The Times of Huntington-Northport - November 3, 2022

PHOTO BY STEVEN ZAITZ

A BEST PLACE TO LIVE. A BEST HOSPITAL TO MATCH.

At Huntington Hospital, we deliver the advanced care you need, right in the town you love. That’s what it takes to be rated one of the best hospitals in the New York metro area by U.S. News & World Report.

From leading-edge robotic surgery to expert cancer care, we’re raising health every day. Because we don’t just want to be the best — we want what’s best for our community, too.

Area doctors urge caution amid viral triple threat this fall and winter

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

This fall and winter, several infections have their sights set on your lungs.

Amid threats from diseases that affect other organ systems, three of them — COVID-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus — can and often do attack the lungs.

While the current strain of COVID isn’t as lethal as the original, the virus continues to mutate, leading to new strains and, potentially, to different strains later this fall.

At the same time, the flu and RSV have been waiting for an opening after COVID protections like masks also kept them at bay during 2020 and 2021.

“How bad is the winter going to be?” asked Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “It will be based on more [COVID] variants coming through, with a strong flu season, which is never something you want to see.”

The number of cases of respiratory illnesses like RSV and the flu has been lower in the last few years. The lack of exposure to those viruses, however, may give them an opening for a stronger return in the population.

These viruses “didn’t paddle along for a while,” Nachman said. “Now, they are paddling furiously. Everyone is seeing them.”

People’s immune systems may not be prepared for the threat from these recurring viruses.

When people arrive at the hospital, health care officials often see the same symptoms, with coughing and sneezing.

“It could be one, two or three” causes at the same time, Nachman said.

The combination of contracting more than one

virus at the same time could lead to prolonged and painful illnesses.

COVID reality

Much as people would like to return to a prepandemic reality, the SARS-CoV2 virus not only continues to infect people, but it also remains something of an evasive target, with mutations leading to new variants.

While area hospitals don’t test for the specific COVID strain when patients are sick, doctors expect that some of the people who have contracted the disease have the modern variants.

“Undoubtedly, many cases that are coming to our Emergency Department are due to the new Omicron sub-variants,” said Dr. Sunil Dhuper, chief medical officer at Port Jefferson’s St. Charles Hospital. “Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that Omicron BA.5 cases are trending downwards and the cases due to the sub-variants are on the rise.”

Symptoms of the newer variants are similar to others, with fever, chills, cough, runny nose, fatigue, muscle or body aches, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, sore throat, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, Dhuper explained.

Doctors said it was difficult to gauge how effective the new bivalent COVID vaccines are against the latest strains.

The latest booster may “not be active against all the coming variants,” explained Dr. Phillip Nizza, attending infectious disease physician at St. Charles Hospital.

The new booster was designed to enhance the reaction to the BA.4 and BA.5 variants.

“We don’t have enough data” to determine the effectiveness of the booster against current and future threats, Nachman said. “How effective it will be depends” on differences between the booster and the strain someone contracts.

Still, the vaccine is likely to provide some benefits, doctors said.

“The purpose of the vaccine is to attenuate the symptoms from the virus and reduce the severity of illness, hospitalizations and/or death,” Dhuper wrote. “And I think the vaccines would be very successful in accomplishing that objective.”

Even for people who have been infected recently with COVID, Nachman urged people to get a booster.

The combination of an infection and a booster “Is always better than not getting a vaccine,” Nachman said. “You should get a vaccine. The timing is tricky” and could involve getting a dose two weeks after contracting the virus or waiting.

The viral threat during the December holidays, in particular, is higher, so Nachman

urges being as immunized as possible before then.

With people not wearing masks and not even testing for the virus even when they get sick, Nachman suggested that it’s “highly likely” the country will see new variants by the spring.

Nachman urged people to take steps to protect themselves, which includes eating well, exercising, receiving the latest vaccination and limiting exposure, particularly for those who might be vulnerable.

“Take care of yourself,” Nachman urged.

At Stony Brook University Hospital, the wards are busy, with a steady stream of patients coming in, receiving treatment and getting discharged, Nachman said.

“We’re seeing a lot of other viral illnesses,” she added.

She sees a ramp-up in RSV, which she doesn’t expect to peak until Thanksgiving.

Dhuper remains concerned about viral threats this fall and winter.

“We do anticipate a worse flu season this year as the herd immunity is at a lower level,” he wrote. “People should get their flu shots sooner rather than later as that is the only primary protection we have to offer. People with comorbidities should particularly be concerned as the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization and even death could be higher without the protection from the vaccine.”

While Nizza hasn’t seen any major spike in the flu yet, he suggested in an email that “now would be a good time to get vaccinated.”

Got all that? Good, now, when you’re outside, far from other people and you want to give your lungs a break, take a deep, cleansing breath. Other times? Protect your health and the health of your family and community.

‘The purpose of the vaccine is to attenuate the symptoms from the virus and reduce the severity of illness, hospitalizations and/or death.’

— Dr. Sunil Dhuper

sports photos

Northport field hockey wins county

BY STEVEN ZAITZ DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The Northport Lady Tiger field hockey team members are the Suffolk County Class A Champions for the third year in a row.

They beat the Ward Melville Patriots, 5-1, on Saturday at neutral site Newfield High School in Selden. It was the third time Northport has beaten Ward Melville to win the County Crown.

Superstar Olivia McKenna scored four goals, and her twin sister Natalie McKenna made eight saves to lead the Northport, who will play for the

Long Island championship against Massapequa on Nov. 2 against Massapequa in a rematch of the 2021 L.I.C.

Scores were not available at press time. Charley Mason scored for the Patriots, who finished the season, 17-2 with both losses coming at the hands of Northport. The Lady Tigers remain undefeated in 2022 and have won 51 straight games, dating back to March 2021.

Above, Rayanna Pernicone and Northport’s Julia Cavallo. Below, Mary Breckling of Northport and Pernicone.

— Photos by Steven Zaitz

ELECTION 2022

Endorsement

A green thumbs-up to Proposition 1

Editor’s note: TBR News Media strongly endorses Proposition 1, and the reasons are well explained by the naturalist and TBR columnist John Turner in the following.

On Election Day, Long Islanders have an important and rare chance, indeed a once-in-ageneration opportunity to improve the quality of Long Island’s environment and the quality of their lives. This can all be accomplished by approving the state’s Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

Also known as Proposition 1, the bond act authorizes $4.2 billion to address a wide variety of important environmental concerns focused in four areas: water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure; restoration and flood risk reduction; climate change mitigation; and open space land conservation and recreation.

Proposition 1 appears on the back of the ballot so make sure to turn the ballot over.

Want more specifics as to the type of projects this bond act will fund?

Here’s but a partial list:

● Improve water quality in our drinking water aquifers and stressed coastal waters like the Great South Bay and Long Island Sound by continuing sewage treatment plant

upgrades and stormwater projects to reduce the impacts from road runoff.

● Make improvements to our drinking water distribution system. Water suppliers are faced with high costs in treating emerging new contaminants like PFAS and PFOS, and bond act funds will help suppliers install new treatment systems to keep drinking water safe. Additionally and alarmingly, New York state has far too many lead pipes currently used for distributing drinking water that need to be replaced. (Excess lead levels can stunt children’s intellectual growth and cause other serious health impacts.)

● Allow for local school districts to move away from heavily polluting diesel buses by purchasing electric buses. There is also significant funding for making school buildings and other governmental buildings more energy efficient.

● Provide funds to acquire and protect key parcels threatened with development, such as coastal properties and those situated in the Long Island Pine Barrens, and to allow for the purchase of properties damaged by storm events through voluntary buyouts.

Besides meaningful environmental

benefits, Proposition 1 will create significant economic growth by creating approximately 85,000 jobs for New Yorkers. It will also save local taxpayers by helping local governments finance key environmental projects.

And disadvantaged communities, often bearing the brunt of contamination and pollution in the past, will benefit by a requirement that 35% of bond act funds be used in these areas. Over the past century, New York voters have approved 10 environmental bond acts like Proposition 1. All have contributed

to the well-being of Long Islanders such as the last one approved in 1996, a generation ago. The current residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties now have an opportunity to step up to protect the environment upon which our collective well-being depends — by approving the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. Let’s give a green thumbs-up to Proposition 1.

