The Times of Smithtown - November 3, 2016

The Times of

smiThTown

Fort salonga east • kings park • smithtown • nesconset • st james • head oF the harbor • nissequogue • hauppauge • commack Vol. 29, No. 36

November 3, 2016

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Election Section

See who’s running and where they stand on issues

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Through the Eyes of a Child exhibit opens in Port Jeff ALSO: Photo of the Week, LIM hosts Family Fun Day

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Spooks in Smithtown St. James Halloween parade brings frights to town — photos A8 Photo by Bob Savage

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PAGE A2 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

SCPD updates Crime Stoppers stats

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Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini joined Crime Stoppers President Nick Amarr at a press conference Oct. 25 to provide statistics related to the initiative’s 22-year partnership with SCPD. In addition, a new social media page was unveiled to facilitate the distribution of information to the public and strengthen the partnership between the community and the SCPD. The department will launch the SCPD Alerts Facebook page, separate from the department’s general Facebook page, where surveillance photos will be posted in an effort to identify suspects. Along with Most Wanted posts, the page will publicize Silver Alerts to help find missing individuals with special needs, and AMBER Alerts will help loved ones reunite with children. The page will also include links to the department’s YouTube channel of videos of crimes caught on camera.

Below are statistics from the history of the Crime Stoppers program: •NARC calls March 2016 to date: 1,306 •Total number of arrests 1994 to date: 2,157 •Total amount of funds rewarded 1994 to date: $530,300 •Total number of warrants cleared: 1,688 •Total number of tips 1994 to date: 22,287 •Homicides solved: 42

File photo

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini announces updated statistics for the county’s two-decade-old Crime Stoppers initiative.

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NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A3

North Shore voters weigh in on who they support

By Kevin Redding kevin@tbrnewspapers.com As Long Island residents get ready for election day next week, some are certain for whom they will cast their ballot, and others are still undecided.

Eric Corley, Port Jefferson

Sarah Leanza, Port Jefferson

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: Clinton. Not because I necessarily trust her like anybody else, but because he’s [Trump] a misogynist, crazy ... I think he’s horrific. I’m a little nervous about her, but I think she has a lot of experience at least, and I think what is wonderful is Trump has created a situation that’s going to make her make sure she’s accountable. I think she’s going to have to be very careful while she’s in office because there are so many people behind him who are so angry, so that makes me trust her situation better.

He was like a necessary evil, I think.

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: Clinton, because she knows what she’s doing, and there may be some stuff I don’t agree with — probably a lot of stuff — but you have to think of all the people that are going to be brought in as a result of a Clinton administration as opposed to the people who would be brought in with a Trump administration. You look at all the things that have changed over the last eight years, not all of which are good, but so much has changed and that’s all the result of who we elected. We have to think beyond the personalities and beyond whatever is in the media, so that’s why I think it’s an easy choice.

Raymond Diaz, Mount Sinai

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: Donald J. Trump, because of the political corruption and the political correctness with Hillary. It just kills me all the scandals and all the people covering up for her; it’s horrible. Trump says some mean things but would you rather have someone say a bunch of horrible things to your face and be your friend or talk behind your back? Oh, it makes me sick. I am such a die-hard Trump fan, and it’s not that I love Trump. We just need change. All the corruption in the government, and she’s just a liar.

Trump’s not the best guy in the world, but even if he does a horrible job, what’s wrong with wiping out the government for four years? Getting all the corrupt people out and starting from scratch.

Michael and Cindy Rawdin, Dix Hills

Q: Who are you voting for?

Michael: I’d only vote for Clinton. I know she’s imperfect but I would never dream of voting for [Trump] because I know him personally and he’s a disgraceful human being.

I owned a website, GoTrump.com, that we opened in January 2006. We had it for 3 years with that “lovely” man. His staff was great, he was disgraceful ... always.

Cindy: We brought him into the online travel industry. He wasn’t it in then in 2006.

But because of his greed as well, we did not make a lot of money because Trump cut the biggest piece of pie for himself. We really know that Clinton is the brightest and most sophisticated and most experienced, and she’s an elitist. She’s intelligent.

Michael: She actually knows what she’s speaking about. The other one is faking it at all times. He didn’t even prep for the debates, which I found truly amazing. People are so desperate for change that they’ll vote for a psychopath. He’s really quite sick. The stupid things he says, the idiotic way he reacts, the fact that he screwed thousands of little guys out of their money. They’d go work at the Taj Mahal and just get screwed. He’s so unfit to be anything but a… make believe billionaire.

He’s just a fraud.

Tommy Parris, Port Jefferson

Roe Waltmann, Coram

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: I like Trump. I think he’s very gung-ho and I really believe that he can do the things he says he can do — unless I’m naïve. But I don’t want Hillary Clinton; I don’t want a politician. I want somebody with new blood that’s not a politician.

Now, he’s become a politician along the way without him realizing, but I really think he can energize [the country, but] if he doesn’t get the Republican Senate he’s not going to do too much.

Even though in his mind he’s saying he could, he can’t. And my family wants Trump too because they want somebody new, and that’s how we all feel. I think he’s so energetic and he can revitalize things, and I know he’s going to surround himself with good people. But he should keep his mouth closed sometimes.

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: I actually truly haven’t decided yet. I mean, I was leaning more toward Trump initially. There’s not enough accurate information out there; a lot of the stuff that they’re putting out there is very vague, very generic.

They’re not being too specific in their campaigns. Everyone’s spoon feeding everybody what they want to hear. They’re basically telling them “Oh yeah, we’re going to make more money, we’re going to fix the economy.” It’s all slogans and sales pitches. And coming from someone in sales, you can see right through that. What’s the plan that goes beyond that?

I like the fact that although Trump is not as delicate as he should be or as sensitive with the way he uses his words, he’s more transparent in the sense that you know who you’re dealing with for better or worse, so you can kind of know what to expect. With Hillary, she’s more quiet, cunning; you really don’t know much what’s going on. She’s a better politician when it comes down to it.

I think it would be good to have a Republican state of mind back in the office just to kind of balance things out.

Mike Barba, Malverne

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: I’m actually voting for Gary Johnson, just because I don’t agree with Hillary [Clinton] on matters, and I don’t think Trump has enough political experience for it. He just talks a little too much for my liking, so I’ll be doing the alternative independent vote.

Although Gary Johnson had some slipups on his foreign policy, I still think there should be more than a two-party system in the country. In the United Kingdom, they have more than two, as well as a few other countries.

When conservatives and liberals are so far left and far right, it’s nice to have more of a middle ground and somebody who’s more bipartisan on a bunch of matters.

Even though the independents realistically won’t win — him or Jill Stein — I think there will be enough independent votes that it will be a little more eye-opening for the country in general just to see “wow, maybe there should be a third candidate to be putting in.”

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Craig Marcott, Huntington

Q: Who are you voting for?

A: It’s really an election of the perceived lesser of two evils in this case. My vote will be on the Republican ticket because I think he’s the lesser of the two evils in this one. It’s been incredible. Right down to the end, they’re just not stopping, between the email stuff on one side, the stuff on him on the other side. They’re two of the most defective candidates we’ve ever had. I’m voting more for the philosophy and for the Supreme Court justices. I don’t think our country can handle two more liberal Supreme Court justices that will rule the country for the next quarter of the century.

