Zeldin Goes Before Senate EPW Committee
By Matt Meduri
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) has been nominated by President Donald Trump (R-FL) to lead the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Zeldin would join the president’s Cabinet and oversee a department of numerous divisions, ten regional offices, nearly 15,000 employees, and a budget of nearly $10 billion.
Last Thursday, Zeldin went before the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee to screen for the nation’s top environmental job. The Messenger took the trip to Washington, D.C., to cover the hearing as well as Zeldin’s, 44, monumental rise to such significance that will undoubtedly put Suffolk County in the national spotlight.
State-of-the-Art Athletic Fields Planned for Charles P. Toner Park
Zeldin sits before the Senate EPW Committee on January 16 in Washington, D.C. (Credit - Official U.S. Senate photo by Ian Cunningham)
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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Messenger Papers
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Raheem Soto Joins The Messenger
By Messenger Papers Staff
The Messenger is excited to announce the addition of our newest team member, Raheem Soto
With more than a decade of experience in media and journalism, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep connection to Suffolk County—something that makes him a perfect fit for our publication.
A longtime resident of Suffolk County, Soto has spent much of his career writing and producing content for local media, including The Brookhaven News and The South Shore Press. He’s also worked on various blogs and podcasts, covering everything from community events to local government and the issues that impact residents’ daily lives.
For Soto, joining The Messenger is a natural next step in his career.
“This is more than just a job for me—it’s a chance to continue serving the community I’ve called home for so long,” Soto told The Messenger. “I’ve always admired the work of this publication, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
As a family man, small business owner, and civically engaged community member, he understands the challenges and triumphs that define life in Suffolk County. “I understand the issues that matter most to people here because I’m one of them,” he explains. “That’s something I think is really important —it’s not just about the facts, it’s about understanding the community and its values.”
His commitment to local journalism is matched by his desire to keep readers informed about what our government is responsible for and how the decisions made by elected officials affect our lives, whether they’re local, state, or national issues. “Journalism is about more than just reporting the news—it’s about giving people the information they need to make informed decisions,” Soto says. “I’m looking forward to diving into the issues that matter most to our county.”
Soto is grateful for the warm welcome he’s received from the team at The Messenger. “I’ve been made to feel like part of the team since day one,” he says. “I’m excited to work alongside a group of people who are as passionate about serving the community as I am.”
Publisher Diane Caudullo is equally excited about Soto’s addition to the
team.
“Raheem’s skill set and experience, combined with his deep roots in Suffolk County, make him a valuable addition to our staff. We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to his contributions.”
Editor-in-Chief Matt Meduri also fully endorsed Soto’s desire to climb aboard The Messenger’s team.
“We’re always looking for experienced, well-versed, and venerable writers, those with a voice who want to share it with the community – or perhaps even beyond – without that voice being stifled,” said Meduri. “We’re incredibly fortunate and thrilled to have Raheem Soto join our ranks to continue bringing top-shelf local coverage and compelling political analysis that makes our publication so valuable and relevant.”
As Soto settles into his new role, he’s eager to continue The Messenger’s mission of providing the community with high-quality, trusted journalism.
“I’m excited to be in a position where I can serve the community through my work,” he says. “This is home, and I’m looking forward to giving back in meaningful ways.”
With Raheem Soto now on the team, The Messenger is more committed than ever to serving Suffolk County with thoughtful, engaging journalism. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Raheem and the rest of our team.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
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Zeldin Goes Before Senate EPW Committee
Opening Statements
The Senate EPW Committee is composed of ten Republicans and nine Democrats (one Independent caucuses with the Democrats). Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) serves as Chair and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) serves as Ranking Member.
“Congressman Zeldin championed critical environmental policies that helped his Long Island district. He supported legislation to boost innovation for clean energy, technologies and policies to strengthen our nation’s energy security,” said Capito, adding that the EPA should return to its “core missions” and “better manage taxpayers’ dollars by doing more with the funding that Congress provides.”
Capito also mentioned that environmental benefits can equate to economic growth, saying that the EPA “should prioritize cleaning up brownfields and Superfund sites to facilitate new economic development of those locations, many of which are located in rural and distressed areas,” and warned that “more than half of the U.S. could experience rolling blackouts in the next decade” due to the “lack of a reliable power capacity.”
Whitehouse began his opening remarks by showing a map of Rhode Island with coastal areas shown to be “destined to flood, permanently underwater, lost to sea in the decades ahead” due to “fossil fuel pollution,” an issue shared by Suffolk.
Whitehouse also accused Trump of kowtowing to energy executives, promising to roll back environmental regulations in exchange for campaign contributions.
“The question for Mr. Zeldin…is simple: will he follow the science and the economics and protect our air, water, and climate? Or will he merely be a rubber stamp for looters and polluters who are setting the Trump agenda?”
“I really want this [Zeldin’s nomination] to work,” Whitehouse said to Zeldin, after accusing him of holding roles in “polluter-funded organizations,” like the America First Policy Institute, and writing “anti-climate op-eds paid for by dark money organizations.”
“That is how high the stakes are. I am not here trying to score points. I’m here trying to steer us away from what I see as a calamity ahead.”
Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), not a member of the EPW Committee, addressed the committee ahead of Zeldin to give a de facto character witness before the formal questioning began, stating the EPA has pushed policies to kill jobs in his home state and raise costs nationwide.
“Americans should be able to take for granted that the lights will go on when they flip the switch,” said Barrasso. “Congressman Zeldin will correct the course of the EPA…He knows firsthand how important it is for the federal government to be a partner to the states… that we must be good stewards of the environment without crippling the economy. Many organizations, both public and private, agree that Lee is the right person for the job. One of those organizations is the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. In a letter to the committee, the association said, he has shown a ‘willingness to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to address pressing issues.’”
Barrasso added that Zeldin has “strong support from his community back home,” sharing that the Long Island Water Conference said that they “are offering our strong support” for Zeldin and that they believe he will “provide a balanced approach necessary to the regulatory process.”
Zeldin, who was accompanied to Washington by his wife, Diana, one of his daughters, Mikayla, and his mother, Merrill, then took center-stage before the dais, delivering his own opening remarks.
“Our mission is simple but essential, to protect human health and the environment. We must do everything in our power to harness the greatness of American innovation with the greatness of American conservation and environmental stewardship. We must ensure we are protecting the environment, while also protecting our economy,” said Zeldin, adding that protecting the environment is a “moral responsibility.”
Zeldin discussed his bipartisan work on Long Island, working to preserve the Long Island Sound and Plum Island, as well as his support of “key legislation” that became “historic bipartisan success stories,” such as the Greater Maritime Outdoors Act, the Save Our Seas Act - in part sponsored by Senator Whitehouse - and the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. He also included his regular top-scoring bipartisanship during his time in Congress, as observed by the Lugar Center, as well as his membership of the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.
“Success is defined for many, including me, as leaving this world better than we found it. I want every child in this nation, including my daughters and your children, to inherit a world with clean air, clean water, and a thriving economy,” said Zeldin.
The first round of questions then commenced. Each senator received five uninterrupted minutes to question and converse with Zeldin, in order of committee seniority.
Pollutants and Contaminants
Chair Capito quizzed Zeldin on an issue with which Long Islanders are all too familiar: PFAs, man made industrial products, otherwise known as “forever chemicals.”
Zeldin, a former member of the House PFAs Task Force, who voted for the PFAs Action Act, said that the EPA would need to “move the needle” nationwide and that some cleanup projects have awaited stewardship for “decades.”
Ranking Member Whitehouse asked, “Is carbon dioxide a pollutant?”
Zeldin said that congressional and scientific concern about CO2 emissions will be a focus of the EPA, further clarifying that while carbon dioxide is not named as one of the six pollutants in the Clean Air Act (1963), the EPA has been treating it as such, mainly pursuant to a Supreme Court decision for CO2 to be viewed that way.
Whitehouse posited the same question regarding methane leakage, specifically linked to sea level rise, to which Zeldin replied that heat-trapping is an effect of such byproducts, and that he was concerned with sea level rise during his time in Congress. He helped spearhead an Army Corps project to bolster the Montauk Lighthouse’s position on the East End, as there was great concern it would be lost to the ocean due to sea level rise.
“That is what the scientists tell me, Senator,” said Zeldin, regarding the claim that 90% of atmospheric heat goes into the oceans, also confirming Whitehouse’s proposition that 30% of carbon dioxide is absorbed into the oceans, which contribute to their rise in acidity in “clear and measurable ways.”
“Are we now on a pathway to climate safety, or do we need to do more to reduce carbon emissions in order to get on that pathway?” asked Whitehouse.
“The United States’ emissions have been going down over the course of the last couple of decades. Unfortunately, there are other countries where it is not going in the same direction. And I would say that we will have never done enough to ensure that our water and our air is clean, safe, and healthy. Whatever we do every day to achieve this objective, we need to wake up the next day looking for ways to do more,” said Zeldin.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), (pictured below right) although an Independent, caucuses with the Democrats. Sanders mentioned that the “past ten years” have been the hottest on record and listed “unprecedented” situations at home and abroad. He also said that Trump has called climate change a “hoax,” and asked Zeldin if he held the same position.
“I believe that climate change is real. The context that I’ve heard him [Trump] speak about it was with a criticism of policies that have been enacted because of climate change. And I think he’s concerned about the economic costs of some policies,” said Zeldin.
Sanders said he “respectfully disagrees,” and asked if Zeldin would categorize climate change as an “existential threat,” to which Zeldin replied that the “EPA has enormous responsibility over the next hundred years.”
Sanders called the climate situation a “global crisis.”
“It’s very important for me, as Administrator of the EPA, whether traveling to the G7, the G20, or elsewhere, to be reaching out to these other countries to make sure that there is pressure on other nations to do their part as well. It is my job to lose sleep at night to make sure that our air and water remain clean,” said Zeldin.
Sanders discussed how solar panels can drop electric bills as low as 80% - as he and his wife’s bill did - but that the initial cost of solar is too high for most Americans to afford.
A humorous moment unfolded as Zeldin pledged to scrutinize the money spent by the EPA and to ensure a solar-for-all platform going forward. Sanders’ phone rang, interrupting Zeldin’s comments, to which Sanders said, “Sorry, that was the fossil fuel industry.”
Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) discussed 80% of ozone-forming pollutants in Phoenix come from natural sources like wildfires, or outside the region from California and Mexico, stating that the “typical EPA playbook” won’t work going forward. Zeldin stated that regions in the Western U.S. wouldn’t be penalized under his administration for emissions caused by wildfire smoke.
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Chair Capito (left) and Ranking Member Whitehouse (right) (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Zeldin before the EPW Committee (Credit - Matt Meduri)
January 23, 2025
Continued from previous page
The Messenger Reports from D.C.
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) asked how a Zeldin EPA would handle PFAs and other contaminants regarding passive receivers from lawsuits, such as those who did not knowingly produce or handle the chemicals, so as to not pass “unreasonably high utility bills” onto consumers.
“I saw it in Suffolk County where we’ve had PFAs issues. The passive receiver issue is something where it could get passed down to the consumer where they end up paying for the cleanup costs in a way that we need to be cognizant of at the EPA,” said Zeldin.
Role of the EPA
Chair Capito asked Zeldin what his “vision for fulfilling the EPA’s statutory mission” is, particularly in the vein of reorienting the agency “back to the basics.”
“It’s important that the EPA is honoring our obligations under the law, fulfilling the historic landmark laws on the books, like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act,” said Zeldin, adding that he will not “prejudge outcomes,” and that the agency’s actions under his leadership will be “durable” and “able to withstand scrutiny.”
“It’s not us as an agency filling in any gaps, however we might see fit. It requires a close collaboration [with Congress],” said Zeldin, regarding the summer SCOTUS Loper-Bridge Decision against then-Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo (D-RI), the ruling of which limits discretionary power of federal agencies when interpreting ambiguous statements.
Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) found similarities between the ecosystems of Long Island, such as the Chesapeake Bay and the Long Island Sound, as well as Delaware’s ecological similarities to Long Island. Zeldin had served with Blunt Rochester during her time in the House, during which the two cooperated on environmental issues affecting both districts. Zeldin committed to spending money allocated by Congress to his department to “Congress’ intent,” pursuant to these issues.
Zeldin pledged to not cut any funding, as that decision lies with Congress, and that he is “not aware” of a “single person” at the EPA set to be fired by the Trump Administration and the nascent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Zeldin agreed to Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) (pictured right) suggestions that tariffs should be used against top polluters with virtually no environmental regulations, such as China and India, as a way to get the world on board with climate control.
