Smithtown Messenger Archive Dec. 5, 2024

‘Taxation by Citation’ Suffolk’s Red Light Camera Program Officially Ends

By Matt Meduri

Suffolk County’s red light camera program is no more.

The controversial and widely-panned plan was implemented fourteen years ago. A $30 administrative fee was tacked on two years ago, against the advice of Suffolk County Legislators Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), who have made their combat of this program a key issue during their tenures.

The initial plan was straightforward: cameras were installed at hundreds of intersections deemed to pose higher crash risks to drivers with the intention of curbing crashes, injuries, and fatalities due to drivers running red lights.

The two key problems that have been discussed for the last decade-and-a-half have been the increase of rear-end crashes at these intersections - as well as dangers to pedestrians and bicyclists - and the tacit acceptance of a surveillance state.

Continued on page 4

STB Denies Townline Civic Association’s Petition Against Rail Yard

By Matt Meduri

In the ongoing saga of the proposed Kings Park Rail Yard, a civic group has been denied their petition for the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to reconsider their decision granting construction and operation authority.

While no official application for the rail yard from the property owner Toby Carlson, President of Carlson Corp, Inc., various governmental agencies have their own requirements to be fulfilled before such an application could be submitted to the Town for their own review. Such requirements include Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), as well as multiple periods to accept public comment.

The Townline Civic Association, representing the communities along Townline Road at the Smithtown-Huntington border, has repeatedly protested the project, citing health concerns, property values, and quality-of-life issues, as has other members of the immediate area.

However, such a project would also afford Long Island an opportunity to offset the looming waste crisis with the closure of the Brookhaven landfill in Yaphank, slated for closure in 2027.

Continued on page 3

An aerial view of the site in Kings Park (Credit - Town of Smithtown)

Legislators announce the end of the red light camera program (Credit - Matt Meduri)

2 Messenger Papers

PUBLISHER

Diane Caudullo

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Matt Meduri

STAFF REPORTER

Cait Crudden

ART

MANAGER

Sergio A. Fabbri

GRAPHIC

Colin Herr

CONTRIBUTORS

PJ Balzer

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Ashley Pavlakis

OFFICE

RECEIVABLE

Kim Revere

PROOFREADER

Giavanna Rudilosso SOCIAL

Madison Warren

PJ Balzer

Cuminale

STB Denies Townline Civic Association’s Petition Against Rail Yard

The project initially required environmental review from the STB, an independent federal agency that has oversight of railroads, freight train lines, railbanking, and some passenger line matters. The STB recently released a positive declaration, allowing the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to start their phase of oversight of the proposal.

The Townline Civic Association petitioned for the STB to reconsider their environmental review, which was denied.

The STB stated that the civic group “failed to present new evidence” to justify additional environmental review. Instead, the STB says, the group “reiterated previously addressed concerns, wasting time and resources.”

The civic group petitioned for a “Supplemental Environmental Assessment.” The STB ruled that their review concluded that the “project would have negligible impacts with proper mitigation.”

The STB also stated that the group’s assertions of groundwater contamination and hazardous spills were “unsubstantiated.” The STB found no hazardous materials within the project site and confirmed that spills occurred outside the 500-foot buffer zone. Furthermore, the STB classified Townline’s claims about illegal dumping as “speculative” and lacking “factual support.”

The STB also defended the State DEC, with the ruling adding that Townline “mischaracterized” the agency, adding that the DEC has monitored site reclamations for almost thirty years.

“The Association’s attempt to downplay NYSDEC’s role reveals either a lack of understanding or deliberate misrepresentation,” the ruling reads.

Finally, the STB denied Townline’s petition on the basis that their appeal is “wasting public resources.”

“By pursuing a petition based on recycled arguments, the Association has not only delayed meaningful progress but also diverted attention from the

real environmental and economic benefits of the project,” reads the ruling.

In the ruling, the Board stated, “Inviting parties to seek reconsideration of every Board decision with which they disagree would create an untenable basis for reconsiderations.”

“The Townline Civic Association and surrounding neighbors who have voiced their concerns regarding the potential rail project, and the Old Northport Corridor have our utmost attention,” said the Town in a statement. “Rest assured that the Town of Smithtown will address every possible concern that they have and update the community as we receive information.”

The Town adds that the situation provides a “unique opportunity” for civic groups and residents to voice their concerns and submit their comments required by the extra layer of environmental review, in line with Townline’s wishes.

“In the coming months, the Town of Smithtown will issue a positive declaration for amendments to the town code associated with the updated Master Plan. This process will provide the Townline Civic Association and concerned citizens with an opportunity to submit their questions, concerns, and input into an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS),” said the Town in a statement.

The Town also stresses, however, that this EIS is separate from any potential Townline Rail application. The Town also believes an application is not expected to land on their desks in the foreseeable future.

“The purpose of this in-depth environmental review is to assess the impact of all Town Code amendments and updates recommended in the Comprehensive Master Plan. Additionally, this process provides an extra layer of study and review focused on potential environmental impacts to land, water, traffic safety, air quality, etc.,” said the Town.

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CreditTown of Smithtown

State

Continued from front cover

‘Taxation by Citation’ Suffolk’s Red Light Camera Program Officially Ends

“The concentration of these cameras in lower-class and workingclass neighborhoods force these residents to unfairly bear the burden of an overreaching government trying to generate revenue for budget support,” said Legislator Piccirillo at a Monday press conference at the corner of Patchogue-Holbrook Road and Furrows Road in Holbrook. The intersection was chosen as the site to deliver the news of the historic end to the program due to its massive increase in rear-end collisions. At about a 300% increase, Piccirillo says that increase is more of a median figure, indicating other intersections have seen much sharper increases.

“After the illegal $30 administrative fee was repealed in 2022, thanks to Legislator Trotta and our colleagues for supporting the bill, this program wasn’t generating revenue for the County,” said Piccirillo.

The $30 administrative fee was deemed illegal due to the fact that the State did not permit surcharges above the $50 fine the County was authorized to levy.

“Legislator Trotta and I put the bill in to end the $30 fee in 2022. The County has been collecting it for two years now, but we’re probably looking at around $167 million that the County will have to pay back, depending on how the court rules,” Piccirillo told The Messenger. Piccirillo adds that the parameters of such a payback are still at the court’s discretion, which could entail a class-action lawsuit or individual reimbursements.

“This was taxation by citation,” said Legislator Trotta (pictured below) “There’s no mistake about it.”

Joining Piccirillo and Trotta were other members of the Suffolk County Legislature, Trish Bergin (R-East Islip), Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), and Majority Leader Nick Caracappa (C-Selden). Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) was also in attendance.

Speaking for the Senate delegation, Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) (pictured below right) discussed the curiosity of the absence of the cameras on the East End.

“I think it’s a testament to what this program was all about. None of us are against any measure that improves public safety, even in the slightest bit, but this was certainly a money-grab,” said Palumbo, whose district covers the northern half of Brookhaven, as well as the five eastern towns. Palumbo said the only cameras in his district were in the Town of Brookhaven.

“We’re glad to see that it’s ended,” said Palumbo, adding that the goaloriented research, while accurate in that the program reduced t-bone accidents, the cameras actually made the intersections more dangerous, with upticks in rear-end collisions being the primary culprit.

“When you’re in government, your job is to protect the people, not attack

While the cameras have been deactivated, drivers who were hit with tickets before December 1 will still have to pay them.

their wallets,” said Legislator Thorne (pictured left). “In my district alone, we’ve seen 70% increases in rear-end collisions at two intersections. It’s atrocious that the prior administration put this in and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to make it safer and more affordable here in Suffolk County.”

The reference is to the administration of former County Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon), who served as County Executive from 2012 until the end of 2023. Bellone worked with a Democratic-majority Legislature until the Republicans flipped control of the horseshoe in 2021. No Democratic elected officials attended the press conference on Monday.

“The Legislators here are doing exactly what they said they were going to do when they got elected,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) (pictured below), contrasting the Legislators with other elected officials, who “campaign in poetry.”

“Whether you’re in Town or County government, we should be honest about what it costs to run a government, not jack up administrative fees, not just grab endlessly into the pockets of taxpayers,” said Panico.

“We warned the prior [Bellone] administration and the prior Legislature that the $30 administrative fee was illegal and that the County would have to pay back that money to the taxpayers,” said Piccirillo. “Now, here we are as a responsible government ending ‘taxation by citation,’ but we’re stuck with the sins of the former County Executive and we have to pay back all the money they took to balance the budget.”

The question now turns to the budget, with Piccirillo saying that since “the adults are in charge,” the Legislature has been able to produce a “fiscally conservative budget.”

“We hired one hundred new police officers with this year’s budget,” said Piccirillo.

The camera equipment belongs to the third-party company and will be handled by them, not the County. This aspect of the program, Legislator Trotta says, only added insult to injury.

“A lot of the taxpayers’ money was going out of state to a company that doesn’t even operate in New York. 45% of the money was leaving New York State,” said Trotta. “How is that helping the taxpayers here? That’s what mismanagement of government is.”

A bicyclist passed by the press conference, applauding the end of the program.

“These red light cameras are brutal; drivers just slam on their brakes. I try to obey all traffic laws, but it’s not safe when people are speeding through intersections to not get caught by the cameras,” Tom Bennett, of Holbrook, an avid bicyclist and Long Island resident for over fifty years.

“I’m taking my life into my hands; I’m thrilled to see these damn things go,” Bennett told The Messenger

Bennett says that he’s had close calls with vehicles dozens of times, including a couple of instances in which his bicycle was clipped by vehicles.

While the cameras have been deactivated, drivers who were hit with tickets before December 1 will still have to pay them.

Long Island Life & Politics

Suffolk DA’s Office Announces Results of Retail Protection Partnership

By Hank Russell

In an effort to crack down on repeat shoplifters, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) had introduced a program in which his office, local law enforcement and stores work together to catch those repeatedly committing retail theft. At a press conference at the Suffolk County Police Academy gym in Brentwood on December 2, Tierney announced the results of that program, including the prosecutions of 15 repeat offenders and a reduction in shoplifting in Suffolk.

