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2024 Elections

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By Karen Anderson

Having worked for the Board of Elections on Election Day for almost 20 years, I have done the training and seen the efforts for keeping our elections safe and secure. The general public needs to know what goes into making our voting systems work to give them confidence in the system.

All poll workers must go through training each year. This refreshes memories and introduces any changes and new procedures for each election year. They work as a bipartisan team through every aspect of the election. There is a great deal of paperwork involved in opening and closing the polls.

All election equipment is tested by the Board of Elections before the election to be sure it meets security standards and that the machines are accurately counting ballots. There are security seals on all vulnerable parts of the machines that could be opened. These seals must be checked and recorded to prove that the machines were not compromised. An opening tape is printed to assure that no votes were cast before the polls opened. This tape must read zero votes ensuring that the machines are ready for the public to begin voting. All the paperwork must be signed or initialed by a bipartisan team.

If any voters are not found in the data base at check-in or another question comes up about their ability to vote they may not vote on the machines. They are not turned away. They may still vote. They are directed to the Coordinator to vote by affidavit. The Coordinator gives them a letter from the Board of Elections explaining why they are getting an affidavit ballot. They are given an envelope to fill out. It’s similar to a voter registration form. Once it is completed, the information is checked on the poll pad. A receipt is generated and the voter receives an affidavit ballot to fill out by hand. 

The completed ballot is put in the envelope by the voter. The voter seals the envelope and a bipartisan team initials the envelope. All affidavit ballot envelopes are sealed in a secure pouch which goes to the Board of Elections at the end of the night along with all the other ballots. The Board of Elections checks these ballots to ensure that  the voter is eligible to cast a ballot in the election. The voter receives a letter from the Board stating whether or not the vote was considered valid and counted.

When the polls close, more paperwork needs to be done. Every ballot that was used that day must be accounted for. Sometimes voters make a mistake and ask for a new ballot. Voters get 3 chances to mark their ballot. Any ballot that is spoiled is put in another pouch to be turned in at the end of the day. Each election district must account for every ballot used that day by their district. Then the Coordinator does accounting for the ballots used in all districts at that polling location. Once again the seals on the machines must be checked and recorded. As with everything else, all paperwork is signed or initialed by a bipartisan team. 

The closing poll process takes 30 minutes or more. Everything is packed securely, sealed and returned to the local Board of Elections. Everything is rechecked, reviewed and audited by the local Board of Elections, which then sends the results to the State Board of Elections. The State conducts another review before finally certifying the results. At all levels, a bipartisan panel does the work of certifying the election results. The State stores all paper ballots and other records for 2 years following the election. The ballot storage box is stored in a secure location.

Poll workers do their best to ensure that our elections are safe and secure. They take their responsibilities seriously, believe in our elections and cherish our democracy and the right to vote. They hope all eligible voters come out to make their voices heard. Voting is the right of every American. It is a privilege envied by many people over the world. And it is every citizen’s responsibility.

VOTE!

Karen Anderson is a member of the leadership team of the League of Women Voters of Smithtown a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

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AI generated photo of voters at the ballot box. Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

With the rematch between President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 78, no longer a possibility, local and national Democrats are tapping into a renewed political energy.

After President Biden announced that he was ending his bid for a second term and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, democrats not only contributed a record amount of money to the likely presidential candidate, but also showed more interest in local races.

“People are excited to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” said John Avlon, who is running against Nick LaLota to join the House of Representatives for New York’s 1st Congressional District. “We’ve seen an increase even over typical levels in both volunteerism and donations in the last 24 hours.”

Avlon suggested that the feeling on the ground has changed fundamentally, with Democrats becoming more “fired up” about the prospects in the White House and in the House of Representatives, where toss-up seats like the first congressional district could determine which party has a majority.

A potential repeat of the contested 2020 election had made many democrats uneasy, particularly after a disastrous debate performance by Biden, who validated concerns about his age with awkward silences and uninspiring replies.

The likely ascendance of Vice President Harris, who received endorsements even from those considered potential candidates for president and who has secured enough delegates to be the Democratic nominee, has generated attention and interest among the voting public and has raised the prospect for greater voter turnout in an election that is just over 100 days away.

The change at the top of the ticket provides a “good opportunity to engage voters even beyond the Democratic party,” said Rebecca Kassay, the Democratic candidate for state Assembly District 4, who is running against Republican Ed Flood. She feels the focus on politics from the president to local elections has given her more of an opening to speak with independents and unaffiliated voters and get their thoughts on local issues.

