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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

By Lisa Scott

Federal priorities and legislation will be markedly different in 2025. Donald Trump received 55% of Suffolk County votes for President, and both CD1 and CD2 Republican members of Congress were re-elected. (CD3 includes a very small part of northwestern Huntington, and re-elected their Democratic member of Congress). As we move through the coming year, it will be very important to stay in touch with your Congressional representative and express your opinions. If you are not sure of your CD or other elected officials, go to https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ and all your representative districts will be listed.

However, much of what affects our day-to-day lives is determined by New York State, Suffolk County and the 10 Towns that comprise Suffolk so our focus for 2025 should be familiarizing ourselves with local issues  and finances, and making our voices heard on these local levels. 

Suffolk County (according to the 2020 census) has a population of 1.5 million (578,940 households), with a 2024 Operating Budget Revenue of $5.172 billion and 2024 Operating Budget Expenditures of $4.133 billion. The taxable full valuation of property in the county is $405.5 billion. 

Revenue comes from property taxes, sales tax, state aid, federal aid, and other sources. The revenue stream included in the budget is only an estimate of the amounts that can be anticipated. If retail sales fall, the 8.625% sales tax yield will not be as great as anticipated. Similarly, if homeowners and business owners do not promptly pay their property tax, there is a shortfall. The county may borrow money in anticipation of receiving this revenue; therefore, debt service may be required because of this borrowing. 

Expenditures are for personnel, debt service, and a wide variety of services, such as police, education and economic assistance. About 39% of the $4.1 billion budget is mandated by various state and federal government programs, such as Medicaid, which restricts the freedom of the county to apportion expenditures. The remainder is “discretionary.”

Suffolk County’s proposed 2025 budget includes a tax increase for most homeowners, expected to average about $49 per home in Huntington, Smithtown and Brookhaven. The increase resulted from a shortfall in expected sales tax receipts, about $50 million less this year than what was projected, pension costs went up by about $43 million and health care costs went up by $66 million. Also Suffolk voters approved a clean water proposition in 2024; sales taxes will increase in March from 8.625% to 8.75%  (about 12 cents on a $100 purchase or $1.25 on a $1,000 purchase). 

Ed Romaine is our Suffolk County Executive ([email protected]) elected for a 4 year term. Other elected county-wide offices include Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr.  ([email protected]), Clerk Vincent Puleo ([email protected]), District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney ([email protected]) and Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. (suffolk.sheriff@suffolkcounty ny.gov). 

There also is an 18 member Suffolk County Legislature, serving 2 year elected terms (term is limited to 12 years in office for all legislators). To find your SC Legislative District, go to https://www.scnylegislature.us/ and click on Find Your Representative. Then read up on your county legislator, find out what their priorities are and whether those are your priorities too. The General and committee meeting schedules are on the website, along with meeting minutes.

There are 13 committees which meet the week before each general (monthly) meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature to discuss proposed bills and issues and decide what moves forward to the full legislature. For example, the Veterans committee and Environment, Parks & Agriculture meet on Monday mornings, Economic Development, Planning and Housing on Wednesday afternoons and Public Safety on Thursday mornings. 

Since there are 10 Towns in Suffolk, and many incorporated Villages, there are other levels of representation, ordinances and codes. Concerned citizens need to navigate these levels and establish relationships with all your elected officials, so that when a question or issue arises, you are aware of which level of government has responsibility. Remember that elected officials work for YOU, and if you do not communicate clearly and responsibly your message will not receive the attention and response it deserves. 

To learn more about those who represent Suffolk County residents on every level of government and how to reach them, the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County issues an annual Directory of Public Officials in March, available online and as a pdf in English and in Spanish at https://my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

Lisa Scott is president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, 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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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On November 30, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (third from left), New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (left) and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (right) were guests at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for new Eagle Scout, Carrie Davis (second from left) from Troop 2019.  She is the second young lady in the troop to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
For her Eagle Scout project, Carrie built bee houses at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai (next to her brother Larry’s Eagle Scout project) to support local pollinators, contribute to the health of the environment and enhance the community’s natural resources. Carrie also earned 20 additional merit badges while excelling in both school and sports—a testament to her determination, leadership, and character.
“I commend Carrie for the work that she has done to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Her leadership qualities, hard work and dedication to the community set a great example for her peers to follow. I look forward to all the great things that she will accomplish in the future,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

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Assemblywoman-elect, Rebecca Kassay. Courtesy www.facebook.com/kassayforassembly.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

After an extended vote-counting process, Rebecca Kassay has defeated incumbent Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson). Official results and certification are expected from the Board of Elections in the coming weeks. As of now, Kassay is leading Flood by 813 votes.