The Retail Protection Partnership is a joint effort among the aforementioned parties to make sure any repeat shoplifters are caught and punished. Among the retailers that have joined the program so far include Target Corporation, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ulta, Marshalls, Stop and Shop, Walgreens, Macy’s, CVS, TJX Companies, and Burlington. Tierney said he is anticipating more Suffolk retailers will become part of the program.

in the Fourth Degree, and was sentenced to one and a half to three years in prison.

The law enforcement members of the Retail Protection Partnership currently consist of Assistant District Attorneys, District Attorney Detective Investigators, members of each of the Suffolk County Police Department’s seven police precincts, and members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney’s Squad.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime,” Tierney said. “It affects everyone. It drives up consumer prices, employees lose jobs, stores close, and it costs taxpayers millions of dollars.” According to Tierney, in New York State alone, retailers lost $4.4 billion and the state lost out on $178 million in tax revenue.

In October 2023, Tierney met with retailers to discuss the heavy toll that shoplifters were causing in their stores in Suffolk County. He said the state’s bail reform laws have “emboldened” these repeat offenders “and encouraged them to shoplift.” Because of these laws, police cannot arrest shoplifters; they can only issue them desk appearance tickets and hope they show up for court on that day.

“Oftentimes, or all the time, they won’t show up [for their court date],” Tierney said. “We can ask for a warrant [but] we have to go out and find the offender and send him back to court. If they miss a court date again, then we can get a warrant. This is a tremendous strain on our resources.”

To prevent someone from stealing from a store again, Tierney said, retailers will identify the repeat offenders to law enforcement. From there, officers will issue a trespass notice to the subject, “It tells them, ‘You are no longer welcome here in this store,’” Tierney said. If they attempt to enter the store, then they can be arrested for trespassing. If they are caught stealing, the charges can be upgraded to burglary.

Tierney announced that his office has prosecuted almost half of the top recidivist shoplifters. So far, the following 15 have been convicted:

 RYAN MCINTOSH, 33, undomiciled, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to one and a half to three years in prison. At the time of his arrest on that case, McIntosh was pending sentence for Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, for which he was sentenced to two and a half to five years in prison, to run concurrently with his new grand larceny conviction.

• ANITA GUARINO, 56, of Mastic Beach, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to two to four years in prison.

• JOSE MALDONADO, 41, of Brentwood, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to two to four years in prison.

• ESPERANZA TRICOCHE, 39, of Bay Shore, was convicted of Grand Larceny

• MICHAEL GIOELI, 35, of Babylon, pleaded guilty to Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to one and a half to three years in prison.

• STEVEN DURHAM, 41, of Coram, pleaded guilty to an aggregated Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to one to three years in prison.

• DWAYNE HUDSON, 54, of Mount Vernon, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to one year in jail.

• TAYLOR JOHNSON, 32, of Massapequa, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to one year in jail.

• MELISSA KUST, 43, of Flanders, pleaded guilty to Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to the maximum of one year in jail.

• ERIN LUTZ, 39, of Bellport, pleaded guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges of Petit Larceny and was sentenced to one year in jail.

• PATRICK O’TOOLE, 34, of Copiague, pleaded guilty to five counts of Petit Larceny, which occurred at five different retailers, and was sentenced to one year in jail.

• KELVIN RANSOM, 55, of Medford, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to one year in jail.

• EMMANUEL ROSARIO, 36, of Brentwood, pleaded guilty to Robbery in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, stemming from a retail theft incident, and was sentenced to one year in jail.

• MARION MCCLURE, 60, of Central Islip, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, and was sentenced to nine months in jail.

• ANTHONY FENNER, 35, of Hempstead, pleaded guilty to Burglary in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and was sentenced to six months in jail and is currently being supervised by probation.

Tierney also showed videos of their “brazen” offenses. “They walked out, they thought they could get away with it, but they didn’t. … Just because you left with [the merchandise] from the store doesn’t mean you got away with it.”

He also pointed out that shoplifting from 2022 to 2023 — before the program was implemented — went up. While shoplifting and other larcenies in Suffolk County rose from 4,499 incidents in 2022 to 5,119 incidents in 2023, following the implementation of the Retail Protection Partnership program, such incidents have fallen to 5,053 within the past year. Tierney pointed out that bucks the state trend, which has seen shoplifting increase.

This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

The Historic End of the Red Light Cameras

Anyone with a healthy amount of cynicism would agree with the idea that when a new tax or fine is introduced, it’s essentially written in stone.

That’s why the end of Suffolk’s red light camera program is more historic than many people seem to think. While the reactions to the program’s end have been universally jubilant, the sheer gravity of the moment is being missed.

Republicans ran on less taxation and less surveillance, as well as honest budgeting that doesn’t bilk taxpayers of every last cent required to live in one of the most expensive parts of the country. They flipped the County Legislature in 2021 on that message, and Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) became the first Republican Suffolk County Executive in twenty years. They ran on this platform and they’re delivering.

There’s a stark contrast in the administration of yesteryear and the one of today. Former Executive Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon), the Democratic-led Legislature, and the people in his administration ushered this program in, much to the chagrin of the vast majority of residents. Framed as a public safety measure, it was readily apparent to all residents of Suffolk, even those without that healthy dose of cynicism, to see this for what it so blatantly was: a cash grab.

For another squeeze of lemon juice over the paper cut, the $30 administrative fee was instituted on top of the $50 fine, a move that the County had no legal right to make, as it was not approved by Albany.

Legislators Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) were especially vociferous in this regard, warning their legislative colleagues that Suffolk would be on the hook to pay back illegally-collected “administrative” fees.

Turns out, they were right, and Suffolk will have to dole out upwards of $130 million back to the ticketed drivers from whom the fees were collected.

A final insult to injury: about half of those funds went to the third-party agency who owns the cameras, who are not based in New York. Taxpayers were not only deceived by their government about safety, but they were scammed on top of it. Some have said that they would be fine with the red light fines going back into the county, but that optimistic outlook wasn’t even considered, apparently. It’s not only the gall to deliberately deceive and scam taxpayers, but it’s

the willing dismissal of the claims of experienced Legislators when they’re sounding alarms that brings about new contempt for the previous administration.

The ineptitude of the past is also not relegated to this issue alone. Bellone’s fiscal irresponsibility led to the water restoration fund being drained to plug holes in the budget, another open-andshut lawsuit against the County that will likely see them pay back hundreds of millions of dollars. Had that not occurred, we probably wouldn’t have needed the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act on the ballot as Proposition Two this year.

Now, we’re not only seeing fiscal and ethical responsibility, as well as the GOP keeping good on their promises, but we’re likely seeing a massive precedent being set.

The end of the camera program now calls into question other programs that could be considered “surveillance state” or “cash grab” methods, such as the school bus cameras and highway speed trackers. It also significantly raises the bar for elected officials or those seeking office to make promises that they can keep and actually deliver on them.

Finally, it shows that extraneous government programs are not necessarily written in stone. After fourteen years, the cameras essentially became background noise, a reality we all adjusted to; some passively, others, not as much. If the red light cameras went down when it was assumed they were baked into Suffolk’s DNA, it opens the door for more waste, fraud, and abuse to be cut.

Interestingly enough, we learned that while Democratic elected officials were invited to Monday’s presser in Holbrook, none attended. We’re sure some had legitimate priorities, but this is perhaps one of the biggest Suffolk headlines this year. The crowd should have been bigger.

Furthermore, now that the missteps of Bellone and company are being fully realized now that we have capable people in government - Thomas Valva, the 2022 cyber attack, the water quality fund, red light cameras to name a few - it’s a surprise Bellone wasn’t ran out of town on a rail years ago.

The Messenger wholeheartedly thanks the elected officials - especially Legislators Piccirillo and Trotta - involved for sticking to their promises and sounding the alarms. It’s the bare minimum for any elected official, but it feels like an oasis in the desert has just been found.

The Newfound Openness of Being a Republican

Eight years ago, the thought of voting for Donald Trump (R-NY) was so unpalatable to some, it was a non-starter conservation topic. For others, it was the uncertainty of just how many people supported Trump that election, that it was incredibly difficult to gauge the political moods of the country. This leads to what’s known as the ReverseBradley Effect, which occurs when the polling environment is so tainted that an upset occurs on Election Day.

Eight years ago, Republicans and conservatives - or anyone supporting Trump and conservative policies - might as well have been relegated to basement speakeasies with sheet metal doors and a viewing slot through which to utter a password.

Today, there is a newfound openness of being a Republican, a conservative, a Trump voter, or anyone who simply backs the President-elect and/or conservative policy.

The media is trying to insist that Trump does not have a “mandate” based on these results, since the popular vote margin is just over a million votes and Trump “only” captured a plurality of the electorate.

They’re trying to take this victory away from him since he was literally 0.01 percentage points from taking a majority - at least 50% plus one - in the

popular vote.

Furthermore, they insist that since the GOP only held the House by a razorthin majority, it negates the mandate he received.

Over the next several weeks, check in our Civics 101 column on Page 14. We’ll be doing in-depth analyses of how each state voted in this election. Getting under the hood and going through the numbers shows that the win was much bigger than some people think.

For instance, it’s common for losing presidential candidates to swing a few states in their party’s direction. John McCain (R-AZ) lost badly to Barack Obama (D-IL) in 2008, but he still managed to swing five Southern states towards the right. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) lost in 2016, but eleven states trended blue that year. When Trump lost in 2020, several states still shifted towards him, even deep-blue states like Hawaii. Harris did not swing a single state, even the sapphire-blue District of Columbia, in her direction. This is the first time we’ve seen a uniform swing across the country in one political direction since 1976. On top of that, about 90% of all counties swung towards Trump, with the most dramatic shifts occurring in the Tri-State Area, the Rio Grande Valley, and Harris’ home state of California.

Every Thursday

Take a Stand against Hochul’s Commuter Tax

By Congressman Nick LaLota

Governor Hochul’s (D) so-called “congestion pricing” is nothing more than a commuter tax that unfairly targets hardworking Long Islanders. At a time when families are already struggling under New York’s crushing tax burden, this policy adds insult to injury. It forces suburban communities to subsidize wasteful mismanagement while the state ignores pressing issues like rising violent crime and the ongoing migrant crisis.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), which stands to benefit from this tax, has a long history of inefficiency and waste. Fare evasion alone costs nearly $700 million annually—more than $300 million of that from buses. A report by the Empire Center exposed that over 1,100 MTA employees doubled their salaries in one year, often through six-figure overtime payouts. Instead of addressing these glaring issues, the MTA expects Long Islanders to fill a $15 billion funding gap without making meaningful reforms or providing

real accountability.