See page A30 for TBR News Media’s candidate endorsements.

If the bond act is approved, $4.2 million will be used to address environmental concerns such as water quality improvement. Photo by John Turner

John Kennedy on ‘continuity and good stewardship’ of county funds

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

After serving in the office for the last eight years, Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. (R) is seeking reelection.

ELECTION 2022

His challenger, Democratic Party nominee Thomas Dolan, is not openly campaigning and therefore could not be reached for comment.

In an exclusive interview, Kennedy defined the function of the comptroller’s office, its central role in the fiscal stability of the county government, and why he is pursuing election to that office yet again.

He described his responsibilities as overseeing the county’s financial operations. However, the scope of the office goes well beyond this purpose, with auditing powers and administrative duties related to the former Office of Treasurer.

“It has been a great gig,” Kennedy said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Eight years into it, I think we’ve been able to do some good things.” He spoke of his opponent, “I hear he’s a very nice individual.”

Kennedy said he has several programs and policy initiatives he intends to get off the ground if reelected. Among these is upgrading the county’s financial infrastructure to improve the office’s operations and connect currently disconnected frameworks.

“One of the components in that is unifying the capital budget function,” he said. “It is critical from a budgeting perspective, from a management perspective, that we bring all those disparate databases together so that we have continuity and good stewardship of our money.”

Kennedy also plans to request two additional auditors from the county Legislature to oversee the expenditures of approximately $185 million in opioid-related settlements to Suffolk County. [See story, “Suffolk County launches grant application program to fight opioid crisis,” TBR News Media, July 28, also TBR News Media website.]

“Many have said that they want to see contemporaneous oversight of the opioid settlements,” the county comptroller said. “We received $25 million [so far] … but

Pictured above, Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy. Photo by Rita Egan

Election 2022– Sample Ballot

PROPOSAL ONE, A PROPOSITION

CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS Environmental Bond Act of 2022

"To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022" authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects.

Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?"

Yes No

12 13 County Court Judge (Vote for up to Two)

14 Fam ly Court Judge (Vote for One)

15 County C erk (Vote for One)

Democratic 12 John I ou

Democratic 13 Karen M W ut s Republican 12 John I ou

John

Republican 13 Karen M W ut s Conservative

Conservative 13 Karen M W ut s

Democratic 14 Rosamaria Abbate Republican 14 Rosamaria Abbate Conservative 14 Rosamaria Abbate Write-in

Democratic 15 Lisa A Jimenez Republican 15 Vincent A Pu eo Conservative 15 Vincent A Pu eo Write-in

16 County Comptro er (Vote for One) Democratic 16 Thomas E Do an Republican 16 John M Kennedy Jr Conservative 16 John M Kennedy Jr

17 Representative n Congress (1s Distr ct) (Vote for One) Democratic 17 Bridget F em ng Republican 17 Nicholas J LaLota Conservative 17 Nicholas J LaLota Working Families 17 Bridget F em ng

18 State Senator (2nd D str ct) (Vote for One) Democratic 18 Susan A Ber and Republican 18 Mario R Mattera Conservative 18 Mario R Mattera Working Families 18 Susan A Ber and Write-in

19 Member o Assemb y (10 h D str ct) (Vote for One) Democratic 19 Steve Stern Republican 19 Aamir Su tan Conservative 19 Aamir Su tan

D str ct Court Judge (3rd District) (Vote for One) Democratic 20 Bronwyn M Black Kel y Republican 20 Bronwyn M Black Kel y Conservative 20 Bronwyn M Black Kel

Write-in Write-in

PROPOSAL TWO, A PROPOSITION

Resolution No 462 2022, “A Charter Law To Set Term Limits For The Offices Of County Executive, County Legislator At 12 Years In Total”

Shall Resolution No. 462-2022, Adopting a Charter Law, A Charter Law To Set Term Limits For The Offices Of County Executive, County Legislator And County Comptroller At 12 Years In Total, Be Approved?

Yes No

The Fleming-LaLota debate Candidates vie for New York’s 1st Congressional District

BY RAYMOND JANIS EDITOR1@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

The race to fill U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin’s (R-NY1) congressional seat has highlighted some key issues confronting Suffolk County communities and the nation.

Zeldin announced last year he would vacate his seat to run for governor. Two major party candidates have emerged in his absence, both eager to fill the seat. In a debate with the TBR News Media staff spanning nearly two hours, the candidates covered myriad topics, tackling issues close to home and far away.

Introductions

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac) is representing her party for the 1st District. She is a former criminal prosecutor, trying sex crimes and fraud cases. Over the last decade, Fleming has served in elective office, first on the Southampton Town Board and later in the county Legislature, where she is today.

Nick LaLota, of Amityville, carries the Republican Party nomination in this race. He served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years and deployed overseas three times. He worked in congressional and state Senate offices before being appointed as the Republican commissioner on the Suffolk County Board of Elections. Most recently, he was chief of staff for the county Legislature.

Outlining priorities

Through their time canvassing voters, the candidates identified their potential constituency’s core legislative priorities. LaLota said he had observed a mix of voter interest in the economy and public safety.

“A lot of folks with whom I speak are tremendously concerned about those two things,” he said. “People want the government to work for them. They expect to have a fair shot at the ability to earn and not have their money overtaxed … and they expect to go home at night and be safe.”

Fleming agreed that crime and economic concerns have piqued voter interest. However, she held that the overwhelming problem for those she has canvassed is declining faith in American democracy and the “protection

of fundamental freedoms.”

“Protecting American democracy, that’s at the front of mind for lots and lots of people,” she said.

Abortion

LaLota maintains the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, returned the matter of abortion to the states. While he does not view abortion as a federal policy concern, he nonetheless stated his position.

“I do not oppose abortion when it comes to rape, incest or the life of the mother, and I do not oppose abortion in the first trimester,” he said. “Conversely, I do oppose abortion in the second and third trimesters. I would insist that government funds not be used for abortions, and I would also insist that … if a child is contemplating an abortion, that the parents get notified about that.”

Fleming described abortion as a “critical issue that defines a moment in time in American history.”

“It’s the first time in the history of the United States that a federally recognized human right has been reversed,” she said. “I believe firmly that it is not a state’s rights issue, that as a congressmember, I have to have a position on it, and that my position is that those protections [under Roe] need to be reinstated.”

Economic apprehension

Amid rising inflation, higher food and gas prices, and nationwide economic hardship, both candidates were asked about their favored approach to relieving these financial woes.

Fleming acknowledged that voters in the 1st District are further constrained by the high cost of living in the area. “It’s hard to make ends meet on Long Island,” she said. “Those costs are rising. … We need to look for specific ways to attack those costs.”

She added, “Certainly, taxes are one of them. I’ve been fighting against the cap on our state and local tax deductions … I think it’s critically important that a representative of this district fights the SALT tax cap.”

LaLota contributes much of the nation’s economic distress to unsustainable federal spending. “The federal government hasn’t balanced the

budget in 20 years,” he said. “I think that can and should be done in the next Congress.”

Concerning petroleum prices, LaLota proposes establishing national energy independence by tapping into domestic oil reserves.

“We have 43.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves [as of the end of 2018],” he said. “That’s a 20-year supply, so there’s absolutely no reason to beg OPEC, Russia, Venezuela or anybody else to export their oil to this country.”

Energy and the environment

LaLota views the 20year supply of domestic oil reserves as both a blessing and a curse. While it offers the U.S. flexibility in the near term, it provides no long-term guarantee for energy independence.

In the meantime, he supports an aggressive push toward renewable energy sources. “It is right for the private and public sectors to make investments in renewable, alternative energies — wind and solar, specifically —

to ensure we are on a trajectory to be energy independent,” he said.

Establishing a clear point of difference, Fleming expressed vehement disagreement with LaLota’s position on drilling, calling it a “completely wrong direction to go.”

The county Legislator held up recent developments in the offshore wind industry, specifically at Smith Point Park, as a prototype for future energy development. She argued Long Island has an opportunity to be a leader in the cause for green energy.

“Not only will we be helping Long Island taxpayers, ratepayers and our natural environment, we’re also serving as a model for the region and for the United States on how we transition,” she said.