PAGE A4 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

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NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A5

perspectives

Images by Mike Sheinkopf

An observer’s perspective

The greater of two evils

In India, 8,431 miles away and 18 the way to a promising future because the months earlier, the American election cam- world is in dire need of help. As an Indian, paign was an obscure topic of discussion it is sad to see Indian Americans — or a for me. Things would not have changed group of Indians back home — supporting much to this present day had it not been so Trump primarily on the basis of their commuch of a ridiculous spectacle. From the mon abhorrence of Islam. However dark outside, when you look at how a country it may sound, a lot of us harbor grudges like America would conduct its campaign, or hatred against other communities or you expect suavity for that matter. But even peoples or sects. But, if a world leader to a layman, what would garner attention starts encouraging people to express their is the total brashness of the nature of the grudges overtly, that sets a dangerous campaign and its controversies. example. It unites people based on a wrong For one, Donald J. Trump has been the cause where the effect of such ill preachstar of the show with his specimen of utter ing is not limited nationally but tends to cloddishness and hard-hearted comments go worldwide. In order to maintain a good as a presidential candidate relationship with India, his ‘If America chooses camaraderie should be toward on topics related to Islam, his salacious comments on Indians in general and not divisiveness over women and his brashness Hindus particularly, as India integration, it of belonging to the elite also has the third largest Musclass. Where on one hand, lim population in the world. would be a harsh many eminent leaders and Unlike American elections, moral setback.’ visionaries root for peace Indian national elections do and unity by bridging — elina MuKherjee not have debates among the the gap between national candidates. In India, and in mind-sets and borders, numerous other countries in Trump, in his extremist self, is advocatthe world, candidates routinely attempt ing the very opposite. Building a wall to to bolster their position by slandering prevent Mexican invasion of the country others, by trading insults. In a democracy, or putting an extra scan on Muslims who I reckon, having debates between candienter the States, to only name a few, stim- dates is a progressive step. However, going ulate the fire. What is unprecedented is by the nature of the last three debates, the staggering number of Trump supportits principal purpose seems to have been ers who think him to be a fresh breath of defeated for the most part. air in the race for the White House. HillAmerica has always led from the front ary Clinton, on the other hand, has come when it comes to being progressive. The out better, maintaining a dignified stance cornerstone of much of Trump’s elecand prompting fewer furrowed eyebrows. tion campaign has been dissemination But overall, this election has been nothing of negativity and animosity. Many of his less than a mockery to the world of what proposed policies are regressive to say America has come to. the least. As an outsider, I — and many Dividing in the name of religion is a others like me — fear that if America potential peril. The unpalatable truth for chooses divisiveness over integration, it the citizens is to understand the pressure would be a harsh moral setback for many they are under, bearing the tag of being the of the developing countries. foremost nation in the world and always Elina Mukherjee being looked up to, its leader should lead Stony Brook

I did not vote for Donald Trump in the Test of Record as Women’s Advocate”) New York primary. His comments about disclosed that Saudi Arabia had given women are loathsome, and I believe it is more than $10 million to the Clinton likely he kissed and groped women during his Foundation. While Mrs. Clinton was television career. However, his words and acsecretary of state, the State Department tions pale in comparison to how the Clintons faulted Saudi Arabia for “a lack of equal have treated women throughout their careers. rights for women and children,” and said Bill and Hillary Clinton represent what “violence against women, human traffickI call the Chappaquiddick wing of the ing and gender discrimination, among Democratic Party. Under this umbrella, it other abuses, were all common there.” does not matter how you treat women as Apparently, the Chappaquiddick wing long as you support abortion on demand provides cover to “fight for women” while and the appointment of liberal Supreme simultaneously collecting tens of millions Court justices. For example, a senator from from Saudi Arabia and the like-minded Massachusetts can leave a young woman misogynist states of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, to drown at the bottom of a ‘If you are concerned Algeria and Brunei. pond, get re-elected, and go Today in The Hill, on to become “the Lion of about how to explain Assistant FBI Director the Senate.”

James Kallstrom (the man An attorney general from Donald Trump to Arkansas can rape a nursing your daughters, how who headed the TWA 800 investigation) stated, home executive, get elected will you explain the “the Clinton’s are a crime governor and demand that family.” I am reminded a low-level state employee Clintons?’ of the climactic scene in perform oral sex on him.

— Dan Kerr “Godfather II” when Kate The same sexual predator confronts Michael Corleone can then go on to become over her recent miscarriage. “Oh, Michael. president, use a cigar to penetrate a young Michael, you are blind. It wasn’t a miscarwoman in the Oval Office, fondle and grope a recent widow who came to him for riage. It was an abortion. An abortion, Michael. Just like our marriage is an abortion. counsel, lie under oath in a sexual harassSomething that’s unholy and evil ... It was ment case, get impeached and disbarred from practicing law in Arkansas and before a son, Michael! A son! And I had it killed because this must all end!” For the good of the Supreme Court and go on to become this country, I believe the “unholy and evil” “first gentleman.” It is also OK for Hillary to laugh as she won her first case in Arkan- reign of the Clintons must end as well.

A few days before FBI Director Comey’s sas, when she minimized the sentence of a letter to Congress, Kimberley Strassel 41-year-old man who so savagely raped a wrote in the Wall Street Journal, “This 12-year-old girl that she could never have is how the Clintons operate; they do not children. If you are concerned about how change. Anyone that pulls the lever for to explain Donald Trump to your daughMrs. Clinton takes responsibility for setters, how will you explain the Clintons? ting the nation up for all of the blatant The Sunday New York Times included corruption that will follow.” The Clintons “I Live in a Lie: Saudi Women Speak Up.” are the greater of two evils.

It documents the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia. A March 8, 2015, New Dan Kerr York Times article (“Hillary Clinton Faces Stony Brook

These letters are representative of the opposing viewpoints on the 2016 presidential election. They do not speak for the newspaper.

PAGE A6 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

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By ViCtOriA ESPinOzA victoria@tbrnewspapers.com Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho ruled last week that an indictment charging limo driver Carlos Pino was flawed because of improper grand jury testimony.

Pino was driving a limo in Cutchogue last July when he made a risky U-turn at the intersection of Depot Lane and County Route 48 and collided with a pick-up truck. Four women all under the age of 25 were killed, one from Commack, two from Smithtown and one from Kings Park.

Steven Romeo, the truck driver, was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated, but the district attorney’s office said the risky U-turn still made it nearly impossible for the collision to be avoided.

“A perfectly sober Steven Romeo could not avoid this crash,” said District Attorney Tom Spota. “An intoxicated Steven Romeo could not avoid this crash. It was simply unavoidable from Romeo’s perspective. Romeo can be held criminally responsible for driving while intoxicated, but he cannot be held criminally responsible for the crash.”

Pino, 58, faced 16 counts that included criminally negligent homicide, assault, reckless driving and other traffic violations. Though he doesn’t face any criminal charges, several fam-

File photo

Carlos Pino was the limo driver of the July accident. ilies have sued Pino for wrongful death.

Despite Justice Camacho’s decision, Spota said he intends to appeal the verdict.

“We are extremely disappointed that Justice Camacho determined the actions of Carlos Pino on July 18, 2015, were not criminal,” Spota said in a statement. “Pino’s actions were far from just careless. Pino was driving a vehicle he knew or should have known could never make a safe U-turn under the circumstances. Justice Camacho’s decision appears to ignore this critical and distinguishing fact.”

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A7

Chick-fil-A comes to Commack, hopes to bond with community

By Victoria Espinoza How far would you go for free chicken?

North Shore residents will have a chance to fight for a year’s worth of free Chick-fil-A before a new location opens Thursday, Nov. 3 on Commack Road.

After proposing the new location a few months ago, the chicken restaurant is finally set to serve the community, and in a 13-year tradition, Chick-fil-A is holding their First 100 celebration. The first 100 people, age 18 or older, to enter Chick-filA the day it opens receive free Chick-fil-A for a full year. Residents are allowed to camp out at the restaurant up to 24 hours before it opens. The Commack location is set to open around 6 a.m. Thursday morning, and the first 100 people will get a card charged with 52 meals of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, fries and a beverage.

The shop will also be holding a book drive at the opening, encouraging guests to bring their gently used or new books for preschoolers to be donated to the Madonna Heights School in Dix Hills.

Owner of the Commack location Bryan Beasley, a lifelong Long Island resident, said he wanted his team at Chick-fil-A to choose an organization they wanted to support.

“They had strong feelings for the connection they have made with that organization,” he said in a phone interview. “The team was really excited we were able to choose them.”

&

photo from Desiree Fulton

owner Bryan Beasley smiles in front of the new chick-fil-a location in commack.

