Heuermann Charged with Murder of 7th Gilgo Victim
By Matt Meduri
The famous cold case that rocked the nation decades ago continues to develop.
Defendant Rex Heuermann is now being charged with second-degree murder for the death of Valerie Mack, the seventh murder allegation he faces in the mounting case against him regarding the Gilgo Beach serial killings.
To date, Heuermann has been charged with the deaths of several other victims, including the “Gilgo Four,” the original four victims found along Gilgo Beach in 2010.
In July 2023, District Attorney Ray Tierney (R) made the stunning announcement that, at long last, a suspect had been identified. At that time, Tierney unveiled the first- and second-degree murder charges in relation to Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello.
The “Gilgo Four” charges were complete with a January 16, 2024, superseding indictment that alleges Heuermann is responsible for the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.
Continued on page 4
Gina Ireland Interiors Opens in St. James
By Matt Meduri
Downtown St. James welcomed a new business on Wednesday afternoon.
Gina Ireland Interiors held its grand opening at its Lake Avenue location in the heart of historic St. James. The proprietor was welcomed by Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), Smithtown Councilwoman Lynne Nowick (R-St. James), and Smithtown Highway Superintendent Bob Murphy (R-St. James).
The business has all the needs of a classic interior design business, with samples of tiles, fabrics, and other home/ business renovation staples. Moreover, the store contains a variety of home decorations, such as figures, fragrances, and small-scale pieces of comfortable furniture.
Continued on page 10
Gina Ireland joined by local elected officials to cut the ribbon at Gina Ireland Interiors
(Above) D.A. Tierney announces developments in Gilgo Beach case. (Inset) Heuermann.
2 Messenger Papers
Kerry J. Maher Lic. Manager & Director
Kenneth Maher, Jr. Lic. Director
Matters
Groundbreaking for Destination KP Sports Park
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Town of Smithtown Elected Officials joined with Agape Community Sports Services and developer Prospect Sports Partners LLC in the official groundbreaking ceremony for Destination KP Sports Park, a state-of-the-art, forty-four-acre sports complex that will serve as a premier destination for athletic events and community recreation. The $92 million facility, located at 350 Old Northport Road, will feature a variety of amenities, including seven outdoor athletic fields, two outdoor practice fields, a 64,800-square-foot multi-floor indoor sports facility, a concession building, retail space, health club, and 100,000 square feet of medical and commercial office space, primarily focused on sports medicine.
The project will be operated by Agape Community Sports Services (ACSS), Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing, maintaining, and operating recreational sports facilities on behalf of the general public, State, and local governments.
The groundbreaking marks a major milestone for the Town of Smithtown, aligning with the community’s vision outlined in the updated Master Plan. The Destination KP Sports Park will not only address the increasing demand for athletic field space but also attract significant economic activity to Kings Park and surrounding downtown areas.
“In recent years, the Old Northport Road corridor has seen significant progress, including the addition of an early education academy, a solar farm, and the Flynn Memorial Ballpark complex,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). “A new Starbucks is also under construction at the corner of Indian Head and Old Northport Roads… This growth reflects the Town’s dedication to fulfilling the community’s vision, as expressed through public input during our master plan process. Destination KP will be an exciting and valuable addition, offering much-needed athletic fields, an indoor sports
facility, and a premier venue for tournaments and competitions that will help drive economic activity to nearby downtown areas.”
Located in an industrial area undergoing transformation, Destination KP is a key part of the Town of Smithtown’s effort to clean up heavy industry properties as they change ownership, while attracting family-friendly businesses and services. The sports park will serve local residents and accommodate regional demand for youth sports tournaments, championships, and recreational activities.
The indoor sports facility is expected to be completed within 12 to 14 months. Project developers Prospect Sports Partners LLC envision Destination KP as a hub for youth sports, drawing families, athletes, and visitors to the Kings Park region.
Destination KP is located at 350 Old Northport Road in Kings Park.
Smithtown Rotary Club Supports Smithtown Children’s Foundation, Other Local Groups
Throughout the month, Smithtown Rotary Club worked with Smithtown Children’s Foundation to identify needy families in the Smithtown School District, purchasing $3,500 in children’s clothing and gifts to fulfill the wish lists of specific families, as well as $1,000 in children’s coats for students attending Brentwood Middle School.
In addition, we were excited to continue our support of Angela’s House, a not-for-profit organization that assists families caring for children who are medically fragile, with a $1,000 donation and member participation in their annual holiday party. On December 21, we will provide children at the CHI Family Shelter in Smithtown with a holiday party that includes decorating cupcakes, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Moved by the spirit of giving this holiday season, we also made gifts of $500 to both Pal-o-Mine Horse Farm and The Kindness Garden.
(Pictured left to right) are Rotary Club members Jesse Whitsit, Club President Linda Cherney, Ron Rothman, Janice Zingale, Herta Walsh, Richard Smith, Lisa Lombardi, and Children’s Foundation Board Member Krissy Lonetto
Continued from front cover
Heuermann Charged with Murder of 7th Gilgo Victim
On June 6, 2024, Tierney once again announced more charges, now eclipsing the original scope of the “Gilgo Four” and branching out now to remains found in Manorville. He was charged with seconddegree murder in relation to both Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. The June indictment was especially revealing in the case, as it demonstrated Heuermann’s seemingly innocuous whereabouts at a sport rifle range just around the corner from where he would leave the remains of Melissa Taylor. It also opened up the possibility of his connections to the outstanding ten other potential victims related to the Gilgo Beach murder spree that is assumed to have taken place from 1993 until 2011, as well as to locations far removed from the western end of Suffolk. The remains of Sandra Costilla were found in North Sea, a hamlet in the Town of Southampton that borders the Peconic Bay.
Heuermann’s computer in a summer raid of the Massapequa Park home, which also produced a litany of devices, hard drives, tapes, and other paraphernalia. The document, referred to as the “HK Document,” allegedly contains Heuermann’s modus operandi for the murders, as well as his seemingly deliberate attempts to cover his tracks and get in the mind of a detective. However, the HK Document coincides with the state in which the Heuermann home was found by authorities, according to Tierney and the Gilgo Beach Task Force. It leaves the door of possibility open for murders to have been committed in the home, only for Heuermann to have allegedly scattered the remains across Suffolk County.
Now, on December 17, 2024, Rex Heuermann faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of Valerie Mack.
On or about November 19, 2000, three individuals with a hunting dog were combing the woods of Manorville, only to stumble upon a black plastic bag wrapped with duct tape. The remains were found about one mile west of Halsey Manor Road and north of Mill Road. Inside the bag, the hunters found additional black bags and a decapitated human, later identified to be Mack.
Both of Mack’s hands had been severed from her body above the wrists, while her right leg had also been amputated at the mid-calf. However, her head, hands, and right foot were conspicuously absent from the bag in Manorville and would not be discovered by authorities for another eleven years.
On April 4, 2011, during an expanded search of the Gilgo Beach area, Mack’s skull, hands, and right foot were discovered along Ocean Parkway, less than 1.5 miles from where Jessica Taylor’s skull, hands, and forearm were discovered. Mack’s remains were discovered on the same side of the road and at a similar depth within fifty feet from the edge of the parkway, positing that any suspect would likely be tied to both victims.
For years, Mack was referred to by detectives as “Jane Doe #6,” but only until a May 28, 2020, DNA report successfully identified her as Valeric Mack.
“If you look at the planning [HK] document and if you look at the adhesive staining on the walls and decomposed tile, certainly all of that is consistent with the commission of those murders,” said Tierney, noting that, as of now, there is no specific evidence showing that Mack was killed in the home while Heuermann’s wife and daughter were away, a detail consistent with the other murders tied to Heuermann so far.
Meanwhile, the defense continues to raise questions about the use of the cutting-edge DNA evidence, claiming the technology is too new and has never been used in New York State to aid a prosecution, while also only having been used a “handful of times” in other countries in a similar fashion. Tierney said he anticipates those challenges to culminate in a specific hearing about what kinds of evidence are on the table for this investigation, with a judge signing off on the admissibility of the evidence in court.
“The family are extraordinary people and we are honored to prosecute this case for Valerie and her family. I think the Mack family is emblematic of other families in this case, who have steadfastly stood by their loved ones and jealously guarded their memories, and we have nothing but respect and admiration for those victims’ families.”
D.A. Tierney
Born June 2, 1976, in Atlantic City, Mack was born Valerie Lyn Fulton. After years of being shuffled through the foster system, she was adopted by the Mack family. In 1994, Mack, aged 17, gave birth to a son and lived with her son’s father in Wildwood, New Jersey. However, in 1996, Mack had her first run-in with the law in Philadelphia, working as a prostitute, advertising online and conducting “street walks.”
Joanne and Edwin Mack, parents of Valerie, were present, but did not speak before the press.
“The family are extraordinary people and we are honored to prosecute this case for Valerie and her family,” said D.A. Tierney, joined by the families of the victims who have previously been tied to Heuermann. “I think the Mack family is emblematic of other families in this case, who have steadfastly stood by their loved ones and jealously guarded their memories, and we have nothing but respect and admiration for those victims’ families.”
Tierney touted the mitochondrial DNA evidence that has been utilized to identify a possible suspect in Heuermann, while also ruling out the defendant’s wife and daughter. He also mentioned the document found on
However, Tierney remains confident that even if the DNA evidence is deemed inadmissible, the prosecution still has plenty of evidence with which to build a case.
“We have the phone records, the financial records, the Internet searches, and the various things that he has kept since 1993,” said Tierney. “All the evidence contains a certain picture, and the picture will need to prove itself.”
Moreover, old newspapers and magazines with articles about the Gilgo Beach murders and ensuing investigation were found in the home, which prosecutors allege Heuermann kept as “souvenirs” or “mementos” from his spree. One obtained was a July 29, 2003, copy of The New York Post that discussed the investigation in Mack and Taylor.
“I scored a touchdown in high school. I still have that article,” Tierney quipped, yet with a tone of seriousness that relays the massive case his team has been building since last July.
The prosecution believes that a hearing will be scheduled as early as February or as late as March regarding the admissibility of the DNA evidence, but that a trial could come sooner than expected as well.
As of now, Tierney and the Gilgo Beach Task Force cannot make certain how many more indictments, if any, would emerge before a trial commences. Tierney said that the “answer to the question” of when a trial will begin “changes on a daily basis,” depending on the evidence and witnesses the prosecution receives.
“We have an obligation to investigate these cases and provide closure to as many families as we can, and that’s whether or not this results in additional charges for anyone,” said Tierney. “
Attorney Gloria Allred flanked by family members of Gilgo victims (Credit - Matt Meduri)
More Drones Spotted Across Suffolk, Two Spotted in Nassau
By Hank Russell
Long Island Life & Politics sought to confirm more drone sightings that occurred in Suffolk County over the past few days. Witnesses called the Suffolk County Police Department to alert them of sightings above the Village of Port Jefferson, Brookhaven National Laboratory and the North Fork, according to multiple new sources.