Kassay released a statement on her Facebook page Tuesday, Nov. 26, declaring victory in the race for New York State Assembly District 4. She wrote, “After a spirited campaign, I am declaring victory in the race for New York State Assembly District 4, having secured an insurmountable lead over my opponent, Ed Flood. Official results and certification are expected from the Board of Elections in the coming weeks.”

Kassay added, “I am heartened by our community’s trust in me to bring public service back to politics. It will be a great honor to represent District 4 in the New York State Assembly and to deliver resources to our communities. As discussed during civic debates and at residents’ doors throughout my campaign, I will serve with a community-up approach — one that prioritizes transparency, communication and meaningful action on pressing issues.”

Assemblywoman-elect Kassay has already begun laying the groundwork to ensure she and her team “hit the ground running and serve the district effectively on day one.”

“Throughout the coming weeks, I will be meeting with civic groups, school district representatives, nonprofits, first responders, local government officials and other community stakeholders to collaborate on the important work of shaping the projects and policies that will guide the district forward,” the statement continued.

Kassay invites residents or groups to connect with the incoming District 4 Assembly team by emailing [email protected].

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Gov. Hochul visits Stony Brook following Aug. 18 storm. File photo

By Lynn Hallarman

The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied requests from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Nov. 14 to provide funding assistance for Suffolk County homeowners impacted by the severe flooding this past August. 

Hochul requested disaster assistance from FEMA’s Public and Individual Assistance programs for Suffolk County in September in the wake of a relentless six-hour downpour in the early hours of Aug. 19. 

Floodwaters from almost 11 inches of rain destroyed roads and damaged numerous residences and businesses across the North Shore of Suffolk County. Multiple swift water rescues occurred in the Town of Brookhaven, and flooding caused a breach of the Mill Pond Dam in Stony Brook Village causing six families to be displaced. 

“Over 2,000 residents and business owners experienced flood damage in some capacity, and Stony Brook University had to relocate and/or shelter hundreds of students,” according to the statement released by the governor’s office shortly after the storm. 

President Joe Biden (D), in October, approved a major disaster declaration for New York State for recovery efforts. The federal funding supports emergency work and repair by local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations. 

However, this aid funding does not include flood damage repair for individual households. 

The November FEMA declaration denied Hochul’s request for aid to homeowners. 

“It was determined that the damage was not of severity and magnitude to warrant a Federal Declaration for Individual Assistance,” said a statement from FEMA.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY1) sent a letter to the governor on Nov. 20 urging her to appeal the decision to deny Individual Assistance to Suffolk County residents.

“Suffolk County families devastated by the August 18 flooding, cannot be left to shoulder the burden alone,” he said in the letter. 

“While the federal denial [for individual homeowners] was disappointing, we plan to appeal and will continue fighting to ensure storm-impacted residents have access to recovery resources,” said Gordon Tepper, Long Island press secretary for Hochul, in an email statement to TBR.

A local flood ordeal

Kellie Coppi, an East Setauket homeowner, describes a harrowing ordeal when her basement was rapidly flooded with six feet of stormwater the night of the storm. As she tried to soak up the water

Floodwater line in Coppi’s Basement after the night of the Aug. 8 storm. Photo courtesy Kellie Coppi

with towels, a sudden surge trapped her, her father and her dog in the basement. If not for her husband breaking down the basement door, they might have drowned.

Coppi’s father, who lives with her and her family, is recovering from recent cancer chemotherapy. In the flood, he lost his life-long belongings stored in the basement. 

“Everything in the entire finished basement had to go, and everything from my deceased mother, who passed away right before the flood,” she said. 

Coppi thought she would receive funding aid after FEMA officials made a visit to her house, but she has yet to hear back from them. 