Governor Hochul initially shelved this plan before the election, only to revive it afterward—a bait-andswitch that underscores her disconnect from suburban priorities. Her claim of a “40% reduction” on a tax that hasn’t even taken effect is misleading spin. This isn’t about solving problems; it’s about using Long Islanders as a piggy bank to bail out NYC’s failures.

In Washington, I’m working with my colleagues to fight back. Alongside Representatives Lawler (R, NY-17), D’Esposito (R, NY-04), and Malliotakis (R, NY-11), I’ve urged Governor Hochul to abandon this tone-deaf plan. We’re also exploring bipartisan legislative options to protect suburban families from shouldering the burden of the MTA’s financial mismanagement.

This commuter tax is a slap in the face to Long Islanders, deepening the divide between New York City and its surrounding communities. While the tax is

projected to raise $1 billion annually for the MTA, it does so without addressing systemic problems—throwing good money after bad.

Long Islanders deserve better. We shouldn’t be forced to fund programs that don’t reflect our values or priorities. Albany needs to focus on accountability and fairness— not schemes that punish suburban families to cover for bureaucratic failures.

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) is a lifelong Long Islander in his first term representing Suffolk County in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected to the House last month.

Conservatives Should Beware of Overreaching

By Steve Levy

Conservatives can take heart that the elections this past November put a wrench into the progressives’ plan to march the United States towards Marxism.

The American public has called upon Republicans and moderate Democrats to change the course of the nation so that our borders are secure, the spending is under control and the woke nonsense comes to an end.

But conservatives must also be on guard not to overplay their hand. We’re seeing it in two particular areas of late.

1) Infusing religion into our schools.

It’s wonderful that the atheists who are pushing their critical race theory in our schools are being pushed to the sideline to some extent. But conservatives should make sure they don’t go too far the other way by doing what officials in Oklahoma and Texas are seeking to do. They are insisting that the Bible and Christian dogma be taught in our schools.

This is a bridge too far that not only violates the Constitution’s separation of church and state but will also most certainly alienate moderates and independents throughout the land for future elections.

We are a nation whose laws were based on JudeoChristian values. But one of those values was to ensure that the state did not impose a particular religion on those not practicing the faith. Christians wouldn’t like it if a Muslim-dominated school board in Dearborn, Michigan started teaching the Quran in the public elementary schools.

Keep the Bible reserved for the home, church and Sunday schools. Let’s continue to pass laws that reflect our Judeo-Christian heritage, but not impose one religion on another in the public square.

2) Enough with the Trump dance by our athletes.

I’ve heard many of my Republican friends gloating over how many athletes are suddenly doing the Trump dance to celebrate their touchdowns and other accomplishments. They consider it a coming out of conservative voices that have been suppressed for so long in this new cancel culture.

But remember, it was conservatives who were rightfully crying how liberal entertainment and sports figures were using their platforms to promote progressive, woke causes. We had said back then: “Sing

Letter to the Editor

LIRR riders should be concerned about some critical details that were missing from Senator Schumer’s (D) announcement that he has secured $72 million from the United States Department of Transportation for various Penn Station capital improvements.

Is the $72 million an approved appropriation of funding that a transit agency must still develop a grant application or apply for, or is it a real grant that includes $72 million in funding to a transit agency that is now immediately available to be spent by the grant recipient? Are these funds being administered by the Federal Transit Administration? Is there already a Memorandum of Understanding between the MTA, LIRR, New Jersey Transit and Amtrak for administration of these funds?

How many years will it take to advance design and engineering (reviewed and approved by MTA, NYC Transit, LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak operations, maintenance and other departments) before the project is ready for the next phase of construction? Design and engineering usually averages 5% to 10% of a capital project cost. Who is going to come up with the $648 to $684 million for construction?

and shut up” while basketball players should shut up and dribble. It’s alright for them to have political views, but don’t do it on our dime when we’re paying to get entertained at a sporting event or a concert. So, if we don’t want liberals lecturing us at these events, why would we think that our liberal friends would want conservatives to do the same to them? Let’s shake hands and agree to leave the politics out of sports and entertainment so that we can come together as one unified group at these events and get away from the things that divide us.

Steve Levy (R-Bayport) served as Suffolk County Executive from 2004 to 2011. He currently serves as the CEO of Common Sense Strategies. This op-ed originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

Independent third-party engineering construction management firms to assist in oversight and contingency funding for construction bids coming in above the project cost estimator, contract change orders during construction due to unforeseen site conditions, or late requests by LIRR, NYC Transit, NJ Transit, and Amtrak operations or maintenance groups?

Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for NJ Transit, MTA NYC Transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry along with 30 other transit agencies in New York and New Jersey.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Patchogue’s Christmas Parade Draws Crowds to Main Street

By Cait Crudden

The Village of Patchogue kicked off the holiday season on Main Street in grand style this past weekend with its annual Christmas Parade, attracting families and visitors from across Long Island. Main Street was packed with spectators who braved the chilly evening air to enjoy the festive spectacle and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself.

The parade, a beloved tradition, featured an impressive lineup of floats, performers, and local organizations decked out in dazzling holiday lights and decorations. Marching bands, dance troupes, fire departments, and community groups joined in the festivities, creating a joyous atmosphere that radiated holiday cheer.

From the moment the first float turned onto Main Street, the crowd’s

excitement was palpable. Children waved glowing wands and clutched cups of hot chocolate as the illuminated floats passed by. Each float was meticulously designed, showcasing themes ranging from classic holiday scenes to creative, contemporary interpretations of the Christmas spirit.

One standout float featured the Elf on a Shelf. He was playing festive tunes as the parade’s DJ. Another float featured Frosty the snowman who towered over the crowd. As the audience cheered, kids danced, and angels marched down Main Street highlighting the holidays and traditions within the community. It brought everyone together and really sets the tone for the holiday season.

The highlight of the evening came as Santa Claus made his grand entrance, riding atop a beautifully decorated float with a sleigh to the sound of festive music and roaring applause. As he waved to the crowd, children shouted his name and parents snapped photos to capture the magical moment.

The parade not only celebrated the holiday season but also showcased the strong sense of community that Patchogue is known for. Local businesses, civic groups, and volunteers played an integral role in making the event a success.

The parade is a testament to the incredible community in Patchogue. It was about coming together, celebrating shared traditions, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Santa’s helpers collected letters from parade goers which excited the children that attended, and they may even get a letter in return from Santa himself.

Holiday-themed street poles added to the festive atmosphere adorned with snowflakes. The community sang along, filling the air with classic holiday tunes and spreading good cheer.

The Village of Patchogue’s Christmas Parade was more than just a visual spectacle, it was a heartfelt celebration of community and holiday spirit. As families left Main Street with smiles and memories to cherish, one thing was clear; the holiday season in Patchogue is off to a magical start.

Montauk

This Week Today

National, State and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri National

In a reversal of years of statements, President Joe Biden (D-DE) has officially pardoned his son, Hunter, namely referring to his tax affairs and a firearm charge, claiming the charges were “selective” and “political.”

The junior Biden’s pardons don’t just include his more recent legal problems, but extend back to 2014, a sweeping pardon that The Washington Post has called “unparalleled” in history. The near-decade of pardoned potential offenses are believed to have not only shielded Hunter Biden, but President Biden as well from scrutiny over dealings with Ukraine, specifically Hunter’s time on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. His involvement on the board is alleged to have led to quid-pro-quo deals between the U.S. and Ukraine while Joe Biden was vice president.

Outgoing Congressman Dean Phillips (D, MN-03), who ran a long-shot bid for the presidency in the Democratic Primary this year, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Let’s just say the quiet part out loud, certain Americans are indeed above the law and influence is always for sale. It’s time for the exhausted majority to condemn and confront legalized corruption.”

Phillips adds that the pardoning powers afforded to U.S. presidents have been abused by both President-elect Donald Trump (R-FL) and Biden and is in need of reform.

The pardon comes after years of President Biden insisting that he would not pardon his son.

Results for the U.S. House of Representatives are now complete, and Democrats have picked up two additional seats in California

In the Orange County-based CA-45, Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R) has lost to Derek Tran (D). Tran has unseated Steel by 600 votes out of over 300,000 cast.

In the Central Valley-based CA-13, Adam Gray (D) has defeated freshman Congressman John Duarte (R) in a rematch from 2022. This was one of the closest races of the midterms two years ago, a distinction it will achieve yet again this year. Gray’s lead is just 187 votes out of over 200,000 ballots cast. Duarte defeated Gray two years ago by just 500 votes, although turnout was about half of what it was this year.

The 220-215 GOP House-majority will be the thinnest elected House majority - that is, not barring vacancies - since the GOP had 219 seats in the Sixty-First Congress from 1909 to 1911. Republicans had recently secured a 221-seat majority in 1953 and again in 2001. The GOP entered 2023 with 222 members, but lost one seat after the expulsion of George Santos (R-Queens).

The final results give Democrats a net gain of seats; Democrats flipped nine seats to the GOP’s eight. Three of those blue flips came from California, with another three from New York. The GOP flipped three seats in North Carolina due to an aggressive gerrymander, while they also netted two seats from Pennsylvania and Alaska’s sole House seat. Democrats took seats in Oregon, Louisiana, and Alabama, while the GOP flipped one seat in Michigan and took another in Colorado.

Thirty states now had Republican-majority House delegations, compared to eighteen for Democrats, and two split delegations in Minnesota and Colorado. The gains allowed the GOP to take House delegation majorities in Pennsylvania and Michigan. This election marked the first time since 2008 that Democrats won multiple seats in Alabama, and the first time since 2006 that the party accomplished the same feat in Louisiana. The cycle is also historic in that the first transgender person was elected to Congress. Sarah McBride, born Tim, was elected to the open seat in Delaware.

Meanwhile, results from the territorial elections are also in, and just as the GOP has ended several long Democratic voting streaks in mainland elections, the islands have also seen similar shifts.