On the issue of nuclear energy, both nominees expressed a desire to keep nuclear power away from Long Island communities.

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac), pictured above, is the Democratic nominee in the race. Photo by Rita J. Egan

‘Protecting American democracy, that’s at the front of mind for lots and lots of people.’

—Bridget Fleming

‘People want the government to work for them. They expect to have a fair shot at the ability to earn and not have their money overtaxed.’

—Nick LaLota

FLEMING/LALOTA

Continued from A8

“I don’t think that the community would support it,” Fleming said. Referring to the decommissioned Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, she added, “It’s been a huge detriment to any kind of progress.”

When questioned on nuclear energy, LaLota responded tersely, “Not on my Island.” For him, nuclear power is a matter of safety for Long Island residents.

“For safety reasons, putting a power plant on Long Island just doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “It didn’t make any sense decades ago and doesn’t make sense now.”

LIRR electrification

Fleming and LaLota both supported electrifying the Port Jefferson Branch line of the Long Island Rail Road. For both, electrifying the rail is a matter of directing public funds into Long Island communities but working in close coordination with local officials.

“We definitely need to electrify the rest of the line,” Fleming said. “If you could bring in funding for the electrification of the rail once and for all, assisting the Long Island Rail Road to get that accomplished, I think you’d do an awful lot for the community.”

LaLota concurred with this assessment while decrying the imbalance between the taxes New Yorkers give to the federal government and the infrastructure funds they get in return.

“We need to do a better job, working across party lines, to ensure that we get better infrastructure dollars back for projects like that,” he said, adding, “When these infrastructure dollars are received from Washington, given back to the district, it should absolutely be done in conjunction with what local stakeholders want and need.”

Foreign policy

On top of these domestic pressures, the congressional candidates identified critical instances of geopolitical turbulence in places around the globe.

Most notably, Russian president, Vladimir Putin, launched an invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, widely considered in violation of international human rights law. Fleming stressed her commitment to the Ukrainian war effort in response to Russian belligerence.

“I think it’s critically important for the rule of order and the international rule of law that the United States takes a strong stand, as we have, in conjunction with a united NATO, to condemn this unprovoked aggression, to offer military aid and to offer humanitarian aid,” she said.

On the whole, LaLota agreed with Fleming. He defined U.S. strategic interests in defending Ukraine. “We are the only superpower. We should promote stability throughout the world. We should protect American interests — we have many interests in Europe — and having stability in Europe … is good for America.”

Along with the war in Ukraine, they also

discussed the dangers of a rising China, a regime exerting greater influence politically and economically around the world.

LaLota advocates loosening the economic links that bind the two nations, something he said is unnecessary and counterproductive.

“I think we have lived in a moment in time for the last 10 years when China depends heavily upon U.S. dollars,” he said. “We buy a lot of stuff — a lot of crappy, plastic stuff — that we shouldn’t have to buy from them.”

He added that American foreign policymakers must “ensure that [China] does not become a greater strategic enemy of ours.”

Fleming’s concerns regarding China relate primarily to Chinese president, Xi Jinping, whose unpredictable administration and questionable political associates cause her concern.

“I think we have to keep a very close eye [on Xi],” the county Legislator said. “I agree that we need to put ourselves in an economic position where we’re not beholden to the Chinese regime.”

Closer to home, the United States is observing heightened instability within its own hemisphere, with volatile regimes in Venezuela and Cuba, and growing concerns surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border.

Both candidates were asked whether the United States must redefine its policy for Latin America.

For Fleming, much of the nation’s immigration crisis is attributed to government mismanagement of asylum seekers. “A lot of these folks are fleeing really dangerous circumstances,” she said. “One of the things we have to fix is a way to handle these asylum applications. We have huge backlogs in the court system, and a lot of it has to do with an unwillingness on the part of government to take seriously the granular issues involved in immigration.”

To remediate geopolitical unrest in the Western hemisphere, LaLota favors strengthening the military, diplomatic and economic bonds between the United States and its Latin American neighbors.

“In Congress, I would support ensuring that Americans are involved in South America,” he said. “I think the benefit is less illegal folks coming across our border, and less dependence upon the U.S. in decades to come.”

Congressional reform

We suggested the Founding Fathers envisioned Congress as the most powerful and

important branch of the federal government. Over time, however, the national legislature has delegated much of its authority to the executive branch, particularly the hundreds of agencies comprising the federal bureaucracy.

At the same time, recent Gallup polling indicates that three in four Americans disapprove of how Congress is handling its job. The two nominees delivered varied responses when asked how they would restore the central role of Congress in U.S. policymaking.

“I think that this quasirulemaking by executive branch agencies has gone too far,” LaLota said. “If there’s going to be a tax, a fee, a rule or anything in between, it should come from the legislature.”

Expanding upon this stance, he criticized the existing culture of pork barreling and logrolling in Washington. He also advocated shorter, more straightforward, germane legislation narrowly tailored to the issues at hand.

“We shouldn’t be sticking all of this pork and these other ideas into [a bill] that has a different title,” he said, adding, “If we got back to that norm, I think we give power back to the people.”

Fleming’s frustrations with Congress stem from the breakdown of informed discourse and norms of civility. To reform the institution, she proposed the reinstatement of these practices.

“We have moved away from encouraging thoughtful approaches to government and are instead so prone to responding to, almost, performance art on the part of politicians and legislators,” she said.

To get the national legislature back on track, the county Legislator emphasized constituent services and a community-centric method of policymaking.

Referring to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, she said:

“I think of Philadelphia when representatives came on horseback from their various places and asked that the government be shaped in a way that would respond to the concerns of folks in their communities,” adding, “That’s the model of government that I’ve always undertaken and that I think works best.”

The people of the 1st District will get the final say on these candidates on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

‘If there’s going to be a tax, a fee, a rule or anything in between, it should come from the legislature.’

—Nick LaLota

‘We have moved away from encouraging thoughtful approaches to government.’

—Bridget Fleming

Nick LaLota, pictured above, Republican Party nominee for NY-1.

Photo by Rita J. Egan

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Sultan looks to unseat Stern in state Senate’s 10th District

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Whoever wins the 10th District of the New York Assembly, incumbent Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) or Republican Aamir Sultan will find a slightly changed district awaiting them. The district has lost areas in the current southern portion of the district and will gain portions toward the west. Beginning in 2023, it will include Cold Spring Harbor, Dix Hills, Greenlawn, Huntington, Huntington Station and Melville in Suffolk County and Old Bethpage, Plainview and Woodbury in Nassau County.

Candidate backgrounds

Sultan, of Dix Hills, said he came to the United States from Pakistan when he was young. His education and career background are in computer sciences and artificial intelligence. He said his uncle, the former Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, inspired him to pursue public service. Sultan said since 2015 he has been involved in Urban League of Long Island, been part of the Suffolk County Asian American Advisory Board and the Nassau/Suffolk Anti-Bias Task Force.

Stern has served as state assemblyman for two terms. Previously, he was a Suffolk County legislator for six terms. In April of 2018, Stern became the first Democrat elected to represent the district in more than 30 years when he defeated Republican candidate Janet Smitelli, 5,748 to 3,969 votes.

Reproductive rights

Stern said many constituents are worried that New York State laws regarding abortion may be overturned. He said he has the same concern, especially if gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY1) is elected.

“Make no about it mistake that a woman’s right to choose is absolutely on the ballot,” Stern said. “We know that after the Supreme Court decision, not just a ruling that throws out 50 years of judicial precedent, but in additional commentary that says other rights that we have taken for granted, for generations, are now up for discussion and possible change as well.”

Stern said a woman’s right to choose involves her family and her doctor — and not politicians.

Sultan quoted former President Bill

Clinton (D) who once said abortion should be “safe, legal and rare.” He said Zeldin will not change the law if elected.

“The Supreme Court has left it to the states to make a decision, and [Zeldin] has several times stated that he’s not going to change anything, even if he tries he has to come to the Assembly,” Sultan said.

Crime

Sultan said crime is up 40% in New York State and violent crimes are up 21.7% in Huntington. He said cashless bail and defunding the police has created the increase.

“They want to weaken the hands of law enforcement agencies and give a free hand to the criminals,” Sultan said.

He said cashless bail has to be repealed and more funding should be provided to empower the police.