As previously reported, LILP confirmed reports of 16 sightings with the SCPD. However, the agency could not say where exactly in the county the drones were spotted.
According to news sources, the drones were spotted in Port Jefferson and Brookhaven National Lab on December 13, and more drones were seen between December 12 and December 15 on the North Fork, based on eyewitness accounts. Once again, LILP reached out to the SCPD about the latest reports and was referred to the statement that was put out together with County Executive Ed Romaine.
“In light of the recent drone sightings throughout the East Coast, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and the Suffolk County Police Department are working closely together along with our state and federal law enforcement partners
to monitor the situation in real-time,” Romaine and the SCPD said in a joint statement.
LILP also reached out to the Nassau County Police Department. They said that they received two phone calls about drone sightings on the evening of December 15 but could not disclose their exact locations.
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) called for the federal government to help with this growing problem, and the government responded.” “In response to my calls for additional resources, our federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State,” she said in a statement. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations. We are grateful to the Biden Administration for their support, but ultimately, we need further assistance from Congress. Passing the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act will give New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today.”
This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.
LaLota Appointed to House Appropriations Committee First NY Republican
By Cait Crudden
Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) has been appointed to the powerful House Appropriations Committee for the 119th Congress, marking a significant achievement for both LaLota and New York Republicans. He is the first Republican from New York to serve on this influential committee since former Congressman James T. Walsh left office in 2009.
In a statement following the announcement, LaLota expressed his gratitude and outlined his commitment to fiscal responsibility and advocacy for Long Island communities.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve on the influential House Appropriations Committee and grateful for the support of my colleagues throughout this process. This new role is an incredible opportunity to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently, strengthening national security, supporting hardworking families, and addressing the needs of communities across Suffolk County,” said LaLota.
The House Appropriations Committee plays a critical role in the federal government, overseeing how taxpayer dollars are allocated to fund agencies, programs, and essential operations. This committee directly shapes national priorities by determining funding for key sectors, including defense, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and homeland security.
To manage its vast responsibilities, the Appropriations Committee is divided into twelve specialized subcommittees, each focused on distinct areas of federal spending. This structure allows for in-depth review of funding requests, ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently and effectively. Beyond allocating funds, the committee also exercises oversight to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, holding the federal government accountable for how taxpayer dollars are spent.
LaLota’s appointment marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first New York Republican to serve on the committee in fifteen years. Former Congressman Walsh, of Syracuse, was the last New York Republican to hold a seat on the Appropriations Committee before leaving office in 2009. LaLota’s selection underscores his growing
Since 2009
influence within Congress and reflects his colleagues’ confidence in his ability to handle this critical responsibility.
Since taking office, Congressman LaLota has been an advocate for Suffolk County, securing over $150 million in federal funding for local communities and projects during his first term. This funding has supported key initiatives in areas such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, directly benefiting Long Islanders. LaLota’s new role on the Appropriations Committee positions him to amplify those efforts, ensuring that federal resources address local needs.
As a member of the committee, LaLota will play a vital role in shaping funding decisions that impact both his constituents and the broader national agenda. He has emphasized his commitment to restoring fiscal discipline in Washington while prioritizing funding for critical programs that strengthen the economy, national security, and quality of life for hardworking families.
“Serving on the Appropriations Committee is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. I am committed to advocating for the priorities of Long Islanders, delivering critical funding to Suffolk County, and helping restore fiscal discipline in Washington, ensuring federal resources benefit the people I am proud to represent,” remarked LaLota.
Congressman LaLota’s appointment to the House Appropriations Committee represents a significant step forward for Suffolk County and New York Republicans. With this new role, LaLota has an opportunity to bring Long Island’s needs to the forefront of federal spending discussions while working to ensure transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.
His leadership on this influential committee will be closely watched, as he continues to advocate for local priorities and work toward restoring fiscal responsibility at the federal level.
Suffolk Sees Bump from Rating Agencies
By Hank Russell
Suffolk County just received an increase in its short-term ratings from both Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings. The announcement was made by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).
Fitch Ratings assigned an A rating to Suffolk County’s $46.8 million GO refunding serial bonds and a F1+ rating for the county’s upcoming sale of $350 million of tax anticipation notes. The report indicates the county’s rating outlook is positive.
According to Fitch Ratings’ website, an A rating “denotes expectations of low default risk,” and a F1 rating “[i]ndicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country. … Where the liquidity profile is particularly strong, a “+” is added to the assigned rating.”
According to Fitch’s report, “the Positive Outlook reflects Fitch’s expectations for the county’s continued budgetary stability and maintenance of a sound reserve position.”
S&P Global Ratings assigned an AA- long-term rating to Suffolk County’s $46.8 million GO refunding bonds and a SP-1+ short-term rating to the County’s $350 million tax anticipation
notes. S&P’s outlook on the long-term ratings is stable.
An AA- rating means its “capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.” The SP-1+ rating shows the county “possess[es] a very strong capacity to pay debt service,” based on information from Bond Desk.
According to S&P’s report, the long-term rating reflects “the county’s stronger management practices and financial performance that have paved the way to historical levels of reserves and budgetary flexibility heading into fiscal 2025.”
“Suffolk County continues to implement fiscally sound policies that make our County safer and more affordable,” said Romaine. “Two separate rating agencies have increased the County’s ratings for the upcoming sale of tax anticipation notes to each agency’s highest rating level for short-term borrowing notes. The increased ratings affirm our commitment of a responsible government to our residents as we will save millions of taxpayer dollars over the long-term.”
This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.
A Big Year for the U.S., an Even Bigger Year for Suffolk
If there could only be one year for the history books, 2024 would certainly make that cut.
We’re sure that many have been fatigued, or perhaps downright exhausted by the events of this year. From the national level to the local level, we witnessed the history books being printed.
For starters, the biggest anticipation of the year was the tumultuous 2024 cycle, culminating in a historic victory. With Donald Trump (R-FL) having declared his candidacy earlier last year, the question then pointed to the primaries, both those for Republicans and Democrats. As other Republicans tried to paint themselves in a different light, Democrats became desperate to avoid certain electoral defeat in November.
Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. mounted a historic Independent bid for the White House, accomplishing the near-insurmountable feat of obtaining ballot access in all fifty states. Democrats essentially overthrew Joe Biden (D-DE) once the legacy media and the Democratic machine could no longer excuse his clearly-obvious cognitive decline.
That said, we disagree vehemently with Biden’s policy positions, but the four years of strenuous work on the world stage, internationally embarrassing himself, is inexcusable. Biden deserves to retire in peace and enjoy his final years away from the spotlight.
But it’s nothing short of historic nonetheless; Biden became the first incumbent president since Lyndon Johnson (D-TX) in 1968 to not seek re-election. The tone of the
D.A. Tom Spota (D), and former D.A. Tim Sini (D).
We’ve seen New York deal with the migrant crisis first-hand, with the problem likely pushing New York into battleground state territory, as well as conversations with some local electeds on the issue, such as Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville). Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) proved to be of sound counsel on the Foundation Aid cuts to school districts, perhaps the most controversial issue presented to New Yorkers this year.
Bobby Kennedy, Jr. himself descended on Holbrook, a Villa Lombardi’s, no less, in early May to make his pitch to Suffolk voters during his climb to ballot access in the Empire State.
We even witnessed a near-totality solar eclipse in April, with our coverage from the nexus of our townships of coverage: Lake Ronkonkoma.
Babylon dismemberments, bail reform, workforce housing, sewers, the final report on the 2022 cyber attack - which shows just how amateur the administration of Steve Bellone (D-West Babylon) was - as well as the fight against the eventuallyapproved Proposition One all dominated headlines throughout the year.
We also got to have some fun. We went up in the air with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Team and watched them jump out of their plane to perform skydiving stunts at the Jones Beach Air Show. We went up in the air with STEM students at Gabreski Air National Guard in Westhampton. We even got a front-row seat to the Port Jefferson prom, a tight-knit, community-guided event in which the entire village gets to participate.
campaign fundamentally changed, followed by the most undemocratic display from the party concerned about “threats to democracy” when Kamala Harris (D-CA) was decided as leader.
Of course, perhaps the single-most defining moment of this year was Trump’s near-assassination in Pennsylvania, the first time a president, sitting or former, had been shot since 1981. The picture of Trump raising his fist, ear bloodied, will probably go down as one of the most historic images taken in American history.
And yet, he survived another attempt, albeit one that was thwarted before shots were fired.
His victory in the 2024 election was as swift as it was decisive; while not a landslide, it was certainly a clear victory that could spell doom for the Democratic Party when the numbers are fully considered.
We’ll also take a moment to pat ourselves on the back. In the October 31 edition of The Messenger, we accurately forecasted the presidential race, correctly calling all fifty states, as well as defining the margins in some staunch blue-wall states that could be on the competitive table in 2028.
But even away from the national politics, this year produced some big moments, including, but certainly not limited to, the end of the Syrian Civil War, the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the continuing dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and just how capable and pervasive it has become, the Diddy allegations, notable passings - Joyce Randolph (The Honeymooners), Shelley Duvall (The Shining), and Carl Weathers (Rocky) to name a few - as well as the general shift in technology, science, and capabilities that is unparalleled to the past.
For us here at The Messenger, we had a great year bringing our readers the most pressing stories, and Suffolk County’s year was perhaps just as historic.
For starters, Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) was inaugurated as Suffolk’s first Republican county executive since 1999, while he was accompanied by the first Republican supermajority in the County Legislature since 1996. Shortly thereafter, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) came to Kings Park herself to deliver grant money - kudos to Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) and company for shepherding that DRI process through multiple times until they were awarded $10 million in grant funds - as well as grant funds for North Bellport - kudos to Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) for making revitalizing once-neglected communities a top priority during just his first year in office.
We received more developments of the Gilgo Beach case, in which the original “Gilgo Four” were all attributed to alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann - kudos to Ray Tierney (R) for cracking a cold case wide open and identifying a possible suspect, even when the investigation was stymied by former SCPD Police Chief Jimmy Burke, former
Donald Trump himself held a rally at Nassau Coliseum, the Long Island Ducks celebrated their nine-millionth fan, Jake’s 58 broke ground on their massive expansion and overhaul, and Suffolk voters approved yet another ballot measure to increase sales taxes to fund wastewater solutions.
Former Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mt. Sinai) has been under investigation since October for allegedly removing and/or destroying documents from her Sixth District office before now-Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point) took office. Somehow, we’re one of the only outlets to have covered this in-depth, and the first to the story in our October 10 edition. We’re eagerly awaiting the thoughts of other sources in Suffolk - Newsday would be a good start.