“I thought that was a really good sign, because it was a whole team with jackets and everything, wow!” she said. She added, “They took pictures and checked the property. It seemed totally legit and that something was going to happen,” she said to TBR News Media. 

As a backup, Coppi applied for a $ 50,000 grant to the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Agency’s Resilient  & Ready Home Repair Program available to affected homeowners. 

“But that’s been even more challenging than FEMA,” she said. “They asked for every document under the sun.” 

Coppi made it to the second round but still has not heard any news from HCR. She does not know anyone in her community who received this funding, only those who were denied.

The application deadline was Nov. 8.

 According to Shachar Roloson, assistant director of communication for HCR, “a large number of applicants are still gathering documents or working with contractors to get repair estimates” in an email to TBR. 

“Over 600 applications were received on Long Island. Of those, 80 applications have been fully or conditionally approved to date,” said Roloson. 

TBR spoke with Brookhaven Town District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) about his efforts to advocate for local homeowners affected by flooding damage.

After speaking with residents, Kornreich estimates that at least 30 households in the Stony Brook area alone have tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to their homes. 

“There are people in our community who are suffering, and that is what I am focused on,” he said. 

Hochul has 30 days to appeal FEMA’s decision.

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Young horseshoe crabs at West Meadow Beach, Stony Brook. File photo

By Mallie Jane Kim

Legendary conservationist Jane Goodall added her voice to those asking Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to sign a bill that would prevent the harvest of horseshoe crabs in New York waters for biomedical or commercial fishing purposes.

Dr. Jane Goodall Photo courtesy of National Geographic

“As leaders, we have the unique ability to ensure that vulnerable species like the horseshoe crab, which has been part of our planet’s history for over 350 million years, are protected for future generations,” Goodall wrote in her plea to Hochul.

The Horseshoe Crab Protection Act passed the New York State Assembly and Senate last June, but the governor has yet to sign or veto it. If she does not sign the bill by the end of 2024, the bill is essentially vetoed and would have to go through the legislative process again next year. 

Local advocates and environmental groups who sent letters and organized postcard campaigns to motivate Hochul to call up the bill welcomed Goodall bringing her influence to the cause.  

“It’s a rare and special event when Dr. Goodall reaches out and requests New York help her in saving our planet’s endangered species,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “Governor Hochul should heed the wisdom and vision that Dr. Goodall provides and immediately sign this important legislation.”

The pioneering primatologist, who has dedicated her life and career to protecting wildlife and the environment, pointed out in her letter the role horseshoe crabs play in coastal ecosystems as well as the food chain for migratory birds such as red knots.

Horseshoe crabs are considered “living fossils” since they have been around an estimated 450 million years, and they are more closely related to scorpions and spiders than to crustaceans. The species, which is monitored and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, has seen a steady decline in recent decades.

Environmental advocates worry that since Connecticut and Massachusetts recently enacted stronger protections for horseshoe crabs and other neighboring states are considering rule changes, biomedical agencies may draw their attention to New York waters.

Currently the main harvesters of horseshoe crabs in New York waters are commercial fishermen, who use the animals as bait for eel and conch. 

Long Island fisheries and the Long Island Farm Bureau have asked the governor not to sign the bill as written, saying efforts in recent years to sustain the species — including limiting the annual total harvest of horseshoe crabs to 150,000 — need a chance to make a difference. They say the legislation is based on emotion rather than science.

“If [the agencies] felt that the horseshoe crab stock was in danger, we would hear about it first,” said Bonnie Brady, executive director of Montauk-based Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, in a previous conversation with TBR [“The bill has passed in Albany, but awaits governor’s signature,” Sept. 20, 2024]. “To use a law to regulate a fishery, when they are already regulated by appropriate bodies that have the science to back it, is just not the way to allow fisheries to survive.”

Goodall specifically addressed preventing the biomedical uses of horseshoe crabs’ blue blood and asserted that synthetic alternatives mean harvesting the animals is not as necessary for research and vaccine development. 

In her letter to Hochul, she appealed to a “shared sense of responsibility” for the natural world.

“I have devoted my life to preserving the planet,” Goodall wrote. “I hope together, we can make a lasting difference in this important corner of the world.”