Staff members and women staying at Madonna Heights were already hosted at the restaurant this week for a free meal.

Established to create a warm and safe environment for both young and adult women, the Madonna Heights School pro-

vides 24-hour care to address physical, emotional, and social needs, build confidence, strengthen family bonds and support the transition back home or to a home in the community. Programs include a residence with support for women who have dealt

with mental health issues, substance abuse, physical health issues and more, and plans for women with special needs, including disabilities and emotional trauma.

Beasley said he is eager to connect with the community through the food and services he and his team will offer.

“We’ve hired an unbelievable amount of great high school students to work here,” he said. “And we’re excited to have a great impact on the community.”

Beasley said the Smithtown community has already been supportive of his new venture, and he is excited to continue to develop a relationship with the residents.

In 2011, a virus attacked his heart, requiring open-heart surgery. He and his wife took time to review their lives and decided they wanted something different.

They both see Chick-fil-A as a way Beasley can pursue his true passions — hospitality, teaching leadership skills to young adults and impacting communities.

His father, who owned a restaurant in East Hampton, passed down those values to his son. Beasley said in a statement he’s glad Chick-fil-A has given him the opportunity to continue his father’s legacy of serving the community with “warm hospitality and great food.”

The location will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and comes equipped with a two-story indoor play area, multiple drive-in windows and recyclable and reused furniture.

2016

Men WoMen Of

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Year

Nominate outstanding members of the community for

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2016

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Each year, with our readers’ help, we honor the people who have contributed in the communities we serve. ❖ The honorees are profiled in a special edition at the end of the year. ❖ Nominate your choice(s) by emailing victoria@tbrnewspapers.com ❖ Please include your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the person you’re nominating and why they deserve to be a Man or Woman of the Year. ❖ DeaDline: noveMber 15, 2016 ©151616

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PAGE A8 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Monster mash

Photos by Bob Savage

Scenes from the Halloween parade in St. James Sunday, Oct. 30.

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A9

Local Election Info For our official endorsements, see page A22

PAGE A10 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Red light cameras, child sex abuse laws discussed in senate race

By Victoria Espinoza victoria@tbrnewspapers.com St. James resident Peter Magistrale, 24, is taking his first swing at elected office, challenging New York State Sen. and Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-East Northport) to represent the 2nd district.

The candidates met and discussed why they think they could best represent their constituents at TBR News Media’s main office.

Magistrale (D) said he is running for office because he wants to tackle political corruption.

“I see government at all levels as a tool for powerful people to get what they want,” he said. Magistrale said he wants to focus on ways to reform campaign finance and laws to protect children in sexual abuse cases, among his other platform issues.

Flanagan said he’s proud to be the first majority leader from Suffolk County, and proud of the legislation he has helped pass, including a package of bills to combat the county’s opioid abuse problem and restoring funding taken from school districts by the Gap Elimination Adjustment. Flanagan has served in the New York Senate for 14 years, and before that served in the New York State Assembly for 16 years.

Part of Magistrale’s campaign has been dedicated to supporting the Child Victims Act, which is legislation that would eliminate both criminal and civil statutes of limitation for child sexual abuse, and provide a one-time, one-year window in the statute of limitations to enable victims whose

photos by Desirée Keegan

Democrat peter Magistrale and state sen. John Flanagan battle each other, and independent stephen ruth for the right to represent the 2nd district nov. 8. claim was time-barred by the current arbitrary limitations to revive their claim.

“A child who’s sexually abused cannot come forward after they’ve turned 23,” Magistrale said. “That’s not protection. That’s protecting financial interests who do not want the law changed. To say that the current law protects children — it does not.”

Flanagan agreed this is a serious issue, but did not agree with how Magistrale wants to approach the issue.

“There are significant protections in the law right now,” he said. “This is a one-year opener that could bring cases going back 40, 50, 60 years. We have statutes of limita-

tions for very cogent reasons and no matter how emotional a subject may be, witness availability, evidence, all those things have a salutary effect in terms of what happens.”

Stephen Ruth, referred to as the Red Light Robin Hood, is also running against the two candidates for the 2nd district seat, but did not respond to request for comment. Ruth is an outspoken critic against the red light camera program on Long Island and has been arrested for tampering with red light cameras.

“I don’t believe in vigilantism,” Flanagan said of Ruth’s actions. “I don’t like red light cameras, and I voted against them.”

The state senator said that while this program was first suggested as a safety issue, it now seems like more of a measure to increase revenue.

Magistrale said he agreed with most of Flanagan’s sentiments.

“I think there is a good enough reason to look at if the red lights were shortened,” Magistrale said. “Shortening a yellow light is just as dangerous, and I think we ought to have an investigation to find out if they really were shorted or not.”

The candidates found some common ground on education, and agreed the system is in need of improvement.

Magistrale said he believes Common Core has lost the consent of the citizens.

“We’ve had opt out rates, from grades three through eight, over 50 percent … what does that say?” Magistrale said.

“Having standardized exams that reinforce memorization is not a way to create free thinkers. In a time in our history where crimes are being committed in the highest places of government, we need people who will ask questions, not be obedient.”

Flanagan said he’s had many hearings and meetings on the subject throughout the state.

“This is one subject area where I know more than frankly anybody in the Legislature,” he said. “I don’t like the exams … but all those tests are overwhelmingly mandated by the federal government.” Flanagan said despite the problems with Common Core, changes on the federal level need to be put in place to improve the current system, rather than tearing it down and starting over.

Interim Highway Superintendent faces lifelong Smithtown resident

By Donna nEwMan Donna@tBrnEwspapErs.coM Two candidates are vying to serve the unexpired term of former Smithtown Highway Superintendent Glenn Jorgensen (R), who resigned in October 2015 shortly before pleading guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges.

When the two candidates were interviewed together at the TBR News Media’s main office earlier this month, it seemed the battle lines were drawn according to age.

Deputy Highway Supervisor Robert Murphy (R) has been the acting supervisor for almost a year, since the town board named him to replace Jorgensen. He is 53.

His Democratic challenger is lifelong Smithtown resident and attorney Justin Smiloff, who said he “doesn’t need the job, but wants it because he thinks he can make a difference.” In addition to a law degree, he has an undergraduate degree in accounting, which he said he would use to “see what I can do to get more for less.” He is 35.

Among the topics of contention was the restoration of free leaf bag distribution to residents. “The leaf bag program is beneficial to taxpayers,” Smiloff said, “and if cost is a problem, cuts should be made from other areas.”

Murphy said the last time leaf bags were distributed was 10 years ago, at a cost of $187,000.

“With the 2 percent cap Gov. Andrew

Cuomo (D) established, some services have had to be eliminated,” he said, adding he thinks the brown paper bags could be mulched with leaves and don’t serve their intended purpose if they’ve been sitting out in the rain.

Technology use in the Highway Department was also discussed. Smiloff said his youth is an advantage in that area. He wants to see a modern, user-friendly website and feels residents should be able to text message the department. In addition, he will look at technology used in other places. Murphy said he is already networking with other highway superintendents.

The Town of Brookhaven’s Dan Losquadro (R) has shared information about geographic information system currently being used to identify potholes.

Another item of debate was the use of energy-efficient vehicles.

“If we reduce the cost for fuel, money could be used for more beneficial things to help residents,” Smiloff said. On this, Murphy was in agreement. However, with $800,000 a year you can buy only four trucks, he said, indicating it will take some time to achieve true energy efficiency.

Smiloff promises voters “a new day and a new start.”

“I would deliver for taxpayers in a manner they haven’t seen before,” he said. He believes a clean sweep is necessary for taxpayers’ peace of mind.

In contrast, Murphy said his experience

photos by Victoria Espinoza

robert Murphy, left, looks to continue serving as smithtown’s highway superintendent, while challenger Justin smiloff, right, looks to replace him. is worth its weight in gold.

“I have over 30 years in the field — 20 years in the private sector and [about] 10 in public civil engineering — and I have been at the department for the last five years,” he said.

