The Times of Smithtown - November 3, 2022

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.

Pet parade benefits kids

The Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Singer O’Brien of State Farm hosted the Halloween Pet Parade on Oct. 29.

The event was held at the Nesconset Gazebo, and the proceeds went to the Smithtown Children’s Foundation. Attendees were invited to dress themselves and their pets up for Halloween. Pets lovers were also able to enter their pet in a costume contest.

Vendors were on hand from local businesses, and attendees had a chance to enter raffles and listen to music.

Pictured above, Rachel D’Arpa, of the Nesconset Chamber, and SCF founder Christine Fitzgerald pose with children. Upper right, a mummy wrap contestant. All other photos a sampling of dogs dressed up for the contest.

— Photos from Smithtown Children’s Foundation

WMHO hosts annual Halloween festival

Those seeking Halloween fun were in for a treat at the Stony Brook Village Center Oct. 31. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosted its 32nd annual Halloween Festival. Attendees of all ages dressed in costumes and went trick-or-treating from store to store.

There was also music from WALK 97.5, dancing and games for children. Winners of the Scarecrow Competition were announced, and the afternoon featured a Halloween parade, led by Monster Merlin.

— Photos from Ward Melville Heritage Organization

ELECTION 2022

SAMPLE BALLOT

HARVEST

Motorcyclist injured in Stony Brook crash

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a single-vehicle crash that seriously injured a motorcyclist in Stony Brook on Oct. 30 at 11:454 p.m. Edward Ferrara was operating a 2017 Yamaha eastbound on North Country Road, near Parkside Drive, when the motorcycle left the roadway and struck a sign. Ferrara, 37, of Mastic, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital via Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps. in serious condition. The motorcycle was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

Shirley man arrested in connection with shooting outside Zeldin’s home

Suffolk County Police arrested a Shirley man on Oct. 31 after he posted a photo of himself on social media with one of the guns used in the shooting outside gubernatorial hopeful and U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin’s home in Shirley last month.

Noah Green, 18, was arrested at his home just after 1 p.m. Monday in Shirley and was found with a loaded 9MM Taurus handgun, as well as a stolen 2022 Honda, authorities alleged in court documents.

“Over the past three weeks, investigators from the District Attorney’s Office working with Suffolk County Police Department detectives, have been working to solve the shooting that occurred outside Congressman Zeldin’s home. Through that collaborative and diligent police work, we have now recovered one of the firearms used in that dangerous shooting. The investigation is continuing and we expect that will have more developments in the future,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Green was ordered held on $750,000 cash bail, $1.5 million bond and $7.5 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court on Nov. 4.

Update on missing Ronkonkoma girl

Madeline Rivera-Cordon, the 12-yearold Ronkonkoma girl reported missing two weeks ago has been located unharmed. Suffolk County Police arrested an 17-year-old male in connection with Madeline who was found at his Copiague home on Chestnut Place on Oct. 28. The 17-year-old has been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He will be arraigned on a later date.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

Wanted for Lake Grove Petit Larceny Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify the woman who allegedly stole items from Macy’s located at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove on September 17.

Chiropractor arrested for sexual abuse

Suffolk County Police arrested a chiropractor at his Ronkonkoma office on Oct. 25 for allegedly sexually abusing a teenage patient during an examination. Dr. Ronald Bernardini of Lake Chiropractic was examining a 16-year-old female patient for back pain when he allegedly touched her inappropriately at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 24. The victim advised her parents of the incident and a report was filed with police. Bernardini, 64, of Smithtown, was charged with Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Nov. 14. The investigation is continuing. Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Bernardini is asked to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452 or 911.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Election 2022– Sample Ballot

11 Judge of Surrogate Court (Vote for One) Republican 11 Vincent J Messina Jr Conservative 11 Vincent J Messina Jr Write-in

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

14 Fam ly Court Judge (Vote for One)

15 County Clerk (Vote for One)

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

Democratic 12 John Il ou

Democratic 13 Karen M W lut s Republican 12 John Il ou

Conservative 13 Karen M W lut s

Republican 13 Karen M W lut s Conservative 12 John Il ou

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 Write-in

17 Representative n Congress (1st D str ct) (Vote for One)

Democratic 17 Bridget Flem ng Republican 17 Nicholas J LaLota Conservative 17 Nicholas J LaLota Working Families 17 Bridget Flem ng

18 State Senator (2nd Distr 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 of Assemb y (8th D strict) (Vote for One) Democratic 19 Jeanine Aponte Republican 19 Michael J F tzpatr ck Conservative 19 Michael J F tzpatr ck Write-in

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

Write-in

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

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.

