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.
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].
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.
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.”
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.
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 reducesthe 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. Itdid 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 profitmargins, 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 Marris 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.
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.”
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.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Toni-Elena Gallo
In a recent meeting at the TBR News Media office for the 8th Assembly District covering Smithtown and parts of Islip, candidate Steve Basileo (D-St. James) and incumbent Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) outlined their platforms focusing on housing, taxes, health care, renewable energy, education and school funding. Each candidate presented distinct priorities and approaches, providing voters with insight into how they would address the district’s needs.
Backgrounds and opening statements
Steve Basilieo
Basileo is a newcomer to the district’s political scene. With a master’s degree in public policy from Stony Brook University and experience as a labor organizer, he emphasized his desire to bring fresh ideas and increased visibility to the Assembly office. Basileo recounted that he has canvassed “thousands upon thousands of doors,” noting that many residents feel underrepresented in Albany. He expressed a commitment to social issues, especially reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections, stating that his campaign would “reflect the evolving values of this district.” Basileo, who also has experience in constituent services from an internship with Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), said he aims to foster a more accessible and proactive Assembly presence.
Fitzpatrick has represented the district for over 22 years in the New York State Assembly and previously served for 15 years on the Smithtown Town Council. He highlighted his long tenure as evidence of his deep understanding of district issues, saying, “I believe I have reflected [the community’s] values, their aspirations, their concerns.” Fitzpatrick described himself as fiscally conservative, focused on reducing government costs and treating taxpayer dollars responsibly, likening his role to that of a fiduciary. A financial professional by background, Fitzpatrick has worked in the pension industry and emphasized his experience in managing budgets and understanding complex fiscal policies. He framed his campaign as defending “the core values” of the district, advocating for financial stability and limited government.
Cost of living, housing and taxes
Both candidates addressed the high cost of living, housing shortages and tax burdens but proposed different solutions.
• Basileo advocated for increasing housing supply, citing successful approaches in cities like Minneapolis and Austin, Texas, where additional housing has helped stabilize rents. He supported converting underused commercial spaces into mixed-use developments and expanding accessory dwelling units as long as they meet safety standards. “When you look at the numbers, build more,” he explained, adding that expanded infrastructure would support housing growth.
• Fitzpatrick agreed on the need for more housing options but stressed careful management of infrastructure, focusing on recent sewer investments and transit-focused growth in downtown areas. He expressed reservations about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) proposal to override local zoning rules, saying, “The state wants to push the zoning code — that will not fly here on Long Island.” On taxes, Fitzpatrick emphasized reducing government spending through pension reform, proposing a shift from defined-benefit to defined-contribution plans for public employees to sustainably manage costs.
• Basileo discussed a different approach to government resources, focusing on local services and connecting residents to state resources. He highlighted that an active Assembly office could help secure state funding for essential projects like infrastructure upgrades.
Health care
Basileo shared a personal perspective on health care, explaining that his autism diagnosis has given him firsthand experience with the challenges of accessing reliable care. He proposed enshrining Affordable Care Act protections such as coverage for preexisting conditions into state law to protect New Yorkers from potential federal changes. Additionally, Basileo suggested introducing a public insurance option to offer a lower-cost alternative for residents, aiming to make healthcare more accessible. “It’s an affordable option for people who want it,” he said, positioning health care as a fundamental issue for district residents.
Renewable energy, environment and infrastructure
Bothcandidates recognized the importance of renewable energy but differed in emphasis.
• Basileo argued that renewable energy, especially wind power, is essential for Long Island. He cited the state’s planned wind training center in Suffolk County as a job creation opportunity and a way to support sustainable energy production. “There’s good job opportunities here,” he said, adding that investment in wind and solar energy would be beneficial economically and environmentally, given Long Island’s vulnerability to climate change.
• Fitzpatrick took a measured stance on renewable energy, acknowledging the promise of green initiatives while emphasizing the need for balanced infrastructure readiness. He cautioned that the environmental benefits should be weighed against costs and said heavy reliance on green energy alone may not fully address the district’s immediate needs.
