2022 South Shore Press Election Guide

2022 General Election

South Shore Press endorses Lee Zeldin for Governor of the Great State of New York. Let us be reminded that Kathy Hochul has assumed the Governor's seat in New York by DEFAULT, only after a disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo was forced to resign amid allegations of abuse of the office and of the public's trust. Kathy Hochul was not elected Governor - therefore, she is not our Governor by will of the people.

Let us look at Kathy Hochul's record: Since assuming the role of Governor, violent crimes have soared at alarming rates. Every time you turn on the news, we don't hear of one shootingthere are MULTIPLE shootings every day in New York City and across our suburbs! There was a shooting incident which, though not aimed at Lee Zeldin's family, landed on his front porch of his residence. And let us not forget that earlier this year, Lee Zeldin himself was the victim of a targeted attack while on the campaign trail. This is unacceptable!!

Kathy Hochul has done nothing to change revolving door bail laws that are on the books. Lee Zeldin is tough on

crime. He is a supporter of law enforcement as these officers put their lives on the line each and every day when they leave the comfort of their homes to protect New Yorkers. Lee Zeldin will champion the effort to rewrite bail laws to remove the handcuffs from judges that bind their hands so they will finally be able to decide penalties for criminals. This is a judge's job - not a politician's decision. Rewriting current bail laws will go a long way in keeping our communities safer, and Lee Zeldin is the only Gubernatorial candidate best suited to effectuate this change.

And do not let Kathy Hochul's cronies scare us into thinking Lee Zeldin would rob women of their right to choose. Abortion laws as we know them will remain in place in New York, because they have already been codified.

Now let us take a look into our wallets. Inflation is knocking at our doorstep, inching closer and closer every day. What has Kathy Hochul done to push back against inflating costs and the challenges of trying to survive in New York where constituents often must choose between

prescription drugs and putting food on the table? Absolutely Nothing! Lee Zeldin recognizes and identifies with the financial concerns of his neighbors and fellow New Yorkers all across our State. The high cost of living in New York has pierced the stratosphere to the point that the State is experiencing a mass exodus of people of all ages from senior citizens who are forced to sell their homes, to college graduates who find it impossible to return home because of the lack of good jobs. It is too expensive to live here, only compounded by the absence of good paying jobs to support the high cost of living in New York.

Let us return New York to the Empire State we know and love. This can only be accomplished by putting our future in the hands of new leadership. Even Democrats are defecting from Kathy Hochul's camp to support the candidate in Lee Zeldin who will bring a fresh, new perspective to New York. It is high time we have a change in leadership at the helm in New York. The only way this change will become reality is for voters to go to the polls on November 8th and honor Lee Zeldin with their votes.

The race for the 1st Congressional District pits Democrat Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming against the Suffolk County Legislature's Chief of Staff, Republican candidate Nick LaLota. This race offers neither candidate the power of incumbency since the seat is being vacated by Congressman Lee Zeldin who is in pursuit of the Governor's seat. South Shore Press endorses Nick LaLota for election to the 1st Congressional District.

There is no doubt that Bridget Fleming comes before the voters with a wellappointed resume of elected public service. She's served on the Southampton Town Board, and was elected to the County Legislature in 2015.

Nick LaLota comes to the table with an impeccable resume that includes attending Annapolis, and a 6-year tenure on the Amityville Village

Board of Trustees before his appointment as Chief of staff to the Suffolk Legislature. LaLota also comes from a long line of familial law enforcement service.

For Fleming, she's just in the wrong place at the wrong time. We need changes in Washington. To effectuate that change, the present majority needs to be ushered out by voters turning out at the polls. As a member of the Democrat majority that now dominates and rules D.C., the Democrat party has been steering this country down a path of fiscal economic disaster. Add to that, our cities and rural communities are riddled with blight and heightening levels of violent crimes. It's high time we put a stop to the downward spiral this great nation is on, and reverse the trends so the economy navigates its way up the fiscal ladder and conversely, crime is sent on its way along a downward trend.