That’s what it says.”
“That’s not what it says,” replied Zeldin.
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) (pictured right) evoked the problem of small business owners in the oil and gas industries, who are viewed by the EPA in a “one-size-fits-all” policy in terms of production and export. Moran also spoke of the aviation industry, of which Kansas, specifically Wichita, is a national epicenter. Moran’s hope is to bridge the gap between Kansas’ agricultural and aerospace industries, specifically as it pertains to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), as the industries serve as economic backbones for thousands.
On environmental impact statements (EIS), Zeldin affirmed that the EPA should not “hold up” opportunities and should pursue “sound applications that, otherwise, would and should be approved,” regarding EPAs jurisdictions.
In response to “threats” to slashing the EPA workforce, Zeldin denounced the claims, stating, “I’ve been hugely impressed with the level of talent stepping up to serve at EPA,” stating the “pressure” he is feeling “is to bring out the best of the EPA, to make sure that we are fulfilling our mission of protecting public health in the environment.”
“Cooperative
Federalism”
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) stressed the importance of “cooperative federalism,” in that while the states have their own authorities, there is a need for them to work together, as well as with the federal government, to achieve great change. Cramer expressed his dismay with how federal definitions of “water” and “waterways” are constructed, which led his home state of North Dakota to be classified as a “federal wetland,” despite being a semi-arid state of prairies, badlands, and other diverse ecological features.
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) said that the “rule of law and congressional intent” under the Biden Administration has been “subverted to appease radical left-wing environmentalists. Zeldin agreed to give “certainty” to energy industries, as the 2024 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) was not completed on time by the previous EPA. The RVO is a mechanism used by the EPA to implement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a program that sets targets for the amounts of renewable fuels that must be used.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) (pictured right) asked Zeldin to provide greater details on his recent compensation, such as media studio fees and op-eds, and campaign donations from energy companies. Zeldin stated he has submitted those receipts to the committee for review and would gladly substantiate further details, adding that the media studio was rented out to various networks.
“There’s no donation that anyone has ever provided me at any point of any amount that is going to influence any decision that I make in this position or beyond,” said Zeldin.
Merkley stressed the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the environment and the human body and “chemical recycling,” where recycled plastics are only “usable in very limited” manufacturing waste, as opposed to “post-consumer plastics.”
“Going back to my time in the House, I advocated to clean up our waterways around my district, and as I cited in my opening the bipartisan work between Senator Whitehouse and Senator Sullivan (R-AK) on Save Our Seas and Save Our Seas 2.0 should be a model to be followed, a bipartisanship to go even further,” said Zeldin, referencing bills that were signed by President Trump in his first term.
As it pertains to clean drinking water, Zeldin touted his experience in dealing with PFAs and contaminated wells in Suffolk County.
Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) (pictured left) asked for Zeldin’s same steadfastness in dealing with the California wildfires that he displayed in dealing with the fallout from Hurricane Sandy. Zeldin replied in the affirmative. Zeldin also pledged support for water emergency teams and guidance as demonstrated in the wake of the Maui, Hawaii, fires in 2023.
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) quoted a 2016 congressional debate in which Zeldin stated that the “key to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels” is to “become more environmentally friendly and pursue clean energy.” Markey asked if those statements remain true.
“In considering all factors, in an ideal world, we would be able to pursue always the cleanest, greenest energy sources possible,” said Zeldin, interrupted by Markey who asked if the law would require him to “deal with” the endangerment fossil fuels pose to L.A., Appalachia, and the Gulf Coast in recent disasters.
“...In citing Massachusetts vs. EPA, the decision does not require the EPA [to deal with disasters]. It authorizes the EPA,” said Zeldin, adding, “There are steps that the EPA would have to take in order for an obligation to be created. I’m just going off the actual text of the core legislation.” He answered Markey’s question affirmatively that the people of these areas are “in danger.”
“Then you have an obligation to deal with that and to do something. I’m not hearing you see your job at the EPA as doing something about it,” said Markey, adding, “It [Massachusetts vs. EPA] says the EPA is supposed to be the environmental watchdog and not a fossil fuel lapdog.
“It’s important that corners aren’t cut where durability is sacrificed. Laws are written by Congress, and there are cases that have come out to the Supreme Court that provide the EPA with clear guidance on how we must do our job under the law,” said Zeldin, adding that members of Congress should be able to go back to their home states and “with confidence” explain to them the orders of the federal government without hiring attorneys to ensure compliance.
“Unfortunately, we face a reality where many farmers don’t know whether or not their land has waters of the U.S. on it, and I would say that that is a failure on the part of the federal government,” said Cramer.
Senator John Curtis (R-UT) asked Zeldin to speak on his optimism for bipartisanship going forward.
“I represented a big district where people who are conservative Republicans would be able to unite the people who identify as more liberal Democrats to focus on making our environment better. That type of work together…is what the American public is desperate for,” said Zeldin.
Curtis said that Utah’s geography, specifically the Uintah Basin, is responsible for methane leakage, and that 8% of it doesn’t come from “traditional fossil fuel” sources, but rather ground sources that become trapped in geologic formations. Curtis asked for subjectivity in the agency’s weighing of these figures.
“One of my greatest frustrations as a member of the House was to send a letter, a follow-up letter, another letter, and then you call them up and the person who’s testifying before you is acting as if they hadn’t received the first, second, or third,” said Zeldin. “That collaboration is very important,” he added, further saying that he would be happy to travel to the various states and that he and his agency are “accountable” to Congress.
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) (pictured right) discussed gestapo-style EPA raids under Presidents Obama (D-IL) and Biden (D-DE), sharing that “armed agents” raided placer miners in Alaska under the guise of noncompliance of the Clean Water Act, only to find no violations. He added the situations were “very dangerous” since Alaska is such a pro-Second Amendment state.
“How did that even get authorized? Who signs off on it?” asked Zeldin with indignation to the actions by former EPAs. “Congress has enacted laws where enforcement is part of the effort. On the compliance front, there are people and entities owning property where there is mitigation that needs to happen and where they want to work with the government to mitigate that situation on their property. We should be working with them to make that happen.”
Zeldin also committed to working on replacing fossil fuels with natural gas exports around the world, as, according to Sullivan, global emissions decrease with natural gas usage.
Sullivan showed a map of Alaska by borough (county equivalent) that showed life expectancy among the Native Alaskan population increased by thirteen years in areas where resource development occurred, bringing jobs, wealth, fisheries, and other economic assets. The Biden Administration, he says, under Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (D-NM) issued “sixty-eight” executive orders to shut down resource development.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) brought up a former agreement between Memphis, Tennessee, and the nearby city of De Soto, Mississippi, the latter of which, due to its ballooning population, is now on its own to manage their own wastewater system. Zeldin agreed to work on such problems during his tenure.
“The first step is to be able to get access to drinking water; even if that’s providing bottled water, that’s a partnership that starts with local leadership, where a state and federal government is asking, ‘what can we do to assist?’” said Zeldin. “What’s important is longterm mitigation and what is so frustrating to the American public is when they see these issues lasting for ten, twenty, thirty years and the ball’s never moving in the right direction.”
Senator John Boozman (R-AR) raised the point that “for the last several years,” the EPA has “failed to collaborate with industries and states prior to rulemaking,” to which Zeldin said that it is “important” the EPA “always” fulfills obligations under the law, but that it’s also important to receive feedback from the public to help the EPA do its job.
“...The worst thing that I could possibly do is to turn a blind eye to great, substantive feedback that will better inform our decisions so that we are being responsive and transparent, not just to Congress but also to the American people,” said Zeldin.
The Case for an Administrator Zeldin
Any community would be proud to see native sons and daughters of a state or region advance their careers in relatively unparalleled ways. It can not only offer a road map to the individual in question - don’t forget where you came from - but it can also instill a sense of local pride and accomplishment to said region.
But Lee Zeldin’s (R-Shirley) case is, in our view, a bit different from similar stories.
A homegrown public servant with experience navigating the hallways of William Floyd High School, Zeldin passed the New York State Bar Exam at just twenty-three years old in 2004, making him the youngest attorney in the state at the time.
He then spent four years in active duty with the U.S. Army and served in several capacities, notably as a Military Intelligence Officer, a Federal Prosecutor, and a Military Magistrate. Zeldin was deployed to Iraq in 2006 with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning to Long Island in 2007, he maintained his Active Duty status and earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2007, Zeldin served as an attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and later started his own general practice firm in Smithtown, which he operated full-time until his run for State Senate in 2010.
However, many forget that Zeldin had run against then-Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) in 2008, losing to him by a wide seventeen-point margin.
Zeldin then took the loss in stride and instead focused on his efforts to oust thenSenator Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) in 2010, primarily over Foley’s vote to hike LIRR fares.
Zeldin then sought a rematch with Bishop in the good Republican year of 2014, defeating the vetted incumbent by nearly ten points - a wide margin by which to oust an incumbent - netting the GOP one of three House seats from the Empire State that year, contributing to a net gain of thirteen seats for the House GOP that year.
Zeldin served in Congress until his run for governor in 2022, and, despite coming up short, he delivered the best performance for a Republican percentage-wise since 2002 and raw vote-wise since 1970.
Now, at just forty-four years of age, Zeldin appears poised to be confirmed as the seventeenth administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not only will he serve in Washington again, but he will serve in a Cabinet-level position in an administration elected in one of the most unprecedented and tumultuous election cycles history has ever seen.
We hold that President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) choice in Zeldin for the EPA is a sound one. We have it on good authority from many former congressional aides to Zeldin that he would not vote on bills unless he and/or his staff read them coverto-cover, including the massive multi-thousand page bills that were dropped on his desk with a vote expected the next day. That level of scrutiny should be warmly welcomed in any aspect of government, but the EPA is often seen as one of the federal departments in need of the most scrutiny.
Zeldin also has genuine bona fides up and down the aisle, working with legislative and congressional Democrats during his tenures in Albany and on Capitol Hill, working to advance key pieces of legislation that have helped safeguard our environment.
Trump’s pick in a Long Island Republican is also appropriate, as Republicans here, when discussing the environment and the climate, would likely sound like liberal Democrats to the untrained ear elsewhere in the country. It’s the reason why local
Republicans can receive support in typically deep-blue areas, such as the far reaches of the East End. Such endorsements from locals on the environments, as well as top-shelf constituent service, are key aspects of why he was able to regularly outperform the national environments in 2018 and 2020. In the blue wave year of 2018, with a national environment of D+9, Zeldin defeated “Park Avenue” Perry Gershon (D-Manhattan) by about four points - a 13% overperformance.
Zeldin repeated this feat in 2020. Even as Donald Trump won Suffolk by a razor-thin margin, and as Joe Biden (D-DE) narrowly carried NY-01, Zeldin defeated Nancy Goroff (D-Stony Brook) by almost ten points.
You don’t deliver overperformance metrics like that unless you have a substantive platform and have delivered for your constituents.
The precarious environmental situation in Suffolk is likely to aid Zeldin on his journey in Washington, from PFAs to contaminated well water, from nitrogen-polluted waterways to coastal erosion, Zeldin has seen it first-hand, especially living in the TriHamlet area, one of the regions most currently affected by rising tides.
In that vein, it should be noted that Zeldin did not leave Congress filthy rich with a mansion far away from the commoners. He has remained in Shirley, a working-class area with uniquely deep community ties and values.
Zeldin, however, has a tall task ahead of him: keeping our national environment pristine while also scaling back counterproductive regulations that harm local economies, inhibit energy production and consumption, and penalize those who color outside the lines - even slightly - with or without their intention or knowledge.
We heard firsthand from Senators at Zeldin’s confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., last week about gestapo-style raids done by the Obama and Biden administrations on Alaska miners, as well as the cancellation of building permits that adversely affected Alaska natives, according to Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK).
Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) raised the fair points of “cooperative federalism,” in that farmers and industrial workers in their states had little to no guidance on their land classifications from the federal government. Curtis also called for some subjectivity on how certain pollutants are cataloged, stating that his home state of Utah regularly leaks methane gases as part of the geological formations.
Democratic leadership is right to scrutinize Zeldin on his devotion to the environment, and his answers were spot-on: he cannot, and will not, prejudge applications based on favor or contributions, nor does the EPA have total control of its own pursestrings - Congress does. He repeatedly pledged a transparent and communicative EPA. Some of his Democratic colleagues, such as Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), served with him in the House tackling environmental issues. It’s more likely than not, in our opinion, that such bona fides will work well for the future of our nation’s energy sector and our environment.