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Left: Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-PortJefferson). Right: Rebecca Kassay. Courtesy Ed Flood and Rebecca Kassay for NYS Assembly's Facebook page

By Toni-Elena Gallo

In the wake of last Tuesday’s election, the race for NYS Assembly District 4 remains to be called.

With mail-in ballots still being counted, there is no exact timeline for when results will be in.

Rebecca Kassay released a statement last Thursday, saying, “We knew that the race for the NYS
Assembly seat in District 4 would be one of the most competitive races in New York State, and as of Wednesday, November 6, I hold a 211 vote lead. In a race this close, results will not be determined until the affidavit ballots and final mail in ballots are counted. This might take until late November, so in the meantime, our team is reflecting on our gratitude for the incredible individuals and community groups who we’ve connected with and built stronger relationships with during the journey of this campaign.”

“There is so much work to be done here in our district, our town, our county and our state, and I hope to have the opportunity to serve you as your Assemblymember,” Kassay continued.

TBR requested comment from Assemblyman Flood and his response was as follows: “As we await the final numbers, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign. I remain deeply committed to representing, advocating for and listening to our community. This dedication is not new; it has always been the foundation of my work and will continue to guide me moving forward.”

“Serving our community is an honor, and I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed,” he continued.

 

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METRO photo

By Nancy Marr

We frequently hear the mandate “Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle,” but is that really the answer to our waste problem?  

Yes, recycling can work, but it’s not perfect. A recycling business can refurbish and recycle goods or can even create new products from recycled materials. It reduces  the amount of waste sent to landfills, and conserves resources like water, minerals, and timber by reducing the need to collect new raw materials. 

Local government must provide incentives for businesses to invest in research to develop ways to recycle and reproduce products that can be sold. Modern urban recycling, which began with the passage of New Jersey’s mandatory recycling law in 1984, has successfully created a tremendous supply of recycled newspapers, glass bottles, office paper, and other materials. But when it comes to creating markets to meet consumer and business demand for the products made from these materials, the economics of recycling falls apart.

The U.S. has a national recycling goal to increase the recycling rate to 50% by 2030, from a rate of 7% in 1960 and 32% in 1923. Between 70% and 90% of all items that could be recycled now end up in the landfill.  An important success has been the Better Bottle Bill that was passed originally in New York State in 1983. 

Purchasers of bottled water, beer, wine coolers or soda are charged a fee, and are reimbursed when they return them to be re-produced. Returned bottles are sorted based on the type of material (glass, plastic, aluminum), and cleaned. The plastics are then shredded into small flakes and melted down into small pellets which can be used for new bottles. 

To make it more effective, the New York Legislature has written a Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, which would add glass bottles with non-carbonated liquids and iced tea, and increase the deposit price and the reimbursement price to ten cents. It  did not pass in this year’s Albany Legislature, although it will surely be legislated again, or re-written into a bill that mandates the return of bottles.

In fact, as David Biddle, Executive Director of the Public Recycling Officials of Pennsylvania, points out in the Harvard Business Review, recycling is not just a matter of recovering recyclable material; it’s a total economic system. Few people realize that their local curbside collection program is only the beginning of a recycling loop. Unless consumers want to buy the recycled products, the markets for the material they put out at the curb will remain depressed.

While public policymakers are still trying to improve their recycling programs, large corporations and small entrepreneurs alike are in the best position to take the lead. Top managers of companies like American Airlines, Bell Atlantic, and Coca-Cola have made buying recycled products and investing in green R&D part of their overall business strategies, which has allowed them to cut down on waste, increase profit  margins, and, in some cases, truly close the recycling loop. The success of recycling—indeed, its true value in the long term—won’t depend on how much landfill space is saved but on whether or not recycling makes economic sense. 

U.S. manufacturers haven’t always been so slow to invest. For decades, the steel and aluminum industries have successfully developed their respective technologies to incorporate large quantities of post-consumer recycled materials. Aluminum cans all contain a high percentage of recycled content, and virtually all products made with steel contain at least 25% reclaimed steel. In general, these two industries couldn’t survive without the heavy input of recycled material; and in this, they are models for the lagging paper and plastics industries. The universal recycle icon (three arrows in a Mobius loop) shows whether the item can be recycled, or may have been recycled.