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 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 pro-life, 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.”

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

‘I think Suffolk County still needs a shakedown.’

—John Kennedy

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

LEGALS

To Place A Legal Notice

Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick faces an inactive opponent

BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

While there will be two names on the ballot for New York’s 8th Assembly District, incumbent Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) and Democrat Jeanine Aponte of Hauppauge, the latter is not actively campaigning.

and in the end, he said he felt the police, district attorneys and judiciary members were excluded from creating the law, representatives he said were important to have at the table.

ELECTION 2022

The district covers the Town of Smithtown and northern parts of Islip.

Fitzpatrick stopped by the TBR News Media offices recently to discuss the race with the editorial staff. He has been an assemblyman for 20 years and is running for his 11th term. Prior to being an assemblyman, he was a Town of Smithtown councilman from 1988 to 2002; he was also a financial services representative.

Cracking down on crime

“We have a problem, and something has to be done about it,” Fitzpatrick said when talking about bail-free crimes.

The assemblyman said when bail reform was first debated in the Assembly, Republicans and Democrats all agreed that something needed to be done. However, he said, the progressives were dominant,

“No dangerousness was taken into consideration, and all the judges were saying this is not going to work and the DAs as well,” he said. “They did not like this.”

Fitzpatrick added there is a feeling of disappointment in Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that she’s not pushing back, and he feels she fears that she will lose the progressive base and thinking they will “stay home and not vote.” Especially, he said, since her gubernatorial opponent, current Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY1), has been making inroads including with the Asian, Black and Latino communities.

Fitzpatrick said the Republicans’ goal in the Assembly, despite currently being in the minority, is to get to 50%.

“So that we can take away that veto-proof majority,” he said. “That forces compromise, at least forces discussion at the table, and the same in the Senate.”

Fitzpatrick said if Hochul is elected the hope is that she will move more to the center politically.

BRIDGET FLEMING FOR CONGRESS

ENDORSED BY LOCAL LAW

EXPERIENCE TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO STOP INFLATION

WILL PROTECT ABORTION RIGHTS.

She took on violent criminals as a prosecutor. She worked with Republicans in the County Legislature to balance the budget.

Freedoms.

FITZPATRICK CONTINUED ON A16 State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick stopped by the TBR News Media’s offices to discuss the 2022 race. Photo 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

LEGALS

2017-3,Plaintiff-againstCERTIFICATES,SERIES PASS-THROUGH TRUST2017-3MORTGAGE J.P.MORGANMORTGAGE OFSUFFOLK SUPREMECOURT-COUNTY SALEINFORECLOSURE REFEREE’SNOTICEOF

JOHNDRAGO,etalDefendant(s).

PursuanttoaJudgmentof

ForeclosureandSaleenteredonAugust30,2022.I,

SmithtownTownHall,99 sellatpublicauctionatthe theundersignedRefereewill

WestMainStreet,Smithtown,NY11787onthe

Head-of-the-Harbor,Townof theIncorporatedVillageof situate,lyingandbeingin plot,pieceorparcelofland, at1:00PM.Allthatcertain 30thdayofNovember,2022

Smithtown,CountyofSuffolkandStateofNewYork.

andcosts. $1,236,557.90plusinterest Approximateamountoflien 015.005) 005.00,Block:01.00,Lot: (District:0801,Section: James,NY11780. MuffinsMeadowRoad,Saint Premisesknownas10

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.