But our biggest break of the year was our exclusive on John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park). We were the first source to break the story on his tax documents and property records that cement him to a Manhattan residency, despite trying to pitch his Suffolk connections to working-class voters from his Sag Harbor summer home. He lied about when it was purchased, and better yet, he requested an interview with us just before Election Day. We reached out. He did not reply. The initial story we ran in April would only get picked up by other sources until mid-summer, with The Messenger receiving a shoutout from The New York Post, who now seems to be our neighbor to the west as they very recently unveiled plans to expand to Nassau County. Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) has already designated the paper the official paper of the county.
Finally, in what we deem to be the most historic moment in Suffolk this year: the red light camera program officially ended, marking the end of a fourteen-year program that was almost unanimously viewed as a cash grab. The Bellone Administration and Democratic-led Legislature instituted a $30 administrative fee that has been deemed illegal. But Romaine and legislative Republicans made good on the promise to not renew the program, and to deliver an “honest budget,” which did not include the estimated revenue from the extortion scheme months before the program was not renewed. It’s very rare to see a tax or fine be repealed once they’re instituted. Romaine and Legislature, especially the Republican caucus, receive the biggest MVP award this year, in our opinion.
It was a tumultuous year, but certainly one for the history books, and that case could not be truer for Suffolk County.
It has been a great privilege to serve our communities, and we look forward to continuing doing so, perhaps even better and even broader, in 2025.
The Messenger wishes all of our readers a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah and a happy, hopeful, and perhaps even more historic New Year.
Statement Regarding End of Suffolk County Red Light Camera Program
By Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey
For years, I have publicly called into question the merit of the Suffolk County Red Light Camera Program, particularly due to a significant increase in accidents at red light camera intersections in my legislative district. Because of this, my name became synonymous with buzz words like “money grab” and “scam alley,” which I coined for the one mile stretch of Route 109 and Great East Neck Road in West Babylon that was home to five camera intersections.
Reports issued by Suffolk County found that these intersections showed an overall increase in both the total number of accidents and accidents with injury. In particular, the intersections of Montauk Highway and Great East Neck Road/Bergen Avenue in West Babylon as well as Route 109 and Great East Neck Road showed more than a 100% increase in total accidents and accidents with injuries. Both intersections are in the topfive of intersections that showed the most significant increase in accidents and accidents with injuries in the Program. It became clear to me and to many that safety on this stretch of roadway was not the priority, but revenue was.
It was the stance of the County that “The Suffolk County Red Light Camera Program is intended to reduce red light running, and by extension the occurrence of crashes.” Utilizing a Suffolk County Department of Public Works Review of the program, it was found that:
• Overall, there was a 59.6% increase in the total number of accidents from pre-enforcement to active enforcement.
• The total number of accidents during the active enforcement period exceeded the projected number of accidents based on Countywide growth rates.
• Countywide, the number of rear end and overtaking accidents was higher than projected.
• The total number of accidents that involved fatalities was unchanged.
The Red-Light Camera Program was sold to the public as a public safety program, but the “gotcha” profitminded goals of the program provided an undue tax on the hard-working men and women of our County. It was my intention to eliminate the revenue-generating goals of the program, and today we say mission accomplished.
Now let me be clear, I am not opposed to a program,
if it’s done right. A red-light camera program does have the ability to serve a legitimate public safety interest. But to do so, the Program must be free of traps like “scam alley,” where the saturation of cameras has resulted in higher accident and injury counts without public safety benefit.
Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) has represented the Fourteenth District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2014, and as the Presiding Officer of the Legislature since 2021. The Fourteenth District includes Babylon village, Lindenhurst, and parts of Copiague, GilgoOak Beach-Caprtee, North Babylon, North Lindenhurst, and West Babylon.
The Fourteenth District office is located at 125C South Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst and can be reached at 631-854-1100.
Ineffective DAs Should Be Removed
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
New Yorkers’ concerns about crime and public safety haven’t subsided since Albany’s botched criminal justice “reforms” in recent years. In fact, the shortcomings of Democrats’ policies and inadequate prosecutorial priorities become more glaring with time. A recent Siena Poll shows a majority of New Yorkers believe crime has worsened in the past year.
Amid heightened tensions, law-abiding citizens want action. They’re getting just the opposite. The highprofile case of Daniel Penny in New York City shows how backwards liberal prosecutors have become. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) should never have prosecuted the former Marine. Thankfully, Penny was acquitted by a jury earlier this week. Bragg’s handling of this case is emblematic of his and other Democrats’ broader failure to prioritize public safety and fairness during his tenure. His outright refusal to prosecute certain criminal offenses while pursuing politically driven prosecutions has emboldened criminals and sent a dangerous message.
This case has brought renewed attention to the dire consequences of Bragg’s policies and the need for direct action. In an effort to provide voters with the tools to hold
A Proposal for Tax Relief for Seniors
I’ve lived in Nesconset for over fifty years. Both the Town and I have grown and prospered. Being a retired couple, even though childless, we have to watch our spending.
Many times, I have seen my neighbors move once their children graduate from high school.
I propose that once a person reaches the age of 65 and has lived continuously in Smithtown township for over twenty years, they receive a 5% property tax reduction. At age seventy, a 10% reduction, and after that, every ten years an additional 10%. The above is an example and could be adjusted; the maximum reduction to be capped at 50%.
Paul H. Schmutz Nesconset
elected officials accountable, I introduced a constitutional amendment (A.9334) that would allow for the recall of a district attorney. The recall would be initiated by a petition signed by voters within the county. Finally, people would have a mechanism to remove officials who fail to uphold the law.
This call to action was inspired by the successful recall election in San Francisco. Former District Attorney Chesa Boudin was removed from office in 2022 by voters for his soft-on-crime approach to the job. Alvin Bragg is no different and New Yorkers should be afforded the same opportunity. Prosecutors who fail to hold criminals accountable only exacerbate the problem.
In the coming months, the Legislature will have the opportunity to reconsider the deeply flawed criminal justice changes that have swept an era of lawlessness across the state. Issues such as bail reform, Raise the Age, the parole system, mask bans, and cooperation with immigration agencies need to be reconsidered and corrective measures implemented.
The actions taken by Daniel Penny wouldn’t be necessary if the justice system weren’t compromised by liberal
Letter to the Editor
Response to Steve Levy Article December 5, 2024
political ideologies jeopardizing public safety. It is essential to reexamine these policies and, once again, prioritize the safety of our communities. Refusing to put the interests of law-abiding citizens before those of the most violent and dangerous individuals in our community is a gross dereliction of duty. I urge my colleagues to consider this much-needed measure of accountability and restoration of power to the people.
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can breached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @ WillABarclay.
I was reading Steve Levy’s article dealing with concerns about conservative overreach. I think we should keep this discussion active concerning changes in education. For a long time, I’ve had the opinion that our education department has been used to indoctrinate and espouse only the views accepted by the intellectual elite. At the very least, we could provide a more balanced education.
There have been those that have developed better systems, ie: Admiral Rickover. I was trained in one of his systems that very quickly equipped his Nuclear Navy with new personnel.
The removal of the basic learning of history from our high school curriculum is alarming and seems to be the reason we have so many embracing the same ideologies that have led to destruction and oppression.
I have recently been watching on YouTube a series done for TV by the late Dr. Francis Shaeffer and I realized that he foresaw our day, even though he died about forty years ago. The series was called “How We Should Then Live.”
Fred Baumbach Center Moriches
Hochul’s Pre-election Bribe
Governor Hochul’s (D) $3 billion dollar proposed Inflation refund to taxpayers funded out of a surplus of excess tax revenue is nothing more than a pre-election bribe to grease the wheels of her upcoming 2026 reelection campaign. Offering those with income under $150,000 a $300 check comes to $25 monthly over one year. Offering joint filers with income under $300,000 dollars a $500 check comes to $41.66 monthly over one year, There are better alternatives such as reducing the state sales tax, using the funds as a down payment toward reducing Albany’s $423.4 billion long-term debt which represents $21,700 per citizen, or help fill the $33 billion shortfall in the MTA’s proposed $68 billion 2025 - 2029 Five Year Capital Plan.
Larry Penner Great Neck
By Matt Meduri
County Takes Stand Against Street Takeovers
Suffolk County is following the lead of State officials who, in October, unveiled legislation aimed at cracking down on street takeovers and side shows staged by drivers who intentionally take to quiet suburbia to wreak mayhem on the roads.
The State version of the bill is being carried by Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow). At that time, County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), along with several Legislators, made a promise to introduce similar legislation at the County level.
Not only has reckless driving been a nuisance and a culprit in defacing crosswalks and intersections with tire marks, but the side shows have injured other motorists and hindered law enforcement vehicles from responding to calls. Furthermore, the drivers are communicating in online spaces to plan these types of crusades, even hailing from Upstate New York, while others actively block roads and parking lot entrances and exits to prevent typical traffic flow from interrupting the dangerous displays.
During the recess of the Legislature’s final General Meeting of the year, the entire Legislature, along with Executive Romaine, Chief Assistant District Attorney Allen Bode, and SCPD Deputy Commissioners Kevin Catalina and Belinda Alvarez-Groneman made their statement against such drivers on Tuesday afternoon in Hauppauge.
“One of the issues that we’ve had is these sideshows where these cars are coming out and driving recklessly, upsetting neighborhoods, closing down roads, and impeding traffic for the emergency vehicles,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), adding that the problem has been persisting for months.
“In October, we had a young woman who had her femur broken after a group of cars went from Queens to Nassau to three different places in Suffolk, ending up at the Gateway
Plaza in North Patchogue,” said Chief A.D.A. Bode (pictured left). “After that, in November, there was another takeover at Sunrise Highway and Commack Road; at that location, there were multiple crashes.”
Bode also mentioned a police car that had its tires slashed by spectators of the sideshows, as well as an officer who was assaulted by spectators, and an officer that was dragged by a car.
“The District Attorney’s office is prosecuting these cases, but it’s not enough,” said Bode, calling for legislation to impose stricter penalties and hopefully serve as a deterrent. He added that Tierney is requesting a form of prevention before “someone is killed,” according to Bode.
Additionally, Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who has information about future street takeovers that leads to arrests.
Of the proposed legislation, I.R. 2024-2024, Bode says that it would allow police to arrest and Tierney’s office to prosecute spectators involved in the illegal takeovers.
“Drivers don’t do these stunts alone,” said Bode. “Spectators go with them, they shut down intersections, they film the stunts for social media. They harass and assault our first responders, police, and emergency personnel, and they block legitimate traffic.”
Bode recounted an October incident that prompted the State legislators to draft a bill in Albany, in which an ambulance was blocked from passing through an intersection by one of the takeovers.
“The cars that are used by illegal stunts and the cars that are used to block off those intersections are now subject to forfeiture,” added Bode. “So if you want to go to a street takeover and follow someone doing stunts, we will take your car. Spectators will no longer be able to gather in crowds, blocking traffic, and encouraging this dangerous behavior without any consequence to themselves. If you participate, you are complicit and will face legal consequences.”
County Executive Romaine called the initiative one that will fulfill promises from the County to keep Suffolk safe.