The increased energy and interest around politics, where people in supermarkets, restaurants, gyms and coffee houses are suddenly eager to discuss the changing landscape at the national level, has provided a “great opportunity for local candidates to not have to worry about exciting democrats,” which gives them a chance to reach out to unaffiliated voters and republicans who might consider voting for a democrat, said Keith Davies, Suffolk County Democratic Committee campaign manager.

Davies added that candidates don’t have to spend as much time fielding questions about President Biden’s cognitive abilities.

To be sure, Avlon acknowledged that the political winds, at a local and national level, are bound to blow in different directions as the election approaches.

“There will be good and bad days ahead,” he said. “We shouldn’t over index any one moment.”

Kassay added that the national winds can blow one way or another, with little local control.

Nonetheless, local democratic leaders suggested that this unprecedented decision by an incumbent president, occurring so close to the election, and the immediate effort to rally around Harris and to come together before the Democratic National Convention creates positive momentum.

A new energy

Local democratic politicians appreciated Biden’s efforts to build infrastructure, to lead a coalition to repel Russia’s aggression in the Ukraine and to continue to build jobs in a post-Covid economy.

“There was so much hand wringing because people were saying, at the same time, that Joe Biden did a great job,” but they weren’t confident in his ability to lead for another four years, said Brookhaven Town Councilmember, Jonathan Kornreich. Biden “made this rather courageous decision” to end his campaign.

The effect has been to inspire the democratic political base.

“Everybody who I talked to is energized,” said Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator for the 5th Legislative District. “The implication is that we’ll have enthusiasm and interest, and that will translate into strong turnout.”

Englebright suggested that the number of democratic voters has wider swings in turnout than the number of republican voters, with democrats varying by as much as 30 percent, or more.

Democrats around Suffolk County not only expect higher voter turnout, but also anticipate that more voters would listen to the candidate platforms and make informed decisions.

“There’s a new sense of optimism and that’s palpable,” said Englebright. “That’s going to translate into more people participating and getting involved.”

Higher voter turnout also means that residents can vote on two propositions that will be a part of the 2024 ballot in New York.

The first would add protection against various forms of discrimination, such as sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy, to the state constitution. The second would extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program. This proposal would establish a Water Quality Restoration Fund, that would be supported by a sales and use tax of 1/8 of a percent.

Female candidates

Democratic leaders were also excited to support the second woman to run for president, after Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful 2016 campaign against Trump.

“I see the ascension of a democratic candidate at the top of the ticket, who is a woman of color, a woman of substance, in terms of her accomplishments, as validating the idea that women are equally ready” to serve in any political office, said Englebright.

Kassay is excited to be on the same ballot with other women, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, state Senate District 1 candidate Sarah Anker and Harris.

“I’m energized and inspired to be running with our first potential female president,” said Kassay. “That, for me, is an honor and historic.”

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By Toni-Elena Gallo

With President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign, major players in the Democratic Party, including the president, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presumptive presidential candidate.

As a result, TBR News Media had a question for locals: “How will this change impact the race to the presidency?”

— Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo

Kaylee and Emily, Ronkonkoma

Both girls expressed shock, but excitement, at the decision.

“I couldn’t believe it, I just found out,” Emily said.

Kaylee thinks that Harris’ presidential bid has given hesitant voters an “opportunity” to vote for a candidate possibly more competent than Biden, and more competent and likable than former President Donald Trump (R).

“Kamala running has made this election more competitive and serious than before,” she added.

Kaylee also voiced that she thinks Harris will “surprise people” during the upcoming debates with her intelligence.

Vic and Sheila Meneghini, Ronkonkoma

Grandparents to Smithtown school district students, Vic and Sheila Meneghini expressed the opinion that if “Kamala stays the nominee, there won’t be much of a difference [in voter choice] because of her alignment with Biden.”

They think that more women may vote, as Harris has the chance to be our first woman president.

The couple, additionally, shared that voting for Harris will probably be more enticing than voting for Biden, if you are a Democrat, which will affect some change, regarding voting turnout.

Vic, however, doesn’t think there’ll be much movement in voting, “as people have already made up their minds” if they are going to vote Democrat or Republican.

Vic and Sheila declined for their picture to be taken or other personal information to be included.