To Place A Legal Notice

“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 A17

11210010/274xts

DuringtheCOVID-19health Dated:September26,2022 Tel.347/286-7409 NewYork,NY10170 Suite840 420LexingtonAvenue, Attorney(s)forPlaintiff Pierce,LLC McCallaRaymerLeibert Referee. BrookeJ.Breen,Esq., IndexNo.622081/2019. judgmentandtermsofsale.

emergency,biddersarerequiredtocomplywithall

butnotlimitedto,wearing thetimeofsaleincluding requirementsineffectat governmentalhealth

facecoveringsandmaintainingsocialdistancing(at

theauction,whiletendering least6-feetapart)during

depositandatanysubsequentclosing.Biddersare

alsorequiredtocomply

withtheForeclosureAuctionRulesandCOVID-19

setforthintheTermsof additiontotheconditions CourtofthisCountyin issuedbytheSupreme HealthEmergencyRules

Premiseswillbesoldsubjecttoprovisionsoffiled 11320011/36xts

Noticeofformationof

KiwiRestorations,LLC.ArticlesofOrganizationfiled

againsttheLLC194MillRd, copyofanyprocessserved process.SSNYshallmail designatedforserviceof inSuffolk.SSNYhasbeen 09/04/2022Officelocated ofNewYorkSSNYon withtheSecretaryofState

Holbrook,NY11741.Purpose:anylawfulpurpose.

11278010/276xts

MiddleCountryRd.Ste8, againsttheLLCto872 copyofanyprocessserved process.SSNYshallmail designatedforserviceof County.SSNYhasbeen OfficelocatedinSuffolk YorkSSNYon10/19/2022. SecretaryofStateofNew Organizationfiledwiththe F7C-PMHLLC.Articlesof Noticeofformationof

St.James,NY11780.Purpose:anylawfulpurpose.

Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com Sale.

Celebrates Our Hometown Heroes

you would like your picture

enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. You may also pick up the picture at the newspaper o ce a er it appears in print.

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

Patriots pen East Bulls

BY BILL LANDON DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

Down by two sets, Smithtown East girls volleyball rallied in set three to tie the game, 22. All were looking to stay alive but Ward Melville’s relentless offensive attack was too much to handle on Oct. 27.

Sophomores Emma Bradshaw and Alexa

Gandolfo delivered 19 kills between them, powering the Patriots to a three-game sweep, 2513, 25-19, 25-22, in the quarterfinal Class AA playoff round. The win propels the No. 2 Patriots to the semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 1, where they’ll square off against No. 3 Bay Shore at home.

Pictured above, Smithtown East junior Lilly Schwartz keeps the ball in play.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Fighting for Our Values:

Opposing

Endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Business Council of New

State, and the Neighborhood Preservation PAC

Official Candidate of the Republican and Conservative Parties

FITZPATRICK

“What I fear, if the crime issue is not dealt with, and dealt with soon, you’re going to see, I think, a continued exodus of people and jobs out of the city,” he said. “We’ve had a significant loss already. I believe it will accelerate if nothing is done about it, and the concern is you’re going to have a hollowedout New York City.”

Fitzpatrick explained it would mean the city would be left with the wealthy and the poor with the middle class leaving as well as jobs.

“You already have the challenge of getting people to come back into the office,” he said. “They like working from home. They got used to it for the past two years, but the crime issue in the subways is not helping matters.”

He said he doesn’t see New York City returning to normality until there is a handle on crime.

Gun safety

Fitzpatrick said he supports the Second Amendment. He added the Republican side in the Assembly includes members who are former military and law enforcement personnel as well as farmers.

“We have more people on our side of the aisle who can speak with authority on gun ownership, gun safety, gun training,” he said. “There’s virtually nobody on the other side

of the aisle who has that kind of experience and depth of knowledge. So, we know what their agenda is. We get it. This is the world of politics. But, you know, I think whenever those debates come up, we just, we wipe the floor, hands down, but it doesn’t matter, because they have the numbers”

Regarding recent stabbing incidents in New York City, he said he believes the majority involve those with mental illnesses.

“With bail reform, you’re letting people out,” he said. “You’re not remanding people to jail. Not to serve time, but until they have their day in court. But some of these people are not well, we’ve heard this from the correction officers, we’ve heard this from the attorneys. They’re not well, but because of the new bail reform, they can’t be held and they’re let out.”

Recent migrants

He said he is unhappy with the federal administration for leaving the border open with an increase in drugs coming over, also people on the terrorist lists and gang members. He said the borders should be more secure.

“The border towns have been totally overwhelmed,” he said. “They can’t provide the services.”