With Nick LaLota winning on election night, the 1st Congressional seat would remain red. Nick LaLota is poised to help bring stability back to national issues as well as locally in the 1st CD. He would learn how to navigate the inner workings on Capitol Hill from his more experienced colleagues. On a communications level, however, Nick LaLota needs to learn how to dial back his brusque mannerisms that have emerged throughout his campaign. It will be important for him to manage his schedule more efficiently to make for the press as a means of communicating his message, in part, to constituents. The GOP stands poised to take back the House on November 8th. All options considered, Nick LaLota should be given a chance to go to Washington to help reverse the dismal direction this country has taken in the last two years.

In the race for the Second Congressional District, South Shore Press endorses Andrew Garbarino over challenger Jackie Gordon. With an aggressive agenda on tap for the next two years, topping Garbarino's pyramid of priorities is to start closing America's southern porous border, and stop the resurgence of MS-13 gang members migrating into our country, AND halt the deluge of illegal fentanyl coming into the United States that has become

an epidemic and killing young, innocent Americans in alarming numbers.

Gordon is a Democrat who, if elected, would be part of the House majority that only perpetuates the problems plaguing our nation, including soaring taxes, inflation, out of control spending, dangerous crimes that have become a regular part of the news, reliance upon other countries for fuel, in addition to the fentanyl and gang problems. The only way these

issues are going to be reversed and laws that protect our nation and its hard working people are in place, is when the GOP takes back the House majority.

Andrew Garbarino has made his case during his inaugural term in Congress, and will be even more effective when some House blue seats flip to red in November. Let's keep Andrew Garbarino representing the 2nd Congressional District on Capitol Hill.

EDITORIAL NOTE

Be advised that in many races there are other minor party candidates. Unfortunately due to space constraint we are unable to list all of them and we urge you to review and consider your ballot.

When residents in the East End's 1st Senate District go to the polls on November 8th, they will be asked to elect their State Senator to represent them in Albany. The choices? State Legislative veteran Anthony Palumbo, and 22 year old Skyler Johnson. South Shore Press endorses Anthony Palumbo for election to New York’s 1st Senate District. It is nice to see young people interested in government service to their community, and Skyler Johnson certainly deserves credit for his desire to serve the people of the First Senate District, but he lacks the experience necessary to truly be effective in the State Legislature. Perhaps he should consider seeking election to a more local office where he can gain some of that experience in contrast to entering elected office at the State Senate level.

The choice to endorse

Anthony Palumbo is clear. Anthony Palumbo possesses a stellar record that speaks volumes. He served in the State House as Assemblyman for seven years before stepping up last year to succeed long tenured veteran, the now-retired Honorable Kenneth LaValle.

Prior to election to the State Legislature, Anthony Palumbo was a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney.

Anthony Palumbo is a staunch supporter of protecting and backing law enforcement at a critical time when crime is soaring through the stratosphere. He is a strong advocate for repealing current bail laws that have become a revolving door and ties the hands of judges to execute the discretion they were elected to exercise. He is experienced in bringing home State education aid over and above that which

is in the governor's budget. High on Anthony Palumbo's agenda of priorities is to enact common sense legislation that protects the public, addresses a stressed economy, and lays the foundation for better jobs and a brighter New York for future generations.

Anthony Palumbo recognizes the most effective ways to govern and preside over legislation is to restore balance back to State Government, in contrast to the single party rule that continues to dominate Albany. Restoring this delicate balance back to our State Government requires the majority of the voting electorate go to the polls on November 8th and vote. Anthony Palumbo is the best candidate to effectuate the change that is sorely needed in Albany. Let's keep Anthony Palumbo as our State Senator. We deserve him, and he certainly deserves your vote.

Bridget FlemingNicholas LaLota

Lee Zeldin

Kathy Hochul

NY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2

Andrew Garbarino Jackie Gordon

NY STATE SENATE DISTRICT 1

Anthony Palumbo Skyler Johnson

In the race for New York’s 3rd Senate District, South Shore Press gives Dean Murray our strong endorsement.

Murray will bring a wealth of governmental experience to the table, having tenured experience in the State Assembly. His familiarity with the political processes in Albany allows Murray to hit the ground running on Day 1. In today's political climate with our country flirting on the verge of a recession, and crime

rising at alarming rates, there is no time for a learning curve.

At age 20, Farzeen Bham brings sub-zero experience to effectively address the issues staring constituents head on. He possesses no real political experience, and is not the best person to serve the constituents in the capacity of State Senator.