In the year he’s run the department, he said he’s seen where improvements need to be made. He noted that his morals and ethics have never been questioned, and he will make sure that everything is done legally.

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A11

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PAGE A12 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Fitzpatrick seeks eighth term in Assembly against Kings Park resident By alex PetroSKi alex@tbrnewspapers.com Incumbent Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) will square off against Kings Park resident and Democrat Rich Macellaro on Election Day for the right to oversee the district that spans Smithtown Town and a portion of northern Islip. Macellaro has made unsuccessful bids for office, first in the Assembly in 2010 then for a Smithtown Town board seat in 2013. The two sat down for an interview in the TBR News Media main office.

During his 14 years in the Assembly, Fitzpatrick has sponsored legislation to establish a two percent property tax levy increase cap for school districts and to cap pensions for elected officials as a means to stave off financial hardships for the state.

Macellaro prided himself on his work with civic and community organizations and projects in Smithtown, and his ability to bring a new set of eyes to a district in need of change.

High property taxes and swollen government budgets have contributed to a litany of issues specific to the 8th district, but also to the region as a whole, according to Fitzpatrick. Some of those issues include a cost of living far higher than most of the nation, and fewer high paying local careers as an incentive to keep young people here after graduation. He also suggested the community’s high rates of opioid- and heroin-related deaths could be a byproduct

Photos by Donna newman

rich macellaro, left, wants to unseat long term assemblyman mike Fitzpatrick, right. of the tough economic times in his district.

“There are some storm clouds on the horizon,” Fitzpatrick said. “The lack of jobs, the lack of housing — I think the stress that life on Long Island puts on people, on families, maybe people are using as an outlet. Obviously they are.”

Fitzpatrick was also involved in the passing of a series of bills earlier this year designed to combat addiction on the North Shore and beyond. As a result, insurers must cover the costs of life-saving Narcan

to families with individuals suffering from substance abuse. Substance abusers are now offered 72 hours of emergency treatment, instead of 48 hours, so they can be stabilized and connected to longer-term addiction treatment options while also balancing the individual rights of the incapacitated individuals, among other benefits.

Macellaro said he believes penalties for dealers could be harsher, though it is not the only possible solution to the problem.

“We need to have increased penalties

for drug traffickers and dealers, and we also need to get those folks who, unfortunately, for whatever reason, become addicted to opiates — we need to get them immediate rehabilitative services.”

The Assemblyman said he believes in the “invisible hand” as a means of economic development, meaning government policies cause more harm than good in the private sector, and called the statewide START-UP NY stimulus program a failure.

“Government-directed economic development does not work,” he said.

Macellaro has a different, if outsidethe-box, plan for economic development through a measure that would lower property taxes.

“I think now is the time to look at how we rein in the cost of providing education in Suffolk County and Nassau County, of which there are 124 school districts,” he said. “There are 13 towns in Nassau and Suffolk — three in Nassau, 10 in Suffolk.

My proposal is simple: one school district per town. So from 124 school districts, we’ll get down to around 13.”

He said the idea would allow districts to pay for services like maintenance, athletic fields, security and even administrators in “bulk.” He strongly supported legislation to cap increases to property taxes.

“The two percent tax cap is great because it forced government into reducing their costs,” he said. “We have to do anything possible to prevent any increase in property taxes.”

Long-time assemblyman faces prosecutor in 4th district race

By Donna newman donna@tbrnewspapers.com There were areas of agreement and points of sharp contrast between incumbent Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and challenger Steve Weissbard (R) when they sat down together at the TBR News Media main office to discuss their qualifications and plans for New York’s 4th Assembly District.

Route 347 and its ongoing reconstruction was high on the challenger’s list of important issues. The traffic and congestion are intolerable and detract from quality of life for area residents, and the redesign has been flawed, Weissbard said.

“We need to get rid of the lights and add a third lane,” Weissbard said. “There should have been more overpasses.”

The incumbent said he is pleased with the changes to Route 347. Englebright noted the history of the road, which was originally supposed to be leg two of the Northern State Parkway extending all the way out to Orient.

“It never happened and we have a roadway that was confused by historical events,” he said. “The first proposals put forth by the [Department of Transportation] — going back more than a decade — would have recreated the Cross Bronx Expressway. Then Senator Jim Lack and I rejected those proposals and asked for something better. The something better is in the works.”

Weissbard has ideas for improving the state economy, which he said has been contracting for the last 40 years.

“New York is known as the least free state, the most regulated state, the highest tax rate state,” he said. “We’re bleeding industry.”

The answer, he added, quoting President Ronald Reagan, isn’t more government, but less government.

Englebright offered a different perspective.

“I can’t help but notice that the largest employer is government — and the largest entity, in fact, is in this district: the State University of New York — the largest employer in the bicounty region,” he said.

He argued that its presence has helped our community weather deep recessions that have affected other areas on Long Island much more profoundly.

On Common Core, however, they agreed completely.

“I think it undermines the fundamental relationship between teacher and student,” Weissbard said.

His Democratic counterpart was equally critical of the federal program.

“In the past, teaching was seen as an art,” Englebright said. “Now it’s trying to be seen as a quantifiable, robotic-like activity.”

They both said they would like Common Core to be scrapped for a system that returns control to local school districts and teachers.

Englebright said he hopes voters will return him to Albany for a thirteenth term.

Photos by Desirée Keegan

assemblyman Steve englebright (D-Setauket), left, faces Steve weissbard in the race for new york’s 4th assembly District seat.

He stands on his record of accomplishment on behalf of his constituents.

“I have made promises [in the past] and I have kept those promises,” he said.

Although his record on environmental issues gets lots of attention, he named other legislation that made him proudest.

“That the pertussis [whooping cough] legislation I sponsored with Dr. Shetal Shah has, according to his data, reduced the incidence of this killer childhood dis-

ease by at least 50 percent since the law’s passage in 2012,” he said.

Weissbard said he would like to bring a new perspective to the Assembly.

“As a county attorney, as a prosecutor, I’ve been in charge of both the juvenile drug court and, at times, the adult drug court, so I’ve seen the war on drugs on the Island at point blank range,” Weissbard said. “It’s a lot of first-hand knowledge that I would love to bring to the state level.”

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A13

Congressman. Soldier. Family Man.

LEE’S “NEW ERA OF AMERICAN STRENGTH” AGENDA: - Protecting America’s Security at Home and Abroad

• Defeating ISIS and other terrorist threats, correcting a flawed Iran Nuclear Agreement, strengthening our borders and improving relations with our allies.

- Helping Grow Our Economy

• Improving the business climate to create more good paying, private sector jobs.

- Supporting Our Veterans and First Responders

• Expanding the PFC Joseph Dwyer Program for veterans with PTSD. Standing strong with our police and first responders. Delivering the highest quality of care to our nation's veterans.

- Improving the Quality of Education

• Rolling back federally mandated testing in our schools.

- Repairing Our Nation’s Infrastructure

• Funding critical projects to maintain and upgrade our roads, bridges and other means of transportation.

- Improving Healthcare in America

• Repealing and replacing Obamacare. Advancing America’s pursuit of cures and treatments to diseases both well known and rare.

- Safeguarding Our Environment

• Saving Plum Island and protecting our water supply by passing bills like Rep. Zeldin’s Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act.

Secure Our Country. Grow Our Economy.

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PAGE A14 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Two new faces look to take on Congressman Israel’s seat

By ReBecca anzel

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Both candidates running to succeed Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) in the 3rd Congressional District agree the winner needs to be an agent of change, but State Senator Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) disagree about what that means.

Martins, a lawyer, spent eight years as mayor of Mineola and five years as the state senator from the 7th senate district. He said his record proves he is able to achieve meaningful change by working across party lines, making necessary decisions and leaving things more stable than he found them.

“You have to measure commitments by actions and results, and certainly my tenure speaks for itself and [Suozzi’s] tenure speaks for itself, and I think those are important distinctions,” Martins said. “Oftentimes, when it comes to my opponent, the problem is he’s more concerned with running for something else and taking that next step than he is about fixing the problems he was elected to fix.”