Based on how Zeldin ran his senatorial and congressional offices, as well as his long record of bipartisanship - he was regularly ranked as one of the most bipartisan House members during his congressional tenure - we think he’s a logical pick to lead the department and find the right balance between maintaining energy production, steadfastly safeguarding our environment, and ensuring such solutions aren’t costprohibitive to Americans.
Analyzing the First Moves of a ‘Golden Age’
Freshly-inaugurated President Donald Trump (R-FL) declared that the United States is now in a “golden age,” promptly after he was sworn in as the forty-seventh president, a moment in which the unprecedented 2024 campaign finally culminates. President Trump now returns to Washington, with much more knowledge and experience than he likely had in his first term, and with some serious reflections and “waiting in the woods” during his four-year hiatus.
Trump laid out the groundwork throughout his campaign, and, we would argue, even much of the time in the waiting room. But many of his foremost promises were realized on Monday, January 20, as he took the unprecedented move of signing the lion’s share of his executive orders (EOs) to a packed and jubilant crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Many of Trump’s first EOs were merely technical and procedural, as many are, most of which included halting federal funding and hiring until he can fully implement his Cabinet upon Senate confirmation. A good deal also went to undoing dozens of Biden-era EOs, moves that are now mostly symbolic in the age of reactionary politics.
Of particular note, Trump signed an EO to classify drug and human cartels as terrorist organizations, allowing for military deployment against them. This is a common sense move, and should allay fears that the Trump Administration will go “hunting down and rounding up” merely any illegal immigrant.
Trump also signed some EOs that, while we can agree with the concepts, are relatively toothless right now, such as charging the newly-minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with slashing waste, fraud, and abuse, and another EO that delivers “swift economic relief” for Americans. We’re hoping to see these policies realized more substantively in the future.
Something else we’ll be hawking closely: Trump’s gargantuan tax policies. No taxes on tips and no taxes on overtime hours are big promises, that might not be the most difficult to implement, but Trump needs to prove he hasn’t bitten off more than he can chew when he publicly flirted with the idea of doing away with federal income taxes altogether to rely on a solely tariff-based economy.
Trump also realized some of his more ambitious foreign policy goals, such as signing an EO to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and to revert the name of Mt. Denali in Alaska back to its original title of Mt. McKinley, both with the concept of “restoring American greatness.”
We don’t have much of an opinion on either one, as these are more symbolic changes than not. The Gulf of America only changes the name within the eyes of the
federal government. It doesn’t change it for other countries. This is already a point of mild difference in the Southern U.S., as the U.S. refers to the Rio Grande River as such, but Mexico regards it as the Rio Bravo. These nomenclature disputes are fairly prevalent across the world. This isn’t much in either direction, in our book.
Reverting the name of the nation’s tallest peak back to Mt. McKinley is also more symbolic, but likely more as a jab at a former administration. President Obama, with heavy lobbying from Alaska natives and officials, renamed the mountain to Denali, in line with the Koyukon name of the mountain, “Deenalee,” meaning “the high one.” The Koyukon are an ethnic group of Alaskan Athabaskans who settled in the interior area north of the mountain.
The Obama-era proposal was met with criticism from the Ohio congressional delegation, who felt replacing the legacy of President William McKinley (R), an Ohio native son, was distasteful. McKinley served as the twenty-fifth president from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.
Reclaiming the Panama Canal is a much, much bigger deal and is a rightful move. The Canal wasn’t sold, but was transferred to Panama as a result of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which were signed in 1977. Panama didn’t realize full control of the canal until 1999. The treaty guaranteed neutrality of the canal, that the U.S. reserves the right to defend any threat to the canal’s neutrality, and that the Panamanian government would operate and manage the passageway that is often remarked as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
While the canal itself is not controlled by China, two of the five ports adjacent to the canal, Balboa and Cristóbal, have been subsidiaries of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchinson Port Holdings. Washington has been hawkish on China’s exact level of influence over the company, as well as the nation’s proximity to ship and cargo traffic throughout the passage. Washington was also concerned after a 2017 deal saw Panama break diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of Beijing.
The takeback of the Panama Canal can effectively be called a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, which effectively posited the belief that the western world play in the west and the eastern world play in the east. We think if Trump wants to remain an isolationist, a position we endorse, but one who can make pragmatic strategic moves to help us potentially and eventually enter a period of détente with China, this is perhaps one of the biggest steps he could take in that direction.
We await to see what Trump 2.0 has in store for this country, but we’ll have to tackle the Greenland debate in another editorial.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
State of the State Address Offers a Variety (Show) of Proposals
By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) State of the State Address this week was heavy on theatrics, pageantry and rhetoric – and even some dancing – and light on specific policy details. But aside from a few unexpected artistic performances, the event fell in line with Albany tradition. The governor’s annual State of the State typically offers a general vision for the coming year. In contrast, the Executive Budget proposal presents the actual blueprint and, most importantly, the cost to taxpayers.
Tuesday’s presentation directed much of the focus toward topics the Assembly Minority Conference has advocated for years: affordability and crime. It’s encouraging that New Yorkers finally heard an acknowledgement of two issue areas that have been plaguing the state. And it can’t be ignored that the state’s cost-of-living crisis and public safety shortcomings are the direct result of Democrats’ persistently poor policy decisions. Recognizing the problem is a good first step. Welcome to the party, Governor.
However, after seeing the damage caused by six years of Albany’s One-Party Rule, it is hard to believe Democrats want to reverse course on their agenda. The governor talks about lowering the cost of living in New York, but every budget she facilitates sets a new spending record. She talks about keeping families and businesses here, but the state continues to be ranked as the worst tax climate in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, New York is dead last on the 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index. She talks about putting police on subway trains but has made no indication she will roll back the laws allowing career criminals to walk free hours after being arrested. And while Governor Hochul has floated a middle-class tax cut (another Republican idea), the Democratic leaders of the state Senate and Assembly have
stated tax increases may be on the table.
As the governor is delivering her budget proposals, I urge her to break the pattern of the state’s budget approach in recent years. Runaway spending of taxpayer dollars cannot continue; one-time tax refund checks are not enough; taxes and fees for every region, economic class and business sector must come down. Driving to work in New York City should not cost a single cent more than it already did. Congestion pricing needs to be repealed. If there is even a single mention of any new taxes in the budget, it will be one too many.
Achieving a more affordable New York will be an uphill battle so long as big-ticket legislation like the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which will cost untold billions to fully execute, remains the law of the land. Reshaping New York’s economic future will require a reset on many of the policies the governor and her allies in the Legislature have championed. If the governor is serious about her State of the State goals, we’ll know as the 2025-2026 State Budget begins to take shape. New Yorkers can only hope the details inside match the lofty rhetoric of Tuesday’s address. 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 be reached 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.
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) is the Assembly Minority Leader and has represented the 120th Assembly District since 2003. The 120th District contains most of Oswego County and parts of Jefferson and Onondaga counties.
Brown: Hochul’s $252 Billion Budget Proposal Needs Work
By Assemblyman Keith Brown
There were parts of Governor Hochul’s (D) 2026 Executive Budget proposal I agreed with. For instance, her plan includes new details on a proposal to implement a “bellto-bell no-phone-use policy” during class instruction in school districts statewide to keep children and teens off their devices during the school day. It is also refreshing to see the governor include plans for tax cuts and boosts in school aid in her budget, though we have yet to see these proposals in greater detail.
Despite these attributes, Hochul’s budget proposal for this year is
• $19 billion, or 8.3%, larger than her proposal in 2024;
• $36 billion, or 16.5%, larger than her first proposal in 2022; and
• $59.1 billion, or 30.6%, larger than the proposal introduced when I first took office back in 2021.
At a quarter of a trillion dollars, Governor Hochul’s current budget proposal for New York state is far from fiscally responsible, especially compared to other states in the U.S. California has twice the population of New York, yet our proposed budget is only 22% smaller. Florida’s state spending per resident is half of New York’s. More than once, members of the Assembly Republican Conference have proposed
Skin Cancer Prevention for the Winter Season
Dear Editor,
The winter season brings cold winds and snowy weather, but it can also bring damage to your skin. Did you know that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages your skin year-round, not just during the summer months?
The Cancer Prevention in Action (CPiA) program at Stony Brook Cancer Center is raising awareness this winter on ways Long Islanders can reduce their risk of skin cancer in all seasons and weather conditions.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., yet most cases can be prevented. UV radiation from the sun and indoor tanning lamps are the primary cause of skin cancer, and reducing your exposure can significantly reduce your skin cancer risk.
Even on cold, winter days, UV radiation from the sun can cause damage to your skin, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation, increasing the damage caused to your skin.
Sun protection is necessary every day, regardless of the weather or season. Sun safe practices such as applying sunscreen daily, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, can help prevent skin cancer.
The Cancer Prevention in Action (CPiA) at Stony Brook Cancer Center works to build awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and promote the benefits
spending caps for state agencies, yet our state government is not held accountable for overspending.
It is time the governor chooses quality over quantity in her state budget proposal and reins in overspending before New York state goes over the looming fiscal cliff.
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) has represented the Twelfth District in the New York State Assembly since 2021. Within the Town of Huntington, the Twelfth District includes Asharoken, Centerport, Crab Meadow, East Northport, Eaton’s Neck, Halesite, Huntington Bay, Lloyd Harbor, Northport, Wincoma, and parts of Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Dix Hills, Elwood, Fort Salonga, Greenlawn, and Huntington hamlet. Within the Town of Babylon, the district includes most of Deer Park. Within the Town of Islip, the district contains parts of Brentwood, Baywood, Edgewood, North Bay Shore, and Pine Aire.
Assemblyman Brown serves on the committees on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Environmental Conservation; Housing; and Judiciary.
The Twelfth District office is located at 6080 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 310, in Commack and can be reached at 631-261-4151.
Letters to the Editor
of sun safety through education, awareness, and policy support to reduce skin cancer rates on Long Island.
To learn more about Cancer Prevention in Action, visit takeactionagainstcancer.com or contact us at 631-444-4263 / COE@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
CPiA is supported with funds from Health Research, Inc. and New York State.
Regarding ‘The Real Cost of the Extra Room’
Dear Editor,
This letter is regarding “The Real Cost of the Extra Room,” in the 1/9/2025 edition of The Messenger by PJ Balzer.
I’m not sure if Mr. Balzer ignored or did not consider the myriad of other reasons people flee New York in general, and Long Island in particular.
Many New Yorkers leave because their children are leaving. Between the fact that manufacturing is being bullied out by regulation or spite and taking their jobs with them, to the obscene price of housing (both real estate and rental), you can’t blame them. Taxes and overcrowding are other reasons.
The price of car insurance is through the roof.
Infrastructure and road repair is slow if existent at all. Crime is rampant in far too many areas, not just in the city. Too many crimes have been downgraded, and bail reform is not helping. Those who want to exercise their Second Amendment rights to self-protection are hindered by one law after another, no matter how many court cases they win.
Then there are the rulings from Albany. Many people left during the COVID debacle due to the ridiculous and crushing mandates to places that they affectionately refer to as “Free America.” Albany, with the help of the State Legislature, has taken the slow road down to refusing to let New Yorkers access natural gas. It is clean-burning, abundant, and, for the most part, inexpensive. We can’t build a new house or building with a gas stove or heat by 2029, and in a couple of years, we won’t even be able to buy new gas cars since they want to ban the sale of them in 2035. Albany has also decided to fine fossil fuel companies $75 million, while they pretend that electric power doesn’t depend on them. Anyone want to guess how high our oil and gas bills are going to be because of this?
These are just a few reasons why people are leaving New York. There are more, quite a few more. Parents tend to follow their children, and many of the children have decided that New York is not the state where they can have the life they want for THEIR children. To say that it is just for a bigger, less expensive house is disingenuous, to say the least.
Angela Gunther Islip
Inauguration Day
America First Warehouse Holds Inauguration Watch Party
By Diane Caudullo
America First! Such a simple concept. What a pleasure it was to join others whose belief in God Almighty takes first place in their hearts and minds. Followed by their very strong belief that their country, their home, and their freedom takes first place in their earthly world.
The America First Warehouse, owned and inspired by Joe “The Box” Vanderber, hosted an Inauguration watch party for President Donald J. Trump (R-FL) as he moves back into the White House as the 47th President of the United States.