“Public safety is the first obligation of every government, and we’re stepping up to the plate to address a problem before it gets out of hand and to make sure we keep the public safe,” said Romaine. “This piece of legislation is critical. I thank the Presiding Officer, the Legislators, and the police department, who will have the job of enforcing this.”
Celebrate the memories
SCPD Deputy Commissioner Kevin Catalina (pictured middle left) spoke more indepth about what law enforcement is observing regarding these incidents.
“These events don’t happen in a vacuum. There’s plenty of planning that goes into it. There’s organizers and there’s participants,” said Catalina. “They post this on social media and that’s what fuels these incidents.”
Catalina also referenced a recent case in Florida, where police officers were injured due to the fires that were lit in the street.
“This isn’t unique to Suffolk County, but what is unique is the resolve of Suffolk County to get in front of this issue, to deal with it, and draft the correct legislation that makes law enforcement’s job much easier in dealing with this issue,” said Catalina, adding that a nascent task force to handle the issue has already proven successful.
“We made arrests, issued summonses, and more importantly, we sent a message to this community that we’re not going to tolerate this anymore,” referencing a recent case at the Ronkonkoma LIRR Station.
“Public safety is the first obligation of every government, and we’re stepping up to the plate to address a problem before it gets out of hand and to make sure we keep the public safe. This piece of legislation is critical. I thank the Presiding Officer, the Legislators, and the police department, who will have the job of enforcing this.”
County Executive Ed Romaine
Bode added that while legislation has existed to curb forms of traffic interference, among other issues, the proposed bill is more of an amendment to add stunt shows.
“This legislation has been around in drag racing form for years, and there’s a body of case law. The people who were dropping the flag to start the races were always participating. The definition in the law is that you knowingly participate.”
Bode clarified that a bystander who happens to record a stunt show is not likely considered a willing participant, only if said person is deliberately following the caravan to record each stunt session after the other. Drivers or passersby simply recording the show will not be considered liable for willing participation.
This Week Today
National, State and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri National
Senate Democrats have submitted a bill to abolish the Electoral College.
The move comes just as the states and the District of Columbia certified their votes and the respective slates of electors all voted as pledged. The final result mirrors that of the November election: 312 electoral votes for Donald Trump (R-FL) and 226 votes for Kamala Harris (D-CA).
Congress will meet in a joint session to read aloud the results from the states on January 6, 2025.
However, that looming obligation of the federal government is not stalling Democrats’ intentions of repealing one of the most unique electoral systems in the world, one that has accompanied the United States since its founding.
Abolishing the Electoral College would require a constitutional amendment, a monumental political task that has not occurred since 1992 with the ratification of the Twenty-Seventh Amendment.
A constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress, a majority that does not exist if a vote is taken strictly along party lines. For context, a two-thirds majority in the Senate is 67 votes out of 100 available, while the same majority in the House would be 290 votes out of 435 Representatives.
Thereafter, three-fourths of the state legislatures must ratify the amendment for it to become part of the U.S. Constitution.
the country to “move beyond it” in the wake of her stunning loss to Trump in 2016, in which she won the popular vote, but lost the election.
“I think it needs to be eliminated. I’d like to see us move beyond it, yes,” Clinton told CNN’s Anderson Cooper in 2017.
State
A Long Island Senator has recently secured a big legislative win in Albany.
Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) (pictured right) introduced legislation this year amending the existing “Gio’s Law,” which clarifies that all counties in New York State, outside of New York City, can enact legislation to allow law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel to carry and administer epinephrine autoinjectors, otherwise known as EpiPens. The intent of the bill is to curb deaths due to allergic reactions that cannot be halted due to affordability or accessibility of the product.
Murray’s bill was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) last month and was inspired by the Suffolk County version of the bill, sponsored and passed by Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), a former EMS professional of over thirty years.
EpiPens can reverse the effects of an allergic reaction by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. “Gio’s Law” was named after Giovanni Cornago, a fourteen-year-old boy from Lynbrook who died from a reaction to a peanut allergy in 2013.
“It seems that New York State Department of Health officials rely on the pharmacies to voluntarily notify them when there may be a problem with a doctor over-prescribing,” said Murray. “Unfortunately, many times this voluntary reporting doesn’t occur right away or in some cases it doesn’t happen at all. This issue needs to be rectified.”
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) (pictured below right), who has carved out a niche in Albany working on substance abuse disorders and their related problems, agrees with Murray.
“When a doctor is found to be in violation of the I-STOP PMP, he or she should be suspended immediately and the pharmacies notified not to take any prescriptions from these doctors pending a revocation hearing of their license by the State Education Department,” said Brown. “I want to thank Senator Murray for being on top of this issue for many years now and helping to protect New Yorkers from bad doctors who are over prescribing opioids and ruining people’s lives. The Governor can easily fix this at the agency level.”
Murray and Brown penned a letter to Hochul voicing these concerns. They earned the support of Suffolk Senators Mario Mattera (RSt. James), Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), and Alexis Weik (R-Sayville), as well as Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda).
Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Peter Welch (D-VT), three progressive Senators, believe the amendment would “restore democracy” by removing the indirect aspect of U.S. elections and replacing it with a simple popular-vote method.
“In an election, the person who gets the most votes should win. It’s that simple,” said Schatz. “No one’s vote should count for more based on where they live. The Electoral College is outdated and it’s undemocratic. It’s time to end it.”
By definition, the U.S. is considered a constitutional republic, but one that is a hybrid system of democratic and republican ideals.
Schatz and company take chagrin at the fact that in the last twenty years, two presidents were elected without winning the popular vote: George W. Bush (R-TX) and Donald Trump (R-NY) in 2016.
In addition to expanding his margin in the College from 306 in 2016 to 312 this year, Donald Trump became the first Republican since 2004 to win the popular vote. He received just over 77 million votes to Harris’ near-75 million.
“In 2000, before the general election, I introduced a bipartisan resolution to amend the Constitution and abolish the Electoral College. I still believe today that it’s time to retire this 18th century invention,” said Durbin, adding that he finds the College “disenfranchises millions of Americans.” Democrats claim the necessity of the amendment is found in their recent underperformances in key swing states.
“It’s always worth reminding people: It’s really hard for Democrats to win battleground states,” said David Plouffe, a senior adviser to Harris’s presidential campaign, on “Pod Save America,” a progressive podcast produced by Crooked Media. “Let’s look at Pennsylvania: 25% of the electorate is liberal, roughly, 34% is conservative. So, in every battleground state, there’s more conservatives than liberals.”
This is perhaps the boldest call for the abolition of the Electoral College since Hillary Clinton (D-NY) herself called for
“As we prepare to enter into the holiday season, part of our traditions include feasting with family and friends… but doing so can also increase the chances of food allergy interactions, which can have tragic results,” said Murray in a statement. Murray had submitted the bill in 2023, but concerns of costs became front-and-center in the debate, while supporters of the bill noted that first responders are already allowed to carry and administer Narcan to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn).
“Allergic reactions can be extremely dangerous, and seconds count to ensure treatment is administered in time to save a life,” said Governor Hochul. “With the placement of EpiPens in every Suffolk and Nassau County police car, we ensure first responders have the tools and training they need to respond rapidly in an emergency. Thank you to my partners in the Legislature for their advocacy and assistance seeing this through.”
Anaphylaxis claims anywhere from 500 to 1,000 lives annually in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) finds that one in three adults and one in four children have at least one allergy, with 6% of U.S. adults and children affected by food allergies.
Meanwhile, Murray has been an advocate, along with the Senate Republican Conference in urging Hochul to, in the upcoming budget, close the loophole in the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing (I-STOP) Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP). The program is intended to prevent “doctor shopping,” wherein patients simultaneously seek care from several practitioners with the intention of receiving additional prescriptions. I-STOP allows providers to access patient prescription histories to potentially curb the activity.
Currently, there is no mandated reporting requirement when a doctor is apparently over-prescribing medication, specifically opiates.
The letter suggests that the Governor include $500,000 of additional funding in the upcoming budget which would fund an additional two Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) to conduct data analysis and interagency communication; fund two FTEs in the Department of Health Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement for investigators of I-STOP’s PMP tips and complaints; and one FTE in the Department of Education Office of Professions to provide I-STOP interagency investigatory and licensure issue support.
Local
A Long Island Assemblyman has been assigned a leadership role within his conference.
Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville) (pictured below right) has been appointed Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore in the Assembly Minority Conference. The position plays a vital role in floor debate preparations and floor activity management for the conference.
“I am truly honored that Minority Leader Barclay has entrusted me to serve our conference in this new role,” said Gandolfo. “We are at a critical juncture in our state, as more and more New Yorkers are realizing that the status quo just isn’t working. I look forward to advocating for the common sense values of our conference that will make New York a better place for all.”
Gandolfo is set to replace Mary Beth Walsh (R-Ballston), who has been appointed Minority Leader Pro Tempore.
“I am pleased to appoint Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo as Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) (pictured left) “Jarett’s leadership, dedication and work ethic have earned him the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and those characteristics will serve him well in this crucial role. His position as second chair enables us to effectively advance our legislative agenda and manage floor activity during session. I’m confident he will be successful in this role and look forward to working alongside him this year.”
10 Smithtown Matters
December 19, 2024
Gina Ireland Interiors Opens in St. James
The Messenger sat down with Ms. Ireland to learn more about what she can bring to St. James and Smithtown at large.
A Brooklyn native, Ireland raised her family in Locust Valley and operated a ladies’ boutique there, but still operated her interior design business.
“My first client, and one of my favorite clients, was in Head of the Harbor,” Ireland told The Messenger. “I had a wonderful experience coming to this area. I knew that when I wanted to downsize and come to a small, close-knit town where I love the clients and the people, I came here. It makes me feel more at home because I do miss where I used to live.”
Although Ireland has been in Nesconset for just five years, her interior design work can be observed in several community landmarks. Ireland worked for the Crest Group, a small private equity, family-owned firm that develops multi-unit family homes in Suffolk. Ireland had the distinction of renovating the lighthouse at Danfords in Port Jefferson during her tenure with the business. Crest also recently purchased Thatch Cottage, which is now Water’s Edge in Centerport, the renovation for which Ireland planned and coordinated herself during the COVID-19 Pandemic, while, sadly, her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia.
Ireland describes that her daughter’s journey hasn’t been the smoothest, starting with a bone marrow transplant at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital in Queens. After the transplant failed, she was brought to Philadelphia Children’s Hospital for CAR T-cell infusions.
“We’re down to chemo and radiation and praying for a new miracle,” said Ireland, whose status as a single mother also made St. James an attractive option for a downsize.
“My taxes were astronomical in Locust Valley,” said Ireland, adding that she renovated her home within five months of moving in. “Locust Valley just had that charming, homey feeling that I missed so much. I love the people here [in Smithtown]; everyone is very grounded, happy, not pretentious. And that’s me, but I’m still a Brooklyn girl!”