Immigration and public safety
• Fitzpatrick raised concerns about immigration, focusing on its potential impact on local resources and public safety. He shared a personal story from his time in El Paso, Texas, where he witnessed crime associated with immigration issues, reinforcing his belief that current policies should consider economic and social impacts on communities. Fitzpatrick voiced opposition to public campaign financing and criticized state spending on migrant housing, contending that these funds could address local priorities instead.
• Basileo, though not directly addressing immigration, spoke broadly about his commitment to an inclusive community. He emphasized protections for marginalized groups, reflecting his campaign’s broader theme of social inclusivity and support for community programs.
Education and Foundation Aid formula
Both candidates highlighted education as an essential issue in their platforms, particularly addressing the state’s Foundation Aid formula, which determines funding allocations for school districts.
• Basileo expressed support for revisiting and revising the Foundation Aid formula to ensure that funding is equitably distributed, particularly in districts facing high costs and diverse student needs. He argued that an update to the formula would help alleviate disparities across districts and provide Long Island schools with a fair share of state funding. Drawing on his labor-organizing experience, Basileo emphasized the importance of adequately funding public education to ensure quality resources for teachers and students. “Our schools deserve more resources to meet the needs of today’s students,” he said, advocating for a more equitable funding model that considers the unique challenges of Long Island’s high-cost areas.
• Fitzpatrick acknowledged that the Foundation Aid formula impacts school funding but called for a balanced approach that includes cost control. He noted that high pension and benefit costs for educators strain school budgets and taxpayer resources. Fitzpatrick proposed measures to improve the efficiency of school spending, including pension reform, which he believes would “help school districts manage their budgets without increasing the burden on taxpayers.” He emphasized that education funding should be used effectively and advocated for vocational training programs that align with local job market needs, arguing that practical education can benefit students and strengthen the local economy.
Downtown revitalization
On redeveloping Smithtown’s Main Street, Basileo proposed using state funding to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and economically vibrant. He pointed to successful models in other Long Island towns such as Babylon and Patchogue and expressed a desire for Smithtown to benefit from similar investment. “We deserve that same kind of thing,” Basileo argued, saying that revitalizing Smithtown’s downtown could improve the quality of life for residents and attract more businesses to the area.
Fitzpatrick highlighted specific challenges in redeveloping Smithtown, citing infrastructure constraints as a significant obstacle. He explained that limited sewer capacity has historically delayed downtown growth, though recent grants have helped improve these systems. Fitzpatrick mentioned the town’s hiring of Tritech Real Estate for a redevelopment study as a step toward addressing these issues, explaining that thoughtful planning around sewers and zoning would allow Smithtown’s downtown to eventually “grow and thrive.”
Closing arguments
In his closing remarks, Basileo emphasized his commitment to accessible constituent services and modern social values. He positioned himself as a candidate aligned with the district’s younger, more socially-conscious residents, particularly on issues like health care, housing and renewable energy. He expressed a vision of a proactive, full-time Assembly office focused on inclusivity and advocacy, arguing that “the Assembly presence can be much more than it is now.”
Fitzpatrick concluded by highlighting his long tenure and dedication to fiscal responsibility, focusing on reducing taxes and preserving local autonomy. He argued that his policies align with the district’s core economic and social values, appealing to voters concerned with government spending, local governance and sustainable growth. Fitzpatrick underscored that “experience matters,” asserting that his approach offers stability and prudent stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Summary
The debate provided voters a clear contrast between Basileo’s forward-looking, service-oriented platform and Fitzpatrick’s experience-based, fiscally-conservative approach. Basileo focused on social inclusivity, renewable energy, health care access and housing solutions that would benefit from increased state investment. Fitzpatrick emphasized conservative fiscal policies, the importance of local governance and infrastructure improvements, particularly in managing costs and resources responsibly.
Each candidate offered a distinct vision for the district, with Basileo advocating for a more active role in social and environmental issues and Fitzpatrick supporting traditional economic policies and structured growth. Voters in Smithtown and parts of Islip will need to weigh these perspectives as they decide who best addresses the district’s priorities and future needs.
Summary written with assistance from ChatGPT’s services, with all information vetted by TBR’s proofreading team.
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.
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