Farzeen Bham is clueless as to the inner workings of government, and to go a step further, has minimal life

experience. Dean Murray for years, has been advocating to bring balance back to the State House by breaking the Democrat stranglehold that now dominates New York Government. Dean Murray knows what it takes to create new jobs while simultaneously attracting good paying jobs to New York. He knows how to spur the economy. Dean Murray will be a voice for the people as their full-time, very vocal State Senator.

Since his election to the New York State Assembly in 1995, Fred Thiele, Jr. has delivered to the Tri Hamlet community - not just during election time, but consistently throughout his lengthy tenure. It is Fred Thiele, Jr.'s tenure as a Legislator which his opponent, Peter Ganley, criticizes, and is making term limits a hallmark of his campaign. South Shore Press endorses Fred Thiele, Jr. for reelection.

On the issue of term limits, as the incumbent eluded to with no apologies during his interview with South Shore Press, his record speaks for itself. If elected officials aren't getting the job done, constituents go to the polls and fire them. If elected officials are doing right by their constituents, then incumbents are rewarded with their communities' votes.

Conversely, Thiele says

Campaign Finance Reform should be the issue in order to "level the playing field." There are critically important issues in the works that are facing the Tri Hamlet community head on - one of them on the docket is the Forge River Sewer Project where Thiele is working diligently to ensure small business owners can tap into the sewers by way of grants and no interest loans. Also on the horizon is an offshore wind project through Smith point which, if and when approved, Thiele is working to make sure there will be a community benefits package for the Tri Hamlet community.

Where Ganley falls short in his quest for the 1st Assembly District seat, are specific, innovative solutions for the issues at hand. Sure, Ganley is calling for changes to bail laws currently in place.

Thiele is also calling for a rollback on bail reform. On abortion rights, laws as we know them are already on the books and codified in New York State. On crime, both candidates denounce unlawfully acquired firearms getting into the hands of criminals, and they both support red flag laws.

Constituents are indisputably concerned about issues that hit them in their wallets. The largest portion of homeowners' tax bills is school property taxes, and Fred Thiele, Jr. has consistently delivered record numbers of state education aid back home to the William Floyd, Center Moriches, and East Moriches school districts, and other districts further east in the 1st AD. Fred Thiele, Jr. has delivered to his constituents at home and to New Yorkers at large on virtually every platform, and deserves another term in Albany.

In the race for the Second Assembly District South Shore Press endorses incumbent Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio for reelection. Jodi Giglio possesses the experience necessary in order to navigate through the intricacies and inner workings of government to get things done for New Yorkers, and especially residents in the 2nd Assembly District. Her opponent, Wendy Hamberger, though well-intended, has no

experience as an elected official.

With the stakes being so high in Albany, across New York, and especially here in Suffolk County, there is no time for a learning curve in the State Capitol. Jodi Giglio recognizes the out of control spending that has been running rampant at both the federal and state levels, and knows the answer is that we need to pull in the reins on runaway spending so future generations won't have to pay

the price.

Even though she's running for reelection with the power of incumbency, Jodi Giglio is working hard, attending candidates' debates where Wendy Hamberger has been, by and large, a no show. Jodi Giglio is running on a proven record on all of the issues. The choice is clear. Jodi Giglio deserves to be returned to Albany for another term.

In the race for New York State's 4th Assembly District, Ed Flood, a lead prosecutor for the Brookhaven Town Law Department running on the Republican and Conservative lines, is challenging long time Democrat incumbent, Steve Englebright. South Shore Press is endorsing Ed Flood for New York State Assembly.

and businesses alike deserve to thrive in an healthy economic environment in the great Empire State - after all, New York City is known around the globe as the greatest city in the world.

our rural communities for our schools, for our infrastructure, and for our economy!

South Shore Press endorses Joe DeStefano for reelection to the Third Assembly District.

Candidate Trina Miles is not running an active campaign and could not be reached for an interview.