Some patrons of the store actually came out specifically for the grand opening, including a Brookville couple who have been long-time friends of Ireland and received her interior designing expertise for their home in Florida.
“Our kids went to school together, then we bought a Tuscan-style home in Florida,” Matt and Marcia Stadler told The Messenger, a snowbirding couple originally from Stony Brook and Miller Place, who met as teenagers at the Smith Haven Mall. “She picked out the floors, the chandeliers, the artwork, everything, and it came out perfect. It’s a dream home and I’m so glad that we stuck with her ideas. She really set us on the right path, and look at her now.”
Gina Ireland Interiors makes for a fresh addition to downtown St. James, offering a variety of renovation samples, home décor, and personal products.
Meanwhile, with community bona fides and seventeen years in the business, Gina Ireland is looking to bring her expertise to a new-found community that makes her feel right at home.
Gina Ireland Interiors is located at 438 Lake Avenue in St. James.
Smithtown CSD Board of Education Honors Fall Sports Champions
Star athletes and teams from Smithtown High School East and High School West were honored for their accomplishments at the school district’s board of education meeting on December 10.
Those who were recognized include the state champion Smithtown/Hauppauge swim team, league champion Smithtown High School East girls’ volleyball team, league champion Smithtown High School boys’ and girls’ crosscountry teams, league champion Smithtown High School West football and soccer teams, and the Suffolk County champion Smithtown High School girls gymnastics team.
The
Mills Pond Cares Club Comes Through
Fourth grade students at Mills Pond Elementary School in Smithtown recently hosted a healthy snack sale and raised over $400.
Mills Pond Cares Club members sold Make-A-Wish artwork discs at their healthy snack sale and raised $474 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A representative will come to the school in January to speak to the club about children who have benefited from the wishes.
School Highlights
Ward Melville Presents ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
Ward Melville High School student actors and musicians impressed audiences over three live performances of the production “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Students took to the stage for the comedic musical performance while the pit orchestra helped set the tone throughout and the stage crew established the many scenes.
Audiences watched Pierrepont Finch try and climb the corporate ladder while faced with the challenges of office-life, including competitive co-workers, powerful executives, coffee addictions, and romance.
Using Tower Gardens as a Classroom Tool
Students at Sachem High School North are using Tower Gardens as a classroom tool. Recently, Mr. Logiudice's food trends classes and Ms. Frosina's horticulture classes grew two towers of basil for a cooking lesson on pesto. The Tower Gardens are used
all year long to grow various greens for use in both the general education cooking classes and the essential kitchen skills classes.
In addition to using the Tower Gardens, Mr. Logiudice's classes have planted in the outdoor garden at High School North for a hands-on learning experience about growing their own food.
Pines Elementary Hosts Exciting Student Council Election
The atmosphere at Pines Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District was electric as third, fourth and fifth grade students participated in the highly anticipated student council elections. On November 6, the school hosted a pep rally where eager candidates took to the podium to campaign for leadership roles.
School spirit filled the gymnasium as candidates for president, vice president, secretary and treasurer addressed their peers, outlining why they were the best choice for the job. With their speeches, each candidate aimed to inspire their fellow students with promises of positive change and school improvement.
Students rallied behind their favorite candidates, creating colorful posters to show support. The votes were counted, and the results were announced on
November 8, revealing the newly elected officers who will lead the school with pride and dedication. Congratulations to Brooke Russello (president), Connor White (vice president), Christian Bullock (secretary), and Nicholas Pesqueira (treasurer).
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The Necessary Standard for American Education
The Certification of the Electoral College
By Matt Meduri
This week, we’re pausing our in-depth autopsy of the 2024 election results to discuss a timely topic: the certification of the Electoral College.
Despite the population voting for president in November, they’re not voting directly for their preferred candidate. Instead, they’re voting for a slate of electors who are pre-pledged to back the nominee who carries their state. These electors make up the Electoral College and have spent the last few weeks in the process of formally certifying Donald Trump’s (R-FL) and Kamala Harris’ (D-CA) wins in the recent presidential election.
Background on the Electoral College
One of our very first Civics 101 columns discussed the Electoral College fully, as well as the Twelfth Amendment - which outlined how our elections are constitutionally administered - in a separate article.
The Electoral College is composed of the collective number of U.S. House Representatives and U.S. Senators allotted to each state. The House represents the states proportionally, with larger states receiving more congressional districts, and, therefore, more electoral votes. California has the largest batch at 54, while six states are tied for the lowest and lowest-possible number, just 3 electoral votes. Congressional districts are added or eliminated based on interstate population shifts pursuant to the results of the U.S. Census, conducted every ten years. States whose population shifts did not qualify for the addition or removal of a congressional district - and an electoral voteredrawn their lines to accurately reflect intrastate population shifts.
The Senate, meanwhile, represents the states equally, with each receiving two Senators, regardless of population or size.
A state’s Electoral College vote tally is a combination of these two figures. For instance, New York has twenty-six congressional districts, plus the two Senators, making for twenty-eight electoral votes.
The College has 538 votes available: 435 congressional districts, 100 Senators, and three electors from the District of Columbia, who have participated in every election since 1964, never one backing a Republican candidate.
The goal for either candidate then is to reach a majority of the votes available, which comes out to the magic number of 270. The first candidate to reach this number wins the election.
Only two states, Maine and Nebraska, award electoral votes based on the popular vote-winner in each congressional district in the state. Nebraska’s first split came in 2008, the first occurrence since the state shifted from its winner-take-all process in 1992. Maine’s first split came in 2016, after adopting the process in 1972. The 2020 election marked the first time both states split their votes in the same election, a historical anomaly that was repeated this year.
Who Are the Electors?
Once the votes have been tallied and winners and losers have been called, the process is then kicked, not to Congress, but to the states. Although the process is somewhat ceremonial, it does uphold the institution of the Electoral College and is a vital part of the election process that ultimately concludes with the certification of the results by Congress, followed by Inauguration Day on January 20.
Assuming there are no faithless electors, a topic we’ve also discussed in a dedicated Civics 101 article, the final electoral vote count should exactly mirror the results of the election. In this case, Trump should win 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, the lowest number of electoral votes for a Democrat since 1988.
Thirty-seven states and D.C. require electors to vote for the pledged candidate, while many have laws that remove, replace, and/or otherwise penalize electors who attempt to vote apart from the election results. However, while faithless electors are relatively rare, the tumultuous 2016 election culminated with seven faithless electors, with Trump losing two and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) losing five.
With the results fully certified as of Tuesday night, no faithless electors emerged, nor were there any attempts, as far we can see.
The electors for the College may be state elected officials, party leaders, or residents of a state that have a personal and/or political connection with their party’s presidential candidate. The slates of electors are determined before the election by both parties, with only one slate of electors sure to cast their votes in December.
Since Vice President Harris won New York, the twenty-eight electors all backed her. Notable names include Governor Kathy Hochul (D), New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D), State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck Plaza), Attorney General Letitia James (D), Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), and even Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. These figures, as well as the other electors, all casted their votes for Harris.
Had Trump won New York, an entirely different slate would have voted for him.
Notable figures include Suffolk County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge), Suffolk Conservative Party Chairman Michael Torres, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda), Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski), Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach), Assemblyman Karl Brabenac (R-Westbrookville), former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), and New York State Republican Committee Chairman Ed Cox.
The Certification Process
After the election results are tallied, the process begins with filing the Certificate of Ascertainment, which each state is required to file. The certificates are due six days before the electors are scheduled to meet. This year, electors met in their respective state capitals on Tuesday, December 17.
The only rules of the certificates are that they are signed by the governor and include the state seal.
The Certificate of Ascertainment itself contains the slate of electors, by name, for each candidate, including third-party and minor candidates. The certificate will note which slate received the largest number of votes, with the number printed alongside the winning slate. However, not all states include the names of the presidential candidates themselves on the certificates. Each elector adds his/her signature to a Certificate of Vote, with which the Ascertainment is paired.
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. Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
presence of a joint session of Congress. The vice president also receives the pairs of certificates from each state. This year, the deadline to receive the pairs of certificates from each state is December 28.
Another two copies are sent to the Archivist of the United States - an appointed position currently held by Colleen Shogan - at the National Archives and Records Administration with the same December 28 deadline.
The secretaries of state each keep two copies of the pairs, one in the event that the original pair does not reach the Archivist or the U.S. Senate, and one for public display and inspection. Another pair goes to the U.S. District Court Judge for the respective state, while two extra copies are made as emergency backups in the event the other copies or the originals are lost or destroyed. Electors also receive copies of the documents.
In late December, the Archivist will transfer all the pairs of certificates to Congress, which will be followed by the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2025. Here, it is permissible for members of Congress to challenge the results of each state, something that has occurred in four of the seven elections this century: 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020. A challenge to a state’s result requires one House member and one Senate member to submit the objection. If that occurs, the two chambers of Congress separate and have two hours of debate and to vote on whether to continue the count. Both chambers must vote by a simple majority (50% + 1) to agree with the objection for it to stand. If not, the objection fails.
If no candidate receives 270 electoral votes, either through successful congressional objections, faithless electors, or third-party candidates, the Twelfth Amendment kicks in, empowering the House to select the president (one vote per state), and the Senate to choose the vice president (one vote per Senator). In the case of the House, the top-three vote-receivers are the only candidates from which the House can choose. If this were the case this year, Trump, Harris, and Green Party candidate Jill Stein - who took third place with just 0.55% of the national popular vote - would be in contention for the presidency.
Senior Citizen Center Collects over $2000 in Gift Cards for The Angels of Kings Park
The Smithtown Senior Center organized and collected over $2000 in gift cards to donate to The Angels of Kings Park, in time for the Holiday Season. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to local families and individuals who have experienced hardships.
Additional Gift cards were given to the Northport VA Hospital.
“It is our hope that the donations will allow families to create memories that will last them a lifetime. Our seniors and staff are very generous, and they simply want to help others. Instead of buying gifts for one another, we are giving the gift of caring for those in need. It gives us great joy to provide a sense of hope to others this Holiday Season,” said Doreen Perrino, Director of the Senior Citizen Center.
Perrino and MaryAnn Jacoutot, Senior Citizens Program Supervisor, organized the fundraiser. The tree, known throughout the center as the Angel Tree, is beautifully decorated, adorned with angel ornaments with written suggested dollar amounts for various gift cards participants could select from, such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. Members of the Senior Center and the staff generously participated in this special initiative.
Doreen Perrino and Mary Ann Jacoutot, along with Lynn and Stewart Meyers, Cathy Morgano, and Susan Montigny from Club Moriches, presented the assortment of gift cards to the Angels of Kings Park Board members, Danielle Calabria, Jacqueline Clancy, and Kathleen Lanese. The collection exceeded the amount donated last year.