For Suozzi, an attorney and certified public accountant, it takes more than bipartisanship to solve issues the country has been struggling with for decades. He said during his seven years in office both as mayor of Glen Glove and Nassau County executive, he fought to “change the status quo” — even when that meant going against his party.

“I think that my experience has given

left photo by Victoria espinoza; file photo right

Jack Martins, left, and Tom Suozzi, right, are both vying for the open congressional seat on the north Shore. me a skill set and a life experience that have trained me to actually get things done,” Suozzi said in a phone interview.

“I’m the only candidate in this race that has a proven record of standing up to very powerful forces and fighting to get things done on behalf of the people I serve.”

Both candidates agree issues such as

water quality and heroin use are concerns for Long Islanders.

Martins and Suozzi both said sewers would help curb the amount of harmful nitrogen leaching into Long Island’s water bodies from septic systems and cesspools.

Martins prioritized Long Island’s drinking water and pushed the importance of

a comprehensive study of its aquifer to be conducted and followed up with some regularity.

Suozzi focused on the Long Island Sound. He said the 3rd Congressional District is an important one in regard to the sound and to protect it, residents need to think about it differently.

“We need to try to promote the concept of the Long Island Sound as our national park, and we need to work on reducing the amount of nitrogen that goes into [the Long Island Sound] from stormwater runoff from everywhere,” he said.

Both candidates also agreed educating children early about the dangers of heroin and other drugs is important — but their plans differed. Martins said penalties need to be higher for sellers of heroin and addicts need to have a path to sobriety.

“It is a critical issue and we need to get our hands around it,” he said. “We have to increase penalties for the sale of these products while at the same time understanding we’re not going to incarcerate our way through this.”

Suozzi said the problem started with medical professionals prescribing too many opioids, and that needs to be tackled first, beyond the state registry.

The congressional hopefuls both commented that the national election should be more about issues and less about personal attacks and said they will be voting along party lines — Martins said he plans to vote for Donald Trump (R) and Suozzi for Hillary Clinton (D).

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A15

Zeldin and Throne-Holst spar over conflicting policies

Photos by Alex Petroski

Congressman Lee Zeldin, above, and challenger Anna Throne-Holst, below, face off in the 1st Congressional district, which many have called a ‘surrogate race’ for the presidential election.

By Kevin Redding A clashing of opinions on almost every issue gave way to a tense debate between an incumbent Republican congressman and a former Southampton Town supervisor as the race for the 1st Congressional District seat enters its final stretch.

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), who graduated from Albany Law School before serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2014 and seeks to maintain that position Nov. 8. He must first win re-election, however, against Democrat Anna ThroneHolst, whose work in local government has been guided by a “people over politics” platform in an effort to make government work for everyone.

The candidates sat down at the TBR News Media office Oct. 27 to square off on a variety of pressing local and national topics, like the environment, veterans issues, Planned Parenthood and the presidential election.

Zeldin has accomplished plenty in his 21 months representing the district, which encompasses most of central and eastern Suffolk County, and takes pride in his willingness to work with absolutely anyone, regardless of party.

He has worked hard to help veterans suffering from PTSD, secured the repeal of the saltwater fishing license fee, and fought to block the federal government’s proposed sale of Plum Island.

Throne-Holst has built and run organi-

zations mostly geared toward educational and essential services for families in need of support, worked at the U.N. Department of Peacemaking, and wants to utilize the work she’s done abroad to fix what she calls “thorny foreign policy decisions that we are dealing with.”

She’s committed to providing a service to families and young people in the community who she said have been sorely underserved. She said Congress is at an alltime low approval rating and has not done enough to deal with the critical issues the country is facing.

Before the candidates focused their discussion on the environment, there were accusations from both sides regarding the Environmental Protection Agency.

“All due respect, I think it’s important to note the things where funding has either been slashed or not put forward,” ThroneHolst said. “When I think about things, like the EPA, that he voted to decrease funding for … and the kind of funding that supports programs that are crucial to our residents here in district one New York, and that have been mired in partisan politics in Washington, that is part of what I think is troubling.”

Zeldin refuted Throne-Holst’s statements.

“My opponent repeatedly states that I voted multiple times to defund the EPA,” he said, demanding specific bill numbers from Throne-Holst. “That is not truthful.

When there was a vote to cut EPA funding by 17 percent, I voted against the cut.

My opponent didn’t read the bill. There are ways to improve the EPA and strengthen

the relationship between the EPA and Congress and the American people.”

Zeldin introduced a Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act alongside Congressman Steve Israel, and said the health of the Sound would be an important issue if he secured another term.

He talked specifically about his involvement in raising money for the National Estuary Program, which provides grants to states threatened by pollution and overuse, and his proposals in relation to Plum Island.

“Everyone is entitled to and wants clean air and clean water, and whatever we can do to advance that is important,” Zeldin said.

Throne-Holst spoke more broadly about the hazards of climate change, an issue Zeldin has questioned the legitimacy of in the past, and sea-level rise. She said there isn’t a single homeowner or business owner in the region immune to climate change. She said the federal government has a responsibility to lead the way in putting together a climate change resiliency plan, district by district.

The debate turned even more contentious when the focus shifted to their respective stances on Planned Parenthood.

Zeldin, who voted for a bill that would halt funding for the organization for a year, was asked whether or not he believed it should be defunded.

“I respect the position amongst American taxpayers who do not want their dollars to go toward funding abortions,” he said. “I certainly have a sensitivity and respect for both sides of this issue … but the idea that it can be legal for someone to be able to de-

cide to get an abortion in the eighth month or ninth month, that is something that I very strongly disagree with.”

When pressed for clarification on the organization’s funding, Zeldin said “as far as funding abortion services, yeah [it should be halted].”

Throne-Holst called their views on the issue a very clear line in the sand.

“I believe in a woman’s right to choose,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a question of a personal experience. I think it’s a question of respecting the civil rights of every American. The idea that government has any role to play in making that decision for anyone goes against any provision of humanity.”

Zeldin has publicly supported Republican nominee Donald Trump in the race for the White House in the past, though he said we have two flawed options for president, referring to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as well. He offered no defense for Trump’s well-documented controversial statements, including the Access Hollywood leak wherein Trump boasted about sexually assaulting women.

He said he sides with Trump on many issues, like improving foreign, tax and immigration policies and defeating “Islamic Extremism.” He said he agrees with Trump more than he agrees with Clinton.

Throne-Holst accused her opponent of going on CNN numerous times to defend Trump in the past. She said there is no excuse for overlooking the statements Trump has made and “allowing this man to be the supreme leader of this country and be the role model for our children.”

PAGE A16 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

Assembly district race features incumbent, board of elections employee

By Alex Petroski alex@tbrnewspapers.com Chad Lupinacci (R-Huntington Station) was first elected to represent New York’s 10th Assembly District in 2012, and Nov. 8 he’ll try for a third term against Democrat Ed Perez, a Huntington resident and a current member of the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

The two were interviewed at the TBR News Media main office ahead of Election Day to discuss the state of the 10th district, which covers in large part Huntington Town.

In addition to his duties with the board of elections, Perez is also the president of Diversity Resource Network, a marketing consulting organization. He identifies himself as a “social entrepreneur” because of his 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

Lupinacci served on the school board of the South Huntington School district for eight years prior to his election in 2012.

He’s a real estate attorney and an adjunct professor at Farmingdale State College, Hofstra University and St. Joseph’s College.

In his four years in the Assembly, Lupinacci has fought to cut taxes, make college more affordable and address the growing problem of addiction in the district. Perez has lived in the Huntington community for 23 years, and he said that has played a role in his desire to run.

“I care deeply about New York State and I care deeply about the Huntington community,” Perez said. He described some of the efforts he’d like to see to stimulate the district’s economy by upgrading the infrastructure in the community.

“We have a problem from Pulaski Road to

Photos by Donna Newman

Assemblyman Chad lupinacci, left, and ed Perez, right, speak on the many issues facing Huntington station and other areas of the 10th Assembly District.