Government also needs to enlist university scientists and train students to find additional ways to process glass, plastics, fabrics, and other items that now end up in the landfill. Local governments need to provide education about the importance of recycling and the materials consumers place in their curbside recycle bins. 

By mandating recycling and setting extremely high recovery goals for both paper and plastics, government has challenged U.S. industry to develop the necessary infrastructure for incorporating these materials into manufacturing processes. Yet for this challenge to be met, local government needs to find ways to involve business and industry in using and creating recycled products. 

Nancy Marr  is first vice-president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, 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 www.lwv-suffolkcounty.org or call 631-862-6860. 

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Nick LaLota celebrates his victory on Nov. 5. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo and Aidan Johnson

At Stereo Garden in Patchogue, the GOP was a sea of red on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 5. Guests mingled with drinks in hand, as music blared over the club’s speaker system.

The event was hosted by Jesse Garcia, chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee and Brookhaven Town Republican Committee, whose high energy propelled the evening and invigorated the large crowd. He spoke of the resilience of the Republican Party through the tumultuous past four years, and expressed confidence in Suffolk’s support for members of the GOP.

LaLota victorious over Avlon in battle for Congress, Avlon concedes

As results poured in from around 10 p.m. to the early hours of the morning, the race considered highly important in the flipping of the House majority in Washington, was decided. Incumbent Nick LaLota, representative of the 1st Congressional District, won 55.7% of the vote to Democratic opponent John Avlon’s 44.3%.

“Thank you so much to every single one of you. I’m only here because of everything you’ve done. You made the phone calls. You knocked on doors, you planted lawn signs,” LaLota said to the room.

“You’ve placed your trust in me and I’m going to take another term of office in a few weeks so I can continue to fight for you,” he continued. He added that he has run on his record, which is one committed to bipartisanship, and has seen more bills passed by him than “95% of Congress,” bringing “$150 million home” to Suffolk in the process.

“It’s a hard night in Suffolk County for us Democrats, it’s a hard night for many Democrats, but the fight continues,” Avlon said in a speech at the IBEW Local 1049 Union Hall in Holtsville, where many of the Suffolk County Democrats congregated for a watch party. 

“It’s really important for us to keep the energy up, and understand that this is not a time for us to shirk back, but it is a time for folks to stand up continuously, because the good fight never ends and democracy depends on loving your country no matter who is president,” he added.

Anthony Palumbo celebrates his victory on Nov. 5. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Palumbo comes out on top in state Senate race

Incumbent Republican state senator of the 1st District, Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), beat Democratic opponent Sarah Anker, with 53.4% of the vote, to Anker’s 46.6%.

“This is a team win. I want to thank my wife, to thank my friends in law enforcement who supported us. We did this most importantly because of you folks. This is many, many months in the making,” Palumbo said. He continued by saying that he and his supporters worked hard on his campaign because “it is about what’s best for our constituency.”

Anker has not yet released a statement.

Mattera wins out over Herskowitz in NY 2nd Senate District

Incumbent Mario Mattera beat Craig Herskowitz, winning his third term in the 2nd Senate District, 58.7% to 41.3%.

Mattera was not on hand to make a speech, as he was in Smithtown speaking at another event. Chairman Garcia expressed his congratulatory feelings for Mattera, leading the crowd in a round of applause for him.

Kassay and Flood in tight contest for 4th District Assembly seat; Giglio defeats Chiaramonte in 2nd District 

As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, no result has been confirmed for the state Assembly race between Republican incumbent Ed Flood and his Democratic opponent Rebecca Kassay, both from Port Jefferson. Kassay currently is leading Flood by 211 votes (29,246-29,035). The final result has not yet been announced as of press time.

Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) easily beat out Tricia Chiaramonte with 64.9% of the vote, to Chiaramonte’s 35.1%. Chiaramonte did not actively campaign against incumbent Giglio.

Fitzpatrick victorious over Basileo in NY 8th Assembly District

Incumbent of 22 years, Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown), beat Democratic candidate Steven Basileo by a sweeping 66.4% to 33.6%, in the 8th Assembly District.

Fitzpatrick was just one of many Republicans who has been reelected to his seat, as newer Democratic politicians did not attract the same amount of support across the North Shore. Voters seemingly preferred the current occupants.