The Smithtown Senior Center also donates handmade quilts, blankets, baby hats, prayer shawls, and greeting cards to many local hospitals, shelters, group homes, and nursing homes
throughout the year to let those who may feel forgotten know that there is always someone who cares.
How To Join the Smithtown Senior Center
Smithtown residents, ages sixty years and older can join (no fee is required) by filling out a brief application on-site, along with proof of residency such as a driver’s license. A membership card and welcome packet will be provided, along with a tour of the facility by a Senior Center Club Leader. The welcome packet includes a current calendar of activities, classes, and events, as well as brochures for services and amenities available exclusively for members.
The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for residents. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting, and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy, and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.
The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. (July and August hours: 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for members. For questions or additional information, please call (631) 3607616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.
The Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy Attends Holiday Festivities
On Sunday, December 15, Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) attended the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference’s annual holiday party, held at the main house in the Blydenburgh Historic District. Typically held in the middle of December, the annual holiday party is open to the public, and all that can attend are encouraged to do so.
Long Island may seem to be strapped for hiking trails, but the Greenbelt Trail Conference is testament to the fact that Long Island has exceptional greenspace. Established in 1978, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference has established and consolidated over two hundred miles of hiking paths. The Twelfth Legislative District is fortunate to be home to Blydenburgh County Park, which alone features four miles of these said paths. Other notable Long Island Hiking trails maintained by the conference include but are not limited to:
-The Nassau-Suffolk Trail, which originates in Cold Spring Harbor and terminates in Massapequa and spans over twenty miles.
-The Long Island Seashore Trail, which originates at Smith’s Point and routes through the Barrier Islands.
-The Pine Barrens Trail, which, at forty-seven miles long is the largest trail in the Greenbelt Conference, and routes from Rocky Point all the way to Hampton Bays.
-And finally, the titular Long Island Greenbelt Trail, which spans from Hecksher Park in Great River all the way north to the Nissequogue River in Smithtown.
Since its inception in 1978, Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference has given over 7,000 guided hikes, and currently features over 200 guided hikes a year. These hikes come at no cost to anyone who wishes to join as the guides are volunteers. Furthermore, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference is funded primarily through memberships and donations.
The non-profit is currently run by an executive board consisting of David Reisfield, President; Tammy Straus, Treasurer; Nancy Manfredonia, founding president and
current board member; Carol Murphy, board member; Tom Isles, board member; and Lisa Schary, board member. Other significant volunteers include Chiara Nuzzo, Office and Outreach Coordinator, and Allen Drost, who gives leads and hikes and gives house tours on the historically significant properties. While they may all serve different roles for the organization, they all have one thing in common, they all understand the significance of the natural environment.
“The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference is important to me because we’re able to help preserve and facilitate the use of open space on Long Island, while making sure it’s not abused,” says David Reisfield.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy is a conservationist at heart, and as such, has intervened multiple times in her career to protect the environment and local hiking trails throughout the area. Organizations like the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference are what make Long Island special, and Legislator Leslie Kennedy would like to extend a heartfelt thank you, and happy holidays to the conference.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) has represented the Twelfth District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2015. The Twelfth District includes Lake Grove and Lake Ronkonkoma and parts of Centereach within Brookhaven Town, as well as Hauppauge, Lake Ronkonkoma, Nesconset, Village of the Branch, and parts of Commack and Smithtown hamlet within Smithtown Township.
Legislator Kennedy serves as the Chair of the Health Committee, Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Vice Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and serves on the Committees on Environment, Parks, and Agriculture; Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness; Labor and Consumer Affairs; Public Safety; Seniors and Human Services; and Veterans
The Twelfth District office is located at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Building 17, in Hauppauge and can be reached at 631-854-3735.
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
Local History
December 19, 2024
O Christmas Tree
Our beloved “Christmas Tree,” as it was known in the winter season, was a great pleasure for all who have ever participated in the holiday festivities in our community. Wearing many hats, as they say, it was our Christmas Tree for a month, and represented other patriotic holidays, but boldly stood tall as our World War II Memorial Tree for the remainder of the year.
As the weather gets colder and anticipation begins for Christmas, we remember our “Christmas Tree,” and the memories it held, so proud to bring joy to all who passed by, filling the night with thousands of colored Christmas bulbs and lighting our way.
Actually, we were all sharing the tree, with its permission. The tree was originally placed after the death of our town’s beloved David Girardet, who was shot down in his Grumman Hellcat near the end of WWII. Walter “Bunny” Gubner, who owned the Evergreen Nursey, brought the tree here in his Ford Model AA truck, and planted it on the northeast corner of the Newton/Girardet property.
At that moment, history was made.
The small but sturdy tree became the Lake Ronkonkoma World War II Memorial Tree. From that moment on, local WWII soldier/sailors that came home from active duty would stand in the heart of town at the intersection of Hawkins Avenue and Farm-to-Market Road (now Portion/Horseblock Road) and salute the tree in honor of their friend David Girardet, KIA, and to honor their country. Knowing many of our original WWII Veterans, you can be sure they would not have been concerned with a pizza place and a convenience store now facing them. They always made the best of all situations. That’s why they were our heroes.
The tree grew over the next 75-odd years, and never bothered anyone, nor did it ask for anything in return. It was protected by the property owners, and by Suffolk County when the property was sold.
The day non-community members turned their back on our tree was devastating. The concerns of so many present and past residents were shared, but to no avail. Progress? We think not.
thirteenth annual renewal of the event. The Town officials planted three Norway maples on the mall at the railroad station to replace the three Dutch elms donated by Maude Adams, a popular resident, which had succumbed to disease.
The Norway Maples, starting at ten feet tall, were to mark the spot for future caroling at the station. The Lions Club of the Ronkonkoma’s operated at the program in conjunction with their annual distribution of food baskets for the community’s underprivileged. The caroling was sponsored by the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association and the Chamber of Commerce of Lake Ronkonkoma.
In 1961, more than 200 participants and both the Lakeland and Ronkonkoma fire departments were on hand to supply flood lights from the parked fire trucks at both locations to illumine the area. Cookies, candy, and hot chocolate were available in the adjacent law office of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marino. The caroling was sponsored by the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Lake Ronkonkoma and the Lions Club of the Ronkonkoma’s.
On Veterans Day 2022, our tree was taken down with respect and dignity. The loss of that tree has taken a piece of everyone’s heart.
Some of us remember the careful planning and attending the Christmas Caroling at both trees, but it was the younger crowd that remembers the magical night we would all celebrate at two trees, allowing both Ronkonkoma and Lake Ronkonkoma to share the Christmas holiday.
Since 1946, we have records of Christmas caroling that took place concurrently at the Railroad Station and in the Village, opposite ends of our community. It was a spectacular event; singing and festivities would get underway at 7:30p.m. at the Railroad Mall, followed by the 8:30 switch down to the WWII Memorial Tree at its rightful spot, Hawkins and Farm-to-Market Road. These were unrehearsed songfests, and the entire community was urged to attend. Many of these early caroling events were sponsored by the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association.
The year 1959 was a washout due to rain, but the rain date of 12/19/1959 allowed the dozen years of this tradition to happen a day later. Spontaneous community caroling, free refreshments consisting of hot chocolate and donuts at the WWII treesupplied by the law firm of Ehrman and Marino and distributed by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts - and candy canes from the Civic Association. Brookhaven Town Clerk-elect Arthur McComb served as the Master of Ceremonies. The caroling was sponsored by the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Association, with an assist from the newly formed Chamber of Commerce of Lake Ronkonkoma.
In 1960, the Christmas caroling was once again planned at each tree. It was the
The Sachem schools chorus and band were added, church choirs, scouts and other groups who were all welcome, and this once-ayear honor to Christmas is remembered by many in the community. A good question: who paid the electric bill?
The merchants in both areas paid a fair amount each to the fund and covered the bills. Working together for the residents to enjoy the holidays was number-one in the cause.
For many years, a very small group of citizens had been assembling at the WWII Memorial Tree on December 7. They would stand in silence, and the Ronkonkoma Fire Department would activate their alarm at 7:48a.m., the exact time our country was attacked in 1941. The group of people would show respect to our military who died during the surprise attack conducted by the Empire of Japan every year, many remembering as a child the initial shock of the infamous day. The tree would have a modest floral piece on the ground under the mahogany landmark sign with a black and purple drape and the Military Jeep of Jo Molinari would always be parked next to the tree in solidarity.
The Armed Forces Day Ceremony, always held on the third Saturday of May, found the tree wearing happy and elaborate red, white, and blue decorations, and many handmade decorations made by the Boy Scouts, local community members, Gold Star Mothers, and Blue Star Mothers. The crafts were made on the three picnic tables constructed and placed by a Boy Scout Eagle Project from Levittown. Different groups were present yearly, but the most genuine were our local World War II Veterans. Fire Departments of Ronkonkoma, Lakeland, and Nesconset were among the displayers of our country’s flag. Horse groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, William Merrit Hallock American Legend, AMVETS, VFW, local school musical bands, and new faces every year joined in the event.
Christmas at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with Father Edward Wisbauer was something you will never forget. I may be a bit biased, but Father Ed taught us Christmas like no other. Religious responsibilities, church loyalty, and always time for fun to reward a great job.
The mobile Christmas caroling was added to our holiday when Jake Watral, owner of Watral & Sons, started the tradition by supplying his personal trailers, decorated in advance. He and his crew would assemble at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and load us up on them. We would slowly drive around town, disembark, and sing at selected sites for hours. It was like a parade in the middle of winter. We brought much joy to so many, as a parish we spread Christmas Cheer. My favorite recollection was the cold brisk air on my face as we circled Ronkonkoma Lake, made stops in town, and rounds of additional stops on the open roads until we once returned to St. Mary’s.
Merry Christmas to All!
Thank you for supporting our community as we begin the year 2025!
The Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association 4 Cherry Street, Lake Ronkonkoma 631-831-1670
CreditEllyn Okvist
The Romaine Report 17
A Year of Progress: Building a Safer, More Affordable Suffolk County
By Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
After twelve years as the Brookhaven Town Supervisor, in 2023 I decided to run for Suffolk County Executive to make our county safer and more affordable and to restore professionalism to every county department.
Good governance is about doing what’s right for taxpayers and employees, and that’s exactly what we’ve focused on since I have taken office.
Fiscally, we are on the right road, and our efforts have been recognized. The county’s 2024 budgeting has earned Suffolk two bond ratings and three credit rating upgrades as of early December.
As promised, we’ve brought new leadership to the Suffolk County Police Department, hired 200 new officers, and added 50 new detectives to tackle crime across the county. New leadership has put the department on track for continued success, and my administration will provide what our law enforcement agencies need to protect our communities.
The Department of Social Services was in crisis when I took office. Poor management, low staffing, and tragic incidents resulted in Suffolk County being among the worst-performing DSS operations in New York State. For example, Suffolk was last among counties processing SNAP applications, which provide people in need with food. Due to new leadership and a complete overhaul of DSS operations, Suffolk is now the best in New York State.