In the South Pacific territory of American Samoa, Nikolao Pula, a Nonpartisan who ran on a Republican alliance, has defeated Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who is a registered Nonpartisan but ran on the Democratic alliance. Pula has become the first Republican governor of American Samoa since 1988 and only the second Republican elected to the position since the election of territorial governors began in 1978.

In the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R) has become the first Republican to win the territorial delegate seat to Congress. Independent-turned-Democrat Gregorio Sablan retired after eight terms. King-Hinds was elected by six points in a

four-way race.

Each of the five territories, plus the District of Columbia, receive delegates to the U.S. House. Delegates can sit on committees, and even chair them, and introduce legislation, but they cannot cast floor votes. The de facto form of representation is representative of the autonomy the territories have.

Kings-Hinds becomes the first woman to be elected to Congress representing CNMI, which now means that, in 2024, every U.S. state and territory have elected women to represent them in Congress.

In the territory of Guam, a presidential straw poll is offered every four years. The result has no electoral impact, nor does it factor into the nationwide popular vote, but it does offer a barometer of the Pacific island’s politics, as well as raise awareness for its lack of federal representation.

Since Guam began its presidential straw polls in 1980, it has backed the GOP only four times, most recently 2004 for George W. Bush (R-TX). It backed Hillary Clinton (D-NY) with 71% of the vote, followed by just a twelve-point win for Biden in 2020; the Democrats carried all nineteen villages in both scenarios.

In 2024, Kamala Harris (D-CA) carried Guam by just over three points - 49.5%-46% - losing four villages to Trump. This marks the first time since 2000 that Guam has backed the loser of the national popular vote.

In the District of Columbia, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (DDC) has won re-election with 80.6% of the vote, compared to 86.5% two years ago. Norton was first elected in 1991. Kymone Freeman ran on the D.C. Statehood Green line and took second place with 6.9% of the vote.

State

The city was the site of a horrific murder Wednesday morning. UnitedHealthcare (UNH) CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was murdered while walking in Midtown Manhattan. According to reports, Thompson was in the area outside of a hotel where his company was holding a conference.

Surveillance video shows the hooded assailant wearing a beige-white backpack. He pulled out a suppressed pistol and shot Thompson in the back. As Thompson collapsed, the shooter fled the scene into an alleyway and was reportedly last seen heading into Central Park on an e-bike.

The murder is seen as unequivocally premeditated, but the exact motive remains unclear as of press time.

Thompson was found with gunshot wounds to the back and right calf. He was pronounced dead at 7:12a.m.

“We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,” said Paulette Thompson, Brian’s wife. “Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. More importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”

Thompson had worked for UNH for twenty years and had run the company’s insurance branch since 2021. His tenure as CEO consisted of providing health coverage to almost fifty million Americans. UNH is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run alternative to the federal program.

A Facebook group called The Other 98% shared a photo on Facebook that shows UNH leading ten other healthcare providers in terms of denied claims. UNH topped the list at 32%, while the industry average is 16%, based on available in-network claim data. The chart is positioned next to a photo of Thompson above the caption, “Today we remember the legacy of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.”

Comments on the post appear to rationalize Thompson’s murder, with one commenter saying, “This kind of thing will keep happening if the wealth disparity doesn’t change.”

Another commenter said, “Universal Health Care [sic] would solve this.”

Many comments are of this perspective, including some that appear somewhat celebratory.

Local

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), in conjunction with County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) held a press conference on Thanksgiving Eve, known among younger social circles as “Blackout Wednesday.”

The purpose: hit the towns and get as inebriated as possible.

Tierney, Romaine, and SCPD Deputy Commissioners Kevin Catalina and Belinda Alvarez-Groneman held a press conference with victims and families of victims of drunk drivers to caution holiday partiers to be responsible and not get behind the wheel of a car.

Officials were joined by Andrea and Tim Carpenter (pictured below with Executive Romaine), whose son, Timothy, was tragically killed last year in Centereach after a repeat-offender high on fentanyl collided with the vehicle driven by Timothy’s uncle, Stacey, who is permanently disabled from the incident. The family of Andrew McMorris was also in attendance. McMorris was killed in 2018, when Thomas Murphy drunkenly drove his car into a hiking troop of Boy Scouts.

Murphy’s appeal of his eight-to-twenty-five-year-sentence was denied in July.

Finally, Daijonee Vanderveer (pictured below) made an appearance herself. The single mother had stopped her car on the Sagtikos State Parkway at 12:30 a.m. two years ago. When she exited the vehicle to retrieve the spare tire from the trunk, Kevin Rosasdaqui, of Brooklyn, struck Vanderveer and her vehicle, severing both of her legs.

Vanderveer spoke of her experiences in the assistance she requires, but that it has not dampened her spirits.

All families and officials urged drivers to be responsible, and that, in the age of ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, there is virtually no excuse to get behind the wheel intoxicated.

The press conference applies to not just the holiday season but all year-long, and officials and victims hope that these words are heeded to prevent further tragedy.

The final results of the U.S. House elections in 2024

10

Smithtown Matters

December 5,

Mattera Launches Holiday Donation Drive to Support Families

By Cait Crudden

Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) has kicked off a holiday donation drive aimed at spreading joy and hope to families in need. The initiative invites residents to donate toys, pajamas, and food to benefit local organizations and families during the holiday season. Donations will be accepted at Senator Mattera’s district office at 180 East Main Street in Smithtown, now through Friday, December 20, during regular business hours.

The annual effort reflects Senator Mattera’s dedication to fostering a sense of community and uplifting neighbors during the holiday season. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact and bring holiday cheer to those who most need it in our area,” Senator Mattera said, emphasizing the importance of generosity and unity.

To brighten the holidays for children, the donation drive seeks new, unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, books, and other kid-friendly items suitable for ages 2 through 16. These contributions will be delivered to children receiving care at local healthcare facilities, including St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and the Northwell Health Dolan Family Health Center.

The goal is to provide joy and comfort to children facing challenges, ensuring that they, too, can experience the magic of the holiday season. In collaboration with EJs PJs, the drive also collects new pajamas for young children, teens, and adults. This initiative aims to help families stay warm and comfortable during the holidays.

EJs PJs, started by Patricia Poggi and inspired by her sons Edward, Jeremy, and Patrick, has become a cherished community tradition. The program’s outreach extends to countless families, and this year’s partnership with Senator Mattera’s office ensures

an even greater reach. Residents interested in learning more about this initiative can visit ejspjs.org for additional information.

The donation drive also addresses food insecurity, which affects many families during the holidays. Non-perishable food items collected will be distributed to local organizations, including the Salvation Army of East Northport and other nearby food pantries. The list of items needed includes:

Canned goods such as corn, gravy, pumpkin, vegetables, cranberry sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. Pantry staples like cornbread mix, stuffing, mac and cheese mix, rice, instant biscuits, and mashed potatoes. Donations of perishable items or items in glass containers unfortunately cannot be accepted.

Senator Mattera’s holiday donation drive underscores the importance of community support during the holiday season. With contributions of any size, residents can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their neighbors, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion. “The holidays are a time for giving and it is important that we come together as a community to help our neighbors. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a world of difference in someone’s life. Thank you to everyone who joins us in this important effort,” remarked Senator Mattera.

Those wishing to participate in this worthy initiative can drop off donations at Senator Mattera’s Smithtown office by December 20. Together, the community can ensure that no family is left behind during this season of giving. For additional information or questions about the holiday drive, residents are encouraged to contact Senator Mattera’s office directly.

By Hank Russell

Bomb Threat Called in at Zeldin’s House

Suffolk County police were called to the residence of former U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in response to a bomb threat that included a pipe bomb found in his mailbox, according to various news reports.

“Suffolk County Police responded to the Zeldin home at 8:52 a.m. on November 27 after receiving a report of a bomb threat, specifically a pipe bomb in the mailbox, at the location,” the SCPD said in a statement. “Emergency Service Section officers checked the property and no devices were found.”

Zeldin — who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump (R-FL) to head up the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — described the incident on social media. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops. We are thankful for the swift actions taken by local officers to keep our family, neighbors, and local community secure.”

CreditHank Russell

In addition, Zeldin was nearly a victim himself in 2022, when David Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, tried to stab Zeldin during his campaign for governor in upstate Monroe County. Zeldin was able to disarm Jakubonis, who was later arrested for, and charged with, attempted assault. According to news reports, Jakubonis walked onto the stage, swung a knife at Zeldin and said, “You’re done.”

Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team for comment. The team’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt (R-NH), said this was not an isolated incident.

This is not the first time police came to Zeldin’s home. On October 9, 2022, two gang members were shot in front of his house by a rival while Zeldin’s two daughters were inside the house doing their homework. The shooter, Noah Green, was sentenced to 12 years in prison two years later for attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-American threats to their lives and those who live with them,” Leavitt said in a statement. “These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting.’ In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action. President Trump and the Transition [team] are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future. With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.”

This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

Assemblyman Smith Reacts to Rockefeller Report on School Aid

By Guest Contributor

Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), the Ranking Member of the New York State Assembly Education Committee, responded to the Rockefeller Institute of Government’s recommendations for reforming the state’s Foundation Aid formula, pledging a thorough review to ensure fairness and quality across New York’s diverse school districts.

Smith emphasized the need to balance equity with excellence in education funding. “We will be conducting a thorough review to ensure that any changes to state aid protect local property taxpayers, preserve the ability of highly effective school districts to provide a world-class education, and fully support high-needs and low-wealth districts,” Smith stated.

The Rockefeller Institute’s report, released earlier today, outlined a series of proposals to modernize the formula used to allocate billions in state education funding. While the report aims to address inequities, Smith stressed the importance of avoiding redistribution that could harm successful programs, particularly in suburban communities. “As we consider reforms, we must avoid redistributing resources in a way that dismantles successful programs, particularly those in suburban communities that have long been models of educational excellence,” Smith said. He added that rural equity remains a priority, noting, “Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to the tools they need to succeed.”

Smith also highlighted the importance of supporting urban schools in New York City and upstate cities. He called for focused efforts to improve outcomes and restore New York’s education system to its “gold standard.”

“A strong public education system is the gateway to the middle class,” Smith remarked. “It is our mission to improve struggling schools by fully funding and replicating successful programs—not by defunding beloved programs that work and give our children a reason to go to school every day.”