10th and 12th Assembly Districts

In the 10th Assembly District, Democratic incumbent Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) beat Republican Aamir Sultan, 55% to 45%. In the 12th District, incumbent Keith Brown (R-Northport) defeated Democrat Thomas Cox, 57.5% to 42.5%. 

4th District Court Judge, Town of Smithtown

Republicans Paul Damato and John Zollo beat Democratic candidate Maria Scheuring, receiving a combined 79.2% of the vote — 39.6% each — winning the two vacant seats, while Scheuring received 20.7% of the vote. Scheuring was not active during this election season.

All these results are noted by the Suffolk County Board of Elections as “unofficial.”

6th District Court Judge, Town of Brookhaven

Evan Tannenbaum, Patricia Blake and Kenneth Lauri won the three available seats for District Court Judge of the 6th District. They received 23.4%, 23.2%, and 22.0% of the vote, respectively, beating out Democrats Margot Garant and Dorothy Cavalier.

“I want to thank the Town of Brookhaven and my fellow Republicans,” Lauri said. Tannenbaum echoed similar sentiments.

All these results are noted by the Suffolk County Board of Elections as “unofficial.”

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Election results will be updated as they come in. Last results recorded on Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m.
Congress

NY1

Nick LaLota (R): 55.7 percent with 215, 678 votes – Winner

John Avlon (D): 44.28 percent with 171,556 votes

NY2

Andrew Garbarino (R) : 59.6 percent – Winner

Rob Lubin (D): 40.4 percent

NY3

Thomas Suozzi (D): 48.7 percent – Winner

Mike LiPetri (R): 46.3 percent

New York State Senate

SD1

Anthony Palumbo (R): 53.65 percent – Winner

Sarah Anker (D): 46.32 percent

SD2

Mario Mattera (R): 97, 244 votes – Winner

Craig Herskowitz (D): 68,353 votes

New York State Assembly

AD2

Jodi Giglio (R): 64.9 percent with 45,280 votes – Winner

Tricia Chiaramonte (D): 35.1 percent with 24,474 votes

AD4

Ed Flood (R): 49.8  percent with 29,035 votes

Rebecca Kassay (D): 50. 2 percent with 29,246 votes

AD5

Doug Smith (R): 64.9% with 40,503 votes – Winner

Michael Reynolds (D): 35.1% with 21,893 votes

AD8

Mike Fitzpatrick (R): 66.4 percent with 48,797 votes – Winner

Steve Basileo (D): 33.6 percent with 24,716 votes

 

NYS Proposition 1: – Passed

Yes: 57.01 percent with 4,092,742 votes

No: 34.52 percent with 2,478,621 votes

 

NYS Proposition 2: – Passed

Yes: 71.91 percent with 478,717 votes

No: 28.42 percent with 190,159 votes

 

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By TBR Staff

TBR News Media is endorsing incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) for NYS 8th District assemblyman.

As a member of the state Assembly for over 22 years, and a former member of the Smithtown Town Council for 15, Fitzpatrick is trusted by his community. He is a veteran politician, who possesses a youthful zest for his job, and clearly has no intention of slowing down. He also brings helpful seniority to his position.

Fitzpatrick has been working, and wants to continue working, to bring infrastructure such as sewers to vulnerable areas, and feels that with responsible growth, we can increase housing options on Long Island that are not only more affordable, but will keep people here, and living in the suburban environment they are accustomed to.

Fitzpatrick supports green energy initiatives, but is not as focused on environmental policy as his Democratic rival Steve Basileo. Additionally, promoting a more ecomonically sound and fiscally responsible state is one of his chief concerns. He totally opposes abortion.

He is passionate about pension reform, and investing in our SUNY system — particularly Stony Brook, our state’s flagship university — and stronger vocational training options for those who would prefer going into a trade. Basileo is a highly intelligent man, with a strong foundation in public policy, and possesses exceptional interpersonal skills. His background in labor organizing, as well as interning with Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), shows his dedication to helping those in need of assistance and support.

Having political aspirations so young puts him in a league above many others his age, and his understanding of our state’s governmental structure and function are such that we hope he stays in the political arena.

For these reasons, we are endorsing Mike Fitzpatrick. He has an impressive track record, a history of results and is trusted by his constituents, as well as us.

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