He said it wasn’t a surprise that cities in the South sent migrants to sanctuary cities such as New York. The assemblyman said sending migrants back is not possible, and he believes there should be some way to give them a pathway to citizenship.

Smithtown

Along with state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Fitzpatrick said he is most focused on sewer installation in Smithtown’s downtown areas. To revitalize downtowns, he said, it’s important to look to towns that have done it successfully, such as Patchogue and Farmingdale. Fitzpatrick added it’s important to pick areas near transit hubs for density building.

He didn’t support Hochul’s accessory dwelling unit proposal earlier this year. The bill would have given everyone the right to have an ADU in their home, something that wouldn’t work with cesspools on Long Island and burden school districts, he said.

“Your transit-oriented development is really the way you address the affordability issue because the price of land is so high, you lower that price with density,” he said.

Fitzpatrick gave the example of the overlay district in the Hauppauge Industrial Park and the proposed development plans for it as an example of a walkable community where people can walk to stores, restaurants and even work, something he said many people look for when searching for a home.

He said such housing will help the area to remain relevant, especially with some choosing not to move here due to the high cost of living.

Stony Brook University

For the past few years, Fitzpatrick said

he’s been talking to colleagues, elected officials and students about the possibility of the State University of New York, also known as SUNY, becoming a national brand and having Stony Brook University be its flagship.

He said he would like to see the acronym SUNY be dropped and the educational institution be known as the University of New York or UNY.

He believes it needs to be rebranded to draw more students nationally.

“We are a great state university, but we’re not a national brand,” Fitzpatrick said.

He gave examples of University of Michigan, University of North Carolina and University of Alabama, and said SBU is “as good or better than any of them.”

He added he would love to see SBU among the top 10.

If SUNY can be rebranded and SBU made the flagship he said it would help the athletic department and could lead to being part of a major conference. This could mean the expansion of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium or building a newer one closer to the Long Island Expressway or another major roadway.

He said it makes sense as SBU is near the city.

“Why don’t we take a shot and get into a major conference with the University of New York,” Fitzpatrick said. “This makes sense. I think it would be good for the entire system, and it creates a fair level of economic activity by being in a major conference.”

site to make it more user-friendly. Before the cyberattack, 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.”

As your Comptroller, John has:

ü Aggressively enforced audits to save taxpayers over $50

ü Earned national recognition for management of taxpayer dollars

ü Maximized interest earned by taxpayer accounts

ü Established a hotline to report government waste, fraud, and abuse

ü Served as a check on a Democrat administration

PULEO/JIMENEZ

‘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

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

Farm Stand TOWN

Financial Planner TOWN Film Festival TOWN Firehouse TOWN

Flooring Store (carpet/tile) TOWN

Florist TOWN

Fuel Company TOWN Funeral Home TOWN Furniture Store TOWN Garden Center/Nursery TOWN Golf Course TOWN

Grocery Store TOWN Gym/Fitness Center TOWN Hair Salon TOWN Hardware Store TOWN Health Food Store TOWN Hotel/Motel TOWN Ice Cream Stand/Store TOWN

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

Local Brewery TOWN Medical & Wellness

Acupuncturist TOWN Allergist TOWN Cardiologist TOWN Chiropractor TOWN Cosmetic Surgeon/Practice TOWN

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

Mortgage Company TOWN Movie Theater TOWN Museum TOWN

Nursing Service TOWN Nail Salon TOWN

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

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 oncein-a-generation 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.

Smithtown West boys soccer on to finals after shootout win

BY STEVEN ZAITZ DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM

In a bitterly fought match that went scoreless for 100 minutes of regulation and overtime, the Smithtown West Bulls beat the Northport Tigers, 1-0, in the Suffolk County boys soccer semifinal on Monday. The game was decided by penalty kicks — the last of which coming from a surprising source.

In a game that saw five yellow cards and countless hard tackles and collisions, West goalkeeper Landon Schneider came out of his net, where he played brilliantly the entire match, to score the game-winning penalty kick. After five successful penalty kicks by both teams, Northport missed on its sixth attempt.

Having been replaced in goal for the

penalty kicks by backup Brendan Madden, Schneider stepped in for the sixth and gamewinning kick and calmly drilled it into the left side of the net.