The Assemblyman concluded by reaffirming his commitment to collaboration with stakeholders to ensure any reforms align with the state’s vision for educational excellence.

As the state evaluates potential changes to Foundation Aid, Smith’s comments set the stage for what is expected to be a pivotal debate in shaping the future of New York’s public education system.

Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) has represented the Fifth District in the New York State Assembly since 2018. The Fifth District is split between the Towns of Brookhaven and Islip, containing the communities of Lake Grove and parts of Bohemia, Centereach, Farmingville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Islandia, Lake Ronkonkoma, North Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, and Selden.

Assemblyman Smith serves as Ranking Member of the Education Committee and serves on the committees on Aging; Energy; and Higher Education, and serves on the Commission of the Future of the Long Island Power Authority.

The Fifth District office is located at 4155 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 9, in Ronkonkoma and can be reached at 631-585-0230.

(Credit - Doug Smith Assemblyman)

School Highlights

Smithtown HS East and West Celebrate Musical Achievements

Smithtown High School East Tri-M Students

Take Home ‘Tri-M Cup’

More than 130 Tri-M Music Honor Society members from both Smithtown High School East and Smithtown High School West recently gathered in the library of Smithtown High School West to enjoy dinner, camaraderie and a little friendly competition at the fourteenth annual Tri-M Dinner.

The Tri-M dinner is an annual event that represents two chapters becoming and representing one community. The evening began with performances by High School West’s very own Woodwind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Frank Scheno. Following dinner, students engaged in various games that included pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, battle of the bands where student teams composed and performed musical selections using toy instruments and the main event of the evening, Music Jeopardy.

After the final note and conclusion of the evening’s games, it was High School East’s Tri-M who was victorious and took home the Tri-M Cup for the 2024-2025 school year. “Regardless of the outcome, the ultimate victory of the evening was that we joined together to combine both honor societies from East and West to benefit the Smithtown community,” said High School West Orchestra Director Joseph Cotignola. Attendees brought non-perishable food items that were donated the next day to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry. Smithtown West Senior Nicholas Stallone stated that “The Tri-M Dinner is always such a treat to experience. Meeting with Smithtown East’s Tri-M chapter in such a fun environment always makes for an incredibly eventful and fun night.”

More than fifty musicians from Smithtown High School East and Smithtown High School West have been selected to participate in All-State and All-County music festivals this fall and winter.

Fourteen students from High School East and High School West were selected for All-State honors as a result of their superior scores at the New York State School Music Association’s solo festival and teacher recommendations. The All-State Concert takes place on December 7-8 at the Kodak Theatre in the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

Thirty-seven students from High School East and High School West were named All-County musicians. Selection to the All-County Festival is one of the most prestigious honors in Suffolk County for a student-musician. Students performed in the NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Concert on November 15 at Hauppauge High School.

In addition, nine students from High School West were named All-County Jazz. The SCMEA All County Jazz concert was held on November 23 at Miller Place High School.

Happy Birthday, Business Olympics

Talk about a doggone great competition. On November 20, the Smithtown School of Business hosted its premiere event, the thirtieth installment of the Business Olympics, at High School West.

Over the last thirty years, the high school students have been tasked with creating marketing campaigns, new products, eco-friendly businesses and imagining the Twenty-First Century classroom. This year’s theme was “Smithtown’s Petpalooza” and the students did not disappoint. More than 200 students from Smithtown High School East and West. had to come up with a marketing campaign for a new product or service for a pet.

The winning team, “Bark n Buff” was comprised of High School West students, Kate Braun, Charlotte Muratore and Madeline Sacco.

Bark n’ Buff is a fitness facility for pets and their owners to help promote a healthy lifestyle and increase longevity. With their various unique amenities BarkBistro, BarkBath and BarkBalance, Bark n’ Buff creates a healthy lifestyle for owners and their dogs inside the gym and out. The Bark app provides notifications, easy scheduling and a camera feature to provide an extra level of comfortability for nervous owners.

Smithtown Central School District Career and Technical Education Director, Christine LoFrese, in conjunction with Smithtown Industry Advisory Board Executive Director, Phil Como, were tasked with putting this ambitious event together.

Team Sachem Raises Thousands for Special Olympics

Team Sachem once again participated in the polar plunge at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, hosted by Special Olympics New York. It is the tenth anniversary of Team Sachem participating. This year, the team raised more than $31,000, which will help sponsor more than sixty athletes. In its ten years, Team Sachem has grown to more than fifty members of the Sachem community, including students, parents and staff. It was the top fundraiser for this year’s polar plunge event.

Communication Board Installed at Wenonah Playground

As October marked Augmentative and Alternative Communication Month, students and staff at Wenonah Elementary School learned and celebrated the different ways that people communicate. The building’s speechlanguage pathologists led several activities and lessons for students to participate in. Additionally, a brand-new core board was installed near Wenonah’s playgrounds. The board was generously donated by recent Wenonah retiree Eileen Rosenthal and is meant to help all students feel heard and included, regardless of their differences and how they communicate.

Hauppauge Eagle Athletes Commit to Universities

Several Hauppauge High School student-athletes recently committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

The district congratulates the following athletes on their achievement: Brielle Bilello (Mercy University, lacrosse), Stephanie Braun (Marymount University, flag football), Meghan Goutink (Roger Williams University, soccer), Mackenna Hogan (Anderson University, lacrosse), Nick Kump (University of Vermont, lacrosse), Ava Mansueto (Quinnipiac University, lacrosse), Michael Oliveto (Yale University, baseball), Jenna Romito (Misericordia University, lacrosse), and Matt Sellitto (SUNY Oneonta, lacrosse).

The Necessary Standard for American Education

2024 Election Analysis - New York

By Matt Meduri

With all votes finalized, we can continue our full autopsy and analysis of the 2024 elections. We plan to continue our state-by-state breakdowns in this column, picking up from New England last week, into the Empire State this week.

Presidential Politics in New York

New York State has not backed a Republican presidential nominee since Ronald Reagan (R-CA) in 1984. Although it was a close race in 1988, the state has not seen a single-digit result, nor has it seen as close a result as was produced this year. The 1992 election marked the turning point for New York to become a reliably and solidly blue state, after spending a decent amount of the Twentieth Century as a red-leaning battleground.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

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.

With all votes reporting, Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA has won New York by just under thirteen points, about half the margin by which Joe Biden (DDE) won the state in 2020. The closest result since 1984 was 2004, where George W. Bush (R-TX) capitalized on his handling of the September 11 attacks. The swing wasn’t dramatic, but Bush captured 40% of the vote, dragging Senator John Kerry (D-MA) under 60%. Bush still failed to capture key counties, such as Suffolk.

The Obama years saw the state shift even more dramatically to the left, as solidly-blue New York City backed him, as well as a cadre of Upstate counties that house a classically Democratic, working-class population.

Although Donald Trump (R-FL) flipped many counties in 2016, including Suffolk, he still failed to capture 40% of the vote. Biden flipped back four counties that Trump had won in 2016, still maintaining 60% of the vote statewide. Interestingly, despite Biden holding the line in New York and swinging almost every county towards the left, Trump swung seven counties to the right, including the four Democratic Boroughs of New York City.

In 2024, polling had indicated a tighter-than-expected race against Trump and Biden. The ceiling hadn’t improved much for Harris, with many reputable pollsters, such as the Siena College and Emerson College, tracking her at lowdouble-digit margins, more or less exactly where the final result ended up. However, Siena and other pollsters tracked Harris leading the state by closer to twenty points in the home stretch of the election.

This election marks the first time that New York voted more Republican than Washington state (1956), Connecticut (1960), and Delaware (1980).

Long Island

We’ll analyze the results within Suffolk and Nassau counties first. We plan to do a further in-depth analysis on how Suffolk County’s towns, villages, and hamlets voted in a separate issue.

For context, no Republican had won Suffolk County since George H.W. Bush (R-TX) in 1992, despite losing the state and the election to Bill Clinton (D-AR). While Suffolk would consistently back Democrats for twenty years, their margins were substantial. George W. Bush (R-TX) lost Suffolk by almost ten points in 2000, but just narrowly lost in 2004. While somewhat close, Barack Obama (D-IL) would win fairly comfortably here.

Trump flipped Suffolk in 2016, winning it by seven points. In 2020, he would retain the nation’s largest suburban county, but only by 200 votes out of over 750,000 ballots cast.

This year, however, Trump’s ten-point margin is the largest since Gerald Ford (R-MI) won Suffolk by about nine points in 1976. His margin is just behind that of Herbert Hoover’s (R-IA) thirteen-point win in Suffolk in 1932.

Although consistently Democratic from 1996 until 2016, and with consolidation of local power in the Democrats’ corner from 2000 until 2021, Suffolk seemed like a much bluer county than its ancestry would imply. Going back to the birth of the Republican Party in 1856, Suffolk County has only backed nine Democratic presidential nominees. Trump’s blowout win here, along with State-level Republicans wins or close margins in blue districts, is interpreted by many as evidence that Suffolk is now a “crimson-red” county yet again.

NY County Swings in the 2024 electionDark Red (10%+ swing), Medium Red (5-9% swing), Light Red/Blue (1-4% swing), Pale Red (1% swing)

To add context, Trump flipped two townships he had not carried here before: Huntington and Babylon. Babylon is especially shocking, as he won the formerly deep-blue township by over five points. He also won the Fourth Assembly Districtincluding Port Jefferson, Poquott, Old Field, Stony Brook, and Setauket - by 700 votes, a remarkable feat for a top-of-theticket Republican in formerly deep-blue territory.

With the 2024 results in, Suffolk County delivered 417,549 votes to Trump, translating to a 54.74% margin. Harris took 341,812 votes for a 44.81% loss. Third-party candidates received a collective 3,488 votes, 0.46% of the total countywide vote.

This makes Suffolk County the largest county in the nation to vote for Donald Trump in all three of his elections. From barely winning Suffolk four years ago to taking it by storm this year, it translates to an eleven-point swing from last year.

Meanwhile, in next-door Nassau County, Trump’s fourpoint margin is a startling improvement from his ten-point loss in 2020. Trump is also the first Republican to win Nassau since George H. W. Bush in 1988. Like Suffolk, Nassau has a deep-red ancestry, backing Democrats just ten times going back to 1900, when Nassau and Queens split to become separate constituencies.