Eric and Cole, Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Eric, a Stony Brook University visitor, is “glad someone [who is of advancing years] isn’t going to be in office anymore. But, I don’t really have a big political view.”

As someone in his 20s, he would appreciate younger presidential options.

In addition, Eric feels people are likely to vote for the wrong or shallow reasons — because they view the election as a popularity contest, don’t like the candidates as people, and vice versa.

He wants to see people focus “on the issues,” as he is a “middle-class guy” who wants to live a decent and prosperous life.

Neither candidate “is doing anything to help me, right now,” he said.

Cole echoed his friend Eric’s sentiments, saying, “It is interesting to have a different face, who is not as old, and will stir the pot a little bit. But whatever these candidates do is not really going to affect my day-to-day life much at the end of the day.”

David, Long Island

David thinks that this change will encourage “more women and people of color to vote.”

Also, he expressed that making Harris the Democratic nominee “will give the [party] a better chance of beating Trump,” but he does not foresee any major developments coming in the wake of Biden’s decision.

David declined for his picture to be taken or other personal information to be included.

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By Nancy Marr

Have you ever thought about the ways that our country might change if everybody voted? If all the citizens, young and old, could register their opinions by going to the polls?  Where could we start to make that happen?

It has been estimated that by February 2024 a total of 91,089 New York State teens have pre-registered to vote, an increase of 11.4% since February 2023. The Civics Center (www.thecivicscenter.org) pointed out that represents fewer than 20% of the state’s age-eligible teens (New York State allows teens to pre-register at 16, although they do not vote until they are 18).  

We commend NYS Senator Shelley Mayer from White Plains for writing legislation, New York State Election Law 5-507, signed by Governor Hochul, requiring NYS  high schools and boards of education to adopt policies and procedures by July 1, 2024, to promote student registration. Schools are asked to provide registration access, information and assistance during the school year.

In school districts in New York State, students may work to earn a Seal of Civic Readiness. They learn how to identify and address problems in their community or school and earn at least two points in Civic Knowledge and two points in Civic Participation. Students may also earn points by completing a middle school Capstone project or a high school Capstone project. 

What other methods have high schools and colleges found to be successful in increasing voter registration? In many schools a Civics Day in high schools and middle schools highlights the importance of voting and preparing to vote. In many schools, social studies teachers plan their curriculum around the importance of voting, and offer opportunities to register in school. Many college students arrive at their school already registered. 

But for many students, voting is too abstract. They are more likely to register if they see evidence that their vote might address a problem that they know of. Generation Citizen, a nonprofit organization that works with schools, has been successful in leading student efforts to pinpoint problems in their school or community and find ways to correct them. The students research the source of the problem, and possible solutions, sharing their findings with the student body and faculty. Most often they learn which public officials could help them, and how to reach them.

They learn that they can contribute to a better environment for their school or community through their study and actions, and show other students that they can make a difference. The students in the Patchogue-Medford High School were successful in adding sidewalks in front of their high school.

Most important, perhaps, are efforts to involve young people in speaking up about issues that affect the residents in their community. For instance, a Youth Advisory Board was formed in Islip in 2022 to address the pressing issue of youth disengagement in Brentwood, Central Islip, and North Bay Shore. 

Led by the board of their peers, they have held Youth Town Halls to address the issues of climate change and climate justice, and advocated for a local skate board park. Recently, knowing that many college students from families with low incomes rely on the New York State TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), they led, and won, a campaign to raise the TAP stipends each year. 

Gathering support from other students by working through social media, they made contact with NYS Assemblymembers Phil Ramos and Patricia Fahy and NYS Senator Monica Martinez, convincing the state legislators to raise the family eligibility level for TAP from $80,000 to $125,000 and the amount of the awards to at least $1000. In May, the Youth Advisory Board partnered with the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation to present information on the TAP program at a Youth Town Hall meeting at Brentwood High School.  

In each of our communities we need to reach out to the members of the Board of Education to remind them that we support more civic education in our schools, especially the New York State recommendation that schools find ways to encourage and provide registration opportunities for eligible students.                  

Nancy Marr is Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County. For more information, call 631-862-6860.

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By Ava Himmelsbach

Among growing anticipation to hear the plans and propositions of the United States presidential candidates, the long-awaited first presidential debate for the 2024 election is scheduled to take place this Thursday, June 27.

With this political face-off right around the corner, TBR had a question for locals: “What topics would you like to see addressed in Thursday’s presidential debate?”