The America First Warehouse is a sight to be seen, just as a facility alone. At 7,000 square feet, every last inch of it is covered in some type of Pro-America messaging. Banners, flags, posters, artwork, and signage not only covering the walls entirely, but every inch of ceiling rafter is utilized to portray the main message for its existence: America First.
The venue hosts events, runs a podcast that highlights elected officials and those running for various positions, and promotes books and media that all foster true conservative American values.
The warehouse located at 90 13th Avenue in Ronkonkoma was at full capacity, a few hundred people, on January 19 and 20 with patriots from all over who were anxiously awaiting President Trump to step back into office. For many, this day could not come soon enough.
about “common sense”.
The watch party overall had an underlying sense of hope, a feeling of relief, as President Trump himself used the term “liberation,” freeing the country from the insanity that many had felt the nation had become trapped in over the last four years. A bright and optimisitic outlook toward the days to come.
FLAG DAY
As the inaugural ceremonies began on January 20, a few hundred people gathered, most in some variation of Trump attire, and took their seats. The excitement was palpable and the reverence shown was as if we were at the actual event. The National Anthem, already held in high esteem, provided an additional level of pride as many recognized that Christopher D. Macchio, of The New York Tenors, (pictured right) is in fact a local Sachem High School Graduate. The watch party audience hung on every word spoken by President Trump and many statements were met with cheers of approval. It was very clear that President Trump said everything they wanted to hear. Border closing - standing ovation. Going after Gangs - huge applause. External Revenue Service - loved it. End government censorship - allow free speech. Stop weaponizing the Department of Justice. No more focus on race and gender in everything; bring back meritocracy. Many of his matter-of-fact, common sense statements received a simple but heartfelt “Amen”, especially his comment
Diane Caudullo
National, State, and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
History was made this week as Donald J. Trump (R-FL) was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, becoming only the second person in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms. The first to achieve this milestone was Grover Cleveland (D-NY), who served as the 22nd and 24th president in the late 19th century. Trump’s inauguration ceremony broke tradition, taking place indoors for the first time since Ronald Reagan’s (R-CA) inauguration in 1985 due to weather and security concerns.
Following his swearing-in, Trump wasted no time making his agenda clear. After his inaugural address, the president went to the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., where a packed crowd of supporters gathered for what resembled a campaign rally where he signed a flurry of executive orders aimed at reshaping federal policy and fulfilling campaign promises.
Among the most significant actions was declaring a national emergency at the southern border and reaffirming his commitment to securing the border and authorizing resources to prevent illegal crossings; extending time on the TikTok Ban, which temporarily delays the implementation of the ban, stating his administration would work toward a resolution with the app’s parent company, ByteDance, over the next three months; putting a freeze on the federal bureaucracy to ensure efficiency in the transition and until his new administration is fully operational; creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) through executive order, a new department that will aim to streamline operations, cut waste, and reduce redundancy across federal agencies; reversing over seventy Biden-Era policies; and pardoning January 6 defendants, which fulfilled his campaign promise to individuals charged in connection to the Capitol riots, calling many of them “patriots.”
In his inaugural speech, Trump stated “America’s decline is over.” The president also remarked “the Golden Age of America begins right now.” He called for reclaiming the Panama Canal and invoked the historical concept of Manifest Destiny as part of his vision to restore American greatness by launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.
The inauguration drew reactions from political leaders on Long Island. Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) said in a statement, “The temperature in D.C. is low, but morale is high among my colleagues and me as we anticipate Donald Trump’s inauguration. A new direction is on the horizon, one that prioritizes securing our border, revitalizing the economy, and restoring American strength on the world stage.”
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) said, “Today also marks an important day for our nation as we witness the peaceful transfer of power and beginning of President Trump’s second term. I look forward to working with our new leadership to deliver results for Long Island and our country.”
Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia (R-Ridge) remarked, “This inauguration is not about politics. It is a call for unity, bringing together people from all walks of life under a common goal to restore the American Dream and ensure that everyone has a stake in our shared future.” In the evening, continuing to break with precedent, Trump spent an hour fielding questions from the press while signing more executive orders in the Oval Office. He directly addressed topics ranging from his plans for economic recovery to his strategy for international relations. The president reiterated that he will be putting America first.
Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) told The Messenger, “President Trump excelled as he relayed to our country true optimism, hope, and a clear-eyed path forward. His sentiment was rapidly followed by decisive action with the multitude of executive orders signed. The Golden Age of America is upon us!”
Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) echoed support, expressing optimism about the administration’s potential impact on national governance. “Watching the Inauguration was amazing! The pure patriotism, genuine love for our country, a definitive plan for our future success, the sharing
of goals and plans, and true inclusion of all renews my faith in a government that truly serves the people! Onward and upward!”
As Trump embarks on his second term, the nation braces for significant changes under his leadership, with supporters energized and opponents prepared for political battles ahead.
While many of Trump’s Cabinet appointments await formal confirmation from the U.S. Senate, one pick has already cleared the immense hurdle.
Former Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was confirmed as the next Secretary of State in a 99-0 vote. The one hundredth vote was absent due to J.D. Vance’s (R-OH) inauguration as the fiftieth vice president, leaving his Ohio Senate seat vacant at the time of Rubio’s confirmation. Without that one vote, the confirmation was otherwise unanimous. Rubio stressed that China’s advancements in technology, manufacturing, and global economic dominance presents much differently than the Cold War with the USSR.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) appointed Lieutenant Governor John Husted (R) to serve the remainder of Vance’s term until the 2026 special election.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Rubio’s Senate seat until the 2026 special election.
Only a handful Cabinet appointees have cleared their respective Senate committee votes. A passage in the committees advances a nomination to the Senate floor for a full vote. Scott Bessent (R-SC), Trump’s nominee to lead the Treasury, cleared his confirmation with the Senate Finance Committee in a 16-11 vote. The panel is divided 14-13 between the two parties; Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) broke party lines to advance his nomination.
On the other hand, Pete Hegseth (R-TN), a U.S. Army Veteran, Fox News host and Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, cleared a confirmation with the Senate Armed Services Committee in a party-line 14-13 vote. Hegseth served in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, for which he received two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Hegseth’s confirmation is expected to be one of the closest-watched and most contentious of Trump’s Cabinet picks.
Secretary of Transportation nominee, former Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI), easily passed his confirmation with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in a 28-0 vote, while former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and former Congressman John Ratcliffe (R-TX) cleared his Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in a 14-3 vote, earning the support of Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Ratcliffe’s advancement came with relative ease, after his 2020 nomination to the post of DNI was seen as a highly partisan choice for the position.
The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted in a party-line 8-7 vote to advance the nomination of Russell Vought (R-VA) for Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OBM). The same committee voted in a much wider 13-2 vote to advance the nomination of Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD) for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security. Only Senators Richard Blumenthal (DCT) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) voted against her advancement. Noem earned the support of notable Democrats, such as Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).
State
A facet of Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) 2026 Executive Budget has earned some bipartisan and civic support.
As part of her proposed $252 billion spending package - $23 billion more than last year and $100 billion more than a decade ago - Hochul is pitching in efforts to help school districts ban cellphone use among students during school hours.
The plan would allow for school districts to create their own policies to separate students from their phones “from bell to bell,” said Blake Washington, Hochul’s budget director. Hochul has held this prerogative for months.
“From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “Using the insights from my statewide listening tour, this comprehensive proposal to restrict smartphone use in schools will ensure that New York’s statewide standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our kids and educators.”
Provisions in the proposal include: no unsanctioned use of smartphones or other Internet-accessible personal devices on school property for grades K-12 for the entire school day, inclusive of classroom time, lunch, and study hall periods; a $13.5 million proposal for school districts that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions for the devices; and would require schools to give parents a method of contacting their children during the school day if needed.
“Today marks a pivotal step in our push to create distractionfree learning environments, ensuring our schools are sanctuaries for learning, growth and genuine connection,” said NYSUT President Melinda Pearson in a statement.
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport), a staunch advocate for addiction, substance abuse, and related issues supports the idea.
“I agree with her plan that includes new details on a proposal to implement a ‘bell-to-bell no-phone-use policy’ during class instruction in school districts statewide to keep children and teens off their devices during the school day,” said Brown in a statement, further adding that he finds the spending proposals “far from fiscally responsible.”
The Executive Budget now goes to both chambers of the State Legislature for review and scrutiny. New York is the only state that requires the governor to submit a budget to the legislature, as opposed to the inverse scenario, and New York is the only state to allow for legislative agenda to be mixed in with budgetary matters.
Hochul has also reportedly walked back her decision to alter the Foundation Aid formula for school districts, vis-à-vis the “hold harmless” provision that caused a firestorm from both sides of the aisle last year.
Local
Suffolk County is reeling from a bird flu outbreak across local poultry farms.
The outbreak has sadly claimed Long Island’s last extant duck farm, Crescent Duck Farm, which was forced to close in anticipation of a culling of nearly 100,000 ducks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is onsite at the Aquebogue facility.
A quarantine is in place, along with biosecurity measures to ensure the virus remains contained.
Wild and game birds can carry the virus asymptomatically; the virus, which has no treatment, is typically spread through migration periods. Euthanization is typically the only method of containing the virus.
The Suffolk County Health Department says that the county is “working with state agencies to ensure public health and safety,” adding that the risk of infection to the public is minimal. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that while risk to the public remains low, those who are regularly exposed to infected birds are at a higher risk of infection. However, the CDC says that the virus is not known to be transmissible between humans. The Suffolk County Health Department is currently monitoring all employees at Crescent Duck Farms, while no human infections there have been reported.
The current outbreak of the avian influenza (Type A) began in February 2022. The flu has affected nearly 150 million birds across all fifty states and Puerto Rico.
Trump sworn in as US president, promises ‘golden age’ (Credit - FMT)
Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board to Restart Meetings First Scheduled for January 29
By Madison Warren
The Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board is on a mission to restore Lake Ronkonkoma to its original purity in 2025.
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) recently sat down with The Messenger to outline the big plans she and the advisory board have for the upcoming year. If re-elected in November, Kennedy hopes to bring the board back to the level of influence and effectiveness it achieved in 2020, when its last major initiatives were underway.
One of the board’s primary tasks this March is geese egg oiling, also known as “egg addling.” This practice, supported by research from Cornell University, is an effective and humane method of controlling the local geese population without harming them. Destroying nests or eggs would typically result in the geese relocating and nesting elsewhere. However, egg oiling pauses the reproductive cycle in a non-disruptive manner.
After receiving training and state certification, participants locate geese nests in areas surrounding Lake Ronkonkoma. They carry a bucket of water and vegetable oil to test the eggs. Eggs that float in water are already in a too advanced stage of development and are to be left undisturbed. Eggs that sink are still in the beginning developmental stages and can be treated. Participants cover these eggs in vegetable oil, mark them with an X to indicate treatment, and return them to the nest. This process prevents the eggs from hatching without causing
harm to the geese.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “I want as many people trained in this as humanly possible.”
This takes a team effort. Geese are known to be protective of their eggs, so to achieve this task in a safe manner, one needs an armor of protection, like an umbrella, to intimidate the bird if it gets too close. Opening the umbrella is often enough for the geese to back away while the other person conducts the test. According to research done by Cornell, geese abandon a location after three consecutive years of unsuccessful breeding. This method has been proven to reduce the geese population, which will reduce the high nitrogen levels in Lake Ronkonkoma caused by geese droppings. Excessive nitrogen contributes to harmful algae that grows at a rapid pace that is too fast for the ecosystem to keep up with.
place in early February. These meetings are open to all individuals interested in contributing to the preservation and restoration of Lake Ronkonkoma.
Advisory Board
JetBlue Brings New Nonstop Service to Boston from MacArthur Airport
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) and Town of Islip officials announced today that JetBlue will be offering new nonstop service between Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) and Boston (BOS).
“This new JetBlue destination offers Long Islanders an easy way to get to Boston right from their hometown airport. It’s exciting to see our newest carrier already adding a route from ISP. The Town Board and I are thrilled to welcome this additional air service,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip). “These flights will provide welcome options for business travelers, local Long Islanders looking to explore Boston’s Freedom Trail, visit Boston’s acclaimed colleges and universities, along with an opportunity for our community to showcase Long Island as a dynamic tourism destination.”
with the just-announced options of Madrid and Edinburgh bringing the total to seven European nonstop cities in 2025.
January 29th, 2025, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium
William H. Rogers Building 725 Veterans Memorial Highway Hauppauge, NY 11788
JetBlue will serve Boston with daily service beginning April 30, departing at 6:00a.m. Flights to ISP from Boston will arrive at 9:08p.m. To celebrate the launch, $49 one-way fares are now available online only at JetBlue.com.