Trump took Nassau with 51.44% of the vote, with 367,442 raw votes. His margin is the best for a Republican since Richard Nixon (R-CA) in 1968, and the flip accounts for a fourteen-point rightward swing.

New York City

Some of the sharpest Republican swings in the country came from New York City, which has collectively shifted almost thirty points towards the right in the last three elections. The last time a Republican has won all five Boroughs of NYC was in 1924, when Calvin Coolidge (R-MA) also swept every county in the state, the last time a Republican has done so.

The last time any Republican won any Borough in New York, besides Staten Island, was Richard Nixon in 1972, when he won Queens.

Trump’s largest swing in the state, and one of the largest nationwide, was the Bronx, where it shifted twenty-two points to the right compared to 2020. Harris still won by forty-five points - a landslide - but Trump’s ability to close the gap and garner almost 30% of the vote is one of the major reasons that New York was so close this year, and why Harris lost the nationwide popular vote. His spring rally at Crotona Park turned heads, but his time spent stumping in the deep-blue borough has clearly paid off.

Just behind the Bronx is Queens, coming in at a twenty-one point rightward shift. Harris took Queens by twenty-five points, but Trump garnered almost 40% of the vote.

In Brooklyn, Trump produced an eleven-point rightward swing, taking just under 30% of the vote.

Manhattan swung about ten points towards the right as well, giving Trump just 18% of the vote. Despite the lopsided Harris win in the Big Apple, it’s a stark contrast from 2020, when Trump barely got 12% of the vote.

Even Staten Island, the island of red in a sea of blue in NYC, swung hard to Trump. It trended towards Biden four years ago, but Trump has shifted it fifteen points to the right, winning by a blowout margin of 65%.

The electoral results in New York City this year are likely to be studied for decades, as Trump defied the polls and some forms of conventional political wisdom to radically transform his base. The younger, diverse, and working-class population from New York City speaks to a new coalition that is being observed in other large swings across the country, and, if it should remain, the GOP has a remarkably higher floor in New York going forward. Harris’ failure to win the state by more than one million votes is also a testament to the hemorrhaging Democrats experienced. While Trump gained just 95,000 voters in the city, Democrats lost about a half a million.

Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley, despite being in ostensibly more Republican territory, didn’t swing quite as hard to the right as some might have anticipated, and some counties remained in the Democratic column, despite Trump flipping other key suburban counties across the state.

Trump’s biggest swing outside Long Island and NYC is Rockland County, a county he lost four years ago, but won by four points this year. It translated to a fourteen-point swing in a county, likely aided by the Jewish population here. Rockland has the largest Jewish population percentage of any county in the nation - 31.4%, or 90,000 residents.

Despite losing Westchester County by almost twenty points, Trump still shifted it ten points in his party’s favor. Other blue Hudson Valley counties include Ulster - which backed Harris handily, but swung narrowly towards TrumpDutchess, and Rensselaer counties. Rensselaer was one of the three counties he won in 2016, but lost this year. The others are Saratoga (Ballston Spa) - also the fastest-growing Upstate county - and Broome County (Ithaca).

Capital Region, North Country, and Mohawk Valley

In the Capital Region, Trump was able to swing Albany and Schenectady counties about five points each, while still losing them handily. Saratoga County is one that Trump had won in 2016, but lost to Harris this year, albeit very narrowly.

Moving north, Trump carried every county in the North Country, which extends past Albany and out towards Lake Ontario. Trump flipped Clinton County in the far northeastern corner of the state, becoming the first Republican to win it since 1992. He also flipped bordering Essex County, an ancestrally Republican county that backed Obama twice, flipped to Trump, then flipped to Biden.

In the Mohawk Valley, Trump held the line, swinging each of these already-Republican counties towards the right even more, even winning Oneida County, home to Utica.

Western New York

While New York’s electoral clout is usually confined to NYC and Long Island, Upstate cities that back Democrats have proven to be a stumbling block for Republicans running statewide. Even as Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) took the necessary 30% of the NYC vote to compete statewide, these Upstate cities didn’t come out for him. They did the same for Trump this year.

In Onondaga County (Syracuse), Harris won by twenty points, even as Trump swung the county three points to the right.

In Monroe County (Rochester), Harris mirrored her margin in Syracuse, despite a rightward shift of two points.

Finally, in Erie County (Buffalo), the least Democraticleaning of the trio, Harris won by just ten points, but Trump swung it five points to the right.

Harris has only outperformed Biden in just two counties: Yates (Penn Yan) and Tompkins (Binghamton). Trump took Yates County by sixteen points, but Harris improved her score by 2.5% compared to Biden four years prior. Harris won Tompkins County in a 75%-25% blowout, a typical Democratic margin in this deep-blue college town-county, but she gained an extra point of support that Biden did not have.

Smithtown Matters

Town of Smithtown’s Official Website Receives Makeover

The Town of Smithtown has a new look and a better user experience.

The upgrade to SmithtownNY.gov was an initiative led by IT Department Director Ken Burke with web design support from Public Information Officer (PIC) Nicole Garguilo. The new website, developed by Civic Plus, features a mobile-friendly version, improved functionality, revamped, and updated content.

“This is an exciting upgrade for the town and is symbolic of our commitment to continue to improve technology, security and ease of access for the community,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park).

“The initiative took months of planning, preparation and information gathering. I want to commend the director of IT, Ken Burke and his team and Nicole Garguilo for yet another fantastic job I am eager to use our new website, and I hope the residents find it a refreshing and helpful resource.”

The Town is also in the process of upgrading user-friendly online services such as community programming, permits and licenses, so residents can do everything from the comfort of home; from conducting business or enrolling in a seasonal program, to obtaining block party and camping permits. Smithtown GTV’s YouTube channel is now featured on the homepage, offering

informative segments ranging from new park improvements, historical spotlights, special events, and more.

The Town’s last website redesign occurred in 2019. This upgrade reflects the Administration’s dedication to leveraging technology for better public engagement and service delivery. Additional updates, including new features and aesthetic enhancements, are planned through the New Year.

The website makeover is much more than cosmetic, as department pages, frequently asked questions and town data was reviewed and updated to improve the user experience and ensure visitors receive the most useful and accurate information. Additional features and visually appealing edits can be expected leading up to the New Year. Members of the community are encouraged to submit ideas, ‘frequently asked questions’ and other related content, via the contact us button (left side icon) or by emailing: SPIO@SmithtownNY.gov

The website makeover is more than just a visual improvement. It represents a thoughtful reimagining of how Smithtown delivers information and services to its residents, making government more accessible and user-friendly in today’s digital age.

Local History

I’ll See You on The Radio

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.

Yuletide Greetings, God Jul, Feliz Navidad, are all greetings for this dreamy time of year. One could sit around the fire and enjoy the warmth, relaxation, and time spent with loved ones. All that is needed is your radio. Our community, like every other, depended on the radio every evening. There would be singing, news from around the world, and entertainment that would bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Norman Brokenshire (pictured right in 1953) was an accomplished radio host in Manhattan and would do up to ten shows a week. His relaxation was his country home in Nesconset, where he and his wife would generously share with local people. The Boy Scouts were among that group, as Norman had multiple barbeque cooking stations made of red brick for the scouts to prepare their meals. The Brokenshire property would accommodate the scouts as a camp, where much fun and learning were shared. Many of the local boys would walk to the camp and stay a couple of days. The barbeques are still there.

Norman’s broadcasting covered a large area from Manhattan, and his famous words, “How do you do, ladies and gentlemen, how do you do,” had a familiar ring to them, which lead him to become a major influence in the broadcasting world. A handful of his well-known shows were broadcast right here on the outskirts of Ronkonkoma Lake! The fame did not change this celebrity, and his love of his Nesconset home and local interests gave him and his wife a meaningful resting space, which they shared with the community.

On the second floor of Samoset Middle School, once the original Sachem High School, began a trial public address club (PA) in 1967. The P.A. system was used to give the daily information, new happenings, and even advice every morning at the start of school. The thought of an actual radio station was discussed but was a distant glimmer in their minds. Just like all Sachem luck, a grant appeared from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and they were to use the $13,000 to develop the FM aspect of radio. But it was a matching grant, and once again, like Sachem luck, the money was somehow found.

To speak of “Sachem Luck” was to recognize Walter C. Dunham, superintendent of schools, and Richard Berger, high school principal who worked to bring the radio station to fruition. Many of us took part in the broadcasts, available from kindergarten to senior class. I was part of the new excitement, and I read many self-written stories, with all of my family listening. A friend and long-time classmate, Tom Cheshire, took an active part in the station as his interests grew. Memories are still here with us, but more the that, the WSHR 91.9 dream has prevailed.

CreditSachem Central School District

Lake Ronkonkoma history is covered, and Spencer has introduced wider Long Island topics and interviews from many areas and subjects that appeal to the listener.

His opening show covered the Indian Princess of the Lake. The telephone calls were so great, he had to expand the show to three episodes. Guests such as Bill Pfeiffer, Island Diving, Inc., and even myself, proved to be exciting and informative.

Be sure to tune in, you won’t be disappointed.

In 1968, the first air date of WSHR 91.9 FM was broadcast. The new radio station began to work its magic, as expected, and to boost the students and community of the Sachem High School.

The new Sachem High School was built and ready for use in 1971, and the radio station was built into the architectural plans. Many groups and companies came forward to assist with the setup, and the station could be heard for about ten miles. Being a historic military town, the use of old cables from the Brooklyn Navy Yard appealed to the families.

It has always been an honor to be part of the actual beginnings of the Sachem family. I have friends from just about every graduating class, and my grandmother, Elsie Okvist, was instrumental with Walter Dunham and so many others in establishing the district.

And what a district we have become. The old Sachem feeling may not be there any longer, but the students still feel it when we meet for our time together. Beginning as a wholesome and educational idea, the radio station built on Sachem magic is still with us for FIFTY-SIX YEARS!

MacArthur Airport, as known to the Long Island-born-and-raised, holds an exciting radio studio and tower. Its versatility and formable programs have many of our dials pre-set to the radio station, allowing us to tune in at a moment’s notice.

The addition of this station has boosted and improved the community, offering local programs and information the public wants to hear.