New call center policies have reduced SNAP wait times by more than 95%, boosted employee morale, and decreased caseloads. While there is still work to be done, especially in filling the over 1,000 open positions, we’re making real progress.
To address these vacancies, we launched the “Suffolk is Hiring” campaign, meeting job seekers where they are—on social media, at college campuses, and at job fairs. This proactive approach shifts from reactive to addressing problems before they become crises.
When I took office, many county buildings were in terrible shape—leaky roofs, broken systems, and general neglect. These buildings belong to the taxpayers and house our dedicated workforce. We’ve made it a priority to bring these
spaces up to standard, both for the employees and the public who rely on these services.
Here are just a few of the results our taxpayers are already seeing:
• 246 acres of land preserved—a significant increase from previous years, thanks to reforms in the Department of Economic Planning that streamlined the process.
• Sewer projects funded in Smithtown, Wyandanch, Wheatley Heights, Deer Park, the Forge River, and Southwest Sewer Districts. These projects are critical for protecting our environment and revitalizing downtown areas.
• $56 million invested in public safety equipment, ensuring our police and first responders are better equipped to keep our communities safe.
• Major improvements to county parks planned for 2025, offering enhanced recreational spaces for families.
• Micro transit zones to improve connectivity on the East End, making it easier for residents to access essential services and work opportunities.
None of this would be possible without the incredible team I have by my side. Together, we are committed to making Suffolk County safer, more affordable, and a place where every resident can thrive.
I look forward to continuing this important work next year and wish all of you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has served as Suffolk County Executive since 2024. He served as a Suffolk County Legislator from 1985 to 1989 and again from 2005 to 2012. He served as Suffolk County Clerk from 1989 until 2005, and as Brookhaven Town Supervisor from 2012 until 2023.
JOIN THE TOWNLINE RAIL TERMINAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Dear Community Members,
In January 2025, Carlson Corp and Townline Rail will launch a monthly Zoom meeting to discuss the development of the Townline Rail Terminal Project. These meetings are designed to educate and inform the community about the progress and details of this important initiative.
We are currently seeking volunteers from the community to serve as community representatives or advocates. These individuals will closely follow the project’s development and help share updates and insights with others who may not have the ability or resources to engage directly.
If you are interested in taking an advisory role in this significant project, we encourage you to reach out. This is an unpaid position and would require a commitment of 4 to 8 hours per month.
To express your interest, please email me directly at Toby@carlsoncorp.com.
Kindly include a brief paragraph about yourself, your interest in the project, and how you feel you could bring value to the advisory council.
You may also reach me by mail at the following address:
Toby Carlson, 140 Old Northport Rd., Kings Park, NY 11754
We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make this project a success for the entire community.
Best regards,
Toby Carlson
Chairman of the Board Carlson
Corp
The best option for the future Proposed Townline Rail Terminal
Thursday, December 19, 2024
The End of the Long Obama Era
By Walter Samuel | Outside AMAC Contributor
In December of 2016, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and much of their staff gathered to listen to a performance by the cast of the musical Hamilton at the White House. When the actors performed the song “One Last Time,” in which George Washington explains his decision to retire over the objections of Alexander Hamilton, the Democratic audience broke into tears, drawing parallels to the end of Obama’s tenure and viewing the impending Trump administration as the end of an era.
They were eight years too early. November 2016 was merely the beginning of the end.
It is fitting that a musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton became the cultural zeitgeist of the Obama administration’s dying days. Hamilton was the founding father who was most skeptical of the idea of democratic self-government, believing in the necessity of unelected institutions to restrain it.
Like Hamilton’s Federalist Party, the Democratic Party (and quite a few nominal Republicans) gave up on the American people, preferring instead to place their faith blindly in powerful institutions. Like the Federalists, they were wrong and found themselves swept away by the tide of history.
Most importantly, just as most Federalists, including John Quincy Adams, made their peace with that reality, more than a few on the left today seem to be reacting to Trump’s re-election not with the horror that followed Hillary Clinton’s 2016 defeat, but with relief.
One of the most promising developments over the last month has been the acceptance by an increasing number of Democrats and left-wingers that there can be no going back. They will need to make their peace with the Trump era.
I predicted this exact outcome several months ago when I suggested that what was at stake in this election was the future direction of both parties. A Harris victory would be a victory for the suburban professional elites who had dominated American politics between 1988 and 2016 by acting as swing voters. It would have sent a message that Democrats could win in alliance with them, while Republicans could not win against
them, leading both parties to pander to institutionalist elites.
By contrast, a victory for President Trump would demonstrate that those largely white professionals no longer wielded decisive power, in the process not just empowering conservative supporters of Donald Trump, but also critics within the Democratic coalition.
That is precisely what is happening. Donald Trump’s victory has shifted power within both parties. On the Republican side, it has empowered Donald Trump to stand firm against establishment opposition to his agenda, shifting the balance of power that existed during his first term.
More interesting are the developments on the Democratic side, where Trump’s victory has empowered figures like the Young Turks’ Cenk Uyghur to speak out in favor of working with the new Department of Government Efficiency to attack the entrenched Pentagon bureaucracy. Bernie Sanders, meanwhile, has flirted with endorsing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s efforts to challenge Big Pharma.
Both developments mark a break with a Democratic Party which under Barack Obama identified with those academic elites who staff bureaucratic institutions, and then under Joe Biden identified the nation itself with institutional bureaucracy. Questioning public health experts became conspiratorial under this Democratic Party, and parents questioning educational officials became domestic terrorists. Questioning the intelligence community, meanwhile, became sedition, and questioning election officials became an “attack on democracy.” To paraphrase South Park, the mantra “Are you questioning my authority?” replaced appeals to the working-class as the classwarfare battle cry of the Democratic party during the Obama and Biden years.
Democrats’ forced introspection is a healthy development for the country. It is difficult to overstate how toxic the identification of the Democratic Party with the bureaucratic class of America’s institutions was for both parties. It corrupted both. With the Democratic Party becoming little more than a deferential bodyguard for whatever
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decisions these institutions produced, there was no pushback when they embraced dangerous fads such as child gender transition or demonstrated repeated incompetence on everything from national security to basic law and order.
Democrats blindly adopted policies which were not just toxic, but self-evidently mad, not because they appealed to voters or even to many Democrats themselves, but because their “betters” told them to. Their embrace of open borders, child gender transition, and defund the police were the products not of internal debate, but deference to authority.
As for those institutions, the deference of the Democratic Party to them exacerbated longstanding tendencies toward unaccountability. Agencies such as the CIA and FBI have been prone to seeing themselves as the true defenders of the nation for decades, treating elected officials as little more than inconveniences – something that generations of American liberals used to be well aware of.
With Democrats suddenly embracing these agencies’ delusions of grandeur, they began to perceive the refusal of Donald Trump and his supporters within the Republican party to do the same as a threat to themselves. Identifying themselves with the national interest, it was a short step to categorize support for Donald Trump as a threat to the nation.
The result was increasingly blatant interventions into domestic politics, matched with an internal homogenization that pushed out dissenters. If Donald Trump represented a threat to the FBI and CIA, then it followed that Donald Trump supporters within the FBI and CIA could not be loyal to those institutions. Even apolitical types who did not “recognize” the “threat” were less reliable than partisans.
As a result, Republicans hoping to gain entry to these institutions were forced to hide their politics. The spread of DEI throughout the Pentagon and intelligence agencies has been a more complicated process than a mere mandate from the Biden or Obama administrations, as it accelerated while Donald Trump was president as well. It was an organic response to the Democrats making loyalty to the bureaucracy a core ideological principle, which is why the far-left takeover of institutions cannot be ended merely with an executive order from a newly inaugurated President Donald Trump.
Ultimately, the left’s attempt to politicize everything from the FBI to corporate board rooms had the precise opposite impact as the stated goals of DEI or diversity. Rather than bringing institutions closer to the American people, it turned a gap into a chasm, with the added effect of dragging not just institutions, but the Democratic Party into open opposition with the American people. The consequences were on full display in November, when every demographic group except for white women with college degrees swung toward Donald Trump.
Most importantly, the defeat seems to have left the Democratic institutional alliance with no pathway forward. Following the 2016 election, both sides consoled themselves with the belief that their combined forces could have reversed the outcome. Through the 2022 midterms, they could convince themselves that they had done so.
The 2024 results, however, have revealed the
truth. The Democratic Party, even with the support of the FBI, CIA, higher education, and much of corporate America, cannot win elections, and therefore cannot deliver the political protection those institutions need.
In turn, the support of those institutions is clearly not enough to allow Democrats to win elections, which is causing many on the left to question just what they have gained by sacrificing their principles on the altar of rehabilitation for the Liz Cheneys of the world, or treating Anthony Fauci as the Oracle of Delphi.
Make no mistake: this breakup is not coming because the institutions and Democratic Party have realized their alliance has been bad for America. It is coming because
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.
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they realize that it is bad for them.
Nonetheless, its end will be good for America because it has the potential to restore a balance to both the American government and society. America needs political parties based around different ideas, not a political party based around having no ideas other than blind deference to authority. It needs institutions that see themselves as servants of the will of the American people as expressed through elections, not ones who see one of those parties as the instrument of their will.
Increasingly, that looks like what Donald Trump’s second term will deliver as its legacy.
20 Bits & Pieces
WORD OF THE Week JOCUND
Etymology:
late Middle English: via Old French from Latin jocundus, variant (influenced by jocus ‘joke’) of jucundus ‘pleasant, agreeable’, from juvare ‘to delight’
Adjective
Pronounced: jaa·knd
Definition: cheerful and lighthearted
Example: “The holiday season culminated with a jocund office party.”
Synonyms: merry, bright, jolly
Antonyms: melancholy, crestfallen, disconsolate
Source: Oxford Languages
WORD WHEEL
R
A F O U
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 20, 1946: Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” film, directed by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore premieres in New York
December 25, 1: The first Christmas according to calendar-maker and Eastern Roman monk Dionysius Exiguus
December 19, 1958: First radio broadcast from space, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower (R-KS) sends a Christmas message “to all mankind, America’s wish for peace on Earth and goodwill to men everywhere”
December 23, 1888: Vincent van Gogh purportedly cuts off his left ear, after argument with fellow painter Paul Gauguin, and sends to a female courtesan for safe keeping
December 24, 1818:
Christmas carol “Silent Night” composed by Franz Xaver Gruber is first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria
December 21, 1891: First game of basketball, based on rules created by James Naismith, played by 18 students in Springfield, Massachusetts
December 22, 1989: After 23 years of dictatorial rule, Romania
ousts Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu
By PJ Balzer
This past week, the William Floyd basketball community and Mastic Beach, Mastic, and Shirley community at-large lost a giant.
Maybe not necessarily a giant in power, prestige, or resources as most would define the words. But a giant in heart, in service to others, in selflessness, and most importantly, a giant in love. Coach Darrell Sumpter of Mastic Beach unexpectedly lost his life in a tragic car accident on Sunrise Highway on Friday at the age of 51.