Photos by Ava Himmelsbach

Muriel and Patricia, Smithtown 

Muriel and Patricia are interested to see how the candidates will address various relevant topics. “Well, number one is immigration,” Patricia mentioned. “Climate control is important,” Muriel later brought up.

Additionally, Muriel and Patricia shared that they would like to hear about the economy in the presidential debate. They are curious to hear how the candidates will speak about topics such as the housing market, Wall Street and student loans.

Barbara Thompson and Kevin Thompson, Islip

Barbara Thompson and Kevin Thompson, Former Islip residents now residing in Florida. They hope to hear conversations free of banter and full of respect in the upcoming debate. “There should always be things on the docket regarding our educational systems and our welfare systems, of course,” Kevin noted. “And the subject of firearms, it’s all a very debatable thing, but no one seems to be making any decisions regarding it. They all seem to be fighting over it.” Barbara added that she and Kevin now reside close to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, a place devastated by a mass shooting in 2018. This tragedy has contributed to their attention to the topic of firearm ownership.

Among these concerns and curiosities involving the topic of firearms, Barbara and Kevin also stated that they hope Thursday’s debate includes topics of social security for the future, welfare for the elderly and aid for immigration.

Nancy and Paul

Nancy and Paul highlighted their interest in topics related to immigration and the economy, as well as oil and its sources. They are both curious to see how the subject of the economy will be addressed in the debate. Paul specified that he is interested to hear more about economic changes that may arise under the elected candidate. 

Nancy and Paul declined for their picture to be taken or other personal information to be included.

Mike and Kristen, Port Jefferson 

Mike emphasized “dealing with foreign affairs” as the primary topic that he hopes is discussed in the debate. He mentioned the need for attention toward the country’s global relations, noting his interest in “strengthening our relationships overseas” and “eliminating the possibilities of going to war.”

“Mental health concerns for everyone should be covered,” added Kristen. They both agreed that access to health care, including care for mental health, should be addressed.

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By  Aidan Johnson and Samantha Rutt

Former CNN anchor John Avlon will face off against incumbent Congressman Nick LaLota (R) on Election Day, Nov. 5, after winning the Democratic primary for New York’s 1st Congressional District on June 25. Avlon garnered over 70% of the vote, with 19,026 votes in a landslide victory against opponent Nancy Goroff, former chair of the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, who received 8,053 votes. There were 58 write-in votes.

The race saw its fair share of contentious moments, with Avlon and political action committees supporting him attacking Goroff on her loss in the 2020 congressional election against Rep. Lee Zeldin (R). Meanwhile, Goroff and PACs supporting her criticized Avlon on his past work for Republicans, including with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

In a speech after the results, Avlon thanked his supporters and said the next stage of the campaign has started “right now.”

He also stated that it was important to reach out to independent and center-right voters, saying most Americans want “reasoning together over a common set of facts to solve the common problems we face.”

“I’ve always believed that politics is history in the present tense, and that this is our chance to write a new chapter of the American story,” he said.

In a statement, Goroff congratulated Avlon and called for Democrats to “come together to defeat Nick LaLota and flip this seat in November,” adding that Avlon will be “a commonsense voice for the people of Suffolk in Washington and a vast improvement over LaLota, who has proven to be far too extreme for this district.”

“The people of Suffolk deserve a representative who will work hard and find solutions to the major problems facing our community, and that is John Avlon,” she said.

Kassay triumphs

In the race for the state 4th Assembly District, Rebecca Kassay, business owner, environmentalist and former deputy mayor of Port Jefferson Village, garnered nearly 64% of the vote with 3,395, outpacing opponent Skyler Johnson, who received 1,909 votes. There were 11 write-in votes.

“In this pivotal moment for our communities and our government, I am grateful to have earned the trust of voters here in Assembly District 4,” Kassay said in a statement following the election announcement. “I am entirely committed to the tireless work required to lead our district and our state through unprecedented challenges. In the thousands of conversations at the doors of district residents, one thing was clear: People want their government to focus on delivering for their communities instead of being distracted by divisive politics-as-usual.”

Kassay congratulated opponent Johnson on his campaign.

“I commend Skyler Johnson and his team for their work energizing voters and engaging more residents in the important issues facing our communities. Primary elections can be divisive, and we are grateful to have shared a positive, message-based primary here in Assembly District 4.”

Johnson congratulated Kassay on her win and has since offered his support for her continued campaign. 