“If there are any issues people are having with law enforcement agencies, we have to train them — maybe they lack training,” Sultan said. “Instead of taking resources away we have to give them more resources, because that’s their job to serve us right and protect us.”

Stern said local elected officials have not talked about defunding the police, and he feels the Suffolk County Police Department officers are well trained.

“They are the model and example of training,” he said. “For anybody to say that the hardworking men and women of our local law enforcement need more money thrown at it for better training just does not understand the current status of our local law enforcement that we should all be very proud of.”

The assemblyman said when bail reform was first presented, he was new to the state Assembly. He said he did not support bail reform as it was first presented.

“It was not a very well-written bill, and you knew where ultimately it might lead to,” he said.

Stern added he has introduced, sponsored and co-sponsored more than 25 bills to impact bail reform to get “the right balance of fundamental fairness in our criminal justice system, while keeping us safe as well.”

He wrote a bill that included offenses that should be bail eligible. He asked for 19 crimes to be reinstated and got 15 back on the bail-eligible list. He added there is more work to do.

Sultan rebutted that are still more cashless crimes that need to be taken off the list such as stalking, rape, child porn, endangering the welfare of the child, manslaughter second degree and more.

Education

Sultan said he decided to run for office after hearing his nephews were required to receive the COVID-19 to return to school in person. He doesn’t believe in a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. He also believes that students are being taught things in school that has nothing to do with math, science, English and other basics. Sultan said at one school he visited he was disturbed by some books being available to students that he felt weren’t age appropriate and he feels damage is being done.

He said he also had a problem with his 5-year-old son coming home from school and telling him he was told if he wanted to be a girl, he could be a girl.

“These little minds are being corrupted,” he said.

Stern commented on the debate about books made available in school libraries. He said there are specific guidelines that are followed by educational professionals and school boards that he says reflect community standards. He added it’s not the role of professionals and not the politicians.

Water quality

Stern said the county is still 70% unsewered and it can’t continue as such.

“We have to be more aggressive when it comes to preserving the integrity of the water that we drink, and one of the keys is sewer infrastructure,” he said. He added more county legislators need to begin identifying areas in their district that require sewers.

“They need to start that process and then it will be up to us on the state level to deliver the funding,” he said.

Stern gave the example of the stretch of Route 110/ New York Avenue through Huntington Station that he said the lack of sewering has delayed revitalization. While in the county Legislature he introduced the bill that began the planning process for the area, and recently delivered the last $22 million needed to deliver the infrastructure.

Sultan said he is for sewering in downtown areas. He added he would like to see a website that shows the funds allocated for sewers as well as where the money is coming from whether federal, state or elsewhere.

State Assemblyman Steve Stern and his opponent Aamir Sultan discuss where they stand on local issues during a TBR News Media debate. Photos by Raymond Janis

‘Make no mistake about it that a woman’s right to choose is absolutely on the ballot.’

—Steve Stern

‘They want to weaken the hands of law enforcement agencies and give a free hand to the criminals.’

—Aamir Sultan

Berland challenges Mattera for state Senate seat

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Aiming for New York State senator in the 2nd District are incumbent Mario Mattera (RSt. James) and Democrat Susan Berland, formerly Suffolk County legislator in the 16th District and Town of Huntington councilwoman.

ELECTION 2022

The two have worked together in the past on local issues, and despite differing on some political issues and eyeing the same job, the two remain friendly. When they stopped by the TBR News Media offices recently to discuss the race, the debate was a cordial one, and the two agreed on a few issues and were civil when they disagreed.

Currently, District 2 encompasses Smithtown and sections of Brookhaven and Huntington. Beginning in 2023, it will include all of Smithtown and Huntington and no Brookhaven hamlets.

Background

Berland was an attorney before becoming a town councilwoman in 2001. During her tenure as county legislator, she served as the majority leader of the Legislature. In 2021, she lost to Republican Manuel Esteban by 156 votes. When she heard Jim Gaughran (D-Northport) wasn’t going to run again for the state Senate after district lines changes, she said she decided to join the race.

A former union leader in the Plumbers Local Union No. 200, Mattera beat Democrat Mike Siderakis in 2020. The state senator is also a former board member of the Suffolk County Water Authority and has sat on Smithtown’s advisory board for new construction projects where he was active with the Lake Avenue Revitalization project in St. James.

Bail reform

Both candidates agreed that the current bail procedure is not working.

“It needs to be repealed,” Mattera said. “We need to get the proper people to the table.”

He added the proper people would be judges, district attorneys and law enforcement professionals.

The state senator said the problem lies in that many people who are released think they can get away with a crime again.

“If people know they can get away with it, they are going to keep doing it,” he said.

Berland said if she was a state senator when the bail-reform measure was passed in the state budget, she wouldn’t have agreed to it as it was written. She said she believes it should have been drafted more eloquently and more public relations should have been done to educate the public about it.

“I would not have voted for it in its current incarnation, but I would not repeal it,” she said. “I would amend it”

Berland said with people in the past being released on their own recognizance, in a way

cashless bail has always existed. Regarding bail, she said unfortunately not everyone can afford it. In the last couple of years, she added she feels there have been improvements with amendments that have added judges back into the process and taken certain crimes off the bailfree list such as arson.

She thinks it’s important to have a judge’s discretion.

“I don’t want anyone selling drugs to kids by a school to be released on his own recognizance,” Berland said.

Both agree that such measures and amendments shouldn’t be tied to the budget, and policy decisions should be voted separately.

Drugs

The two candidates said they were against the legalization of marijuana.

Regarding the war on drugs, Berland said she felt Suffolk County has been successful with prevention and treatment programs and, if elected, would ensure municipalities received the resources they needed for treatment, prevention and education. She added it’s important to support the police.

“We need to give them the resources to investigate and recover the drugs that are out there,” she said. “I’m very much pro-police. I’ve always supported their budgets, their efforts.”

Mattera also said prevention programs are important in schools. He was upset about the marijuana legislation passing, and he feels marijuana is a gateway to other drug usage.

He said he is also worried when he sees or hears news stories that report children confusing THC gummies for candy because they are shaped like bears.

Mattera is proud that both Smithtown and Huntington opted out of dispensaries. The state senator met with supervisors over Zoom together to look into opting out of dispensaries, a decision that Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) and former Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci (R) strongly supported.

“I’m very concerned that we have drug dealers that were incarcerated that are the first ones who would be able to open these dispensaries,” he said.

Sewer installation

Both candidates are advocates for sewers in downtown business areas.

Mattera has worked on getting sewers in Kings Park, downtown Smithtown and St. James. He added sewering Route 110 is also important as it has been piecemealed in the past.

Berland pointed out Mattera voted against funding for sewers in Huntington when it was in the budget. He said there were other things in the budget which made it difficult to vote “yes.”

“That’s another thing where if you voted against the budget, and you’re voting against infrastructure money, where maybe there are things I think from the budget that Democrats or Republicans can agree on, and try to take some of those things out

of the budget,” Berland said. “I don’t think anyone disagrees that we need infrastructure money.”

Berland said she supported the Suffolk County grant program for homeowners who wanted to install an advanced wastewater treatment system on their property.

“For people who can’t hook up to a sewage treatment plant, we want to be able to give them the money they need to put their individual systems in,” she said.

Education

Berland believes that schools need more resources to teach children the way they need to be.

“I don’t think children need to all be taught the same cookie-cutter way,” she said.

She believes in mainstreaming students, but also feels there may be a need for more teaching assistants in classrooms and breaking students into groups.

“One teacher to 25 kids in a classroom, I don’t think that really works anymore,” Berland said.

Mattera said mental health help assistance in schools is also vital, especially after the pandemic. He noticed that with his own children, they were excited to stay home at first during the early days of the pandemic, but the excitement soon faded. He worked to get students back to “normalcy” such as back in the classrooms for in-person teaching and taking part in their usual activities such as sports and proms.

Despite the obstacles COVID-19 presented, Mattera said, “Our school districts did a great job, and I commend all of our teachers.”

Both are proponents of BOCES programs available to students with training young people for the careers in the trades.

Reproductive rights

Mattera is endorsing Congressman Lee Zeldin (R), and Berland is voting for current New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in the governor’s race.