Schneider and Northport goalkeeper Tommy Pace both made a number of acrobatic saves, but none was better than Schneider’s save of Richie Bender’s point-blank blast in the 95th minute that would have been a sudden-death victory for Northport.

Smithtown West (12-4-1) will now battle Connetquot (14-2-3) for the Suffolk AA Championship on Thursday Night at Comsewogue High School. Northport finished 12-6-1 on the year.

Pictured above, Jake Pagat with possession of the ball.

by Steven Zaitz

***AAA***AUTOBUYERSHighestCashPaid,AllYears/Conditions,WEVISITYOU,Or Donate,TaxDeduct+Cash. DMVID#1303199.CallLUKE 516-VAN-CARS.516-297-2277

DONATEYOURCARTO BREASTCANCERRECOVERY!TaxDeductionReceipt GivenUponPick-up,FreeTowing.501CCharity.631-988-9043 breastcancerresearchrecovery. org

JUNKCARSBOUGHT! We’llBeatAnyPrice. Call631-500-1015. SEEDISPLAYADFORMOREINFORMATION.

Vehicles

TOPCASHPAIDFORALL TRUCKS,CARS,&VANS. Highestpricespaidforfixable vehicles.CallMark 631-258-7919. SEEDISPLAY ADFORMOREINFORMATION.

Auto Services

DRIVEOUTBREASTCANCER Donateacartoday,Thebenefits ofdonatingyourcarorboat,Fast FreePickup,24hrResponse, TaxDeduction,EasyToDo,Call 24/7855-905-4755.

Musical Instruments

BLUESMANPIANOTUNING Certifiedpianotechnician, 631-681-9723, bluesmanpianotuning@gmail. com, www.bluesmanpianotuning.com

Financial Services

AREYOUBEHIND$10kOR MOREONYOURTAXES?Stop wage&banklevies,liens& audits,unfiledtaxreturns,payrollissues,&resolvetaxdebt FAST.Call888-869-5361 (Hours:Mon-Fri7am-5pmPST)

Schools/Instruction/ Tutoring

PIANO-GUITAR-BASS Allages-levels-styles. Manylocalreferences. Recommendedbyallarea schools.TonyMann, 631-473-3443,631-332-6005

Finds Under 50

CHIMNEYCAP:STAINLESS STEEL9X13adjustable/bolton. Usedgoodcondition.$50or bestoffer.Call631-246-5232

ELECTRICMOTORS1/4-1/3 $25.00each631-689-9309

FIREPLACE.Vintage60’s/70’s Realisticelectriclogs,Heater, WallMount.5’Hx3’W$50. 631.828.5344

FLUORESCENTSHOP FIXTURE4foot,2bulb Asking$20.00Call 631-744-3722

GEELECTRICDEEPFRYER withadigitaltimer,brandnew $30.631-689-8546

Housesitting Services

TRAVELING? Needsomeonetocheckonyour home? ContactTenderLovingPet Care,LLC.We’remorethanjust pets.Insured/Bonded. 631-675-1938

Miscellaneous

DIRECTVFOR$79.99/MOFOR 12MONTHSwithCHOICE Package.Watchyourfavorite livesports,news&entertainmentanywhere.First3months ofHBOMax,Cinemax,Showtime,StarzandEpixincluded! Directvis#1inCustomerSatisfaction(JDPower&Assoc.) Somerestrictionsapply.Call 1-888-534-6918

Miscellaneous

DISHTV$64.99For190Channels+$14.95HighSpeedInternet.FreeInstallation,SmartHD DVRIncluded,FreeVoiceRemote.Somerestrictionsapply. PromoExpires1/21/23. 1-888-609-9405

NEEDCASHFOR CHRISTMAS?Turnyourboxes ofoldcomicbooksintocash. CallGeorgeat917-652-9128, gbrook@pipeline.com

WHEELSFORWISHESBENEFITINGMAKE-A-WISH ® NORTHEASTNEWYORK.Your CarDonationsMatterNOW MoreThanEver!FreeVehicle PickUpANYWHERE.We AcceptMostVehiclesRunning orNot.100%TaxDeductible. MinimalToNoHumanContact. Call:(877)798-9474.CarDonationFoundationd/b/aWheels ForWishes.www. wheelsforwishes.org.