Jericho Turnpike,” he said. “We have a strip there that has no sewers so that impedes development from investors to come in.”

Perez serves on the town’s zoning board of appeals.

“If we get the infrastructure of sewers going in, and it can be done in phases, we could get other types of businesses coming in,” he said. “Investors are not going to come in and invest in your community unless you have the sewers there.”

Lupinacci’s approach to stimulating the local economy focuses on higher education.

“A few years back we instituted a program that if you graduate in the top 20 percent of your high school class majoring in a STEM program, you can go to a SUNY or CUNY school for free as long as you’re staying five years in New York state afterwards,” the incumbent said. He said he’d like to see something similar done to fun-

nel students toward community colleges.

“We wanted to make sure that we would allow better tax credits for the students who are graduating and staying in New York afterwards because we want to give them an incentive to stay here.”

A central component of Lupinacci’s platform is to root out political corruption in the Assembly and across New York’s government. He helped to pass legislation to stop politicians found guilty of corruption from receiving taxpayer-funded pensions and said he plans to keep fighting in that direction.

“We need to make the Assembly more transparent in the coming years, and also limit outside income in terms of what legislators make,” Lupinacci said. He added he’d like to see Assembly committee meetings televised and term limits for all members.

The common ground in election oversight, and the claims of a “rigged” election made

by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump were addressed by both candidates.

“It is not a rigged system,” Perez said.

“Nobody wants to go to jail because they’re not doing the appropriate thing at the board of elections.”

Lupinacci wouldn’t support his party’s nominee’s claims of an unfair system.

“I think our board of elections workers are great people and they’re very good on Long Island, but there are problems some times when the elections are very close,” he said. “We do have recounts and such [when elections are close]. Do I think the election is rigged? No.” Violence has become an issue at the forefront of daily life in the district. The incumbent discussed some of what he’s done to combat the issue and some of his future plans.

“We’ve been working along with [New York State Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosett)] and people in the community to increase cameras in the area, so not only in terms of actual police officers but more surveillance in the area to see what’s going on,” Lupinacci said. He added that community outreach programs and a stimulated economy could also help.

Perez commended Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone (D) for increasing patrols by park rangers in town parks as a means to improve security in the community. He added that economic development and improvement of infrastructure could also help to reduce crime in the area.

“It’s about economic development and socioeconomic issues which makes kids sell drugs and get involved with gangs,” he said. “I think that looking at infrastructure is very important.”

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PAGE A18 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

PeoPle

File photo by Rachel Shapiro

The Commack Library is temporarily located at 6243 Jericho Turnpike in Commack.

Commack Library events Remembering Pearl Harbor

To honor our veterans, Martin Levinson will give a talk on the memory of those who served at Pearl Harbor. 2016 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II. He will examine the reasons for the attack and how it could have been prevented. This program is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. This is a free program, but registration is required. For more information, please call (631) 360-2480, ext. 232.

Welcome to Medicare

Senior health care specialist Grace Horan-Luce will explain the process of Medicare open enrollment. This lecture will be especially important to those of you who are new to Medicare. We will discuss the different types of Medicare and the application process as well as other important information. This program is scheduled for

Thursday, Nov. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

This is a free program, but registration is required. For more information, please call (631) 360-2480, ext. 235.

One-On-One Medicare Counseling and Assistance

Register for an appointment to meet individually with a Suffolk County Retired Senior Volunteer Program member from Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program to answer questions and provide information specific to your own needs regarding your Medicare health insurances and benefits, Medicare Savings Programs and EPIC. This program is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 23, with appointment times at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m.,11:30 a.m. or 12:15 p.m. This is a free program, but registration is required. For more information, please call (631) 3602480, ext. 235.

Photo from Smithtown school district

St. James Elementary School created scarecrows as part of Red Ribbon Week and signed pledges to stay drug-free.

Pledging to scare away drugs As part of Red Ribbon Week and its Halloween celebrations, each class at St. James Elementary School designed their own scarecrows. Each class stuffed and decorated their scarecrows, whose designs were based on grade-level themes. Students and staff each completed a pledge

to make healthy choices and scare away drugs. After signing the pledge and pinning it to their class scarecrow, the life-sized creations were staked into the ground in front of the building and will remain there through the Halloween season.

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If news breaks any time, find the latest on our website: www.tbrnewsmedia.com

LEGALS Notice of formation of CROCKETT’S QDROS LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 9/8/2016. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 33 Sheryl Crescent Smithtown N.Y. 11787.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

zation filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 14, 2016. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC United States Corporations Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

425 9/29 6x ts

334 101316 6x ts

Notice of formation of The Gaming Studio LLC. Articles of Organi-

NOTICE OF FORMATION of 14 Glover, LLC Art. of Org filed Sec’y

of State (SSNY) 9/29/16. Office location: Suffolk Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process c/o Brookhaven Health Care Services Corporation, 101 Hospital Rd, Patchogue, NY 11772.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

463 10/13 6x ts Notice of formation of Blue Claw Home Inspections LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on

09/01/2016. Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC: 353 Forest Lane, Smithtown, NY 11787. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

483 10/20 6x ts Mobilitie, LLC is proposing to construct a new telecommunications tower facility located approx. 270 feet south from the intersection of Church Street and Franklin

Street, Northport, Suffolk County, NY. The new facility will consist of a 120-foot utility pole and associated support equipment. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending comments to: Project 61160042606-MAB c/o EBI Consulting, 21 B Street Burlington, MA, or via telephone at 781.418.2325.

543 11/3 1x thn, ts

NOTICE OF FORMATION of 1 NBL EH, LLC Art. of Org filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 10/4/16. Office location: Suffolk Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process c/o Erwin & Marcus, P.C., 825 Fifth Ave, 4th Fl, New York, NY 10022-9524.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

473 10/13 6x ts

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A19

PeoPle

Photo from Smitthown school district

Hands-on lesson in fire safety at Branch Brook Elementary

Branch Brook Elementary School students received a hands-on lesson in fire safety when members of the Smithtown Fire Department visited the school Oct. 19. As part of Fire Safety and Prevention Month, each student had the chance to climb aboard and tour the fire truck, even take turns spraying the fire hose.

obituary Gail Abrey

Gail Abrey, of Smithtown, died Sept.

17 in her 66th year. She was the beloved wife of Charles; loving mother of Jennifer; dear sister of Michael Fitzpatrick;

and cherished grandmother of Virginia.

Arrangements were made by Moloney’s Hauppauge Funeral Home and interment was at Calverton National Cemetery. An online guest book is available at www.moloneyfh.com.

Smithtown resident named partner

Photo from Leg. Trotta’s office

Leg. Rob Trotta smiles after being named an Alumni of Distinction.

Trotta named Commack Alumni of Distinction Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) and fellow Commack graduates Steven Cohn and Andrew Stein were inducted into the Commack Alumni of Distinction at a ceremony at the high school Oct. 22.

Trotta is a 1979 graduate and pursued a career with the Suffolk County Police Department, retiring in December 2013 as a detective. During his last 10 years with the department, he was assigned to the FBI’s

Violent Crimes Task Force. Commack High School principal Leslie Boritz presented Trotta with a plaque that reads: “Commack Alumni of Distinction presented to Robert Trotta for outstanding contributions to the welfare of mankind, service to the community and significant accomplishments in field of work.” Trotta thanked the committee for selecting him and congratulated the other two honorees.

Attorney Peter Marullo, of Smithtown, was recently named partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C. Marullo will cochair the Financial Services, Banking & Bankruptcy department and serve in the Real Estate department. Ruskin Moscou Faltischek’s Financial Services, Banking & Bankruptcy Department represents leading lenders, banks and other financial institutions from across Long Island and New York State.

The growing practice will be co-chaired

by Peter Marullo, who will help manage the expansion of the department’s already robust roster of clients. Marullo is a graduate of Columbia University and St. John’s University School of Law. A veteran of major Manhattan law firms, Marullo has represented developers, banks, health care providers and Fortune 500 companies in a wide variety of real estate transactions, including ground leasing, retail and office leasing, construction contracts, the assemblage of parcels for development and real estate financing. He has also represented many financial institutions in connection with large commercial lending transactions.