The Messenger wrote a story on Darrell not even a year ago. “The Muscle Behind the Hustle” was a full-page story highlighting Coach Darrell’s love for his community, its children, and youth; the extra mile he went for each individual; how he used the game of basketball to attempt to divert young people away from the streets and idleness, towards the court, hard work, scholastics, and lifelong lessons of practicing discipline. In the process of caring for his players both on and off the court, Darrell was central and monumental to the rebuilding of the success of the basketball program at William Floyd.
The Impact of One Life
Later Friday afternoon, as his community learned of his untimely passing, social media started to explode with pictures, stories, and tributes to a true friend of his community. Childhood friends, school staff, current and past players of his, coaches from opposing schools, and neighbors began surfacing stories about “Coach D.” Many recalled how he had helped them and been a friend to them through a hard season of life; he had given to them regardless of himself being in need. Childhood friends posted pictures of from their teenage years and hanging out around the Tri-Hamlet community, while former players posted video and audio clips of his inspirational words. In one recording Coach Darrell is heard saying, “I know your dad’s not here, but he’d be so proud of you if he was. I know how much he loved you and seeing you play basketball.”
Since then, the community has rallied around the Sumpter family including Darrell’s wife and children. Dejah Sumpter, Darrell’s daughter and right hand in both coaching and helping, posted a GoFundMe asking the community and everyone who loved her father with assistance for a proper burial. The GoFundMe has raised upwards of $60,000 and is still rolling. With many people expressing that for all Coach D has done for them, the least they could do is contribute. Some of the contributions are coming even from local children who sent whatever they could. One donation was for $11, which alone speaks in volumes.
Darrell Sumpter leaves not only a legacy of love behind for the sport of basketball and his players, but also for his family first and foremost. He loved his family and his children visibly, daily, and practically, making love an action word not only a phrase. By doing this, he has set an example for many young people in the community without present fathers of what one was supposed to do and the great responsibility being a father is.
Tuesday evening, only a few days after their assistant coach’s passing, the William Floyd boys’ varsity team took on the neighboring Longwood Lions in a game that the Colonials dedicated to Darrell. It was an emotional night for the thousand in attendance as a beautiful speech was given and a thousand people sat in complete silence to give honor to the empty seat on the Colonials’ bench. After an intense backand-forth game, the Colonials came out on top by a score of 66-57. After the game, a few hundred people gathered around the Sumpter family including alumni, family
friends, and school staff to present the family with the game ball. It was hard to find a single dry eye in the building.
During my last interview with Darrell in January of last year for “The Muscle Behind the Hustle,” my closing question to Coach D was, “So Coach, before we wrap up the interview, I’d like to know a personal and lifelong goal of yours. It can be basketball related or not, something personal you’d like to achieve.”
Darrell’s only answer was, “I’d like to have a thousand people at my funeral who my life has had an impact on. That’s true success in my opinion.”
Well done, Coach D.
Brookhaven Fire Marshal Demonstrates Dramatic Christmas Tree Fire Hazards
By Cait Crudden
Editor’s Note: Although this demonstration was conducted by the Town of Brookhaven, we feel it is pertinent enough to readers in Smithtown and Islip as well. Suffolk County held their own holiday fire demonstration at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank. We have included extra details from that press conference here as well.
This past week, Brookhaven Town Chief Fire Marshal Chris Mehrman, alongside Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches), Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), and members of the Town Board, delivered a striking demonstration to highlight the dangers of improperly cared-for live Christmas trees. The event, held at the town’s Division of Fire Prevention, utilized a “burn pod” staged to resemble a living room, where the rapid ignition of a dry Christmas tree was dramatically showcased.
The demonstration began with an attempt to ignite a branch from a fresh, well-watered Christmas tree. The branch did not burn, illustrating the importance of proper tree care. In stark contrast, a dry, unwatered tree quickly erupted into flames, engulfing the “burn pod” in a matter of seconds. The fire destroyed the simulated living room, including gift-wrapped packages, vividly showing how a small oversight can lead to devastating consequences.
Chief Fire Marshal Mehrman also took the opportunity to educate attendees on the proper use of Christmas tree lights, emphasizing fire safety during the holiday season.
Supervisor Panico underscored the seriousness of the demonstration: “It took only seconds for this fire to develop and cause severe damage in the burn pod. This was a frightening, first-hand look at what could happen to a home if Christmas trees are not sufficiently watered. I urge everyone to follow all the fire safety precautions and have a safe and happy holiday season.”
The demonstration was accompanied by sobering statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Between 2016 and 2020, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home structure fires per
year caused by ignited Christmas trees. These fires resulted in 2 civilian deaths annually, 11 civilian injuries annually and $12 million in direct property damage annually.
Although Christmas tree fires have declined over the past 20 years, the risk remains significant. In 2020, 180 Christmas tree-related fires were reported, with 41% occurring in December and 33% in January. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment accounted for 44% of these fires, with heating equipment contributing to 13%.
The County stated that over 21 million real Christmas trees will be sold for home use this year. Between 2018 and 2020, 800 fires were caused by holiday decorations. Of those, 38% were electrical, 35% were due to wiring (cords, plugs, bad lights, or circuit overload), 20% were from heating sources, and 7% were from candles.
To ensure a fire-safe holiday season, residents are urged to follow these NFPA recommendations: Select a fresh tree. Choose one with green needles that do not fall off when touched. Remember to trim the trunk. Cut 1–2 inches from the base of the tree before placing it in the stand. Position your tree carefully. Keep the tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, and heat vents. Ensure it does not block an exit. Hydrate your tree daily. Add water to the tree stand and refill it daily. Always be mindful with the lights. Use lights that are in good condition, free of frayed wires or broken bulbs. Turn lights off when leaving the house or going to bed. For more tips on holiday fire safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.
This demonstration served as a vital reminder of the importance of fire safety during the holidays, ensuring that families can enjoy the season safely and without incident.
The County shares, in addition to the advice of Brookhaven, that residents should only buy trees from reputable sellers, avoid overloading outlets –stick to one high-wattage appliance per socket to avoid overheating – and keep cords out of reach to prevent chewing hazards for household pets.
Comsewogue Girls Bowling: Getting the Ball Rolling in 2024-2025
By Ashley Pavlakis
Bowling is usually a fun pastime activity for kids or adults to enjoy a day out.
But for the Comsewogue varsity girls bowling team, they’re bowling to win.
The Warriors are members of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and compete in League I. They are led by twenty-one-year head coach Brian “Bo” Frimmer, an avid bowler himself who enjoys the game and the job.
“Last year we did pretty well, we were in league III and we finished in second place behind East Islip. We went to Counties and didn’t really fare too well, but the girls were excited that we made it. It was a full day of tournamentstyle bowling so it’s fun,” said Frimmer.
Frimmer was excited at the prospect of having the same group of girls this year, giving the team a chance
to build upon the work from last season.
“There’s eight girls on the team and they’re all returning from last year. We didn’t have any seniors last year so it was nice to be able to have a full returning squad. They’ve all been bowling together now for three, four, years cause a lot of them started when they were in middle school,” said Frimmer.
For the Warriors, they have three girls who can bowl hardcore when called upon. Izzy Grillo, Reese Agarenzo, and Sasha Pagan are Frimmer’s top gals.
“They bowl against girls from the other team, so it’s head-to-head. Each point really matters to try and win the match. I always try and put my best against their best to try and get as many match points as we can.”
Sophomore Izzy Grillo, who has been on the team since seventh grade, bowled a 740 versus Middle
Country. She set a new series high as well as a new game high with a score of 279.
“It feels great. The game just went on and I could just feel myself getting better and better with the lanes. It just felt much more natural and I ended up bowling better than I thought I would,” Grillo told The Messenger Frimmer stressed the importance of bowling being a strategic and mental game. Finetuning in practice helps to keep
things flowing during matches.
“What we work on a lot in practice is just making spares. The biggest thing with bowling is you just gotta make your spares. I tell the girls all the time, you’re going to make your runs with your strikes, but if you have an open frame, it kind of destroys your score,” said Frimmer.
Bowling might not be for everyone, but the Comsewogue Warriors, they’re learning the ins and outs of what it means to bowl like a pro.
“You can’t just get up there and pick up a house ball and chuck it, there’s a lot more to it and you have to know your oil patterns, how your ball is going to break, how the lanes are going to break down,” said Frimmer.
CM Performing Arts Presents: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’
By Diane Caudullo
This holiday season, the CM Performing Arts Center is bringing to life the heartwarming and humorous tale of Ralphie Parker with its delightful production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” Set in the 1940s, this charming musical adaptation captures the essence of the beloved 1983 film, offering audiences a nostalgic journey filled with laughter, warmth, and holiday cheer.
Talented Cast Breathes Life into Beloved Characters
At the heart of this production is the talented cast, whose performances have been met with sold out shows. Brady Schumacher and Jackson Rodin take turns portraying the determined and imaginative nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, each delivering a performance that captures the character’s innocence and relentless pursuit of his dream Christmas gift: an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Their energetic and authentic portrayals make Ralphie’s adventures both relatable and endearing.
Ryan Nolin shines as “The Old Man,” Ralphie’s gruff yet loving father. Nolin’s performance strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, especially in scenes featuring the infamous leg lamp and his humorous battles with the household furnace. Mary Caulfield brings warmth and patience to the role of Mrs. Parker, the nurturing mother who holds the family together amidst the holiday chaos.
A classic story brilliantly narrated by James O’Connor as the audience relived all the moments made famous by the original film, seeing it evoked fond memories while offering new and delightful moments. Families, in particular, have found the musical to be an ideal holiday outing, with its appeal spanning generations.
Attendees have highlighted the engaging performances of the cast, especially the young actors playing Ralphie and Randy. Their energy and authenticity have resonated with both children and adults, making the characters come alive in a way that is both vibrant and relatable.
The balance of humor and heart in the musical has struck a chord with audiences. Iconic scenes, such as the leg lamp dance and Ralphie’s imaginative daydreams, elicit laughter and warmth, while the production’s creative staging and catchy musical numbers, including “Ralphie to the Rescue!” and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” add to the overall enjoyment and festive spirit.
A beautifully performed song of “What a Mother Does” by Mary Caulfield had emotions high throughout the audience. Highlighting the love and beauty of the everyday family routine where nothing, yet everything, is special.
“A Christmas Story: The Musical” at CM Performing Arts, really captures the magic of the season. The combination of a talented cast, engaging performances, and enthusiastic audience response makes this show a memorable and heartwarming experience for all who attend. This production not only brings the classic story to life but also reinforces the enduring charm and joy of Ralphie Parker’s timeless Christmas adventure.
CM Performing Arts Center is located at 931 Montauk Highway in Oakdale.
Photo credit -
Janette Pellegrini