History Island, on Tuesdays from 8:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. is one of the programs. Hosted by Dale Spencer (pictured right), our local Historian and Ronkonkoma Lake Pavillion Expert, has made this show proven and informative and catches history with his style of presentation.

By Cait Crudden

Councilwoman Bonner Lends Support for Organ Donations at SBU Event

Prior to the holidays, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) lent her voice to an important cause as a guest speaker at the Stony Brook University Student Volunteer Appreciation Event. Held at the Shore Club Student Activity Center, the event recognized the efforts of student volunteers and highlighted the lifesaving impact of organ donation.

The event was sponsored by LiveOnNY, a nonprofit and federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving lives and supporting families through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Established in 1978, LiveOnNY serves a diverse population of 13 million across Greater New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

include partnerships with community leaders, medical institutions, and volunteers. By fostering a culture of awareness and generosity, LiveOnNY has helped save countless lives.

Councilwoman Bonner, who is a kidney transplant donor herself, shared her personal story, emphasizing the profound impact of organ donation.

“I was honored to speak at the Stony Brook University Student Volunteer Appreciation Event and to support the incredible work of LiveOnNY. As a living kidney transplant donor, I know firsthand the life-changing impact that organ, eye, and tissue donation can have,” remarked Councilwoman Bonner.

Her story resonated with the audience of student volunteers, many of whom are involved in outreach and awareness efforts for organ donation. Bonner expressed gratitude for the students’ commitment to this vital cause, stating, “The dedication of these student volunteers helps to save lives, provide comfort, and strengthen legacies in our community. Their efforts are a powerful reminder of the difference we can all make by choosing to give the gift of life”.

LiveOnNY works tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of organ donation and to facilitate life-changing transplants. The organization’s outreach efforts

Stony Brook University has been an active partner in these efforts, hosting events like the Student Volunteer Appreciation Event to highlight the role of young advocates in promoting organ donation.

Despite advances in medical technology and awareness campaigns, the need for organ donors remains critical. According to LiveOnNY, over 100,000 people in the United States are currently awaiting transplants, with thousands in New York State alone.

Councilwoman Bonner shared her story of donating to her friend. She stated, “Tom, who has my kidney, is truly living a very full life and I’d do it over again in a heartbeat”.

The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to register as organ donors and to share the message with their communities. Councilwoman Bonner and LiveOnNY urged students and guests to visit www.LiveOnNY.org to learn more about the organ donation process and to sign up as donors.

Together, we can save lives and create a legacy of giving. Councilwoman Bonner said, “God gives us two kidneys so we can share one”. The event was a moving reminder of the power of collective action in fostering hope and saving lives through organ donation.

Countr y Automotive

Kings Park-Commack Boys Hockey Continues to Put the Biscuit in The Basket

By Ashley Pavlakis

The Kings Park-Commack Knights are mid-way through the varsity ice hockey season as they continue to put W’s in the book. The Knights are members of the Suffolk County High School Hockey League (SCHSHL).

The Knights are led by head coach Duane Kilmer, the longtime player and coach who has been in and around the game for over thirty years. Kilmer is joined by assistant coaches Dan O’Donnell, Anthony Napoli, and Frank Paratore.

KPC is currently riding an 8-2-0 record where they’ve recorded some pretty decisive wins. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, with Captain Jesse Lemza leading the way with 16 goals. Lemza is joined by assistant captain Ryan Furst as leaders for the Knights.

Lemza, a power forward for the Knights, has been a consistent goal-scorer during his time donning the maroon & gold. He averaged double digits in each of his four seasons, with his best offensive output coming last season when he notched 49 goals and 48 assists for 97 points. His scoring abilities are evident on the score sheet as he’s recorded over 200 points in his high school hockey career so far. Some might say he’s got a knack for finding the twine.

The offense seems to be taken care of as they’ve outscored their opponents 64-21 this season through 10 games. In the crease, Jayson Krauthamer has stood tall and not because he’s 6’0.” The netminder has remained a solid force in the blue paint,

keeping the opponents from finding the back of the net too often on most nights. Last season Krauthamer averaged a 1.99 GAA. Statistically speaking, that’s a great number to have next to your name on the stat sheet.

Krauthamer has split time in the crease this season with senior Jacob Dufresne. Dufresne, a newcomer who played elsewhere last year, has lightened the load for Krauthamer with each goaltender playing five games a piece. Having two reliable goaltenders that could be called upon at any given time is immensely important for any hockey team.

The playing field is not easy as the top of the table is led by St. Anthony’s, SmithtownHauppauge, and Kings Park-Commack respectively. St. Anthony’s has yet to lose a game through the first half of the season. The Bulls are right behind them with one loss to their name.

The SCHSHL hosts all league games at The Rinx in Hauppauge. The Rinx, a longtime home to Suffolk County high school hockey, has an NHLsized ice rink to compete on. When entering the building, you know there’s plenty of hockey being played in there as banners of the varsity hockey teams are hung up in the rafters for everyone to see.

Winter is the perfect season for ice hockey, especially at the high school level. The Knights are ready to put up a fight in the SCHSHL for a title.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Judge on Hunter Biden Tax Case Slams President over Pardon, Says SelectiveProsecution Claim ‘Rewrites History’

By James Lynch | AMAC Outside Contributor

The federal judge who presided over Hunter Biden’s criminal tax case scolded Joe Biden for claiming his son was the victim of selective prosecution when announcing his pardon for Hunter’s tax and gun crimes.

Judge Mark Scarsi issued an order Tuesday night acknowledging Hunter Biden’s pardon and strongly rebuked Biden’s assertion that his son was the victim of selective prosecution.

“The President’s statement illustrates the reasons for the Court’s disapproval, as representations contained therein stand in tension with the case record. For example, the President asserts that Mr. Biden ‘was treated differently’ from others ‘who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions,’ implying that Mr. Biden was among those individuals who untimely paid taxes due to addiction,” Scarsi said.

The judge pointed out that Hunter Biden said in court filings he was addicted to drugs and alcohol through May 2019, and in his guilty plea on tax-evasion charges admitted to dodging tax payments after becoming sober.

Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to nine federal tax charges for being unable to pay over $1.4 million of taxes in a timely manner last decade, despite making over $7 million and receiving considerable financial support from entertainment lawyer Kevin Morris. The younger Biden also faced charges for filing false tax forms and failing to file tax forms, in part because he fraudulently deducted personal expenses as business expenses.

“And Mr. Biden admitted that he ‘had sufficient funds available to him to pay some or all of his outstanding taxes when they were due,’ but that he did not make payments toward his tax liabilities even ‘well after he had regained his sobriety,’ instead electing to ‘spen[d] large sums to maintain his lifestyle’ in 2020,” Scarsi observed.

Hunter Biden’s lavish lifestyle was characterized by an addiction to crack cocaine, affairs with multiple women, and non-stop partying in the Los Angeles area and elsewhere. He largely financed that lifestyle through overseas business dealings involving entities from Ukraine, China, Romania, and other countries during and after his father’s vice presidency. Hunter Biden and his business associates received $27 million from foreign sources over a five-year period last decade, House Republicans determined during the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden.

In a statement Sunday night, Joe Biden argued that his son was the subject of selective prosecution by the Justice Department because of political pressure. Scarsi and Delaware federal judge Maryellen Noreika, who oversaw Hunter Biden’s gun conviction in June, both dismissed those arguments in pretrial motions.

“But two federal judges expressly rejected Mr. Biden’s arguments that the Government prosecuted Mr. Biden because of his familial relation to the President,” Scarsi noted.

“And the President’s own Attorney General and Department of Justice personnel oversaw the investigation leading to the charges. In the President’s estimation, this legion of federal civil servants, the undersigned included, are unreasonable people,” he continued.

“The Constitution provides the President with broad authority to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States,” he added, “but nowhere does the Constitution give the President the authority to rewrite history.”

Scarsi also took time to admonish Hunter Biden for transmitting the pardon improperly by transmitting a White House press release instead of having an executive agency formally send it over. Once Scarsi receives the official pardon, he will terminate Biden’s upcoming sentencing hearing for the tax charges and dismiss the case in accordance with the pardon.

Joe Biden pardoned his son for all crimes he “may have committed” from January 1, 2014 to

December 1, 2024, an 11 year period that covers the tax and gun offenses Biden was going to be sentenced for later this month. The time period coincides with the beginning of Hunter Biden’s business dealings with Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings, which added him to its board in spring 2014 as his father ran the Obama administration’s Ukraine policy agenda.

Many Republicans and some Democrats have criticized Joe Biden for pardoning his son after insisting for months that he would not do so and respect the outcome of his son’s legal proceedings. Joe Biden and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre have claimed that he came to the decision over the weekend to grant the pardon.

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

Donald Trump’s legal team is already using Biden’s criticism of his own Justice Department to their advantage in the president elect’s hush-money case, arguing that the case should be tossed given that it was prosecuted by a Justice Department that, by the president’s own admission, is unreliable.

Biden’s claim that Hunter was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and “treated differently” amount to an “extraordinary condemnation of President Biden’s own DOJ,” Trump’s lawyers wrote.

“As President Biden put it yesterday, ‘Enough is enough.’ This case, which should never have been brought, must now be dismissed.”

20 Bits & Pieces

WORD OF THE Week

Etymology: late Middle English: from Old French propicieus or Latin propitius ‘favorable, gracious.’

Source: Oxford Languages

PROPITIOUS

Adjective

Pronounced: pruh·pi·shuhs

Definition: giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable.

Example: “The late-breaking evidence couldn’t have come at a more propitious time.”

Synonyms: auspicious, promising, optimistic Antonyms: unlikely, dismal, discouraging

WORD

WHEEL

L

N E S A

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

SUDOKU

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

This Week in History

December 5, 1848: US President James K. Polk (D-TN) triggers Gold Rush of 1849 by confirming a gold discovery in California.

December 6, 1865: 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution is ratified, abolishing slavery (except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted).

December 10, 1799: Metric system first adopted in France.

December 11, 1913: “Mona Lisa” recovered two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum

December 9, 1968: Douglas Engelbart demonstrates in “The Mother of All Demos” the computer system NLS (oN-Line System) to a live audience in San Francisco. Shows for the first time, the mouse, word processing, windows, hypertext links, video conferencing, realtime collaboration, and other modern computing concepts.

