Service Programs - commercial air service to smaller communities - air traffic control, management, and modernization, airport capacity, war risk insurance - insurance for flights to high-risk parts of the world - aviation commerce, and unmanned aircraft and traffic management.
The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard, maritime transportation safety, port and waterway navigation and safety, maritime regulations, marine environmental protection, and ocean shipping regulations.
The Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee has oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), measure relating to the location, use, accessibility, and security of federal buildings, the naming of federal buildings, the facilities of the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution, as well as a host of commissions, including, but not limited, to: the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Denali Commission, the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority, the Southeast Regional Commission, the Northeast Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Great Lakes Regional Commission.
The Highways and Transit Subcommittee handles matters of planning and development of highways and transit programs; transportation credit assistance programs; highway and transit safety; commercial motor vehicle regulation; surface transportation research; the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Build America Bureau.
The Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee has oversight over the economic regulation of railroads, the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), railroad development programs, Amtrak, rail security, the Northeast Corridor Commission, railroad retirement, benefits, and unemployment, hazardous materials transportation, and pipeline transportation safety.
The Water Resources and Environment Commission handles matters of the Clean Water Act, water infrastructure and watershed protection programs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ocean dumping, oil pollution of domestic navigable waters, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), deepwater ports, invasive aquatic species, coastal pollution, coastal zone management, groundwater protection, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The committee has sixty-five members: thirty-five Republicans and thirty Democrats. Sam Graves (R, MO-06) serves as Chair and Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) serves as Ranking Member.
Member. In addition to chairing the Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee, Congressman LaLota also serves on the Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access
Smithtown HS East and West Named Schools of Excellence
The varsity sports teams at Smithtown High School East and High School West have been rewarded for their prowess in the classroom.
Both high schools have been recognized as a School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
To apply for the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.
“The School of Excellence and School of Distinction Awards exemplify the mission of NYSPHSAA, education through interscholastic athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director. “It is amazing to see the commitment to academic excellence from the schools, administrators, coaches and student-athletes.”
Overall, there are more than 60 varsity teams at High School East and West.
Smithtown Fire Department
100 Elm Avenue, 1st Floor Meeting Room
Monday, August 5, 2024
1:30PM – 7:30PM
Please scan the QR code to make an appointment to donate For medical eligibility questions please call 1-800-688-0900 Monday through Friday (9am – 5pm).
For further information call Maureen Marcello 646-983-0661.
are welcomed if space permits.
Senator Mattera Launches Annual School Supply Drive to Benefit East Northport Salvation Army
Senator Mario R. Mattera (R-St. James) is proud to announce the launch of his annual school supply drive, aimed at supporting the East Northport Salvation Army and ensuring that children in our district are well-equipped for the upcoming school year. The drive seeks donations of essential school supplies including crayons, backpacks, pencils, binders, sharpies, pens, notebooks, and more.
“The Salvation Army has always been a pillar of support in our community, and this partnership is invaluable,” said Senator Mattera. “By working together, we can provide our children with the beautiful backpacks and supplies they need to start the school year off right.”
Major Doris Gonzalez, Corps Officer of the East Northport Salvation Army, added, “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Senator Mattera and the community. These donations make a significant impact on the lives of many families in our area.”
Donations can be dropped off at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210, Smithtown, during regular business hours through August 22. The public’s generosity will help ensure that our children have the tools they need to succeed.
For more information on this special event, please contact Senator Mattera’s office at 631-361-2154.
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) has represented the Second District in the New York State Senate since 2021. The Second District contains the entire Townships of Huntington and Smithtown.
Around Town
SILO Celebrates 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at Annual Picnic
By Cait Crudden
Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO), a leading organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, celebrated the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with their annual picnic in Medford. The event brought together local vendors, law enforcement, community members, and political leaders, highlighting a day of celebration, inclusion, and community engagement.
Held at SILO’s Medford headquarters, the picnic was open to the entire community and featured a variety of activities and attractions. Local vendors provided food like Jersey Mike’s subs and goods, creating a festive atmosphere where attendees could enjoy a day of fun and fellowship. Law enforcement officers participated in the event, engaging with the community and demonstrating their support for disability rights and inclusion.
SILO’s CEO- Joseph Delgado remarked, “The purpose of the event is to bring recognition to the ADA Act which is civil right laws to protect people with disabilities, but we still have a long way to go. This society is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, and we will not stop until we have universal accessibility for everyone”.
Elected officials from Suffolk County and the Medford area also attended the event, underscoring the importance of the ADA and the continued efforts to ensure accessibility and equality for all individuals with disabilities. Those in attendance included, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Suffolk County Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), and Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), New York State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), New York State Assemblymen Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), and Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), and Brookhaven Town Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). Their presence highlighted the ongoing commitment to upholding the rights enshrined in the ADA and the vital role of organizations like SILO in advocating for these rights.