TBR

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

class@tbrnewsmedia.com

EMPLOYMENT/CAREERS

Help Wanted

PUBLISHER’SEMPLOYMENTNOTICE:Allemploymentadvertisinginthisnewspaperissubjecttosection296 ofthehumanrightslawwhich makesitillegaltoadvertise any preference,limitationordiscriminationbasedonrace,color,creed,nationalorigin, disability,maritalstatus,sex, ageorarrestconvictionrecord oranintentiontomakeany suchpreference,limitationor discrimination.Title29,U.S. CodeChap630,excludesthe FederalGov’t.fromtheage discriminationprovisions.This newspaperwillnotknowingly acceptanyadvertisingforemploymentwhichisinviolation ofthelaw.Ourreadersareinformedthatemploymentofferingsadvertisedinthisnewspaperareavailableonanequal opportunitybasis.

P/TSALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE

Insidepositionsellingadvertisingforanaward-winning communitynewsmediagroup, Faxresumeto631-751-4165or emailresumeto Class@tbrnewspapers.com. Seeourdisplayadformore information.

TRAINONLINETODOMEDICALBILLING!BecomeaMedicalOfficeProfessionalonlineat CTI!GetTrained,Certified& readytoworkinmonths!Call 855-543-6440.(M-F8am-6pm ET).Computerwithinternetis required.

UPTO$21.09NYC,$20.22L.I., $15.20UPSTATENY!Ifyou needcarefromyourrelative, friend/neighborandyouhave Medicaid,theymaybeeligibleto starttakingcareofyouaspersonalassistantunderNYSMedicaidCDPAProgram.No Certificatesneeded. 347-713-3553

PJ Chamber of Commerce Administrative Aid 15 hours a week

Tuesday-Thursday • 11-4pm

Description job responsibilities: Assist Director of Operations in daily operations. Duties include: daily banking, member relations (updating member records, billing, new member intake); answering phones, social media updates; interacting with visitors to the Chamber.

Qualifications: Computer literate; Word, Excel, Quickbook, Word Press, Can work UNSUPERVISED, Detail-oriented. Understand the operations of a non-profit organization or similar operation. Good communication skills and multi-tasker.

Contact by email: info@portjeffchamber.com or call 631-473-1414

Career Services

COMPUTER&ITTRAINING PROGRAM!TrainONLINEto gettheskillstobecomeaComputer&HelpDeskProfessional now!GrantsandScholarships availableforcertainprograms forqualifiedapplicants.CallCTI fordetails!844-947-0192(M-F 8am-6pmET).Computerwith internetisrequired.

TO SUBSCRIBE

SERVICES

Carpentry

LONGHILLCARPENTRY 45yearsexperience Allphasesofhomeimprovement.Old&HistoricRestorations.Mastercard/VisaLic. #H22336/Ins.631-751-1764 longhill7511764@aol.com

Cesspool Services

MRSEWERMANCESSPOOL SERVICEAlltypesofcesspoolservicing,allworkguaranteed,familyownedandoperatedsince1985, 631-924-7502. LicensedandInsured.

Clean-Ups

LETSTEVEDOIT

Clean-ups,yards,basements, wholehouse,painting,tree work,localmovingand anythingelse.Totally overwhelmed? CallSteve@631-745-2598, leavemessage.

Exterminating

SCIENTIFICEXTERMINATING SERVICESlet’sallstaysafe, ecologicalprotection,ticks,ants, mosquitoes,termites, NaturalOrganicproducts631265-5252- SEEDISPLAYAD FORMOREINFORMATION.

Home

ALLPHASESOF HOMEIMPROVEMENT Fromattictoyourbasement, RCJConstruction www.rcjconstruction.com commercial/residential,lic/ins 631-580-4518.

Fences

SMITHPOINTFENCE. DEERPROBLEM?WECAN HELP!Wood,PVC,ChainLink, Stockade.Freeestimates. Nowoffering12monthinterest freefinancing. Commercial/Residential. 70JayneBlvd.,PJS.Lic.37690H/Ins.631-743-9797 www.smithpointfence.com.