Photo from Epoch 5 Public Relations

Peter Marullo was named partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.

PAGE A20 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

sports

Smithtown West falls in Class AA title matchup

By Desirée Keegan desiree@tbrnewspapers.com Northport goalkeeper Emma Havrilla has a way of firing up her team, and with one swift motion, she lit the match.

Less than a minute into the second half, Northport’s Havrilla moved just slightly to her left to block Amanda Sheridan’s penalty kick, which could have been the difference-maker for Smithtown West, and then dove on the rebound to keep the scoreboard blank.

No. 2 Smithtown West had been dominating the ball up to the penalty kick save but that stop, which was one of Havrilla’s 13, sparked a turnaround.

Northport 3 Smithtown 0

“I looked into her eyes and I could see the fear; I knew where she was going,” Havrilla said. “It gave our team more confidence. Then, after the first goal we scored, we kept the momentum going.”

No. 1 Northport shut out Smithtown West 3-0 to claim the Suffolk County Class AA title for the first time in three years.

The Tigers were eliminated in the semifinals each of the last two seasons.

Past disappointment served as motivation this season, according to at least one Tiger.

“Our team has been working so hard since that loss to Massapequa [in the 2013 Long Island championship game], and we’re finally back here,” defender Stephanie Rapp said. “We’ve been working so hard since August, and it’s finally our time to shine.”

Rapp was one of two girls tasked with shutting down Smithtown West’s leading offensive threat, Sarah Harrington. Rapp and Harrington were teammates on a travel team in the past, so Rapp had an advantage over most defenders in the league.

“She’s amazing in the air and with her footwork, so we had to put pressure on her to keep her out,” Rapp said.

The Bulls had a few more chances at a goal, but Havrilla refused to yield.

At 23:23, Victoria Colatosti chipped in what ended up being the game winner.

“It was back and forth,” Colatosti said of the action in front of the net. “Paige Leonard got a touch off in the 18 box, I saw an open shot and took it, and thank God it went in.”

Northport made it 2-0 on Emily McNelis’ goal with less than 10 minutes left in the contest, and 3-0 on Emily Zeblisky’s goal with four minutes remaining.

Photos by Desirée Keegan

Clockwise from top left, amanda sheridan heads the ball on a corner kick attempt; sarah Harrington gets in front of the ball; alicia D’aoust grabs a pass; and erin Howlin heads the ball.

“To see our attack finally come together like they have all season was huge,” Northport head coach Aija Gipp said, adding that her team built on its aggressiveness to put the pressure on. “It gives us that confidence going into the next round. After Emma’s stop with the PK, it just woke them up and they killed it out there.”

Northport will get its rematch against Massapequa Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Jo-

seph’s College. Colatosti is confident, and added that although it’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be a game she’s excited to be a part of.

“It feels so good to finally be where we should be,” she said. “Losing last year in the semifinals — that shouldn’t have happened, so it feels good to be where we deserved to be and where we’ve been working hard to be.”

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A21

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PAGE A22 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

endorsements

Stick with Fitzpatrick Give her the throne When it comes to the 8th Assembly District, we believe incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick is the only choice.

Seeking his ninth term in office, Fitzpatrick has a clear understanding of what his constituents need and knows how to get it done. He has supported bills to curb the heroin problem facing thousands of North Shore residents, and for a two percent tax levy in-

crease cap for school districts to limit spending. Fitzpatrick’s years of experience serving in the Assembly are also a plus for us, as he has the know how, and experience to create and pass new bills to help the district.

We appreciate Rich Macellaro dedicating his time to try and serve the public. When he sat down with us, his passion was clear, but we see Fitzpatrick as the stronger candidate.

Forward with Flanagan We admire Peter Magistrale (D) for running against a political institution like John Flanagan (R-East Northport) at such a young age. He is very passionate about statutes of limitation regarding sexual abuse claims, an issue we’d be glad to see him continue to fight for regardless of the outcome of this election. His idealism is an asset that could serve the community in the future. We also have heard enough from Stephen Ruth to consider his cause regarding red light cameras and yellow light times something worth looking into as a community.

However, we are endorsing John Flanagan to retain his seat as the state senator for New York’s 2nd Senate District. We

support him both for what he has already accomplished in his 14 years in the position — like the fights he gladly took up against the Gap Elimination Adjustment and heroin abuse in his district and beyond — and for what we hope he can bring to the district in the future. He is constantly visible, available and receptive to his constituents and has helped along with State Sen. Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) to make Stony Brook University what it is today, which is a tremendous asset to the community.

We certainly hope Magistrale continues to look to serve his community, but for this election and this seat, we enthusiastically stand by Flanagan.

Make a new choice with Martins The Congressional race between Tom Suozzi (D) and Jack Martins (R) in the 3rd district is an exciting one, with no incumbent and thus no clear front-runner.

After listening to both candidates, we were more impressed with Martins’ points of view and ideas to improve New York. While Martins is running on the Republican ticket, he was not afraid to stray from his party’s traditional ideologies, including his stance on the funding of Planned Parenthood, gun control reform and climate change. Martins described himself as a man in the middle, and we would agree. For example, while he is pro-life, Martins said he does not support defunding of Planned Parenthood and believes intimate health decisions should not involve

government officials. He has a proven record of bringing improvements to the area he served in the New York State Senate, and he also brought up some of the projects he was defeated on, showing that he understands the need to listen to a community when they don’t support ideas. We believe he would do the same for the 3rd Congressional District.

It’s also important to note Martins came into our office for an interview, and Suozzi was only able to speak on the phone, which is a less effective forum.

Suozzi also has a long record of public service, and he certainly understands the problems facing the district. He has some great ideas to improve New York, but when you can only chose one, we chose Martins.

Leave it to Lupinacci Truth be told, this was the most difficult endorsement decision we had to come to during this election cycle.

New York State Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R-Huntington Station) is looking for his fourth term in office, and challenger Ed Perez (D) is a formidable opponent. In the end, we stand by Lupinacci. He has supported water quality legislation, heroin legislation and worked to increase financial aid opportunities for SUNY students. He is also still acutely aware of the local problems facing his area, like the rash of violent incidents Huntington Station has seen in the past few years. We believe Lupinacci will continue to

have a positive impact on his district and will both draft and support bills that will improve the quality of life for his constituents.

We were almost swayed by Perez. He is exactly what a voter should want of a candidate: a resident who has lived in the area for many years, is deeply involved in local organizations and has a record of working to improve his community. Perez was also up to date on the issues facing the 10th district. We believe he has a very strong chance of winning another race — if he chooses to run again. In fact, we hope he does.

Freshman Congressman Lee Zeldin (RShirley) has done some admirable things for constituents of the 1st district. A veteran himself, with four years of active duty — including a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and nine years in the Army Reserves — he has done a lot for Long Island veterans. He was also instrumental in the signing into law of an amendment that bears his name, allowing states to opt out of Common Core without fear that there will be any loss of federal funding as a result. That’s a victory for the nearly unanimous animus we’ve heard candidates express for the program this fall.

Challenger Anna Throne-Holst (D) was elected four times to the Southampton

Town Board and, as town supervisor, fixed financial problems, streamlined the budget and put the reallocated funds to use improving quality of life for Southampton residents. And she did this while in the minority, working with Republicans. Now she hopes to bring that skill set to Congress and we’d like to see her do it.

These are both hard-working, dedicated politicians, but one aligns with our values and ideals better. Only Throne-Holst believes in background checks for gun purchasers, revamping the existing Affordable Care Act, protecting a woman’s right to choose and overturning Citizen’s United.

We endorse Anna Throne-Holst to be our next congressperson.

Let Murphy continue in S’town Robert Murphy (R) is the man with experience.

As interim highway superintendent for Smithtown, re-electing a candidate who has already gotten his feet wet — learning how the department operates and how best to allocate the budget — is in Smithtown’s best interest.