SILO offers a wide range of services aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities to live full and independent lives. These services include advocacy, information and referral,
formal and peer counseling, independent living skills training, and community education. SILO works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the resources and support they need to participate fully in all aspects of life. Laurie Delgado- Chief Community Engagement Officer stated of the work, “It is so rewarding for everyone”.
The annual picnic is not only a celebration of the ADA but also an opportunity for SILO to showcase its programs and services. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the ways in which SILO supports them in overcoming these challenges.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush (R-TX) on July 26, 1990, is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the public. The ADA aims to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stated that “It’s a great day because it’s a day many, many years ago, when President George H.W. Bush enacted the disability act to ensure disable people can live their best life and contribute to society”.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy remarked about SILO stating, “SILO is one of the most effective organizations that Suffolk County supports. It serves its clients, sees the needs of its population and deals appropriately with developing strategies to get the job done! In the next few months, they will be opening a cost-effective counseling center to serve the psychiatric needs of Suffolk’s residents. I am thankful that SILO continues to serve”.
The ADA is divided into five titles: employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions. Each title addresses different aspects of discrimination and accessibility, providing a comprehensive framework for protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The thirty-fourth anniversary of the ADA is a significant milestone, reflecting on the progress made since its enactment while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to fully realize its goals. Events like SILO’s annual picnic are essential in celebrating the achievements made under the ADA and reinforcing the importance of continuing advocacy and support for disability rights.
Legislator Dominick Thorne echoed his support for the disabled community stating, “Suffolk County is the only county in New York State to require a person with disabilities be on our planning committee. I am committed to make no decisions about you, without you”.
The turnout at SILO’s annual picnic was a testament to the strong sense of community and solidarity in Medford. Attendees, including people with disabilities, their families, and supporters, celebrated not just the anniversary of the ADA but also the values of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: the ADA has made a profound impact, but the journey towards full inclusion and equality continues. SILO’s annual picnic served as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and celebrating the rich diversity they bring to the community.
Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO) is located at 3253 Route 112, Building 10, Medford.
Cars for a Cause!
By Diane Caudullo
Judy’s Run for Stroke Awareness, a (501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a testament to Bob Zebrowski’s undying love for his wife Judy.
His vision is to provide continuing education to the public and the media on the importance of stroke awareness and prevention. As Judy’s Run for Stroke Awareness evolves, they continue to educate people on stroke awareness and prevention.
Most importantly; strokes, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, are leading causes of debilitation and/or death in the United States. Yet, about 80% of strokes are preventable. Many risk factors for stroke are lifestyle-related, so you can reduce your risk by making healthy choices.
Judy’s Run for Stroke Awareness hosts annual events that are at the heart of the organization - their signature events involve running, hence the name of the organization, but they have become known for their very successful car shows as well.
They use the events to deepen the connection with the community to raise funds, share life-saving information, and inspire healthy living. The car show coming up this Sunday, August 4, is a show not to be missed. Car enthusiasts will be out in droves, proudly displaying their prize possessions and can enter to win contests based on eighteen different classes of cars. Over 200 cars participate each year.
Coming out for the cars, the festival-like event, the music, or to learn more about staying healthy are all excellent reasons to join in on what promises to be a great event.
“This I swear is true:” the end goal remains to reduce death and disability from stroke.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
The War On Porn
By Dave Hauser
If anxiety is the biggest problem facing American men and women in the 2020s, then pornography is the quick relief that takes those same people away from their problems.
We live in a world where pornography has become the new cigarette. With the warnings about tobacco, nicotine and death, there has been a huge drop in cigarette smoking over several generations; however, anxiety has always plagued man since the beginning of time and anxiety is not new.
Just like cigarettes, pornography websites do not have to advertise every minute on television like a pharmaceutical company. They do not need marketing campaigns to attract new viewers, nor do they need acres of land to grow tobacco. They simply need to build content and have demand. Pornography websites get more web traffic than popular news websites and they only need to show up in a search engine. While cigarettes may shorten your own life, there is no known connection to evil and that is why we are in a dangerous point in our culture.
Recently, while watching a guitar lesson on YouTube, I saw to the right in the list of recommended videos and one suggestion was “140 Women Porn Starts That Have Died.” I was somewhat surprised to see that number and went to watch the video, which was alarming in that most of these women died before their thirtieth birthday from either suicide, accidental drug overdose, murder, or bizarre circumstances. The video was accompanied by somber music, and it really hit a nerve about this industry.