“I’d like to congratulate Rebecca Kassay on her win. There is a lot at stake in New York – and all that matters is defeating anti-choice, anti-Democracy politicians in November. Rebecca has my full support in this mission,” Johnson said in a statement following the election results.

The primary elections have set the stage for a dynamic and competitive general election. Avlon’s decisive victory in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District demonstrates a strong mandate from his party, positioning him to challenge LaLota in November. Avlon’s call for unity and outreach to a broad spectrum of voters highlights his strategy for the upcoming campaign. 

Meanwhile, Kassay’s success in the 4th Assembly District primary reflects her commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering positive political engagement as she attempts to unseat incumbent Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson).

As both Avlon and Kassay prepare for the next phase of their campaigns, their focus on commonsense solutions and effective leadership will be critical in their bids to represent the people of Suffolk County.

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Marie Parziale, Xena Ugrinsky and Kyle Hill outside the polling site on June 18. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Aidan Johnson

Kyle Hill and Xena Ugrinsky will join the Port Jefferson Village Board of Trustees after winning the June 18 election, receiving 796 and 673 votes, respectively.

“What an outstanding turnout from Port Jefferson voters yesterday,” Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow said. “We are very passionate about our elections!” 

The race saw three candidates—Hill, Ugrinsky and Port Jefferson resident Marie Parziale—compete for two open seats, replacing Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and Village Trustee Drew Biondo. Parziale finished in third place with 449 votes.

Additionally, 90 write-in votes were cast, including for names such as former Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden, former Village Mayor Hal Sheprow, Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee Chair Anthony Portesy.

“I congratulate Xena and Kyle on their victories and look forward to working with them starting with our first meeting as a Board on July 1,” Sheprow said in a statement. “We have a lot of work to do! I know Xena will hit the ground running and I look forward to getting to know Kyle and hearing more about what he would like to contribute as a Trustee.”

In an interview after the results were announced, Hill expressed gratitude for the support he received.

“I feel like our campaign was really about reaching out to folks that are in the village, not on social media, and really just want to see the place as great as it can be. Having those conversations face to face with folks was a great experience,” Hill said.

“I’m excited to work with the entire board and mayor and looking forward to all the great things that we can do together,” he added.

In a speech to her supporters, Ugrinsky also expressed appreciation for the support and help she received.

“I promise that I will do my best to try and solve some of these problems, and I don’t care if it takes two years, six years, or ten years,” Ugrinsky said. “Even if there’s a term limit, I’m here as a resident; I care so deeply about this village, and I hope to make you all proud.”

In a statement, Parziale congratulated Hill and Ugrinsky on their win, saying she looks “forward to the positive changes you will bring.”

“I remain dedicated to uniting our community and encouraging participation in the village’s ‘Make a Difference’ committees. Additionally, I am committed to advancing the uptown economic development plan and am honored to have accepted the chair of the committee,” Parziale stated.

The last meeting of the current village board will be on June 26 and the swearing-in ceremony will take place on July 4.

 

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Trustee candidates Kyle Hill, Marie Parziale, and Xena Ugrinsky sit before the audience at the Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, June 11. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Aidan Johnson

The Port Jefferson Village trustee candidates — Xena Ugrinsky, Kyle Hill, and Marie Parziale — participated in a meet-the-candidates night at the Village Center June 11. The event was sponsored by the local chamber of commerce and the civic association. Two of the candidates will be elected, replacing Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and trustee Drew Biondo.

Introductions

Ugrinsky, who has lived in Port Jefferson for 12 years, said she feels “a deep connection to the [maritime] culture.” She has been an “active participant” in the trustee meetings over the past two years, led the election task force, sits on the budget and finance committee, and chairs the Port Jeff Power Plant Working Group. For three decades, she has had a career in finance, technology and the energy sector.

Parziale, who has lived in Port Jefferson for 29 years, works as the senior alumni career coach at Stony Brook University. She described her “superpower” as “connecting with people, seeing the best in them, and linking them with opportunities.” She also said that to solve Port Jefferson’s problems, “we need a long-term strategic plan and we must be part of the process,” and emphasized “the ability for our leaders to bring stakeholders and experts together to find solutions.”

Hill, who grew up in Farmingville and currently lives in Port Jefferson with his partner, said that he’s “been coming down to Port Jeff ever since I had my learner’s permit.” After finishing his master’s at Stony Brook University, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years, “advancing mostly bipartisan policy projects.” He is a volunteer EMT with the Port Jefferson EMS and served on Port Jefferson’s election task force, where they “recommended leaving the term lengths at two years and also recommended adding term limits to the mayor’s office.”