“Another benefit for Long Island travelers is the JetBlue connecting service through Boston to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Las Vegas (LAS),” said MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken. “This is an exciting way to begin the new year for Long Island with new destinations and more flights,” she added.
“At JetBlue we are delivering the destinations and experiences our customers love. Our loyal Long Island MacArthur Airport customers will now enjoy more freedom to fly to Boston with low fares and an excellent onboard service experience, all with the convenience of their local airportISP,” said JetBlue’s Head of Revenue, Network, and Enterprise Planning, Daniel Shurz.
“JetBlue‘s new service to Boston is a significant development for Long Island MacArthur Airport and for Suffolk County residents. This addition highlights the growth of Long Island’s economy as we will now provide our residents with a convenient option to a new market that serves a major business hub and popular tourist destination in less than one hour,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center
JetBlue will fly its Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, adding a fourth destination to the airline’s initial nonstop ISP destinations – Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), and West Palm Beach (PBI)– which began flying in October.
JetBlue has been recently recognized by The Points Guy with a TPG Award for Best Economy Class across U.S. airlines, including for its transatlantic service. These competitive awards honor excellence across the travel industry as determined by The Points Guy’s esteemed editorial staff. Meanwhile, ISP recently placed third in USA Today’s 10Best survey of small airports nationwide.
Boston is home to many major corporations, innovative science and technology facilities, and world-renowned universities, offering abundant opportunities for collaboration with the Long Island business community.
For Long Islanders looking for fun destinations to explore, Boston provides a unique American history experience with the Freedom Trail, the Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church, and Boston Common. Additionally, Boston is known for its rich arts and culture legacy, excellent dining choices, and numerous waterfront activities.
“MacArthur Airport is already an economic engine for Long Island, and its continued expansion with eighteen nonstop destinations and four major air carriers is a result of the tireless dedication of Supervisor Carpenter and Commissioner LaRose-Arken to see their vision for the airport become a reality. The Long Island Association will continue to partner with them to ensure our region can maximize the economic opportunities of this special,” said Matt Cohen, President and Executive Officer Long Island Association.
Hochul’s State of the State: Broadway Glamour, Albany Blues
By Raheem Soto
Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) 2025 State of the State address was a spectacle that blurred the line between politics and performance art, leaving many New Yorkers questioning its substance. Hosted at The Egg Theater in Albany instead of the traditional Assembly Chamber, the address opened with an elaborate forty-sevenminute prelude that included a high school marching band, a Tony-winning Broadway singer, a gospel choir, and a polished video montage. For some, it felt more like an awards show than a roadmap for tackling New York’s challenges.
The theatrical production raised eyebrows—and questions. Was the glamour meant to inspire confidence or distract from the governor’s failure to confront the state’s deep-seated issues?
Hochul’s speech promised a $3 billion inflation refund, expanded free school meals, and a $1,000 child tax credit. While these proposals may offer short-term relief, they do little to address the underlying problems driving New Yorkers out of the state. Suffolk County residents, in particular, are burdened with some of the highest property taxes in the nation, soaring living costs, and stagnant economic growth.
One of the governor’s boldest proposals—a $5 billion universal childcare plan—was met with skepticism over funding. While New York currently enjoys a $22 billion budget surplus, critics argue that such ambitious spending risks depleting resources without addressing systemic issues like economic stagnation and outmigration.
Many viewed Hochul’s address as a strategic move to shore up support ahead of a potentially contentious 2026 Democratic primary. Her lavish presentation comes as New York’s political landscape remains volatile. In 2022, then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) came within striking distance of winning the governorship by focusing on issues
like crime, taxes, and public safety—issues that resonated deeply with suburban and rural voters.
Hochul’s State of the State appeared to double as a defensive strategy against future challengers. However, the performance-heavy presentation felt more like campaign theater than a practical plan for governance.
Adding to the controversy, two taxpayer-funded videos highlighted Hochul’s personal story and policy agenda. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of using public money for what they see as thinly veiled campaign promotion.
Meanwhile, the pressing issues that define life in Suffolk County and beyond remain unresolved. Rising fentanyl overdoses, gang violence, delayed infrastructure projects, and underfunded schools are daily realities for many. Small businesses are struggling under the weight of heavy regulations, while high earners continue to consider relocating to states with more favorable tax environments.
The extravagant presentation couldn’t mask the glaring challenges. While expanded welfare programs and limited tax cuts might ease immediate hardships, they don’t tackle the root causes of New York’s economic malaise.
For Suffolk County residents, the need for real solutions is urgent. High property taxes, a lack of affordable housing, and public safety concerns demand immediate attention. Yet Hochul’s focus seemed more aligned with political survival than the needs of New Yorkers.
Though entertaining, the State of the State address left many questioning whether the governor is prepared to lead New York through its current crises. Beyond the dazzling performances, what New Yorkers truly need are policies that promote sustainable growth, ease financial burdens, and create meaningful opportunities for families and businesses.
Governor Hochul delivers the 2025 State of the State Address at The Egg in Albany. (Credit - Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
Family History Day at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School
A celebration of family history was on full display at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. Third graders recently gave reports during a show and tell in front of their peers and family members. Students wrote reports about their family history and how family members play significant roles in their lives. They also brought in artifacts representing that history such as marriage certificates and World War II helmets.
Robotics Competition a Success in Smithtown
The Smithtown Robotics Team hosted not one but two First LEGO League competitions recently at Great Hollow Middle School. Teams from around the region competed in an exciting educational event on January 11 and 12.
The Smithtown Central School District had six teams represented, from Nesaquake Middle School, coached by Brian Sheridan; Accompsett Middle School coached by technology teachers Melannie Hill and Logan Theodorou; and Great Hollow Middle School coached by technology teachers Connor Kelly and Caitlin Caputo. The Middle School Robotics program is part of the CTE Technology Department, under the guidance of CTE Director Christine LoFrese.
Teams showcased their innovative robots, designed to tackle complex tasks in a fun and collaborative environment. The event featured multiple qualification matches from each team as well as “Innovation Projects” where teams researched an existing issue related to aquatic and marine life and attempted to design and present a solution to judges.
There were impressive performances from student teams, all working toward the shared goal of earning a spot in the next phase of the competition. The event was filled with teamwork, problem-solving and a true spirit of STEM education, with many teams earning awards for design, innovation and teamwork.
Great Hollow Middle School Student One of 12 State Winners
Great Hollow Middle School sixth grade student, Vivian Santiago, was one of twelve winners statewide in a new contest that challenged children to express their thoughts on why literacy is critical to health and wellness. The inaugural Every Child Reads Student Awards, coordinated by the New York State PTA, received fifty-five submissions from K-12 students. It asked participants to create a poster, video or essay in response to the question “Why is reading important to your health and wellness?”
Vivian, who has won several art awards, said her motivation for the contest was her younger brother. “My brother loves books. He loves ELA,” she continued. “Reading is good for your brain.”
Rocky Point Teacher Named ‘Educator of Note’ Award Winner
Rocky Point elementary music teacher and music department chairperson
Craig Knapp has been named The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ winner. Knapp will be honored at a special presentation on February 1 at LIMEHOF in Stony Brook.
Knapp is the eighteenth music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community, and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.
“This is an exceptional honor for Mr. Knapp and the Rocky Point School District,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott O’Brien said. “His stellar enthusiasm and thoughtful
teaching methods have not only guided thousands of students in the district, but they have also encouraged many with a lifelong love of the immense joy of music.”
Knapp’s impressive resume also includes stints as the director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, elementary classroom music specialist, former adjunct assistant professor at Hofstra University, former director of the Early Childhood Community Music Program at Stony Brook University, music educator, guest conductor, clinician, folk dance leader and author.
Of all his accomplishments, Knapp noted that the most significant honor to him is the lasting influence he has had on his students.
“I have the luckiest job in the world as I get to wake up every Monday morning and make music with incredible children,” he said. “Of all that I have achieved – more important than any accolades I could receive, books I could publish, guest conducting opportunities I could receive, invitations to present at professional development conferences or performances I direct – my greatest accomplishment, and what I’m most proud of, is that students still come to visit me decades later to tell me that I was their favorite teacher and to thank me for the positive impact I had on their life. What could be better than that?”
For ticket information to the ceremony, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org.
Spelling Stars Shine at Hauppauge Elementary Schools
The air was filled with excitement at Pines, Forest Brook and Bretton Woods elementary schools in the Hauppauge School District as fourth and fifth grade students showcased their spelling prowess in the highly anticipated schoolwide spelling bees.
To prepare for their respective competitions, the students focused on expanding their vocabulary and spelling mastery. Their fellow students, teachers, staff and parents were in attendance to watch the friendly competitions.
Congratulations to the following school champions: Skylar Jarski (Forest Brook Elementary), Derin Ogunsakin (Pines Elementary) and Leah Paino (Bretton Woods Elementary). These top spellers will advance to an online spelling and vocabulary test in February, which will determine their eligibility for the regional competition on March 8.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
The Necessary Standard for American Education
Cabinet Confirmations
By Matt Meduri
A timely topic this week, we’ll discuss the process of how presidents pick their prospective Cabinet members and how those nominees eventually make it to their destined departments.
The Cabinet at a Glance
The Cabinet is the principal official advisory body to the President. The body itself is more informal than formal, in that the Cabinet does not take official votes on matters or act as a legislative machine. Rather, each Cabinet member has full executive control of their respective departments, deputies, and agencies within.
The Cabinet will typically meet in a room adjacent to the Oval Office in the White House’s West Wing. Such meetings are often chaired by the president, although the president is not considered a formal member of the Cabinet. The vice president is considered a statutory member of the Cabinet, although the vice president is elected and inaugurated alongside the president. The vice president is not subject to Senate confirmation as other Cabinet members are, only in the rare exception of a contested election where the Senate elects the vice president.
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.
vote last year, following an unsuccessful impeachment attempt one week prior. The proceedings came after an alleged “dereliction of duty” regarding his role in protecting the Southern border. He was acquitted 51-49 in the Senate.
The Cabinet is composed of twenty-six members: the vice president, fifteen department heads, and ten Cabinetlevel officials. Besides the vice president, the White House Chief of Staff does not require Senate confirmation. The Chief of Staff can assume his/her duties immediately upon appointment by the president. Trump has named Susie Wiles as his Chief of Staff, the first female to serve in the position, and one of his top advisors during his campaign.
The Cabinet also serves as the presidential line of succession, a concept we covered in a separate Civics 101 column.
During Cabinet meetings, members sit in order of the creation of their respective departments, with the Department of State being the oldest (1789), and, classically, the Department of Homeland Security (2002) being the youngest. The newly-minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is now the most recentlycreated federal department. Technically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has been a Cabinet-level department since 2012, last considered a Cabinet-level department since the Bill Clinton (D-AR) Administration.
Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the president, meaning they serve as long as the president retains them in the position. It’s not uncommon for presidents to rotate positions within each department over the length of a term.
Like the president, Cabinet members can be impeached for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Only two Cabinet members have been impeached in history. William Belknap (R-IA) served as President Ulysses Grant’s (R-OH) Secretary of War from 1869 to 1876. He was impeached by the House, but acquitted by the Senate, for his conspiracy, along with President Grant, to secretly remove troops from the South Dakota Black Hills when gold was discovered. The move violated a treaty with the Lakota tribe and caused a gold rush when the Lakota refused to sell their lands. Belknap resigned and while a majority of Senators voted to convict him by trial, they lacked the two-thirds majority required.
The only other Cabinet official to face impeachment was Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayoraks (DCA), who served under President Biden (D-DE). He was impeached by an extremely narrow and partisan 214-213
Interestingly, the U.S. Constitution does not establish the Cabinet, but the language is inferred from the Opinion Clause (Article II, Section 2, Clause 1), which allows for principal officers of departments to provide advice to the president. The Twenty-Fifth Amendment further provides for the vice president and the majority of executive department heads to declare the president “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
Senate Hearings and Confirmations
Upon a presidential nomination, the nominee in question often makes his/her rounds with various Senators, pitching policy positions and whipping up votes for their confirmation. A simple majority of the Senate is required to confirm a Cabinet member, with the vice president breaking ties if necessary. The first use of a tiebreaking Cabinet confirmation occurred in 2017, when Vice President Mike Pence (R-IN) cast the tie-breaking vote to confirm Betsy DeVos (R-MI) as Secretary of Education. This resulted from rule changes in 2013 that reduced the requirement for cloture - votes to end debate and proceed with the legislation/confirmation as is - to a simple majority from a two-thirds majority.