At the same time, there have been a number of mass shooters and gunmen, including the attempted assassin of Donald Trump, who have committed atrocities without clear motives. There was one huge common denominator discovered after searching their computers and cell phones and that was an increasingly larger and larger appetite for pornography as they reached their tragic date.
While the 140 dead and the gunmen are the extremes of this world, many human beings are in bondage to this
industry which affects their daily life. It affects intimacy in marriages. Younger men who are addicted are simply viewing women as objects. It becomes impossible to date and if they do get to meet women, they are comparing them to the women they witness with a click of the mouse.
When I was young, pornography was inaccessible. In the 1970s, you had to go to an X-rated cinema, and it always had “creepy” overtones. Advance to the 1990s and you have VCR’s and On-Demand, but still really not an easy purchase. Married men would have to hide a bulky videotape or explain an on-demand charge that was not for boxing. So, the Internet changed everything making everything accessible and free. Music, movies, lessons, and, of course, access, to porn.
There was a time when porn or nudity was considered acceptable with the excuse of “I am just looking, and I am not hurting anybody.” My mother actually ordered the subscription to Playboy for my father, and at least Playboy came in the mail with a brown bag over it. Today, an eleven-year-old with Internet access will be able to view highly graphic videos and most of the time, the parents will be unaware, which begins a very bad addiction. Ministering to Christian and secular men that are under thirty these days, I see that somewhere in their development, they encountered pornography and the lasting effects have been hazardous. It is a barrier to entry into faith for sure.
When a Christian accepts Jesus Christ as his Savior and the Holy Spirit is now active in them, they start to see things as Jesus would see things, which means every time they watch porn, they are taking Jesus on a date with them to watch it. Christian men wonder all the time why they are not seeing the blessing of God and often, as church leaders, we see no maturation in men and then find out they are in bondage to pornography. It is like trying to plant a tree on the North Pole in December and expecting to see cherries blossom. It won’t happen.
Jesus does state in Matthew 7:24-27 that whether you are a Christian or not you will experience storms, which means everyone experiences ups and downs and the only way to combat anxiety successfully is to turn to God. That impulse where you feel you are losing control and need relief, is when you should turn to God and pray, but that window is so short, and it may be easier for many to just click and escape.
Voyeurism was prevalent in the Bible where David stared too long at Bathsheba, which set a course for murder. Samson walked a long distance to be with Delilah and lost his powers. Jesus is clear that adultery begins with just thinking about it.
So, you are reading this and may not be a believer and feel that this article is not for you, and you would be wrong. Whether Jesus is your Savior or not, pornography is horrible. With 140 dead porn stars, there is a good chance you are watching and fantasizing about a woman that died tragically at a young age. If you are unsaved and married and watching porn content, there is no way that you are in a happy marriage.
There is a positive note to this. I have seen testimonies of men defeating pornography with the help of God. It is not easy, but they end up having accountability with other men and they have a very strong prayer life. Much like alcoholism or any other addiction they can’t abandon, without infrastructure and spirituality, they will revert back.
Project 2025 has a mission to outlaw pornography in some fashion, which has good intentionality, but what becomes of the big part of the population that are addicted and won’t have access? How would they survive? That is why the church has to play a big role in bringing people closer to God, so they have that relationship with Him when things go south in their lives. But first the church has to clean up the problem from within.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at david@hausernet. com. Our church has men’s and women’s ministries as well as prayer services that can help in these areas.
Long Island Life & Politics
Patchogue Arts Council Receives $2 Million Grant for New Cultural Arts Center
By Long Island Life and Politics
The Patchogue Arts Council (PAC) recently received a $2 million grant for the construction of a new, multi-disciplinary, cultural arts center on Main Street in East Patchogue. This $3.5 million project is part of a broader $47 million downtown revitalization effort to redevelop the former Mediterranean Manor site into housing. The cultural arts center is also supported by an $800,000 Suffolk County Jumpstart grant.
“Investing in the arts is investing in our community,” Governor Kathy Hochul (D) said. “The new cultural arts center will be a cornerstone for creativity and education, enhancing the vibrant cultural fabric of Patchogue and providing a space for artists and the community to thrive.”
The Patchogue Cultural Arts Center is a product of collaborative efforts involving local government, business partners, and community stakeholders. A notable aspect of this collaboration is its link to the Greybarn Housing Project. As part of the overlay zone requirements, land was set aside for public benefit, which the Town of Brookhaven determined to be ideal for PAC. As part of the project, 20 percent of the 91 units will be set aside for workforce and affordable housing, including for those with developmental disabilities in consultation with the Suffolk County Planning Department and pursuant to a resolution of the Suffolk County Planning Commission.
Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri (pictured above right) said, “This funding will not only enhance our local arts scene but also contribute to the economic and social vitality of the Greater Patchogue Community and its surrounding areas.”
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when public and private sectors work together,” Brookhaven Deputy Town Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point) added. “The new center will be a hub for cultural and community activities, benefiting residents and visitors alike.”
“We are beyond words and so thankful for the support from Governor Hochul and Suffolk County, which will help bring our vision for a comprehensive cultural center to life,” PAC Executive Director Beth Giacummo said. “This center will elevate the arts community in countless ways and foster a greater sense of togetherness in Patchogue. This funding will make the arts available and accessible to our growing community. It will exponentially advance PAC’s capacity to serve, create opportunity, and support for L.I. creatives and beyond.”
PAC Board of Trustees President Lori Devlin said, “The new center will further solidify Patchogue’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Greybarn Housing Project Managing Partner Gregg Rechler said, “This is an amazing way to support a vital organization in the community and we thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership. We could not be more excited to bring our Greybarn brand of luxury homes to the East Patchogue community and provide quality housing to an already-bustling downtown.”
For more from Long Island Life and Politics, visit: www.lilifepolitics.com
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Harris Campaign Admits to Misleading Voters on Trump, Project 2025
By Rob Bluey | AMAC Outside Contributor
A campaign official for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris acknowledged Wednesday that the vice president is deliberately misleading voters about Project 2025.
CNN first reported the stunning admission as part of a fact-check article accusing Harris of making false claims about Project 2025 and former President Donald Trump’s stance on Social Security. CNN’s Daniel Dale revealed: A Harris campaign official said the campaign has “made a deliberate decision to brand all of Trump’s policies” as “Project 2025,” since they believe “it has stuck with voters.”
Since entering the presidential race Sunday, Harris and her campaign have repeatedly tried to link Project 2025 to Trump, despite the former president’s pushback.
A few hours before CNN published its factcheck story Wednesday, Trump called links to Project 2025 “merely disinformation put out by the Radical Left Democrat Thugs. Do not believe them!”
Launched by The Heritage Foundation two years ago, Project 2025 has grown to a coalition of 110 conservative organizations developing a transition plan for the next presidential administration. Its work is nonpartisan and available to whomever occupies the White House in January 2025.
CNN’s report is the first public admission from Democrats or the Harris campaign that their strategy is to deliberately mislead voters about Trump.
Their attacks on Project 2025 escalated following President Joe Biden’s widely panned June 27 debate performance. In response, several liberal media outlets have published fact-check articles disputing Biden’s claims— and now those of Harris.
CNN, for example, examined Harris’ comments at her first campaign rally Tuesday about Project 2025: When you read it, you will see Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare. He intends to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations and make working families foot the bill. They intend to end the Affordable Care Act. And take us back, then, to a time when insurance companies had the power to deny people with pre-existing conditions.
After reviewing “Mandate for Leadership,” the Project 2025 book of policy recommendations, CNN concluded: One of Harris’ claims about Project 2025 is false, while another is at least misleading. The Project 2025 document does not show that Trump intends to cut Social Security; the document barely discusses Social Security at all and does not propose cuts to the program. In addition,
contrary to Harris’ suggestion, Project 2025 does not call to “end” the Affordable Care Act or eliminate its protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
Another fact-check article, published Wednesday by VERIFY, a website devoted to stopping the spread of false information, debunked a myth that Project 2025 called for the elimination of individualized education plans, commonly known as IEPs.
“Neither Project 2025 nor The Heritage Foundation have called specifically for IEPs to be eliminated,” authors Megan Loe and Kelly Jones wrote. “IEPs aren’t mentioned anywhere in ‘Mandate for Leadership: A Conservative Promise,’ which outlines the plan for Project 2025.”
Overview - AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens
The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.
AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us
Previously, a USA Today fact-check article rated false the Democrats’ claim that “Project 2025 is a plan from Trump.” Project 2025 is a political playbook created by the Heritage Foundation and dozens of other conservative groups, not Trump, who said he disagrees with elements of the effort.
Despite these and other fact-check articles, Harris’ campaign and the Democrat National Committee continued to make false assertions about Project 2025 as of publication of this Daily Signal story. To combat the misinformation, Project 2025 has debunked the most notable myths.
20
WORD OF THE Week JOVIAL
Origin: late 16th century: from French, from late Latin jovialis ‘of Jupiter,’ with reference to the supposed influence of the planet Jupiter on those born under it. Source: Oxford Languages
Synonyms: jolly, good-natured, amiable
& Pieces
SUDOKU
adjective
Pronounced: Joh·ve·al
Definition: cheerful and friendly
Example: “The manager was well-liked for his easy-going and jovial demeanor.”