Issues facing Port Jefferson

Parziale wants to hear “more of what the solutions are that the school district’s coming up with and have them present them to us.” She also sees flooding as a major issue, as well as the East Beach bluff, saying that a vote on the project was needed before continuing to phase two, and it was necessary to figure out why phase one did not work.

Hill believes that flooding is a main issue, especially in terms of the firehouse due to “incidents where they can’t get their trucks out” and having their equipment damaged. He also believes the bluff is “a true disaster waiting to happen,” saying he was the first candidate to call for a referendum on the future of bluff spending.

Ugrinsky said, “We can’t fix the school district’s problems,” but the trustees can help by solving the power plant’s problems, “which delivers revenue to the schools.” She additionally cited flooding as a main issue, saying that “we have a lot of residents who have experience in this area or problems that have already been solved.” She agrees that a referendum for the bluff is needed, and said that development was a main issue: “We really need to figure out how we preserve our maritime culture.”

Maryhaven property

Parziale said that Beechwood Homes is in discussion over the Maryhaven property, but nothing has been finalized. However, she would like to see starter homes built there “so that we have something that’s affordable for our young people,” adding that this could attract families with students.

Hill said that preserving the “historic nature of Port Jeff” is the most ideal choice, adding that “it would be great if we had seniors condos in just that building.” He also said that St. Charles is not “being the best neighbor in maintaining that property,” as he’s been hearing that the area has break-ins. He noted that the area is already zoned for housing, and it is only a board issue if there’s a zone change.

Ugrinsky said that it was important that any residences would be tax-paying residents, and that the developer does a traffic, water and sewer assessment before breaking ground.

Environment and development

Hill wants to “preserve every inch of open space that we have left in this village,” which can also be done by partnering with the hospitals to preserve their open space as well, and “encourage them not to just make more parking lots, but to find other solutions.” He said that there wasn’t much of a choice but to preserve open space, because the more space gets blacktopped over, the fewer places there are for the flooding to go.

Ugrinsky agreed that preserving the green space is necessary to help soak up the water. She also said that evaluation of the underground springs is needed, noting that some of the pipes underground “are too skinny for the volume of the water that’s going through, nor have they been cleaned in decades.” She added, “We need to develop smartly, with foot traffic, where stores can be put.”

Parziale said that the environment and development need to have a “very delicate balance between the two.” She is also for as much green space as possible, and for smart development, saying, “We need to work closely with our developers so that they’re giving back some of that space, and they’re doing the right thing with the property in all ways, including traffic, water, sewer and green space for people that are living in those spaces.”

Fiscal responsibility

Hill said that it was important to come up with ways to offset resident taxes, “and that’s making sure that our commercial areas are thriving, and taking advantage of things like metered parking,” which he said brings in the most revenue to the village after taxes. He said it was important to bring in revenue from more than just the residents, which would help to have “a more successful village, and people are going to want to be here.”

Ugrinsky said that “every municipality in the United States is dealing with declining revenues and increasing costs while trying to serve their populations.” She said that the village should look at the contracts it has in place, and that “there may be volume buying opportunities that people just have not had the time to look at.” She added that they should “stop bonds happening to us and really get the population involved with how we’re going to spend.”

Parziale said that she agreed with Ugrinsky on this topic.

The election is on Tuesday, June 18. Voting will take place at the Village Center from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Marie Parziale. Photo courtesy of Parziale

By Aidan Johnson

Port Jefferson resident Marie Parziale is running for the village board of trustees. Also known as Marie Johs — though her name will appear as “Marie Parziale” on the ballot — she announced her bid on May 29. She has been a resident of Port Jefferson since 1995 and works as the senior alumni career coach at Stony Brook University, along with being an elder and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Port Jefferson.

In an interview, she recounted how she got involved with the village early into her residency.

“I was lucky enough to have [former mayor] Jeanne Garant living a few doors down [from me], and we had a neighborhood community association. Of course, Jeanne was involved, and I jumped right in,” Parziale said, also describing how she helped on Garant’s mayoral campaign.

Parziale also took pride in discussing how she was part of the committee that worked with the architect that designed the inside of the Village Center, along with being on the parking committee and Vision 2010, a committee created to envision and discuss the goals and future of Port Jefferson by the year 2030.