BATH&SHOWERUPDATESin aslittleasONEDAY!Affordable prices-Nopaymentsfor18 months!Lifetimewarranty&professionalinstalls.Senior&MilitaryDiscountsavailable.Call: 866-393-3636

Home Repairs/ Construction

LUXDEVELOPMENTGROUP Historicalrestorations,Extensions&Dormers,Cedarsiding andClapboardinstallation, basementrenovations,kitchen &Bathrooms,doors&windows, finishedcarpentry&moulding Call631-283-2266

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

LUXDISASTER RESTORATION24/7 EmergencyCleanupandrestoration,Flood,Sewage,Storm damage,firedamage,basement waterproofingandfinishing,Call 631-287-4700

Masonry

CARLBONGIORNO LANDSCAPE/MASON CONTRACTOR AllphasesMasonryWork:Stone Walls,Patios,Poolscapes.All phasesofLandscapingDesign. ThemeGardens.Residential& Commercial.Lic/Ins. 631-928-2110

Power Washing

THREEVILLAGEPOWERWASHINGLLC

We’remorethanpowerwashing. Weoffershrinkwrappingforoutdoorfurnitureandboats,snow removalservicesavailable. Threevillagepowerwashing.com 631-678-7313.

Satellite TV

Painting/Spackling/ Wallpaper

Driveway/Asphalt/ Concrete

PHOENIXSEALCOATThelow costlocalguy,residential,velvetopspecialists,additionalservices,hotpatches,striping, parkinglots,plowandsanding, forimmediatequotescallortext Doug631-331-9300oremail Doug@phoenixsealcoat.com SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Floor Services/Sales

FINESANDING& REFINISHING WoodFloorInstallations CraigAliperti,WoodFloorsLLC. Allworkdonebyowner. 30yearsexperience. Lic.#47595-H/Insured. 631-875-5856

BLUSTARCONSTRUCTION TheNorthShore’sMostTrusted RenovationExperts. 631-751-0751 Welovesmalljobstoo! SuffolkLic.#48714-H,Ins. SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION.

SEEOURDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION

Lawn & Landscaping

ALLPROPAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PowerWashing,Staining, WallpaperRemoval.Free estimates.Lic/Ins#19604HI 631-696-8150.Nick

BESTSATELLITETVWITH2 YEARPRICEGUARANTEE, $59.99/mowith190 channelsand3monthsfreepremiummoviechannels,Freenext dayinstallation,Call 888-508-5313

Tree Work

REACTPESTCONTROLINC. Wasps,YellowJacketsNesting inyourhome!Protectyourhome beforethosepeskynestsare built. SEEDISPLAYADFOR MOREINFORMATION.

Gutters/Leaders

ELIMINATEGUTTER CLEANINGFOREVER!LeafFilter,themostadvanceddebrisblockinggutterprotection. ScheduleaFREELeafFilterestimatetoday.15%offand0% financingforthosewhoqualify. PLUSSenior&MilitaryDiscounts.Call1-877-763-2379

DON’TPAYFORCOVERED HOMEREPAIRSAGAIN! AmericanResidentialWarranty coversALLMAJORSYSTEMS ANDAPPLIANCES.30DAY RISKFREE/$100OFF POPULARPLANS. 833-398-0526

SETAUKETLANDSCAPE DESIGN StoneDriveways/Walkways, Walls/Stairs/Patios/Masonry, Brickwork/RepairsLand Clearing/Drainage,Grading/ Excavating.Plantings/Mulch, RainGardens. SteveAntos,631-689-6082 setauketlandscape.com ServingThreeVillages

BOB’SPAINTINGSERVICE 25YearsExperience. Interior/ExteriorPainting, Spackling,Staining,Wallpaper Removal,StainingandDeck RestorationPowerWashing. FreeEstimates.Lic/Ins.#17981. 631-744-8859

ARBOR-VISTATREECARE ACOMPLETETREECARE SERVICEdevotedtothecare oftrees.Maintenancepruning, water-viewwork,sun-trimming, elevating,poolareas,storm thinning,largetreeremoval, stumpgrinding.Woodchips. Lic#18902HI.Freeestimates. 631-246-5377

RANDALLBROTHERS TREESERVICE

LAMPSFIXED,$65. InHomeService!!Handy Howard.Mycell646-996-7628

Handyman Services

HANDYMANSERVICESAND PAINTING.Dependable,Honest,Professional.Nojobtoo small.CallSteve631-831-3089. SEEDISPLAYADFORMORE INFORMATION.