A Cabinet nominee will then screen in front of the committee of most relevance to their area of expertise. Committees’ majority parties are always those of the corresponding party majority in the Senate at-large, with Chair of the committee held by a member of the majority party and the Ranking Member seat held by a member of the minority party. Currently, Republicans control both chambers of Congress, giving them valuable control of all House and Senate committees and subcommittees, excluding the few of each that have balanced delegations.
Committee chairs control the rules and procedures of their meetings, including Cabinet nomination hearings, which often require the consent of the chair to submit various items to the record for review.
Generally, there are seventeen Senate committees, with the occasional additions and removals when select committees are formed. The mainstays include Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Appropriations; Armed Services; Environment and Public Works; Budget; Intelligence; and Foreign Relations.
The respective committees will screen a president’s nominees in a de facto job interview, the results of which are then forwarded to the rest of the Senate for deliberation. The nominees typically continue to whip up support and meet with Senators and members of the
House ahead of their full confirmation vote.
The committee must then vote with a simple majority on whether or not to advance a nomination to the full Senate floor. With a simple majority of one hundred Senators, a Cabinet member is confirmed.
The last time a Cabinet nominee was rejected by the Senate was John Tower (R-TX), who was nominated by President George H.W. Bush (RTX) to be his Secretary of Defense in 1989. The Senate rejected him in a 47-53 vote due to claims to drunkenness, womanizing, and ties with defense contractors.
In times of presidential transitions, a time in which we currently find ourselves, deputies or other federal employees confirmed by the Senate to their positions may serve in “acting” roles until the new president’s Cabinet nominees are fully confirmed by the Senate. The previously-confirmed members’ terms expire alongside that of their appointing president.
As of press time, only one member of Trump’s Cabinet has been confirmed: former Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), who was unanimously confirmed to the position of Secretary of State. A handful of others have passed their committee votes, but await final confirmation by the Senate.
Cabinet members may also withdraw their own nominations if they and/or the president believes they will not surpass a Senate vote. This has already occurred with former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R, FL-01) withdrawing his nomination for Attorney General. Withdrawals are common with each presidential transition.
Trump’s Second Cabinet in Order of Presidential Succession
Secretary of State - Marco Rubio (R-FL) - 99-0
Secretary of the Treasury - Scott Bessent (R-SC)16-11 (committee)
Secretary of Defense - Pete Hegseth (R-TN)14-13 (committee)
Attorney General - Pam Bondi (R-FL)
Secretary of the Interior - Doug Burgum (R-ND)
Secretary of Agriculture - Brooke Rollins (R-TX)
Secretary of Commerce - Howard Lutnick (R-NY)
Secretary of Labor - Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR)
Secretary of Health and Human ServicesRobert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I-CA)
Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentScott Turner (R-TX)
Secretary of TransportationSean Duffy (R-WI) - 28-0 (committee)
Secretary of Energy - Chris Wright (R-CO)
Secretary of Education - Linda McMahon (R-CT)
Secretary of Veterans Affairs - Doug Collins (R-GA)
Secretary of Homeland SecurityKristi Noem (R-SD) - 13-2 (Committee)
Members not in the Presidential Line of Succession
Administrator of the Environmental Protection AgencyLee Zeldin (R-NY)
Director of the Office of Management and BudgetRussell Vought (R-VA) - 8-7 (committee)
Director of National Intelligence - Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI)
Trade Representative - Jamieson Greer (R-DC)
Ambassador to the United Nations - Elise Stefanik (R-NY)
Administrator of the Small Business AdministrationKelly Loeffler (R-GA)
Director of the Central Intelligence AgencyJohn Ratcliffe (R-TX)
State-of-the-Art Athletic Fields Planned for Charles P. Toner Park
On Sunday, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) joined families, coaches, and young athletes at the St. James Nesconset Youth Football (SJNYF) Banquet to deliver an exciting announcement that will transform the future of youth sports in Smithtown.
For the first time in the program’s history, the Bulls will have an official home field at Toner Park (also known as the Armory) in Nesconset. The field improvements will serve approximately 220 football, 200 Cheerleading, and over 200 lacrosse families, all local to the township.
“This is a momentous occasion for the young athletes and their families who have waited years for a place to call home… We’re proud to deliver a facility worthy of their hard work and dedication. These fields are a testament to our commitment to investing in our youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive,” said Wehrheim.
Supervisor Wehrheim, joined by Councilman Tom Lohmann (R-Smithtown), and members of the Parks Department, unveiled the project announcement during the annual banquet, where approximately 200 SJNYF families gathered to celebrate the Youth Football league’s achievements. The new athletic fields project, approved for the 2025 capital budget, will serve as home to the St. James Nesconset Youth Football & Cheer and over 200 local families with Smithtown Youth Lacrosse.
on teaching the fundamentals and proper techniques of sports, while fostering physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills in a safe and positive environment. The program’s mission is to create lasting friendships, cherished memories, and a love for the game in every participant.
“We are absolutely thrilled to finally give our football players and cheerleaders a home base,” said Russell Pace, SJNYF President. “We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Smithtown, Supervisor Wehrheim, and his team for turning this dream into a reality. This project is a testament to the unique partnership between the town, our athletic leagues, and the families who make it all possible. It’s a shining example of the power of teamwork and the belief that anything is achievable with dedication—a value we proudly instill in our young athletes every day.”
Construction of the new fields will begin in April 2025. The first fully turfed football field is scheduled for completion in time for the Bulls’ practice season in August 2025. A second field will be hydroseeded this year, with plans to complete its transformation into a turfed athletic field in the 2026 capital budget year.
“I’m beyond thrilled that our lacrosse teams will finally have a state-of-theart facility to call home. This is truly a dream come true for our kids, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen,” said Tom Bruckbauer, President of Smithtown Youth Lacrosse. “These fields will have a profound impact on our young athletes—not only by enhancing their physical fitness and teamwork but also by fostering lifelong friendships. This facility is more than just a playing field; it’s a steppingstone to their potential, where they’ll learn some of life’s most valuable lessons, both on and off the field.”
Additional projects on the Horizon for 2025
The 2025 fiscal year is set to bring exciting developments to Smithtown’s park system, further enhancing recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Among the upcoming projects are new athletic fields at Cy Donnelly Park, which will provide a home for Kings Park Youth Athletic Leagues for Football, Lacrosse and Soccer. The fields are designed to accommodate the growing needs of our community athletic leagues. Additionally, the expansion of pickleball facilities is on the horizon, with plans to add more courts throughout the parks system to meet the sport’s surging popularity. The town is also exploring the potential for hosting pickleball tournaments at Charles P. Toner Park in the upcoming year ahead, which would not only provide local enthusiasts with competitive opportunities but also foster community engagement. These initiatives reflect Smithtown’s commitment to quality of life, health & wellness, and a sense of community through its top-tier recreational spaces.
St. James Nesconset Youth Football & Cheer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing instructional football and cheerleading programming for children ages 5 through 13. The organization focuses
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‘Close The Refrigerator Door!!!’
Ice cutting was a winter task of collecting surface ice from lakes and rivers for storage in ice houses and use or sale as a cooling method. Rare today, it was common before the era of widespread mechanical refrigeration and air conditioning technology.
An industry based solely on gathering ice seems unproductive; however, it was a booming business that had all of the common problems any other industry would face. The battle over who had the right to cut and remove the ice and to determine who owned the water body to issue a contract and usage; where the profit distribution would be directed; transportation of the product and the chain of use; who would receive their ice first - the locals or the customers resulting from the deals? The leading question was who would profit from the sales?
Removing ice blocks was a tricky and dangerous process. One could not determine the steadiness of the ice, meaning at any point it could crack and follow its own path leading to men, horses, and equipment falling in, never to be seen again.
Ice harvesting generally involved waiting until approximately a foot of ice had built up on the water surface in the winter. The ice would then be cut with a custom designed handsaw into long continuous strips and then cut into large individual blocks for transport by wagon back to the icehouse.
Many believe ice cannot go bad or spoil but can definitely start to taste funny after sitting in the freezer too long. In fact, ice can and will go bad. Because it is technically a type of frozen food, ice can become contaminated with bacteria from Salmonella and E. Coli.
Lake Ronkonkoma had active Ice Over businesses for many years. The freshwater lake produced clear and refreshing ice blocks. However, many disagreements and lawsuits came forward.
In 1883, the Brooklyn and Long Island Ice Company claimed to have secured a fifty-year lease of the lake. They planned to corner the ice market as far away as the Hudson River, feeling they could offer ice at a lower price. Ronkonkoma Lake had just begun one of its periodical seven years rise, a phenomenon that was never been fully explained. In an 1878 Brooklyn Eagle article, “Ice for Brooklyn: Albert Polhemus, President of the Independent Ice Company, Brooklyn NY, obtained a long lease of the right to cut ice from Lake Ronkonkoma, the most remarkable sheets of water in this State.” It mentioned the short trip to the LIRR, erecting houses for storage, and a dike at a high altitude to be adjacent to the railroad. It would be shipped to Brooklyn, delivered to Bedford and Flatbush, and supply the Eastern District to the walkabout of the Hunters Point barges. They expected to cut
between 100,000 to 500,000 tons in the next two years. At the same time, the New York and Long Island Ice Company boasted of business operations with their newly acquired contract to be set up at Lake Ronkonkoma, very similar to the Independent Ice Co. Once again, in 1889, yet another company, the Ronkonkoma Lake Ice Company, claimed the same details in their announced fifty-year lease with the lake.
The year 1898 began the reaction of local residents which showed uneasy feelings, and they began questioning who could secure the sole right and privilege to cut and harvest ice from Ronkonkoma Lake. The Lake Ronkonkoma and immediate area community was, to use a common area statement, “Up in arms,” and felt the syndicates from the city planned on exclusive rights to the water, leaving the natives without ice. The companies reacted with a deal to let natives continue privileges or harvest their ice for the people thereabouts for a nominal compensation, but the syndicate would hold complete and absolute control of the ice business. This was not agreed on by the natives, as the residents around the lake had always enjoyed free use of the lake ice.
Ownership of the lake was determined in 1903 when Judge Maddox made judgement that Edward M. Townsend and the Estate of Belinda Rockwell Townsend did not own the tract of land covered by water known as Raconcomy Pond but was the property of the Town of Brookhaven. An appeal was quickly filed, and Judge Marean gave his decision in favor of Edward M. Townsend, reversing the win by the Town of Brookhaven. The appeals and court decisions rocked the area for some time. The rest is history.
Local proprietor Sam Hawkins had a team of horses and the equipment for gathering ice. In this 1922 picture (below right), looking toward the Indian Hill Cafe, once known as Raynors/Greene/Hollywood Beach Pavilions and now known as Michael Murphy Park. Another photograph (bottom left) shows a local team of ice cutters but cannot be properly identified. One place that local ice was kept was the Heileman home, on Lake Shore Drive, which had many ice houses in the back yard. We visited one that was still standing in 2024. Locally, ice harvesting was a community event that provided a chance to socialize and catch up on local happenings and gossip.
With the first electric refrigerator invented in 1913 by Frederick W. Wolf, and the first self-contained unit was introduced in 1923 by Frigidaire, the need for block ice dwindled. In 1944 the costs of the electric refrigerator had dropped and 85% of American households had a refrigerator instead of an ice box.
Next time you are told to “Close the refrigerator door!” it will make better sense to you.
Garbarino Reappointed to Key Role Protecting Cybersecurity
By Raheem Soto
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) has been reappointed as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection. This is his third term on the House Homeland Security Committee, a sign of his growing leadership in defending the nation against cyber threats.
The announcement came ahead of the committee’s organizational meeting for the 119th Congress. Congressman Mark E. Green, MD (R, TN-07), who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, confirmed Garbarino’s leadership role. Garbarino will also serve on the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, which focuses on protecting ports and maritime borders.
Cyberattacks are increasing, and their effects are growing more dangerous. Hackers now target critical systems like hospitals, schools, and energy infrastructure. Many of these attacks are backed by foreign governments, including groups like Salt Typhoon, which is tied to the People’s Republic of China.
“Protecting our nation is not just a priority—it is a duty,” Garbarino said. “With cyberattacks on the rise, we must stay strong, alert, and ready to protect the safety and prosperity of every American.”