“When I look back at the happiest times in my life I’m giving,” she said. “I really wanted to jump right back and do community work.”

One of her biggest issues is the revitalization of the downtown and uptown areas of Port Jefferson.

“I work at Stony Brook, and the person who hired me is the vice president of student affairs now, so he oversees residential life, and we have an issue there that there’s not enough housing for students. Upper Port is one stop away [on the Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Rail Road],” Parziale said.

She explained her vision of providing a place for graduate students in the uptown area, which would allow more room on the Stony Brook University campus for first- and second-year students.

“What’s missing in this village up there is … a good, vibrant energy, a young energy,” Parziale said, describing an area that would include coffee shops and bookstores.

Parziale also said that a stronger village police presence was needed in the Upper Port area.

“If code had a presence up there, there would be a level of safety, and then people will be willing to come in and invest. I know the developers are building, but we don’t want empty shops like we have down here,” she said.

Parziale praised Mayor Lauren Sheprow for “keeping us up to date on her promises,” though the candidate expressed a need to better amplify this to the community.

“I think what maybe could be better is that she’s got some wonderful things on the website that’s explaining it, but it sounds like people aren’t going there, so maybe a little bit better PR [to be able to] better amplify all that’s being done.”

Parziale is joined by two other candidates for village trustee, Xena Ugrinsky and Kyle Hill, for the two open seats. A meet the candidates night for the three candidates will take place on June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center.

The election is on Tuesday, June 18, at the Village Center from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Pixabay photo

By Samantha Rutt

In a move to address environmental concerns on Long Island, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed the Suffolk County Water Restoration Act. This legislation grants county officials the authority to present a proposal to voters, seeking approval for a 0.0125% increase in the county sales tax. The revenue from this tax hike is earmarked for sewer expansion projects and the replacement of nitrogen-polluting septic systems with advanced clean water technology.

The act, sponsored by state Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), is projected to generate between $3 billion and $4 billion in new funding dedicated to water quality improvements. These funds will be divided between expanding sewer infrastructure and upgrading outdated cesspools and septic systems with modern, nitrogen-removing technologies. This initiative aims to combat nitrogen pollution, which poses a severe threat to the region’s ground and surface waters.

“Today, we have given authorization for the voters of Suffolk County to decide how best to address the impacts of nitrogen pollution,” Martinez said in a statement. “This serious threat to our region’s ground and surface waters is reversible, but only by making investments in the technology and infrastructure needed to stop its release into the environment. I am proud to have had this once-in-a-generation opportunity to sponsor legislation that addresses one of Long Island’s greatest environmental challenges, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support.”

Governor Hochul’s presence represents the importance of the legislation, which passed the New York State Assembly unanimously in April and subsequently cleared the state Senate with a 57-1 vote. The bill’s progression to the governor’s desk highlights the urgency felt by legislators, environmental advocates and the community regarding the need for decisive action on water quality issues.

David Ansel, vice president of water protection at Save the Sound, expressed his enthusiasm for the legislation in a statement: “We are thrilled that Governor Hochul made signing the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act such a priority, and appreciate that she came to Long Island to showcase the importance of this legislation. We appreciate the leadership and commitment of Assemblyman Fred Thiele [D-Sag Harbor] and Senator Monica Martinez, who sponsored the bill in their respective chambers, as well as the overwhelming bipartisan support of the New York State Legislature.”

The next step lies with the Suffolk County Legislature, which is expected to convene on June 4 to discuss and potentially approve placing the funding program on the November ballot. Last year, a similar measure failed to reach voters due to disagreements among lawmakers over the allocation of funds for sewer and septic system projects.

If the referendum passes, the Suffolk County water restoration sales tax will remain in effect until 2060, providing long-term funding for essential water quality improvements. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for county residents to invest in the health and sustainability of their local environment.

Ansel added, “Now, we look forward to the Suffolk County Legislature taking the necessary next steps to ensure the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is added to the November ballot, giving county voters a voice in their clean water future. So much work remains to be done to protect Long Island Sound, its rivers and streams, and Suffolk County’s groundwater from the degrading effects of nitrogen pollution. But for the first time in decades, we are making progress toward addressing this long-standing problem in a meaningful way.”

As the county Legislature prepares for this critical vote, the collaboration between state and local leaders, environmental advocates and the community underscores a shared commitment to preserving Long Island’s precious water resources for future generations.

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