Antonyms: downcast, glum, melancholic
WORD WHEEL
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
August 1, 1774: English chemist Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen by isolating it in its gaseous state
This Week in History
August 2, 2018:
August 3, 1926: American Grammy and Emmy Award-winning pop and jazz singer Tony Bennet (d.2023) (“I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby”), and painter, born in Long Island City.
August 5, 1583: Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for the British crown, the first English colony in North America and the beginning of the British Empire
August 4, 1944: Anne Frank arrested in Amsterdam by German Security Police (Grüne Polizei) following a tip-off from an informer who was never identified
August 6, 1926:
“Don Juan” starring John Barrymore is released by Warner Bros, the first feature-length film to utilize the Vitaphone soundon-disc sound system with a synchronized musical score and sound effects
August 7, 1990:
Apple becomes the first American public listed company to reach $1 trillion in value X E I T V L P
U.S. deploys troops to Saudi Arabia beginning Operation Desert Shield
Family Estrangement on the Rise
By Peter Chidichimo
The issue of family estrangement is a societal phenomenon that hasn’t gotten much attention over the years. However, lately more studies have indicated it’s on the rise. According to Psychology Today, in an article published in January, there is data to suggest that as many as one in four people are estranged from at least one family member.
But what is driving this rise in family estrangement, and what are the consequences? Even Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, makes just five references to sibling relationships in his numerous volumes of work. Only during the past two decades have researchers conducted meaningful studies on sibling relationships.
One of the problems with conducting studies on family relationships is the scarcity of people willing to discuss it. Researchers often cite the complex emotions that accompany family breakdowns, including frustration, sense of failure, and even anger. Even the simple act of answering questions anonymously, or filling out a questionnaire, can stir up negative emotions that some people would prefer to suppress.
Shontel Cargill, a family therapist in Cumming, Georgia, describes it as a “multilayered phenomenon.” As an example, she cites “the growing recognition and importance of mental health and well-being, leading more individuals to prioritize their emotional health, while setting boundaries with toxic or abusive family members.”
According to Kylie Agllias, an Australian social worker, and author of Family Estrangement: A Matter of Perspective, “Family estrangement is larger than conflict and more complicated than betrayal. It is entwined in contradictory beliefs, values, and behaviors, the result of at least one member of the family considering reconciliation impossible and/or undesirable.” For some people, the cessation of familial relations can be an inordinately traumatizing experience, says Agllias.
The Family Research Center, at the University of Cambridge, surveyed 807 people, mostly from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, who identified themselves as being estranged from either their whole family or a key member of their family. Here are some of the key factors cited most often as leading to sibling relationship breakdown:
If communication opens, listen without defending yourself, listen with compassion and acknowledge your contribution to the problem, apologize. When necessary, seek therapy and to get support.
• Mismatched expectations over family roles or responsibilities
• Clash of personality or values
• Emotional abuse
• (Parental) favoritism
• A traumatic family event
The factors cited most often as leading to adult children estranging themselves from parents include:
• Emotional abuse
• Clash of personality and/or values
• Neglect
• Issues relating to mental health problems
• Traumatic family event
Research indicates the length of estrangement ranges from less than six months to more than thirty years. Some family members cycle in and out of estrangement. On average, estrangement lasts about nine years. Despite the social stigma of estrangement, 80% of estranged family members indicate there had been some positive experiences, such as greater feelings of freedom and independence.
What are Estranged People Looking for?
When data from the surveys and research is broken down, there are common responses as to what the estranged are looking for, in order to restore a relationship with a family member, be it parent or sibling. They are:
• A more positive, unconditionally loving relationship, with genuine concern for one’s welfare
• More understanding, more respect, less judgment, less criticism
• Better communication
The Connection Between Childhood Conflict and Adult Estrangement
University of Illinois psychologist Laurie Kramer studied 3-to-9-year-old siblings and found that these children experience an extended conflict 2.5 times per 45-minute play session, or once every 18 minutes. However, in healthy sibling relationships, there is also a lot of positive interaction, which makes the conflict easier to bear. The siblings who never learn to manage these childhood conflicts are most at risk for adult estrangement.
Is There a Way Out?