THEGENERACPWRcell,asolarplusbatterystoragesystem. SAVEmoney,reduceyourrelianceonthegrid,preparefor poweroutagesandpower yourhome.Fullinstallationservicesavailable.$0Down FinancingOption.Requesta FREE,noobligation,quotetoday.Call1-888-871-0194

TIMES BEACON

SWANCOVE LANDSCAPING LawnMaintenance,Cleanups,Shrub/TreePruning, Removals.LandscapeDesign/ Installation,Ponds/Waterfalls, StoneWalls.Firewood.Free estimates.Lic/Ins.631-6898089

Landscape Materials

SCREENEDTOPSOIL Mulch,compost,decorative anddrivewaystone,concrete pavers,sand/block/portland. Fertilizerandseed. JOS.M.TROFFA MATERIALSCORP. 631-928-4665,www.troffa.com

LAROTONDA PAINTING&DESIGN Interior/exterior,sheetrock repairs,taping/spackling,wallpaperremoval,faux,decorative finishings.Freeestimates.Lic. #53278-H/Ins.RossLaRotonda 631-689-5998

Planting,pruning,removals, stumpgrinding.FreeEstimates. Fullyinsured. LIC#50701-H.631-862-9291

WORTHPAINTING “PAINTINGWITHPRIDE” Interiors/exteriors.Staining& deckrestoration,powerwashing,wallpaperremoval, sheetrocktape/spackling, carpentry/trimwork.Leadpaint certified.References.Freeestimates.Lic./Ins.SINCE1989 RyanSouthworth. SEEDISPLAYADFORMOREINFO 631-331-5556

SUNBURSTTREE EXPERTS Since1974,ourhistoryofcustomersatisfactionissecondto none.Pruning/removals/ planting,planthealthcare. Insect/DiseaseManagement. ASKABOUTGYPSYMOTH ANDTICKSPRAYS Bondedemployees.Lic/Ins. #8864HI631-744-1577

TIMES

REAL ESTATE

Rentals

PUBLISHERS’NOTICE

AllrealestateadvertisedhereinissubjecttotheFederalFair HousingAct,whichmakesit illegaltoadvertise“anypreference,limitation,ordiscriminationbecauseofrace,color,religion,sex,handicap,familial status,ornationalorigin,orintentiontomakeanysuchpreference,limitation,ordiscrimination.”

Wewillnotknowinglyaccept anyadvertisingforrealestate whichisinviolationofthelaw. Allpersonsareherebyinformedthatalldwellings advertisedareavailableonanequal opportunitybasis.

LIVEINACOUNTRYCLUB

YES!BrettonWoodsoffersclubhouse,golfcourse,indoorand outdoorpools,tennis,restaurantsandactivities.1,2,3bedroomcondosfrom$290,000, Rentalsalsoavailable, StrathmoreEastEquities 631-698-3400.

Offices

OFFICESPACE

Inpsychotherapysuite,Heritage Square,Setauket,Private waitingroom.631-751-4152

SETAUKETHighVisibility,25A, cornerofficesuitewithlarge plateglasswindow,privatebath, ownthermostat,nicelydecorated,offstreetparking,Village TimesBuilding,Call 631-751-7744.

space

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

For

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

Sticking with Fitzpatrick

We are endorsing Michael Fitzpatrick for New York’s 8th Assembly District. Like us, the assemblyman was disappointed that he didn’t have an active opponent in the campaign, and he said he likes discussing local issues, debating and having the exchange of ideas that come from such meetings.

Fitzpatrick steps up to the plate time and time again and looks out for the district. He has made this evident in the past with supporting sewer installation in the Town of Smithtown, supporting bills to curb the heroin problem in Suffolk County and for a 2% tax levy increase cap for school districts to limit spending.

His idea to make State University of New York a national brand by changing the name

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.

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.

to University of New York, and making Stony Brook University the flagship of such a brand will give the Seawolves a chance to be part of the Top 10. The idea is an example of how his decades of experience has enabled him to look at the larger picture as such a move can bring economic benefits to our area of Long Island.

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

Endorsements 2022

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.

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.

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 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.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

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.

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 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.

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.

Award-

Year