Berland is afraid that Zeldin will repeal rights to an abortion in New York, and she feels that Hochul is the only gubernatorial candidate that

will protect a woman’s right to choose, a decision she feels should be made among a woman, her family and doctor.

“Our reproductive rights and our rights in general are only as safe as the people who are sitting in the offices that make those decisions,” Berland said. “I would absolutely protect a woman’s right to choose.”

Mattera believes after speaking with Zeldin, that the latter will follow through on his promise not to overturn state law regarding abortion, and he himself would not vote to do so either. The state senator said his feelings on abortion is that it should be available if the pregnancy is a risk to a mother’s health or in the case of incest or rape, and if the woman is in the first trimester. He said if nothing’s wrong in the second or third trimester he has problems with a woman getting an abortion at that point.

Hochul v. Zeldin

In addition to reproductive rights in the state, regarding voting for governor, Mattera also had an issue with health care workers losing their jobs if they weren’t vaccinated, which was a measure Hochul passed.

He added he feels the governor has not dealt with the recent migrants to NYC.

“What are they doing about all these people who are coming into New York state,” he said.

He added the “vibrant city” is going to get worse, and he wonders why the governor isn’t dealing with the issue.

He said there needs to be a process for migrants especially with recent drug problems.

Berland disagreed and believes Hochul has done a good job since taking over office after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) stepped down.

“As a woman in government for 20 years, I see the difference in how women govern than men,” she said. “When there’s an issue that comes in front of her, she’s looking outside the box, she’s looking to try to fix those issues. There isn’t a single issue that she’s avoided since she started, that she got thrown in. And I think she’s hit the ground running.”

Former county legislator Susan Berland and incumbent Mario Mattera will be on the ballot for state senator in the second district. Photos by Raymond Janis

Puleo and Jimenez aim for county clerk seat

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

After a June primary, current Suffolk County Clerk Judith Pascale (R) will not be running for the position.

ELECTION

Republican Vincent Puleo, town clerk of Smithtown, defeated Pascale, who has served in the position since 2006, in the primary election. In November, Puleo will face Democrat Lisa Jimenez, a newcomer to running for political office.

Jimenez was unable to come into the TBR News Media office for a debate. Puleo stopped by for an in-person interview with the editorial staff, and Jimenez answered questions from the writer in a phone conversation.

Vincent Puleo

Puleo, a Nesconset native, was a bar and restaurant owner for 26 years before a turn in the insurance business and then becoming town clerk in 2005. He has been a volunteer with the Nesconset Fire Department for 50 years and is the president of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce.

He said he feels it’s important to be communityminded regarding his current position, and he will

bring that mindset to the county.

“Without community interaction, people don’t know who you are, they don’t know what you do,” he said.

The county clerk position oversees access to deeds, title searches and supreme court records. Puleo said he has priorities if he wins the election, including transparency, constituent services and making records more accessible, including online.

Puleo added that he feels Pascale has done a good job regarding transparency, and he will look to see if anything else can be done to make the process even more transparent. His aim, he said, is to make all processes smoother.

Puleo said he feels people shouldn’t have to go to the county clerk’s office in Riverhead to get a record when it could be as simple as registering on the county’s website and accessing it virtually.

He said he has obtained $350,000 grants three years in a row to digitize Smithtown records for the town itself, as well as the villages and fire departments within the township.

He said 90% of the supreme court records are digitized, and he would continue that trend. He added that unions have been concerned with records being digitized because it may eliminate employees.

“Not really, what it does is it gives you more time to service more people,” he said.

Once the county’s website is back up and

running after the recent cyberattack, he said he feels improvements can be made to the

PULEO/JIMENEZ CONTINUED ON A14

TBR conducted a phone interview with Democrat Lisa Jimenez, left, and Republican Vincent Puleo, right, stopped by the office to discuss the 2022 county clerk race. Photo of Jimenez from candidate; photo of Puleo by Raymond Janis

PULEO/JIMENEZ

site to make it more user-friendly. Before the

title searches were already backed up, and he would like to make the process more efficient. He said first it’s important to meet with department heads to work together for the common goal.

Puleo said to avoid cyberattacks such as the one the county suffered from early in September, IT professionals need to be in charge overall of the entire county system and know what goes on in each department to ensure that everything that is imported or exported is protected. He said he understands the county is moving in that direction, which he finds encouraging.

Puleo added that he and other elected officials can advocate for the county to spend more money, and he applauds Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) for allocating $8 million toward IT measures.

The Republican candidate added it helps to have relationships with elected officials, and over the past few months he has met with

every county legislator.

“It’s a situation where you need to have those people understand where you’re coming from, and they have to trust you, and you have to trust them,” Puleo said.

Lisa Jimenez

Jimenez, of Medford, has worked at the Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting for more than four decades. Before working full time for OTB, she worked as an assistant in Congressman Michael Forbes’ office (R/D-NY1).

She has been a member of Teamsters Local 237 and the AFLCIO. The candidate also has volunteered as a catechist and at local food banks. She was active in her children’s PTA and recently was certified with Washington-based Underground Railroad which works to raise awareness about human trafficking and prevent it.

Jimenez said she feels her work experience and volunteer endeavors would be an asset to the county clerk position.

“I’m used to working with fast-paced, large groups and working with the unions,” she said. “I’ve learned how to come up with

solutions quickly.”

Jimenez said she is open to learning new things.

“I’m willing to sit down and learn whatever I need to do to get the job done,” she said.

During her time with OTB, she has gone from cashier to human resources manager.

“As a manager, as a cashier, I’ve done it front and center,” Jimenez said. “It’s not below me to do the job of the cashier. My branch needs to be cleaned then I’m out there cleaning. I will make myself as accessible as possible.”

After the recent cyberattack, she said she doesn’t think the county has made the best decisions as far as improvements to minimize security issues in the past, and she would meet with IT professionals to seek better solutions for internet security.

Regarding the website in general, she said she has had issues at times navigating through the county’s website and would like to see it be more user-friendly, especially when trying to access records.

“There’s always ways to improve upon what’s already there,” she said.

Jimenez believes completely digitizing

records is better for the constituents, and she doesn’t feel that all records being digitized would lead to less employees.

Jimenez said if there was room in the budget, she would like to see the county open up satellite county clerk offices so residents wouldn’t have to travel to Riverhead to get paperwork. She would also suggest the offices stay open later than usual one or two days a month to make it easier for people who work a 9-to-5 job.

She said she would look to make the office more efficient with document processing being quicker.

“I think the next thing is the turnover of the paperwork,” she said. “How can we get that? You look at any other county, the paperwork is in and out. Ours isn’t.”

She also suggested providing assistance, possibly an office liaison, for veterans or those with disabilities to make it easier for them.

Jimenez agrees that Pascale has run a transparent office.

“I think she’s done a great job all these years,” she said. “I have nothing negative to say about her or Vinny. But, I think there’s always room for improvement.”

Fighting for Our Values:

Endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Business Council of New York State, and the Neighborhood Preservation PAC

Candidate of the Republican and Conservative Parties

by Friends of Michael Fitzpatrick

‘Without community interaction, people don’t know who you are, they don’t know what you do.’

—Vincent Puleo

‘As a manager, as a cashier, I’ve done it front and center. It’s not below me to do the job of the cashier.’

—Lisa Jimenez

Incumbent Brown and newcomer Macco vie for Assembly 12th District seat

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In the New York State Assembly race in the 12th District, incumbent Keith Brown (R-Northport), who was elected to the office in 2020, is being challenged by Democrat Cooper Macco. The latter is a consumer bankruptcy attorney who lives in Halesite.

Brown’s campaign didn’t respond to requests from TBR News Media to participate in a debate with Macco at our offices. Macco was interviewed over the phone. Brown’s camp also did not respond to a request for a phone call, and his comments in this article are taken from an Oct. 26 debate with his opponent hosted by the League of Women Voters of Huntington and his campaign website.

In addition to northern and eastern sections of Huntington, the 12th Assembly District also includes the northeast section of Babylon and northwest section of Islip.

Cooper Macco

For Macco, it was his clients experiences that led him to the state Assembly race.