December 7, 1993: The Long Island Rail Road massacre: Passenger Colin Ferguson murders six people and injures 19 others on the LIRR in Nassau County, New York.

December 8, 1941: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) delivers his famous “Day of Infamy” speech to a joint session of Congress a day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The Lady in the Nice Car

By PJ Balzer

Two weeks ago, my wife and I held our outreach ministry’s ninth annual Thanksgiving event. We gathered with a group of willing volunteers in a local parking lot with folding tables set up in a round-robin system. On top of the tables were hundreds of frozen turkeys, sides, clothing, and some miscellaneous items too. As we’ve been doing for nearly a decade now, we intentionally invited our community to stop by and receive some assistance with their families’ Thanksgiving meal. Everything we had was gone within just a few short hours. Overall, it was a blessed day, and it was nice to see some old and new friends and faces.

About midway through the outreach a really nice car pulled slowly and almost hesitantly into the parking lot. Just like at any food pantry, charity, or outreach event, when a nice car pulls into the parking lot there’s always a collective gasp. The gasp usually comes from the volunteers, the receivers, and everyone else in observation. If that gasp had a voice it would say, “Why are they here receiving a handout when they have such a nice car?”

The lady who exited the car was probably around forty years old. She wasn’t dressed terribly, but she also wasn’t dressed to fit the car. She immediately explained that she was turned away from another Thanksgiving outreach because she wasn’t aware of their prior sign-up sheet. They apparently suggested that she visit us because we we’re known to be looser in giving. Hence the holiday we were celebrating, thanks and giving.

She happily carried her turkey and single brown paper bag of sides back to the really nice car she pulled up in. I could tell she wasn’t ready to leave just yet though. She slowly walked back towards me and motioned for a possibly private conversation off to the side.

“I’m really thankful for the help you guys have given me, I’ve never had to receive anything like this before. I wanted to know if it was possible to receive another bag of sides. The items you guys are giving me are our Thanksgiving meal; there’s no money this year for anything more. There’s three elderly adults in our home and some extra sides would really help us out.”

“managers special” pack of chicken drumsticks to be cooked over rice. That was the whole meal. Yet, we’re still much too full of pride to stand on a local food pantry line. Most of the food pantries in our community are on roads where hundreds of cars pass by while you’re standing on line with your empty bags ready to be filled with charity. We didn’t want people to see us standing there in need of help.

Not this woman though. The lady in the nice car put all of her pride and dignity aside to look directly into the eyes of someone around her age and ask for some extra canned goods, canned goods that she could have bought at a local supermarket or discount store for around twenty dollars.

We only tend to see the nice car, but in reality, we know nothing about the person’s life. Was she, her child, or elderly parents sick and her lucrative career had to be placed on the back burner for now? Was the car borrowed from a neighbor or one of the extended family members she was living with only to go pick up her Thanksgiving help? Was it a lease or possibly up to be repossessed any day now?

No one truly knows our whole situation, our struggles, trials, blessings and our hearts but God, and that’s sufficient enough for me.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall themselves receive mercy.”Matthew 5:7

Theatre & the Arts

The Gateway Brings Broadway to Bellport with ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the one you used to know, The Gateway’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical” is the place to be! Jam-packed with some of the finest “Great White Way” actors and expertly directed by Randy Skinner, the original choreographer for the 2008 Broadway production, this holiday classic brings the magic and wonder of Broadway to Bellport.

With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, this two-act musical is based on the iconic 1954 film of the same name, which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney.

The sensational score, overflowing with many well-loved standards from Berlin’s songbook, showcases various musical styles, including classic Broadway, swing, jazz, tap, and some of the most breathtaking ballads of all time. Berlin’s beloved hits call for an astute musical director, and Andrew Haile Austin brought his A-game to this production. The icing on this holiday treat is Skinner’s 2009 Tony Award-nominated choreography, featuring tap, ballroom, fan dances, fancy footwork, and sky-high kicks. Under Skinner’s expert supervision, choreographer Mary Giattino, a former Rockette and Broadway veteran, successfully recreated the original Broadway choreography for Gateway’s production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.”

The musical opens on Christmas Eve, 1944. As World War II rages on the Western Front, two showbiz buddies serving in the U.S. Army entertain war-weary troops with a festive holiday show. Belting out “Happy Holiday” and “White Christmas,” Jeremiah James as Bob Wallace and Jeremy Benton as Phil Davis commanded the stage with their stellar vocals. We’re also introduced to General Henry Waverly, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Galantich.

Flash forward to 1954 with Army Veterans Wallace and Davis, now a successful song-and-dance team, following the Haynes sisters, a singing act, to a ski resort in Vermont known as the Columbia Inn, where they’re scheduled to perform a Christmas show. Kelly Sheehan as Judy Haynes and Marie Eife as Betty Haynes were perfectly cast in their respective roles.

CreditJeff Bellante

costumes made this an unforgettable theatrical onstage moment.

Sonnie Betts and Sofia Da CostaWilson share the role of Susan Waverly. At Saturday’s opening night performance, Sonnie Betts gave an award-worthy performance as Susan, General Waverly’s precocious granddaughter. Betts has a charismatic stage presence and showcases her strong vocals during her solo, a reprise of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”

Kudos to David L. Arsenault for his innovative set design, which flawlessly shifted from location to location, quickly transforming as needed into various settings such as a train car, the Columbia

When Phil and Bob discover that Henry Waverly, their former General, owns the ski resort and is in financial trouble, they recruit their old army buddy, Ralph Sheldrake, a prominent television executive, to help save the inn. Cullen R. Titmas will play the role of Ralph Sheldrake in future shows; however, Glenn Girón did a fantastic job portraying Sheldrake during Saturday evening’s

performance. As Martha Watson, the inn’s wisecracking concierge, Amy Bodnar gave a showstopping performance with her upbeat rendition of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”

This musical incorporates several “shows within the show.” At Jimmy’s Back Room, Betty (Marie Eife) and Judy (Kelly Sheehan) perform a fabulous rendition of “Sisters,” complete with a wellchoreographed fan dance. One of the show’s highlights was Jeremy Benton and Kelly Sheehan’s tap-dancing extravaganza number “I Love a Piano.” Their sparkly black and white glitter costumes, designed by the talented Carrie Robbins, added a touch of class to the number. I loved the fabulous black evening gown Betty (Sheehan) wore during a heartrending scene at the Regency Room in New York City, where she delivers a sexy, sultry rendition of “Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me.” In response, Jeremiah James gave a standout performance when he crooned “How Deep is the Ocean.” “Blue Skies,” a big production number, was one of the show’s highlights. Everything from James’s magnificent vocals to the highvoltage choreography and the captivating

Inn, a Vermont barn, and The Regency Room.

The multi-talented ensemble includes Brian C Veith, Amy Persons, Glenn Girón, Evan Bertram, Sean Quinn, Daryn Polzin, Chase Fontenot, Maggie Bergman, David Benjamin Perry, Melissa Lynne Jones, Joseph Ryan Harrington, Elizabeth McGuire, Isaiah Mayhew, Keila Sue Wong, Josh McWhortor, and Michelle Lemon.

Treat your friends and family to this festive, feel-good musical, which reminds us to count our blessings! The show runs through December 29, 2024. Contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 to purchase tickets or visit The Gateway.org.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www. Grantmeahigherlove.com.

William Floyd Girls Basketball: Ready to Defend Their Back-to-Back League I Title

By Ashley Pavlakis

It’s wintertime, so high school sports are transitioning to the indoors. The William Floyd girls’ varsity basketball team is ready to hit the court for the 2024-25 season after reaching the final four of the Section XI Class AAA championship in 2024.

William Floyd is a member of League I in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). The Colonials joined Class AAA in 2023 after playing in Class AAI for [roughly] 17 years.

The Colonials are led by head coach Rich Sinclair, a Colonial alum in his ninth season at the helm. Sinclair has spent 22 years in the district, coaching at all levels. Sinclair is joined by assistant coaches Mac Campbell and Rob Hodgson. The staff has helped lead the team to back-to-back League I titles and a 19-1-0 record last season.

“Our goal every year is always to just be competitive. Our first goal is to win one game at a time. Obviously, long-term we like to try and get to the playoffs, and once we clinch a playoff spot then we can start setting our sights on hopefully a league title and things like that. That all comes with having the right players in the right positions, senior leadership, parental support, and support from the administration at the school. We don’t have success without the support of the community or the people here,” said Sinclair.

This season, William Floyd has a happy balance of upper and lower classmen on their 16-player roster. Certainly different from 2022 where they had no seniors on the court. Most notably, the Colonials have two eighth graders on their roster this season at the guard position.

throughout the offseason, and playing in the summer league with the varsity girls. I think both of them have extremely bright futures,” said Sinclair.

“Both [Taleah Coppola and Javeah Stewart] the eighth graders right now are competing for starting spots, they’re both extremely talented. They work very hard in practice, we brought them up for a reason and they’ve demonstrated hard work

Defense wins championships, perhaps the oldest phrase in the book but it’s true. Teams do well when they have sound defense, as the objective of any sport is to prevent the other team from scoring.

“We’re going to try and continue to be a defensive first team. Obviously, our first game didn’t go as planned, we gave up fifty-something points, and we usually don’t do that. We’re going to focus on our defense and try to create pressure and try to play a fast breakout up-tempo type of game where we’re getting out onto the open floor and using our athleticism to help us score some easy baskets,” said Sinclair.

Aside from defense, depth is also important. Being able to dig deep into your bench and not have to rely heavily on a few players is huge for any team that has the ability to utilize it.

“Our strength is our depth, we have a roster of 16 and we’ve been playing [roughly] 12 girls most games. It’s nice to have a well-balanced team where we’re able to play multiple girls and not lose too much. In years past we’ve had five starters that played a large majority of the minutes and not as much depth on the bench. This year we have different girls who contribute in different ways,” said Sinclair.

The season has only just begun, but the Colonials are ready to chase another title.

“It’s always nice when we can promote the girls’ sports. I feel like sometimes it’s just not covered enough. You don’t see too much in any local papers really, so it’s nice that you guys are going to be able to do something,” Sinclair told The Messenger.