As chairman, Garbarino has led efforts to strengthen the nation’s ability to defend against these threats. His focus has been on building partnerships between federal agencies, private companies, and international allies. These partnerships aim to protect vital industries like transportation, energy, and communications, which are key to the nation’s economy and security.
In addition to his work on cybersecurity, Garbarino will also help oversee transportation and maritime security. Ports are critical to both the U.S. economy and national security. However, they are also vulnerable to smuggling, trafficking, and other illegal activities.
“Our maritime borders are more than just entry points for trade—they are our first line of defense,” Garbarino said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen port security and stop dangerous threats.”
This subcommittee’s work will focus on keeping ports safe, improving security technology, and ensuring that America’s borders are secure from bad actors.
Garbarino’s leadership shows how connected modern threats are. Cyberattacks can affect physical infrastructure, and weaknesses in ports can allow dangerous individuals or materials to enter the country. By addressing these issues together, Garbarino is helping to create a safer future for the nation.
He has called for more funding for cybersecurity, better training programs, and stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors. He also stressed that the workforce defending the nation’s infrastructure must stay ahead of emerging threats.
“I am proud of the progress we have made,” Garbarino said. “But there is still work to do. I look forward to continuing these efforts this Congress.”
As the new Congress begins, Garbarino’s leadership will be key in addressing the challenges ahead. He has shown a commitment to clear, practical solutions that help protect the nation. By focusing on both cybersecurity and transportation security, he is hoping to build a stronger and more secure future for all Americans.
Garbarino
Decades of Dedication: Suffolk County Salutes John T. Manzi
By Raheem Soto
Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Chair of the Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Preparedness Committee, kicked off the new year by attending REMSCO’s first public meeting at the Suffolk County EMS Division in Yaphank. The meeting set the stage for important discussions about emergency response strategies. Also, it served as an opportunity to honor a towering figure in the EMS community, outgoing Chairman John T. Manzi.
Manzi, a lifelong public servant, was recognized with an “All 18 Proclamation,” a rare honor presented by Legislator Thorne.
“John Manzi has been a role model in public service, and his contributions to the EMS field have left an indelible mark on Suffolk County,” said Thorne.
Manzi’s journey in emergency medical services spans decades, beginning with his volunteer work at the West Babylon Fire Department in 1978. He has held multiple leadership positions, including serving as Captain of the Heavy Rescue Company and the Emergency Medical Services Squad. For nearly 25 years, Manzi has also served as Commissioner of the West Babylon Fire Department, where his leadership has been instrumental in shaping the department’s readiness and effectiveness.
“John’s leadership in West Babylon and his work at the county level have made Suffolk County better prepared to help those in crisis,” said Thorne. “His experience and dedication have been invaluable, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
During his tenure, Manzi played a role in coordinating Suffolk County’s EMS response during the COVID-19 Pandemic. His leadership helped streamline communication and
resource allocation at a time when the stakes were higher than ever. “John’s impact during the pandemic cannot be overstated,” Thorne emphasized. “His steady hand and tireless efforts helped save lives and kept our EMS teams equipped to handle unprecedented challenges.”
Manzi’s commitment to serving the public extends beyond his EMS work. He is also a military veteran and has a background in law enforcement. His multifaceted career reflects his deep commitment to protecting and serving both his community and his country.
“Whether it’s through his work in EMS, his time in the military, or his contributions to law enforcement, John has devoted his life to service,” said Thorne. “It’s truly inspiring to see someone give so much of themselves for the greater good.”
A Grateful Community
The All 18 Proclamation presented to Manzi is a symbolic recognition of his dedication and impact. Legislator Thorne expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire community. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to John T. Manzi for everything he has done,” Thorne said. “His lifetime of service stands as an example to all of us about what it means to give back.”
As REMSCO begins a new chapter, the contributions of leaders like John T. Manzi serve as a reminder of the importance of community-centered leadership. For Suffolk County residents, his legacy will continue to resonate through the systems and services he helped build and strengthen.
“It’s an honor to recognize someone like John,” Thorne concluded. “His work has touched countless lives, and we are all better for it.”
Suffolk County Tax Hikes: Will They Bring Real Benefits?
By Raheem Soto
In March 2025, Suffolk County will roll out two major tax increases—one on sales tax and the other on property tax. These changes will impact residents and businesses across the county. Officials say the hikes are necessary to fund critical services and improve infrastructure, but many residents worry about the financial strain they will bring. The key question is whether these taxes will deliver the promised benefits or simply add to the burden on taxpayers.
Starting in March, Suffolk’s sales tax will rise from 8.625% to 8.75%. This small adjustment is expected to generate $49 million annually by 2026. The county plans to use this revenue to address water quality issues and upgrade its aging wastewater infrastructure. This tax is pursuant to Proposition Two, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November.
Nitrogen pollution has become a growing problem in Suffolk’s waterways, threatening the environment and the county’s drinking water, which comes from underground sources. Officials argue that the increased sales tax will help modernize wastewater treatment facilities, reduce pollution, and protect vital water resources.
While many agree that improving water quality is essential, some residents are skeptical about how effectively the funds will be used.
“It’s a good cause, but how do we know the money will go where it’s needed?” one resident asked. Concerns about accountability linger, especially given past tax hikes that failed to meet expectations.
The property tax increase will play a central role in Suffolk County’s $4 billion budget for 2025. These funds are slated to support public safety, with a portion specifically allocated to hire more police officers and improve law enforcement infrastructure.
While public safety is a priority for many residents, the property tax hike is expected to hit homeowners particularly hard. Suffolk already has some of the highest property
taxes in the nation, and rising costs for housing, utilities, and healthcare make this increase even more difficult for families to absorb.
County officials argue that the additional revenue is vital to sustaining essential services like law enforcement. They say the extra funding will help address concerns about crime and provide the police department with resources to keep communities safe. Yet, for many homeowners, the rising tax burden raises fears that more people will leave Suffolk for states with lower taxes.
Suffolk’s high taxes have long been a challenge for small businesses. Many are already struggling to cope with rising costs and growing regulations. For larger businesses, high taxes make Suffolk less appealing, leading some to expand operations elsewhere.
The county’s population has been declining as residents move to tax-friendly states like Florida or Texas. These tax hikes may speed up that trend, leaving Suffolk with fewer taxpayers and more fiscal challenges in the years ahead.
The tax hikes aim to fund essential goals: protecting water quality, improving public safety, and modernizing infrastructure. These are important issues, but they come with significant costs. County leaders must ensure the funds are used effectively and that residents see real benefits.
The success of these tax increases will depend on how well they address Suffolk’s most pressing problems. Will they improve public safety, protect the environment, and strengthen infrastructure? Or will they drive more people and businesses out of the county?
As the tax changes take effect, Suffolk County faces a critical moment. Its leaders must deliver on their promises while keeping the financial burden on residents manageable. How they balance these challenges will shape the county’s future for years to come.
The Moloney Family
Thorne
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Trump Directs All Government DEI Staffers be Put on Leave, Ends Affirmative Action for Contractors
By James Lynch | AMAC Outside Contributor
The Trump administration took a sledgehammer to progressive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives Tuesday night with executive orders designed to root racialist ideology out of the federal government and American institutions at large.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order overturning President Lyndon Johnson’s 1965 executive order creating race-based hiring requirements for federal contractors. Paired with that is a memo from the Office of Personnel Management placing all DEI employees on leave and shutting down DEI programs and offices.
“President Trump campaigned on ending the scourge of DEI from our federal government and returning America to a merit-based society where people are hired based on their skills, not for the color of their skin. This is another win for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds. Promises made, promises kept,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
In addition to overturning affirmative action for contractors, Trump’s executive order declares DEI illegal and advises corporations and federally funded universities to end all illegal discrimination, with DEI falling under that umbrella.
Likewise, Trump took action to rid the Federal Aviation Administration of DEI hiring practices and return the agency to a merit-based system. Trump instructed the Secretary of Transportation and FAA administrator to end preferential hiring protocols for certain demographic criteria and revoke DEI programming inside the agency.
On Monday, Trump’s first day in office, he signed executive orders directing agencies to terminate DEI programs and review employment practices to root out DEI in all its forms. He also repealed the Biden administration’s “equity” executive order for the federal workforce and other executive actions meant to advance “equity” for minority groups.
Trump’s executive actions have the potential to significantly reshape federal civil rights law and could spell the end of DEI across American institutions. Large corporations, elite universities, news organizations, and many other powerful facets of American business and culture adopted DEI during the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter riots and racial reckoning.
Over the past few years, conservatives have waged a legal and political battle against DEI that started gaining traction after the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that race-based college admissions programs violated the 14th Amendment. Conservative groups have filed a flurry of lawsuits alleging that corporate DEI programs violate anti-discrimination laws by explicitly creating programs for people with certain racial and gender
characteristics. Numerous red states have also passed legislation outlawing DEI from universities and other public institutions.
More broadly, conservatives believe DEI programs obsessively focus on people’s immutable characteristics and assign blame to certain groups, rather than prioritizing individual character and meritocracy. DEI practitioners and proponents assert that it is necessary to make up for historical injustices to support people from marginalized backgrounds and train others to hold their same views.
Overview - AMAC -
The Association of Mature American Citizens
The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.
AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us
Prior to Trump’s resounding electoral victory this past November, several large corporations including John Deere, Tractor Supply, Ford, and Lowe’s walked back DEI initiatives following conservative pressure. The slow corporate retreat from DEI continues after the election, with McDonald’s and Meta being among the companies to abandon DEI ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
Thus far, Trump is fulfilling his promise to use the federal government to combat DEI and end illegal discrimination. To make it last, Trump will likely need support from Congress and the legal system to ensure his efforts to end DEI have a long-term impact.
BRINGING BROADWAY TO MAIN STREET
Mar 13–Apr 27, 2025 ON STAGE UP NEXT May 15–Jun 29, 2025
Jan 16–Mar 2, 2025 FEATURING THE MUSIC OF ELVIS PRESLEY
Jul 10–Aug 24, 2025
WORD OF THE Week
Etymology:
mid 16th century: from French, from Italian pennacchio, from late Latin pinnaculum, diminutive of pinna ‘feather’.
PANACHE
noun
Pronounced: puh·nash
Definition: flamboyant confidence of style or manner.
Example: The festivities began with unique vigor and panache.
Synonyms: style, flair, zest
Antonyms: spiritlessness, inelegance, awkwardness
Source: Oxford Languages
WORD WHEEL
A I N T O P
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
January 23, 2020: China locks down the city of Wuhan and its 9 million people in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
January 24, 1961: Vince Russo, American writer (WWE creative writing) born on Long Island, raised in Farmingville.
January 25, 1924: First Winter Olympic Games open in Chamonix, France
January 26, 1998:
President Bill Clinton says “I want to say one thing to the American people; I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.”
January 29, 1892: The Coca-Cola Company is incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia.
January 28, 1968: Rakim [William Michael Griffin, Jr.], American rapper, born in Wyandanch.
January 27, 1820: Russian Antarctic expedition led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev discover the continent of Antarctica.
By PJ Balzer
He Willingly Gave His Life Away
This past Monday, we took a brief pause to celebrate the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As I was scrolling through social media to find some of my favorite quotes accredited to the Reverend and Doctor, I once again stumbled upon the annual opinions of some challenging the notion that we should still celebrate his life. The gentleman’s comments caused me to revisit and reflect on the life and legacy left behind by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a middle-class family. He was born the son of a Baptist minister who also was outspoken against the laws of racial segregation which seemed unchallenged and unchallengeable at the time. As a child, he enjoyed helping out around his father’s church and singing old hymns on Sunday morning alongside his mother. He was said to have a brilliant mind and a vocabulary well beyond his years. He left high school at the age of fifteen to attend Morehouse University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology. He continued his education at Crozer Theological Seminary where he earned a Bachelor’s of Divinity before earning a Doctorate in systematic theology from Boston College.
King was encouraged by family, friends, and his mentor to pursue a position as clergy in Alabama. He did so but never could fully submit to the more comfortable position of just the pulpit and pews. He was deeply convicted that there was legislation that hindered African American people from being treated as equal and, ultimately, as human. He couldn’t get comfortable because he was convinced from the inside out that he was called to serve humanity, especially those who were being oppressed simply because of the skin color that God Himself had chosen for them.
During the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life calling appeared right before his eyes. After Rosa Parks refused to vacate her seat on the front of the bus for a white person, she was arrested and taken to jail. King joined her in boycotting public transportation for a little over a year until this law was altered. During this time, he was arrested, imprisoned, and now was a national name. King was pushed to the front of the civil rights movement where black people fought for equal rights and wages, allowing them to live with dignity.