It is not impossible to find a way back from estrangement, although it may be difficult. Often, the key is to understand the underlying root issues, and that often depends on communication. And communication itself may be impeded, if family members block calls or e-mails. These are some possible steps:
• Reach out to your child, let them know you are there to support them
• A handwritten letter or brief voicemail is best
• If communication opens, listen without defending yourself
• Don’t beg or plead
• Listen with compassion
• Acknowledge your contribution to the problem, apologize
• When necessary, seek therapy and support
The issue of family estrangement may not pose a societal threat, but it nevertheless causes hardship and stress to those affected. The usual joy of being part of a family is compromised, and even family members not directly involved are often drawn into the conflict. A conflict between siblings can quickly spread to cousins, aunts and uncles. Family members who are estranged are forced to find other means of support when they need it most, including friends or professional help. There is a pathway back from estrangement, but it takes effort from both sides and compromise is the magic ingredient.
Senator Mattera Honored as Public Official of the Year by the United States Green Building Council - Long Island Chapter
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) was recently honored as the Public Official of the Year at the 16th Annual Building Green Dinner hosted by the United States Green Building Council - Long Island Chapter (USGBC-LI). The event celebrated leaders who have made significant contributions to promoting sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship across Long Island.
USGBC-LI’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability through programs, events, and initiatives that advocate for green building principles and policies while fostering collaboration and engagement in the region.
In his welcome note, USGBC-LI Executive Director Paul Tonna remarked, “Tonight, we honor those whose leadership and vision have significantly advanced our mission of a sustainable future for generations to come. We proudly recognize our 2024 Long Island LEED-ers of the Year, National Grid and Senator Mario Mattera. Senator Mattera has been a strong advocate for green energy policies in New York State, supporting legislation promoting renewable energy sources and infrastructure upgrades that support sustainable development.”
Senator Mattera has been instrumental in pushing for the expansion of green energy projects and working to streamline regulations to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
His efforts in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth are paving the way for a greener Long Island.
Senator Mattera expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to sustainability: “I am deeply honored to receive this award from USGBC-LI. Building green is not just about constructing buildings. I am committed to creating a sustainable future for our community that will not overburden our ratepayers and businesses. As the ranking member of the Energy Committee, my main priority is promoting renewable energy policies that protect our environment and the bottom line of all New Yorkers to ensure a greener, healthier Long Island for future generations.”
For more information about USGBC-LI and their initiatives, please visit their website www.USGBC-LI.org
Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) has represented the Second District in the New York State Senate since 2021. The Second District contains the entire Townships of Huntington and Smithtown.
HIA-LI Launches ‘Setup for Success Shadowing Program’ to Inspire Future Workforce
HIA-LI is proud to announce the launch of the “Setup for Success Shadowing Program,” an innovative initiative aimed at providing high school students with realworld career experiences. Developed in partnership with the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board (IAB), this program is designed to build stronger industry-academia partnerships and address Long Island’s workforce development challenges as highlighted in the 2023 HIA-LI 54-page report, “Innovating the Talent Pipeline: Strategies for Workforce Development in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.”
The report was developed along with the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency and the Workforce Development Institute.
Part of the Smithtown Central School District, the IAB, established in 1977, currently has over 300 industry-to-education partnerships that are helping to educate Smithtown students towards successful career pathways.
“We continue to hear over and over again that filling the talent pool here on Long Island is more than difficult,” stated Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI. “This program is a direct response to the recommendations from our 2023 workforce development report and aims to bridge the gap between education and industry.”
Program Overview
The “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program invites HIA-LI member and nonmember companies and organizations alike to host Smithtown High School students for a day, offering them the opportunity to observe and engage in various career areas. This initiative is part of HIA-LI’s broader workforce development initiatives,
which emphasize the importance of early career exposure to help students set and achieve their career goals.
“The ‘Setup for Success’ Program is an excellent opportunity for companies to play a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of young professionals,” said Carol A. Allen, Board Chair of HIA-LI. “It’s an investment in our community’s future.”
Added Phil Como, Executive Director of the Smithtown IAB, “The ‘Setup for Success’ Program will provide invaluable experiences for our students, helping them to better understand and prepare for their future careers.”
Why Participate?
By participating in the “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program, companies can:
• Inspire and guide the next generation of professionals.
• Promote awareness of career opportunities within their organization and across Long Island.
• Contribute to the growth and development of Long Island’s future workforce.
“Collaborating with industry leaders through programs like this is crucial,” commented Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College and Co-Chair of the HIA-LI Workforce Development Task Force. It helps us ensure that our training and education efforts at all levels are coordinated and aligned with the needs of today’s job market.”
Program Logistics
• Duration: The shadowing experience is designed to last approximately 3-5 hours, typically between 9:00a.m. and 1:00p.m., ensuring it does not extend beyond the regular school day.
• Transportation: Students will arrange their transportation to and from the host company’s location.
• Expectations: Participating companies are asked to provide a safe and educational environment, adhering to all Federal and New York State Labor laws for individuals under the age of eighteen.
Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M Architects and Engineers and Co-Chair of the HIA-LI Workforce Development Task Force, noted, “This initiative not only helps students but also allows companies to showcase their work environments and the diverse career opportunities available on Long Island.”
How to Get Involved
Companies can express their interest by filling out the form at https://rebrand.ly/ SFS2024. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact without a longterm commitment by simply offering students a glimpse into the daily operations of an industry.
For further information about the “Setup for Success Shadowing Program,” contact Halle Grossman at HIA-LI at 631-543-5355 or hgrossman@hia-li.org.
By James Haupt
Long Island Ducks: Pathway to the MLB
The Long Island Ducks organization has been home to some of the best players in the Atlantic League, proving to be one of the most renowned teams in independent baseball. The Ducks take players at various points in their careers and allow them to continue playing the game they love.
The organization has a great reputation for helping its players reach the Major League level, regardless of where they are in their careers. Since its Atlantic League debut in 2000, the Ducks have sent 31 players to the MLB.
“You have guys here that haven’t made it to the major leagues and are trying to reach that goal, and you guys who have made it to the major leagues and are trying to get back there,” said Lew Ford, a former big leaguer and Ducks player who now serves as the manager for the team. “They’re here to get better as a player and help the team win, but at the same time this is a showcase for MLB clubs. We had nine guys signed this year, and the opportunity is there for anyone.”
A large majority of these players are former big leaguers who are trying to return to the highest level again. With the Ducks’ successful history in doing this, the organization has become home to plenty of fan favorites.
The most recent player to get picked up by a Major League organization was Jackie Bradley Jr., who signed with the New York Mets on Tuesday, July 23. Bradley is most known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, in which he had a tremendous career with notable feats including an All-Star appearance in 2016 and a Gold Glove, an American League Championship Series MVP, and a World Series ring in 2018.
After the 2020 season, Bradley found himself bouncing around the league until eventually joining the LI Ducks in April of 2024. He proved to be one of the best hitters in the Atlantic League racking up 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, 66 hits, and 23 walks with a batting average of .400 in 40 games. Bradley is now playing in AAA with the Syracuse Mets and will fight to earn a spot on the professional roster.
Schwindel played in eight games and recorded three hits in his 20 at-bats including his first major league home run that occurred on his first ever atbat with the team.
The Athletics ended up designating Schwindel for assignment, which led to the Chicago Cubs picking him up off waivers on July 18, 2021. With the Cubs trading away Anthony Rizzo they were in need of a new first-basemen, so they turned to Schwindel. This led to one of the most memorable rookie performances in recent history.
The 29-year-old rookie instantly became a fan favorite within Chicago and the rest of the MLB as he hit .344 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in the month of August, earning the National League Rookie of the Month Award. He then followed this up with earning an NL Player of the Week Award for his play from August 30 to September 5, including a go-ahead grand slam to help the Cubs defeat its division rival the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Bradley may not be the last Duck to get his contract purchased by an MLB team this season. Frank Schwindel (pictured above), most remembered for his tremendous 2021 rookie season, joined the Ducks in April of 2024 along with Bradley, forming one of the best offensive duos in the Atlantic League.
He has had a stellar season so far, recording a .324 average with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 28 walks in 55 games. He leads the team in batting average and RBIs, and is second in home runs behind Chance Sisco, another former big leaguer who has 15 home runs this season.
Schwindel was first drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2013 out of St. Johns, and spent seven years in the minors earning tons of awards for his elite offensive play. It’s rare to see a player fulfill their seven years in the minor league without being released or called up, but Schwindel’s performance earned him an opportunity as a pro. He ultimately made his debut with the Royals in 2019, appearing in 6 games and earning his first major league hit.
“It was definitely a grind,” Schwindel told The Messenger. “I had three ‘Player of the Year’ awards, a ‘Hitter of the Year’ award, three allstar games. I was putting up numbers at every level. I just had to be patient and wait it out. I was waiting for the right place, the right time and finally cracked a major league line-up and made my debut. It was awesome.”
“It was a road to get back there with two years in between,” Schwindel said. “Chicago took a chance on me and I took off from there. It was a crazy ride.”
Overall, the electric rookie finished with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .326 average in 64 games which earned him two votes in the National League Rookie of the Year Voting to place him at sixth place for the award.
“I always believed in myself,” Schwindel said. “It was an opportunity where they told me I was going to play every day and go out there and do you. That was the first time I’ve been told that.”
Heading into his sophomore year, Schwindel was prime to be a key piece for the Cubs. Unfortunately, he spent 2022 in and out of the majors and minors largely due to a lower back injury he suffered during the season. He finished with a .229 batting average and eight home runs before being demoted to Triple-A Iowa and eventually released on September 18.