Joe DeStefano is successfully completing his second two year term in the State Assembly, and deserves another term. His common sense approach to finances, protecting the safety and quality of life of residents in the Third Assembly District and across New York, his attempts to put a lid on

escalating street and drugrelated crimes, the need to repeal bail reform laws as we know them and to start from a clean state, and continuing to drive education aid back to Long Island's schools, all make Joe DeStefano the best candidate for the job. He is pro life with the exceptions of rape, incest, or in instances when the mother's life is in danger.

Joe DeStefano underscores that abortion laws which are currently in place have been codified, and they are not changing, contrary to scare tactics Democrat candidates

are using in this campaign cycle.

Active throughout his community, Joe DeStefano is in sync with the needs and concerns of his constituents. When not in Albany working on legislation, Joe DeStefano is very present and visible in his district and attends numerous community-oriented events.

Joe DeStefano has made representing the Third Assembly District his full time job, and is well-deserving of a third, two-year term in Albany.

New York needs change in Albany. New Yorkers deserve to feel safe, and to be protected from violent criminals who need to be kept off the streets and put behind bars. Illegally possessed guns and firearms are running rampant in the hands of criminals. New Yorkers' wallets are shrinking. Residents

Consequently, Steve Englebright, while he has an admirable, outstanding environmental record and lengthy tenure of service to New Yorkers, is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is part of the Democrat majority that votes party line, therefore driving revenues into New York City. We, on Long Island, rightfully deserve our share of much of the resources that NYC is enjoying right here in

The power to make the change that is so desperately needed in Albany is in the hands of the voters. For far roo long, New York has been falling apart at the seams under the one party Democrat rule that has dominated the State House for far too long. The "one woman and two men in a room" cliché has got to end if we are going to see New York bounce back from its all time low. South Shore Press believes the 4th Assembly District seat that has been blue far too long, should be flipped to red by electing Ed Flood.

Dean Murray Farzeen Bahm

Fred Thiele, Jr. Peter Ganley

NY STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 4

Edward Flood Steve Englebright

NY STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Jodi Giglio Wendy Hamberger

NY STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 3

Joseph DeStefano

Trina R. Miles

John Kennedy, Jr. is an institution in public service to Suffolk County residents. Prior to his election as Suffolk County Comptroller, he served as a Suffolk County Legislator for 10 years. His opponent, Thomas Dolan, is not running an active campaign and did not return phone calls in our attempts to reach him for an interview. South Shore Press endorses John Kennedy, Jr. for reelection as Suffolk County Comptroller.

Kennedy's realistic and

conservative approach to finances and budgetary protections, and his aggressive approach toward recouping millions of dollars in revenues which the county has been cheated out of, help keep Suffolk County's fiscal house on the straight and narrow.

John Kennedy recognizes his charge is to protect the finances of Suffolk County residents.

Since taking the helm as Comptroller eight years ago, Kennedy's office has refinanced $850 million in existing

debt, netting Suffolk County $51 million in savings. The duties and responsibilities of the County Comptroller are voluminous, and as John Kennedy himself eluded to, his is a small office of a dedicated staff of 105 with a lot of big responsibilities. Upon completing his second four year term as County Comptroller, John Kennedy's proven expertise in finances, coupled with his strong work ethic, make him best poised to serve a third term as Suffolk County Comptroller.

South Shore Press offers our strong endorsement to Vincent Puleo for election to the office of Suffolk County Clerk. Lisa Jimenez is making her first bid to elected office, and while her intentions appear to be genuine, South Shore Press believes she lacks the experience necessary to spearhead the complex operations of the Clerk's office, which is an asset that

Vincent Puleo undisputably brings to the

table. Vincent Puleo has been successfully serving residents in the Town of Smithtown as their Town Clerk for the past 17 years, and ran unopposed for reelection last year. During his tenure as Smithtown Town Clerk, Vincent Puleo transformed the Clerk's office into 21st Century technology, integrating efficient operating systems.

Vincent Puleo promises to streamline operations of the

Suffolk County Clerk's office in order to make processing records more efficient and provide constituents with top flight services. If elected, Vincent Puleo promises to give 110% to the County Clerk's office, a campaign promise we believe he will keep. Vincent Puleo has his finger on the pulse of the operations of the Clerk's office, and is clearly the better candidate for this office in this race.

John Kennedy, Jr.

Thomas Dolan

SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK

Vincent Puleo Lisa Jimenez