“Working as a bankruptcy attorney kind of showed me a lot of the issues facing Long

Islanders right now, particularly financial issues that you’re seeing everywhere as a result of the high cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, lack of health insurance, high medical costs related to loss of insurance or other unexpected illness or injury,” he said.

Long Island needs to have its fair share of the New York State budget, he said, “in order to expand infrastructure and make much-needed capital improvements. I think that, right now, we

are seeing a lot of money leave Long Island to go upstate.”

In addition to addressing infrastructure budgetary concerns, Macco said it’s also important to preserve water quality.

“As Long Islanders, I think we are so lucky to have the water around us, the natural resource around us,” he said. “I think we need to make sure that we can preserve that for future generations. We have such high nitrogen

levels in the water which leads to algae blooms, fish kills as a result of that. Largely that’s due to cesspools and septic tanks that are leaching into our groundwater.”

He added the district needs to move toward self-contained home wastewater treatment centers and to expand Huntington and Northport sewers, “including in some residential areas.”

Financially, he said he would seek to help working families with expanding universal pre-K, child care tax credits and grants for child care providers.

“You see a lot of families on Long Island who are put in a situation where surviving on a single income on the Island is very difficult,” he said. “And a lot of times you have a family, young family, that has child care needs, and in such certain situations, you see people working just to afford child care. The cost of child care on Long Island is only getting higher, it’s only getting harder to find that in an affordable way.”

He added he feels pre-K programs help with food insecurity, too.

“The most innocent, the most vulnerable children have a place where they can get one or two meals a day without issue and that can start at a younger age,” he said.

Macco said currently the universal pre-K system is good, but it’s still on a lottery basis. He

Bankruptcy attornery Cooper Macco hopes to unseat incumbent Keith Brown in the 12th Assembly District. Macco’s photo from candidate; Brown’s photo from his Facebook page

BROWN/MACCO

said he will aim to make it a global option for all.

Regarding public schools on Long Island, Macco said while there are excellent schools in the district, more funds can always be used.

“I think we need to make sure that money in the budget is going into public schools, and not being rerouted by entities looking to operate charter schools and operate for-profit institutions that are only taking money from the public schools,” Macco said.

He is a proponent for expanding public transportation on Long Island, including a more comprehensive railroad system in Suffolk County with the mode of transportation connecting into more areas. The hope, he said, is for fewer people relying on driving everywhere.

“The cost of living and working on Long Island is high,” he said. “So, we need to make sure that people who work on Long Island can live on Long Island.”

Touching on the subject of cashless bail, Macco said he would like to see slight amendments such as more judicial discretion, but said he supports bail reform as it is overall.

“It’s important to remember the purpose of bail and the purpose of the bail reform,” he said. “Bail reform was to prevent underprivileged people who couldn’t afford cash bail, to avoid sitting in jail for several months or a year awaiting trial. People are innocent until proven guilty.”

Keith Brown

Brown, who is a practicing attorney, said during the League of Women Voters debate that his career experience has been an asset during his two-year tenure as an assemblyman.

“What sets me apart from my opponent is really my experience,” he said. “It’s that 27 years of building relationships, of working as a municipal lawyer in all of the towns throughout Long Island.”

He gave the example of working with five layers of government to get Northport Harbor dredged. Brown said working with elected officials throughout the years led to him getting the help he needed in this pursuit.

During the debate, the assemblyman said his top concerns are public safety, hyperinflation and the opioid epidemic. He added there is a supermajority in both houses, and it’s important to have checks and balances.

“New York state is a mess right now, and it’s a mess because it’s been controlled by one party for far too long,” Brown said.

The assemblyman said while there have been measures to help residents during the recent rise in inflation, including the gas tax moratorium, he believes there also needs to be assistance when it comes to groceries and heating oil.

“There’s a lot of hurting people out there,” he said. “We have food insecurity here in Huntington and Babylon and in Islip. These things are happening around us.”

On his campaign website, Brown said the

New York State budgets in two years rose from $176 billion to $212 billion.

“We should cut unnecessary, wasteful spending, help drive inflation down and demand more fiscal conservatism in Albany,” he wrote.

The assemblyman also commented on bail reform at the Oct. 26 debate.

“We have seen the harmful effects of cashless bail in the state of New York,” he said.

In order to reform the current law regarding cashless bail, he said meaningful and comprehensive revisions need to be done. He would elicit the help of judges, district attorneys, public defenders and victim rights groups.

He said one of the downfalls of bail reform has been that addicts no longer have the choice of treatment in lieu of incarceration if arrested.

Brown is a member of the Assembly’s Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee. According to his campaign website, he has advocated “that the Opioid Settlement Fund be distributed as quickly as possible and given Suffolk County recommendations on where these funds should be allocated.”

On his campaign website, Brown calls to “fully repeal bail reform, restore judicial discretion and eliminate crime from our streets and public transportation.”

TBR debate was needed for 12th AD

Sometimes TBR News Media doesn’t endorse a candidate in a race because the editorial staff feel both candidates would be equally competent. In the case of New York State Assembly’s 12th District, we were unable to get in touch with incumbent Keith Brown’s campaign to schedule a debate with his Democratic opponent Cooper Macco. We also did not hear from Brown’s campaign manager about interviewing the incumbent over the phone as we did with Macco.

When Brown ran in 2020 against Democrat Michael Marcantonio for Assembly District 12, the TBR debate was conducted via Zoom, and the editorial staff didn’t have the pleasure of meeting him in person. At the time, we endorsed Marcantonio.

Without being able to properly interview Brown about important matters in the district, we will not be endorsing a candidate in the 12th Assembly District.

unfortunately, there is a propensity in government for money to go to all different types of things.”

He added, “Our electeds, our advocates, our treatment community want to make sure that there’s good, contemporaneous oversight regarding expenditure and use of those funds.”

Kennedy augmented his audit staff from 19 to 34 members during his two terms in the comptroller’s office. He viewed this as progress and committed to increasing the number of auditors at his disposal.

“I’ve been very aggressive with [hiring] our audit staff,” he said. “I think we need to do more of that. I want to bring that on in some other aspects of the office, including IT.”

Having served in this capacity for some time now, he believes he possesses the requisite experience and institutional knowledge to discharge the county’s finances responsibly.

“This is the kind of office that lends itself to almost limitless opportunities,” he said.

But it has yet to be smooth sailing for Kennedy or the public fund. Citing an analysis, by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D), which considered fund balance and borrowing cycles, among other concrete financial measures, he acknowledges that

Suffolk County ranks near the bottom among the state’s 62 counties in terms of fiscal responsibility.

“It’s indisputable that going back two or three years ago, we were the 62nd in ranking out of all 62 counties in the state of New York,” Kennedy said. “The most recent evaluation has moved us up.”

Despite Suffolk’s checkered financial record, the comptroller believes this assessment requires further context. He contends the analysis measures Suffolk against other counties throughout the state, which are less populated and with budgets dwarfed by Suffolk County’s $3.8 billion annual budget.

Instead, he favors an “apples to apples” method of comparing the county’s finances to those of the “Big Five”: Suffolk, Nassau, Erie, Monroe and Albany counties.

“They’re the largest concentrations of cities, budget size and municipal function,” he said, adding, “We’re somewhat comparable with them.”

Still, Kennedy supports “serious fiscal reform,” stating that he intends to embark upon a “shakedown” of the county government.

“I think Suffolk County still needs a

shakedown,” he said. “The underlying platform and premise for us is unsustainable. Unless we do something to address the proliferation of things that we have — and the areas where we’re not delivering services adequately — I think we will be destined for serious financial strife in ‘24.”

The county government may be able to get through the 2023 fiscal year comfortably, according to Kennedy, due to substantial financial reserves generated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he foresees those reserves drying up and the effects to be felt within a year.

“We are on a runaway train with inflation,” he said. “We are seriously, seriously compromised internally in our financial structure.”

Throughout the interview, Kennedy named several individuals with whom he disagreed on policy grounds. In the face of these differences, he finds that he still manages to build bridges across the aisle and discover common ground.

“The middle [of the road], registered, undeclared [voting population] keeps growing,” he explained. “My sense with folks that are in that category is they want to talk

about the issues, hear about what’s important to them, and know what you’re going to do with the opportunity they give you.”