He’s proven to be the guy for the job, and can bring trust and confidence back following the communities concerns after former Highway Superintendent Glenn Jorgensen (R) resigned.

Smithtown Supervisor Pat Vecchio (R) noted receiving more complimentary calls at the beginning of this year — with the handling of two snowstorms — than any other year.

Murphy is a lifelong resident of Smithtown, minus a 12-year stay in Arizona, so he’s familiar with the area and has almost 25 years of experience in the engineering field. Prior to being named the deputy highway superintendent in 2012, he spent two years as a capital projects manager for Suffolk County.

He believes in supporting an uptick in worker morale, bringing in jobs and projects to workers that will leave them with a sense of pride, and we applaud his efforts.

While his challenger, Democrat Justin Smiloff, is young and enthusiastic, he does not have the same set of skills. He has his own advantages, including his age, with ideas to modernize and upgrade the department, but we think Murphy is the right choice.

A bright future Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) is the leading environmental voice in the Assembly, and with the climate of the country ever-changing, it’s a much needed one.

Englebright, who serves as chairman of the Committee of Environmental Conservation and also is on the Committee on Energy, among others, has fought for preservation with tree removal possibilities looming in Stony Brook, helped welcome a new trail hub in Rocky Point, secured funding for Mount Sinai’s Heritage Park and opposes dumping of dredged spoils in the Long Island Sound.

His work supporting planetary exploration at Stony Brook University, ensuring water quality and lowering the cases of whooping cough is also to be commended. He’s been a big supporter of the importance of local history and has celebrated the volunteer work of

countless locals who fight to beautify their communities, educate others on the past and preserve what’s left.

While we believe his Republican challenger Steven Weissbard is passionate and enthusiastic, and has some good ideas — such as better ways to manage the construction on Route 347, he’s a climate-change denier.

Englebright is still currently working to halt dumping of toxic silt into the Long Island Sound and reducing nitrogen levels in our waters. We hope the assemblyman will continue to be a strong voice for his constituents on these issues and fight to make new plans to mend the issues.

The 12-time elected assemblyman, who was initially voted in during a special election in 1992, has continued to have the support of the 4th district.

And we vigorously support him for reelection.

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • PAGE A23

opinion Taking small steps, and stretching, to prevent big problems

I

f an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, what should we be preventing?

Well, we all brush our teeth.

At least, we do most of the time, assuming we haven’t relaxed under the covers too long on a cold night and haven’t allowed ourselves to drift off to a wonderful, warm place where we don’t have to worry about meetings, tests, social anxiety, or delayed trains the next day.

Did we also floss?

That’s

By Daniel Dunaief a ridiculous question for those of us who have seen the 1992 movie Prelude to a Kiss. At the end of the film, Julius, played by Sydney

D. None of the above

Walker, has returned to his body after switching with Meg Ryan on her wedding day. An older man, Julius asks if he can give the young couple a piece of advice. “Floss,” he advises sagely.

Okay, so, what else do we prevent? We change the oil in our cars, or maybe a service station does that.

They also probably check our brakes, realign our wheels, and check all our other fluids. That’s all good and seems necessary. How often we do that depends on our tradition and our comfort level with our vehicles.

Then, there’s our bodies. Insurance plans seem to cover the cost of an annual physical. The doctor asks us about any changes, takes some samples, and gets back to us, reminding us to eat better, to sleep better and to exercise more often.

Those visits can either be a source of great pride, as we walk in noticeably lighter than we were last year, or a source of frustration, as the weight we lost the year before seems to

have boomeranged back to us.

For our bodies, we can also take some preventive steps. I recently endured some lower back problems.

I always thought the one advantage of being on the shorter side was that I wouldn’t have to worry about the bad backs some of the tall people of the world suffer. Wrong. My lower back was so stiff that climbing out of a car took much longer than it should, while walking down steps or a slight incline caused me to wince.

My chiropractor helped relieve that pain and gave me some back exercises, which I now do semi-regularly. Okay, well, I don’t do them as often as I brush my teeth, but I do take some time to stretch and strengthen my lower back.

When I was young and playing sports, I used to arrive at a field and play baseball, basketball or anything else and immediately start running at top speed. I barely stretched because I couldn’t wait to play.

Fast forward to today and the

Some last minute thoughts on Election 2016

O

ne fact that we can all agree on at the tail end of this clamorous and divisive election season is how happy we are that it is almost over. In a presidential campaign that has been part entertainment, part embarrassment, only slightly about the grave issues of the day, but wholly history making, the people are exhausted.

Bombarded relentlessly with political messages, robocalls,

By Leah S. Dunaief knocks at the door, endless campaign literature and ugly ads, citizens are yearning for an end.

May it all truly be over next Tuesday night.

For all the talk, though, about how insufferable the electioneering has been, the candidates have gotten the attention, albeit negatively, of the electorate. At business lunches,

Between you and me

during hair-stylist appointments, at cocktail parties and the daily exchanges at the bus stops, the latest election tomfoolery is the topic of the day. Conversations about the weather, that perennial conversation fodder, are finally being overtaken by the latest political revelations.

For a nation that has long been declared apolitical, we breathlessly keep up with who has hurled what insult at whom and what new leaks the media are revealing. It seems to matter little if the leaks are corroborated or not, and social media, the preferred vehicle for dissemination, does not automatically offer any fact checking. Anyone can get away with saying anything, and the more outrageous and indecent, the greater number of viewers. The gloves of decency and civility are off.

In our presidential election, we are exploring the twists and turns of sexual accusations — out in the open for everyone to see. London’s backbenchers in Parliament pale with their insults compared to us. At least theirs are often witty. Except for Saturday Night Live, there has been little in these last two years of intense

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campaigning to earn a good laugh.

Has our country demonstrated less bigotry by naming a woman as standard-bearer for one of the two major parties? Or has our obvious double standard become only more painfully obvious, with so many men declaring publicly their unwillingness to ever vote for a woman as leader? The same question, about race rather than gender, was posed eight years ago when we elected the first black president. With painful irony, amidst our self-congratulatory open-mindedness, it seems more racial incidents have played out since that election than when George Wallace stood in the doorway and refused entry to black school children. Will the same ironies ensue in the event of a Clinton victory?

Perhaps it is cleansing to have our faults out in the open — acknowledgement as the first step toward healing. At least there has been no talk about ageism the way there was during the Reagan campaign in 1980. Both candidates today are within a couple of years of each other and of the biblical endpoint of three score and ten. At least that is

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Desirée Keegan EDITOR Victoria Espinoza

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton SPORTS EDITOR Desirée Keegan ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ellen Recker ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia

true weekend warrior in me, who has endured a groin strain and a partial tear of my rotator cuff, requires at least 10 to 15 minutes of stretching.

As with most life lessons, we become more aware of pitfalls and potholes after we’ve fallen into them. My experience with kidney stones means that I barely go a waking hour without drinking a cup of water. When the doctor told me that half of all kidney stone patients return within five years, I immediately decided I wanted to be in the other half, so I’m drinking water constantly.

I’m sure there are other house items we should maintain, like heaters, air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances.

After all, even though so many of those run for long periods of time without needing any service, they probably won’t require anything major if we give them that extra ounce of preventive attention.

something to be grateful for.

In this election season, as with every other during which we have been publishing, we have tried hard to remain as neutral as possible and present you, our readers, with the news in a balanced fashion. There are a number of local races, all critically important for their ultimate effects on our daily lives. As we have always done, we have spent hundreds of hours throughout the month of October interviewing candidates for each local office, two-bytwo, and we have asked them questions and passed the answers along to you in our election section this week. We have also distilled this information during many more hours of discussion among our editorial board members and offered endorsements on our editorial pages. In no way do we intend this to dictate how you should vote. Rather we are telling you how we will vote after the journalistic privilege of personally questioning the candidates and covering the incumbents throughout their terms.

We owe you, our readers, no less.

ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo

PAGE A24 • TIMES OF SMITHTOWN • NOVEMBER 03, 2016

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