King both believed and practiced nonviolent protesting. He didn’t believe in inflicting harm on anyone, even those who were directly inflicting harm on him. He put the words of Jesus in practice daily, “If they strike you on one cheek, turn the other so they can strike that one also.” While doing so he was violently attacked, spit on, bitten by police dogs, and sprayed with water from the powerful fire truck hoses. He was arrested often, spent time in jail, and was ultimately discouraged from continuing this extremely dangerous and narrow path he was on. Yet, he felt that this was his life’s calling and mission from his Lord.
Many who were close to King say that he knew was going to die and possibly sooner than later. People around him say that he mentioned his death often in conversation and believed that the civil rights movement would be thrust forward without him. As time passed and he began to challenge the pockets of people to pay laborers a fair wage, the direct calls to his home threatening his life, wife, and children began to increase in frequency. Even with direct death threats, he couldn’t be thwarted from his mission. He believed that he was ultimately following in the footsteps of his Lord and God Jesus Christ, who showed him the way by first giving away His life for every sinful human heart to ever walk this planet. King considered following this path the highest honor.
On the evening before his death in his last speech, Martin is recorded saying, “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life; longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”
Again, many believe that he knew and that this last speech was a God-ordained call to march forward without him. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed the following day after protesting for fair wages for sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee. He died at the young age of thirty-nine.
So, why stop to remember this man’s life? Because, despite not being a perfect man, he was a man of deep conviction and a compassion that led to a life of action. He saw a need amongst his fellow humans and decided to do something about it personally. He didn’t only throw money in the basket on Sunday morning, he threw his entire life in as an offering to the One he loved and served. He left behind a life of comfort, prestige, and many accolades to selflessly serve his neighbors. He followed in the very ways of Jesus by loving his enemies, doing good to those who hated him and willingly laying his life down for something much greater than just himself. He lived a life worth stopping to remember once a year.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Theatre & the Arts
Don’t Miss Engeman’s Hypnotic ‘Heartbreak Hotel’
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
Elvis is in the building! You have until March 2, 2025, to head over to the iconic Engeman Theater to shake, rattle, and roll to “Heartbreak Hotel.” Be forewarned: bring a pack of tissues. There was a reason Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti named their jukebox musical after Elvis’s first No. 1 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.” The inspiration for that heartrending single came from a suicide note in a newspaper with the haunting words, “I walk the lonely street.”
Those prescient words are an apt metaphor for Elvis’s alienated and isolated lifestyle brought on by his megastar celebrity status. Sadly, the King of Rock & Roll did not heed Jackie Gleason’s 1956 warning, “Don’t hide. Because if you do, you’re going to be the loneliest guy in the world.”
Cercone and Abbinanti based “Heartbreak Hotel” on a concept by Floyd Mutrux, one of the creators of the Broadway show “Million Dollar Quartet.” That award-winning jukebox musical dramatized the December 4, 1956, serendipitous encounter when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, Tennessee, for an impromptu jam session.
Throughout “Heartbreak Hotel,” Elvis’s younger self guides him through pivotal moments of his life; therefore, two powerhouse performers must be present for this musical to succeed. Thanks to the Wojcik Casting Team, Spencer Chase’s stellar performance as the Young Elvis Presley and Joe Caskey’s riveting portrayal of Elvis, the superstar, made this show a resounding success. Chase showcased his vocals during “Peace in the Valley,” joined by Broadway star Pamela Bob, who aced her role as Gladys Presley, Elvis’s loving and supportive mom.
Every time Caskey stepped on stage, he stole the show as he
emitted the same superhuman energy and charisma we associate with the real-life Elvis Presley. Caskey mastered the King’s voice, mannerisms, and signature hip swivels and demonstrated those skills during his outstanding renditions of “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” An utterly heartwarming, unforgettable onstage moment happened when Caskey, portraying Elvis as the devoted father to his newborn daughter, Lisa Marie, cradled her in his arms and sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
“Heartbreak Hotel” has a streamof-consciousness, free-floating plot that ricochets back and forth through time and scans a quarter of a century, allowing the audience to enter the legendary world of one of the most recognizable and revered entertainers of all time. From his boyhood years, we see how his exposure to blues, gospel, bluegrass, and Southern country tunes inspired the musical revolution Elvis started when he updated those traditional genres. With America’s racial inequality looming in the background, a sense of discord and uneasiness permeates the show. However, one of the most captivating moments in the musical takes place in 1943, when Young Elvis (Chase) and two Black musicians, Chuck (Troy Valjean Rucker) and Otis (Tarik Zeigler), sing the blues to “Baby, What You Want Me to Do.” This pivotal scene showcased African-American music’s all-pervasive influence on the impressionable young man from Tupelo, Mississippi.
The heartbreak message of this musical exploded full force for Elvis in 1958 with the death of his beloved mother and his induction into the United States Army, which brought his skyrocketing career to a crashing halt. During the 1960s, things took an even darker turn for the King when his manipulative, money-grabbing, gambling manager, Colonel Tom Parker, dragged his career down a deadly path by booking him starring roles in corny movies where he crooned cheesy songs. Broadway veteran William Thomas Evans gave an award-worthy performance as the despicable, shyster Colonel Tom Parker.
“Heartbreak Hotel” ends on a high note when Elvis, thirty-three years old, sexily clad in a tightfitting black leather outfit, swayed, swaggered, and smashed it onstage during his 1968 NBC Comeback Special.
This jukebox musical has many showstopping numbers, including
“You’re the Boss,” where Sarah Rose, portraying the iconic ‘60s sex symbol Ann-Margret, dances seductively around Elvis. Other notable performances were Matt Allen as Vernon Presley, Matthew Schatz as Sam Phillips, Michel Vasquez as Pricilla Presley, and Tarik Zeigler as Reverend Brewster.
During the electrifying finale, the audience gave a heartfelt standing ovation and howled with delight when Caskey came out wearing Elvis’s signature white, sequined jumpsuit. Much of this show’s success belongs to the award-winning director, choreographer, and show maker Paul Stancato. His expert direction, choreography, and adoration for Elvis reverberated with every beat of this precision-perfect production.
“Heartbreak Hotel” features over 40 of Elvis’s greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” According to Stancato, “Each performer on stage is not only an actor but also a live musician, bringing Elvis’s music to life in a raw, immediate, and deeply personal way.” A special shoutout goes to Joe Caskey (Guitar), Jeff Gallup (Reeds), Troy Valjean Rucker (Reeds), Lena Richard (Reeds), Hailey Aviva (Reeds), Matt Allen (Trumpet), Noah Berry (Guitar), Chris Coffey (Drums), Luke Surretsky (Bass), Alan Mendez (Trombone), Katie Horner (Trumpet), Corey Mckinney (Guitar), and Kevin Lausche (Keyboard). The rest of the world-class ensemble includes Kyle Ahmeer Bethea, Bree Ogaldez, Danielle McKnight, Mallorie Sievert, and Sarah Rose.
The outstanding Creative Team includes Chris Coffey, Music Director; Kyle Dixon, Scenic Design; Dustin Cross, Costume Design; John Burkland, Lighting Design; Laura Shubert, Sound Design; Megan Cohen, Props Design; and Jeff Knaggs, Wig and Makeup Design.
Looking for that perfect Valentine’s gift? Engeman’s musical love letter to Elvis will please everyone! Tickets can be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her fulllength Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.
Photos courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Travis Smith: A Rising Amateur Boxer on Long Island
By Ashley Pavlakis
Long Island’s own Travis Smith is an amateur boxer from Shirley who continues to win in the ring. The welterweight won his third title of 2024 when he took home the highly sought-after New York City Metro Championship in November.
The fifteen-year-old rising star trains at Atlantic Veteran’s Boxing Club in Bellport. The facility has been training champions since 2001, with the guidance of head trainer Michael Murphy. The club prides itself on developing quality boys, girls, men, and women, in and outside the ring.
Smith hasn’t been boxing for that long, but in the time he’s been involved with the sport, he’s maximized his capabilities. He’s proven to be laserfocused on the task at hand– right now, that’s boxing.
“About five years, but I first started in mixed martial arts. That was the first combat sport I did,” said Smith.
Smith, dubbed the “What’s Next Kid”, attends William Floyd High School as a freshman and competes solely in boxing when he’s not in school. Out of the classroom and into the gym is what most days consist of for the hardworking boxer.
Boxing is a unique sport; the martial art is a hand-to-hand combat sport in which two fighters take to the ring to battle it out with punches and sometimes other body parts. For Smith, who is an amateur boxer, the rules differ from professional boxing in that the scoring is determined by clean blows landed rather than physical damage. Three rounds, consisting of three-minute intervals, are set up to see which boxer can go the distance and claim the title.
The amateur boxer has embraced the sport as a whole, doing whatever it takes in the gym and in the ring to be the best.
“When you sign up for boxing you sign up for two sports. You sign up for running and training really hard. You have to run at least three- two miles, fast speed, good pace, and go to the gym every day and train,” said Smith.
In addition to the NYC Metro championship, Smith took home the Ring Masters title and the New York City Boxing championship in 2024. Smith, determined as ever to keep working hard every day in the ring to fight for what’s his.
2025 is a new year with big things ahead for the young star. But first, Smith will head into familiar territory, looking to go back-to-back at the 2025 RingMasters.
“In February I’m going to be competing in the 2025 RingMasters. I won the RingMasters in 2024, so I’ll be defending. I’m ready, I’m always ready,“ said Smith.
Smith, a Long Island native, sees a bright future for himself and knew early on in his career that he would be able to go far in the sport.
“Ever since I started winning, since I was a little kid… “I see myself as being one of the best,” Smith told The Messenger with pure confidence.
Building Minds and Breaking Stigmas
By Diane Caudullo
the night.
The bigger challenge, however, is to create an overall environment where our children can grow strong emotionally and mentally. Our children today are struggling in many ways and some sadly may consider permanent solutions to temporary problems.
One seemingly simple-sounding solution is to make sure our children have family, friends, or trusted adults around them to be there when a child finds themselves troubled and in need of some loving, wise and careful attention. Finding someone to walk alongside them and listen to them is always a good start.
How do you foster this kind of overall environment?
You create events that encourage kids of all ages to get their friends or their families or both together and get out into the community to do fun things.
The Christopher A. Coluccio Foundation is working to do just that, planning the events so everyone can have fun and connect with others.
Their latest event was the Lego “Create and Elevate” Building Competition, for the purpose of “Building Minds and Breaking Stigmas”.
On a friday night in January in the Bayport-Blue Point High School Gymnasium with over 160 pounds of Lego building bricks and over thirty teams entered, Lego-loving creators and their families joined in the fun.
And to the kids, the fun is just that: fun, innocently unaware of the bonds and social safety net they are also building.
Each team had to create a tower, which needed to stand tall and not crumble when placed on an earthquake simulating plate. They had to create a car, which had to roll down a ramp and travel the longest distance. And last, they had to create a robot whose only real requirement was to be coollooking.
Some teams took the team approach and worked on each item together, whereas some teams split the tasks and assigned each item to a different team member. Both approaches had valid benefits. Teams had ninety minutes to complete all three and could return to the numerous Lego bins as needed. Lego trivia and project interviews took place while the teams worked diligently on their creations. Parents were just as involved in the creation with their kids. We saw whole families doing the building, while some parents sat back and cheered their kids on. We saw a few adults whose love for Legos was quite apparent, kids not necessary, and it was all good.
The best parts: the conversation, the laughter, the dedication to the craft.
One family, Mary and Joe (pictured below) with their young children Elizabeth, nine, and Peter, seven, went on to win first place for the robot category but all agreed that spending time as a family was truly the real win for the night.
Another main focus of the foundation is to ensure that there are quality resources available, that people are connected to those resources when needed, and that more people can be aware of possible signs to look for
topics are very difficult to discuss but they must be discussed and addressed, thoroughly, practically, and repeatedly.
Chris Coluccio, the host along with his wife Jenn (pictured right), and the emcee for the evening, subtly interjected their message into the evening’s event.
“You are not alone” - there are people in your life that you can talk to about anything and everything. Whatever you may be feeling, share it with someone.
Chris and Jenn created the foundation after tragedy struck their family resulting in the loss of their teenage son Christopher. They chose to channel their grief for good. They choose to call it “A Good Grief Foundation.”
To learn more about this foundation and the resources available go to ChristopherColuccio.org.
Some of the night’s winners