In 2023, he briefly played in Japan with the Orix Buffaloes while still dealing with back issues. Finally, on April 12 of this year Schwindel joined the Ducks and has been dominating ever since.
“The Ducks have been awesome,” Schwindel said. “We have a lot of great players that have been in the clubhouse. It’s awesome playing with Gold Glovers, World Series champions, and also playing with guys where the Ducks are the highest level they ever played. It’s a great mix of talent in the clubhouse. Guys are coming off injury, trying to start their careers, or resurrect their careers. It’s just a great opportunity to play baseball. The competition has been great. I have all good things to say about this league.”
The former Royal was then designated for assignment on May 14 of that year, and eventually released on May 18. Following this turn of events, he signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers where he played at the A, AA, and AAA levels. Later that season he signed a new minor league contract with the team, but didn’t play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
On November 18 in 2020, Schwindel signed a new minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. He played with the AAA Las Vegas Aviators to start 2021, recording a .324 average and leading the Triple-A West league with 60 hits and 42 runs scored. These stats along with his 16 home runs, which was tied for the most in the minor leagues, earned him a spot on the major league roster.
“It’s also a great opportunity for me to get back on the field and see if I can still do it,” Schwindel added.
Schwindel has one of the most interesting career paths of a Long Island Duck as it holds a story of talent, hard-work, and determination. It’s difficult for a player to remain focused and patient for a chance at the majors.
“Being at the highest level, I was just thankful for every day,” Schwindel said, looking back on professional performance. “I had fun and was able to show people what I could do.
Schwindel took advantage of the opportunities he was given and lived out his dream of being a professional baseball player. At 32 years old, however, he’s not done yet.
“The last couple years were tough dealing with the back injuries, but I finally had the surgery to get back,” Schwindel said. “Things are starting to feel a little better and back to normal. This is an opportunity to stay on the field, get consistent at-bats, and just see if I can keep putting up these numbers and maybe a team takes a chance on me. I’m excited to just keep playing baseball every day and whatever happens, happens, but obviously the goal is to try to make it back.”
The former big leaguer will look to follow in the footsteps of many other former Ducks who have returned to the MLB. For now, Schwindel will continue to perform in the Atlantic League and give the Long Island Ducks a chance at a championship this season.
Patchogue’s ‘Alive After 5’ Continues to Thrill Thousands from Across LI
By Cait Crudden
of “Alive After,” a beloved community event that has become a staple of Long Island summers. Drawing thousands from neighboring towns within Brookhaven, Islip, and beyond, this street fair promises an evening of entertainment, culinary delights, and community engagement.
Since its inception, “Alive After 5” has grown into a can’t-miss event, showcasing Patchogue’s diverse culture and lively spirit. Beginning at 5:00p.m. and lasting well into the evening, the event transforms Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly hub of activity. Visitors can expect a plethora of attractions, including local vendors displaying unique crafts and merchandise, live music, food trucks offering an array of culinary treats, and participating restaurants serving up their finest dishes. The air is filled with the aroma of international cuisines and the sounds of live music echoing through the streets.
One of the highlights of “Alive After 5” is its emphasis on community involvement. Local organizations and businesses set up interactive booths, providing information about their services and initiatives. This interaction fosters a sense of unity and allows residents to learn more about the resources available within their own community.
“Alive After 5” is more than just a street fair; it’s an opportunity to showcase what Patchogue has to offer. The Village looks forward to connecting with our neighbors and introducing visitors to the vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit that defines our town.
The event’s popularity has grown exponentially over the years, drawing attendees not only from Patchogue but also from neighboring areas such as Medford, Sayville, and Bayport every summer.
Families, young professionals, and retirees alike flock to Main Street, creating a diverse tapestry of festivalgoers united in their appreciation for community and celebration.
“Alive After 5” has become a cornerstone of our summer calendar which boosts local businesses, fosters civic pride, and reinforces Patchogue’s reputation as a dynamic and welcoming place to live and visit. In addition to the economic benefits, “Alive After 5” also supports charitable causes. Many vendors and organizations use the platform to raise awareness and funds for local charities and community projects, further solidifying the event’s role as a force for good in Patchogue.
Whether enjoying a bite
“Alive After 5” continues on August 8, with a rain date of August 15. For those planning to attend, parking and shuttle services will be available to accommodate the anticipated crowds. Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during event hours, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
As the community eagerly counts down the days, anticipation is high for yet another successful “Alive After 5”. For more information, including a list of participating vendors, shuttle information and entertainment schedules, visit the official event website at https://aa5.patchogue.com or follow updates on social media @aliveafter5 or with the hashtag #AliveAfter5.