Kennedy asserted that the general public is decreasingly tolerant of partisans and political extremists. Instead, the regular voter thirsts for tangible results from the government. The county comptroller says his efforts to reach across the aisle have generally been reciprocal.

“What I’m talking about with them is the operations, the nuts and bolts of government,” he said. “I’m not talking about whether you’re pro-abortion or prolife, or whether you believe in cashless bail or whether you want to legalize heroine.”

He added, “I’m talking about how to pay bills, how to recruit and keep talent, how to do the things necessary for the vast majority of people that interact with the county government.”

Whether Kennedy will apply his “nuts and bolts” political philosophy to other realms of the county government is still to be decided. Next year, the highest post in Suffolk County, the office of county executive, will be up for grabs.

Kennedy received the Republican nomination for county executive in 2019, but was defeated by incumbent Steve Bellone (D). When asked if he would pursue that office again, Kennedy responded, “We’ll see what the future brings.

KENNEDY

‘I think Suffolk County still needs a shakedown.’

—John Kennedy

TO

PEOPLE

BRIDGET FLEMING FOR CONGRESS

criminals

a prosecutor. She worked

the

TBR

READERS’ CHOICE:

Accountant TOWN

Arborist/Tree Service TOWN Appliance Store TOWN Art Gallery TOWN

Assisted Living/Nursing Home TOWN Attorney/Lawyer TOWN

Audiologist/Hearing Specialist TOWN

Auto Body Shop TOWN Auto Dealer TOWN

Auto Repair Shop TOWN Bagel Shop TOWN Bakery TOWN Bank TOWN Barber TOWN Bike Shop TOWN Bowling Lanes TOWN Bridal Shop TOWN Builder/Contractor TOWN Building Supply/Lumber TOWN Bus Company TOWN Camp TOWN Car Wash TOWN Card/Gift Shop TOWN

Best of the North Shore Ballot

Times Beacon Record News Media readers will be voting for the Best of the Best in over 80 categories on the ballot below. Here’s a chance to get your favorite North Shore businesses, currently operating, the recognition and fame they deserve! Readers are asked to vote by October 19, 2022. Please print your choices and use complete names and TOWN of business. Winners will be announced in the Best of the North Shore publication, inserted in the full run of all six newspapers on Thursday, February 16, 2023.

Carpet Cleaning Service TOWN Caterer TOWN

Cesspool Service TOWN Chamber of Commerce TOWN

Cleaning Service TOWN Clothing Store TOWN Co ee Shop TOWN

College/University TOWN Computer Services TOWN

Convenience Store TOWN Dance School TOWN Daycare/Preschool TOWN

Deli/Sandwich Shop TOWN Dental

Dentist TOWN Cosmetic Dentistry TOWN Orthodontist TOWN

Pediatric Dentist TOWN

Diner TOWN

Doctor/Physician/Internist (see Medical & Wellness)

Dramatic Theater (Playhouse) TOWN

Dry Cleaner TOWN Electrician TOWN

Equipment Supply/Rental TOWN Eye Care

Eyewear TOWN Ophthalmologist (see Medical & Wellness)

Optometrist TOWN

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EXTENDED DEADLINE BY POPULAR DEMAND VOTE BY 11/21!

Insurance Agency TOWN Jewelry Shop TOWN Kitchen/Bath Design TOWN

Landscaper TOWN Library TOWN Liquor/Wine Store TOWN

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Dermatology TOWN

Family Doctor TOWN Gastroenterology TOWN Hospital TOWN Internist TOWN Laser Treatment TOWN Massage TOWN OBGYN/Obstetrics & Gynecology TOWN Ophthalmologist TOWN

Orthopedics TOWN Pediatrician TOWN Pharmacy TOWN

Physical Therapy TOWN

Psychotherapist TOWN Vascular/Vein TOWN

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Painter (Interior/Exterior) TOWN Paint Store TOWN

Party Supply/Event TOWN

Pet Boarding/Sitting Service TOWN

Pet Grooming TOWN

Pet Hospital TOWN

Pet Supply Store TOWN

Photographer TOWN Piano Entertainer TOWN

Pizzeria TOWN Plumber TOWN

Pool Store & Supply TOWN

Real Estate Agency TOWN Real Estate Agent TOWN Restaurants

Chinese/Japanese TOWN French TOWN Italian TOWN Mexican TOWN Seafood TOWN Thai TOWN

Security Systems Service TOWN Senior Housing Complex TOWN Sign Maker TOWN Spa TOWN

Sporting Goods Store TOWN Tanning Salon TOWN

Tire Shop TOWN

Trash Removal TOWN Veterinarian TOWN Winery TOWN Yoga Studio TOWN Other TOWN

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TBR News Media Classifieds Department P.O. Box 707 Setauket, NY 11733

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Help Wanted

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Endorsements 2022

Majority endorsement: Fleming has the heart to lead

This November, residents of New York’s 1st Congressional District are presented with two well-intentioned, highly informed candidates for U.S. Congress. Given the choice of only one, the majority of the TBR News Media endorses Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming. In our nearly two hours with the candidates, Fleming’s candor, intelligence, depth of insight and passion for the issues set her apart. Fleming expressed sincere concern for these matters and how they may affect real people. She did not speak of policies as a detached lawmaker but rather as a reflection of deeply held core values.

Whether on the economy, environment or future of American democracy, Fleming seemed deeply immersed in these subjects. Her platform seems guided by research and independent investigation but with a constant, overriding spirit of empathy and compassion driving her positions.

At this critical moment in our national history, Americans need to elect policymakers who can relate to the plight of ordinary citizens while engaging in reasoned, nuanced and empathetic policy debates. In her decades of experience championing her core beliefs, whether as a criminal prosecutor or public official, Fleming has proven she can do just that.

We hold that Fleming is the right person to represent the people of this district. This November, TBR News Media’s majority supports Bridget Fleming for NY-1.

Minority endorsement: LaLota will enhance the power and prestige of Congress

The United States Congress has lost its way, and it is up to us, the voters, to put it back on track. If elected, Nick LaLota wants to do just that.

Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of the way Congress handles its work. Partisanship and polarization have eroded our national dialogue, and our elected representatives behave as children on a national stage.

Meanwhile, with each passing year, Congress delegates more of its power to the executive and the innumerable agencies and offices that comprise the federal bureaucracy.

The Framers envisioned Congress as the preeminent branch of the federal government. They believed the legislature would be closest and most accountable to the people. Our forebears would be appalled at how Congress has devolved, how our elected representatives pass the buck to unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats.

LaLota seems sensitive to this truth. In our office debate, he advocated for serious Congressional reform. LaLota supports limiting the size and scope of federal legislation, trimming the legislative process of its pork-barreling and partisan earmarking, and restricting the authority of the bureaucracy.

We need to revive the power and prestige of Congress. Nick LaLota has a plan to help get us there. This November, TBR News Media’s minority endorses him for Congress.

A Puleo win would lead to a seamless transition

For Suffolk County clerk, TBR News Media endorses Vincent Puleo.

Puleo has an impressive track record regarding organizing and digitizing records in the Town of Smithtown where he currently is town clerk. He also was able to get the Smithtown town clerk’s office back and running quickly after the COVID-19 shutdowns, with residents emailing the office and setting up appointments. The office was one of the easiest places to get a marriage license at the beginning of the pandemic.

He also has a good track record in obtaining grants to supplement the municipality’s budget. We agree with Lisa Jimenez that her career and volunteer work have provided her with a wealth of valuable experience where she can

quickly learn what she needs to do. But when you have someone like Puleo who has already run a similar office, it seems his win would lead to a seamless transition when Judith Pascale’s term ends.

After the county cyberattack that led to a backup in services, we need someone who can step into the position and hit the ground running. For us, that person is Puleo.

Two competent candidates with little between them

TBR News Media isn’t endorsing anyone in the race for state Senate in the 2nd District because the editorial staff feels both candidates are equally qualified.

While it may be difficult for a newspaper to choose who to endorse in this race, it’s a win for voters. Whichever candidate succeeds, we will have someone who is qualified and committed to doing the best for New York state and the 2nd District.

Berland has decades of political experience behind her, and it’s evident her experiences with the Town of Huntington and Suffolk County will be an asset in Albany if she wins.

Mattera has learned a great deal during this two-year term as senator. He has quickly evolved from a freshman senator

to a knowledgeable elected official. We are confident that he will stand by his promise that he will not be working to change New York State’s abortion legislation, and if gubernatorial candidate Zeldin wins, we will hold Mattera to his word that he will not work to reverse those laws in the state.

Stern needed to help bridge the gap between political parties

We endorse incumbent Steve Stern in the 10th District of the New York State Assembly.

Stern has the experience needed to navigate a changing district. We compliment him in not following his party’s platform entirely and working toward removing some cashless crimes off the bail reform list.

In the past, he has described himself as a conservative Democrat and, in these divisive times, that is what is needed to help bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans.

We feel Aamir Sultan has a lot of passion regarding running for public office, and we

hope to see him do so again in the future. He has worked well with Democrats in his nonprofit endeavors, but his stances on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the banning of certain books that he feels sexualize young children may lead to more divisiveness during a time when unity is needed.

Kennedy understands the ‘nuts and bolts’ of governing

The comptroller’s seat is not the glamour position of the county government. Yet, it is an important office that demands our respect and interest. TBR News Media supports Kennedy’s reelection campaign this November.

Having faith that the officials will handle our tax dollars responsibly lies at the core of what it means to participate in representative government. Administrative in its nature, the comptroller’s office conducts financial monitoring and audits, among several other essential tasks.

Kennedy appreciates this responsibility. He embraces it fully and carries enthusiasm and focus into that office which we can respect and admire.

Having served in the post for two terms, he has the experience and institutional insight to execute his duties well. He brings to the comptroller’s office a firm understanding of finance and a knowledge of the law rooted in his background as a lawyer.

In his interview with TBR News Media, Kennedy warned of possibly serious financial strife by 2024. If an economic downtown is in the

cards for Suffolk County residents, then it is in our interest that our comptroller understands the office and can adapt it to meet the needs of the changing circumstances.

Finally, Kennedy outlined his “nuts and bolts” political philosophy, arguing that politicians often ignore the most pressing issues due to partisanship and tribalism. We agree with this assessment and ask that he continues to apply this approach, keeping the county government running smoothly.

We appreciate Kennedy’s openness, eagerness to express himself and desire to serve. In this year’s election for Suffolk County Comptroller, TBR News Media strongly supports John M. Kennedy Jr. for reelection.

Photo by Rita J. Egan

Photo by Rita J. Egan

Photo by Raymond Janis

Photo by Rita J. Egan

Photos by Raymond Janis

Photo by Rita J. Egan

Long day’s journey through the pandemic

I’ve been on a long journey that’s taken me around the world for more than two and a half years. Many hosts have provided for me, enabling me to grow and, in some cases, make changes.

I don’t recall the beginning. The first host I remember was an incredibly kind doctor. She spent countless hours caring for others, looking into their eyes, assuring them she would do everything she could for them.

extended family.

My next host was a businessman. He had been in a hospital with his son, who had a broken leg. The businessman stayed in the waiting room for hours, trying to do his work but unable to focus because he was so concerned about his boy.

Finally, after hours of surgery, the doctor came out to talk to him and that’s when I found a new host.

This businessman worked hard. Once he discovered his son was safe, he ignored me and my needs.

staring directly at me. In his house, I had a choice of other possible hosts, but decided to hitch a ride with his son.

That one almost cost me my life. His son soon realized I was there, and he stayed away from everyone. I was curled up alone with him. He barely moved for long periods of time, except when he coughed or sat up and sent text messages and emails. One night, when he was finally sleeping, a man came into his room to clean it. That’s when I escaped.

She was a friendly enough host, until I set up camp with her mother. Then, she shouted at me, praying to keep me away. She took me to a hotel, where she seemed to stare at me while she prayed.

When someone delivered food and walked in the room to wait for payment, I made the jump to him. During the day, he was a student with a full and busy life. I didn’t stay long, moving on to his girlfriend, her roommate, and, eventually, to a professor.

the above

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

She was so focused on helping others that she didn’t even know she was hosting me. I stayed quiet just long enough to make the jump to a famous American actor who was working in Australia. He and his wife didn’t enjoy their time with me. They warned the world about me and my

I developed without anyone noticing me. At one point, I heard someone come looking for me, but I hid just far enough away. I traveled a great distance on a plane with him. Once we were in a new country, I had so many choices.

Realizing it was time to go, I jumped to an elderly bus driver. He was a gentle man. The lighter laugh lines near his eyes looked like waves approaching the shore on his dark chocolate skin.

Before he collapsed into bed the second evening we were together, he seemed to be

Election special from TBR News Media

This is a rerun of last year’s explanation, updated for the current elections.

Inside this issue is a treasure trove of first-hand information about the candidates and the issues in the coming election. How do I know?

and assembly men and women and Congress.

This man didn’t even know he hosted me. He wasn’t stuck in bed, and he didn’t cough. I traveled with him to several events. After other trips, I found an important politician. We took a ride in a helicopter and went to a hospital where doctors provided all kinds of new medicines.

I became like a game of telephone, passing along from one person to the next. And, like a game of telephone, the message changed, as I demanded different things from my host.

I found myself at a concert with a young woman who sang and danced for hours. She looked so vibrant and full of life.

I stayed with the professor for over a week. She spent considerable time grading papers, writing at her computer, talking to family members, and taking medicine.

I have made some changes along the way. I don’t travel with as much baggage as I used to. I know people think I’m not as much of a burden as I was in the early days. My most recent host would disagree. He couldn’t talk, had trouble sleeping and was exhausted all the time. I’m getting ready to travel the world again this fall and winter. You can ignore me all you want, but I’m still here, making changes and preparing to find more hosts.

BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF

Because we, the different members of the editorial board of Times Beacon Record Newspapers, personally interviewed people running for office across the three towns that we serve: Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington. The offices the candidates are running for are all local except for Congress, which means that these are the officials who will have the most direct effect on our lives.

The positions range this year from county comptroller and county clerk to state senators,

We asked them questions without bias, seeking only to understand who they were, what they believed and what we could expect from each of them, should they be elected — or re-elected, as the case might be. The setting in our conference room was relaxed, and we hoped comfortable, with opponents for each office seated together around the table responding to questions put to them by our editors and reporters.

Sometimes there was only one candidate who might be running unopposed or against a shadow opponent, but mostly there were two during each session. Most of the time, the hour went by calmly, but occasionally the opponents get testy with each other — they may even become openly hostile.

At one such session some years ago, one of the candidates invited the other out to the back parking lot “to settle things.” When the other began to take off his jacket, we quickly intervened. But there were no such flare-ups this year.

The answers were timed in an attempt to get to the main ideas without running on too long. There was ample time at the end for each visitor

to tell us anything more that perhaps we hadn’t elicited with our questioning.

We discussed the candidates at the end of each hour and came to a conclusion for the endorsement.

We have written up the details of each interview in a separate article for the election section. Most of the time, the editorial group was unanimous because the choices were fairly direct. But for a couple of races, we talked over the pros and cons of each candidate at length before making the selection. These endorsements are based on both the in-depth interviews and the considerable information we know about the incumbents since we have been covering them closely throughout their terms in office. Of course, after reading the stories, you may or may not agree with our conclusions. Our job is to get you thinking.

The many hours that are given to this task, throughout the month of October, are a service for our readers. We are privileged to enjoy an extended face-to-face time with those standing for election, and we feel an obligation to pass along

whatever information, facts and impressions we gather during these sessions. We sincerely hope we help in the sometimes-difficult job of casting a responsible vote.

Each year we include in the election section a sample ballot that we are able to procure from the Suffolk County Board of Elections because readers have told us that it is a great advantage for them to receive the ballot at the voting poll already knowing how it is laid out.

Our editorial board is made up of staffers with different political leanings, but when we put our journalists’ hats on, we try to judge each race strictly on the merits of the opposing candidates. And while it is technically possible for me to be tyrannical about the final selections, that is almost never the case. We decide by majority rule.

Sincere thanks to the talented staff who join in this extra work each year. We truly believe that we are watchdogs for the people, and nowhere is that more necessary than in reporting about government and its office holders. We hope we have helped you, whether you read by newspaper and/or online. Now please vote.

AwardWinning

Year After Year