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John Avlon is running for 1st Congressional District

By TBR staff

TBR News Media is endorsing John Avlon (D-Sag Harbor) to represent us in the 1st Congressional District. Mr. Lalota left us no choice since, despite multiple invitations, he did not come in for an interview.

We feel Mr. Avlon has the passion and background to excel in the position.

As a lover of history, he deeply believes in the promises of the American Dream. He urges strong education policy among students to have our next generation understand the importance of becoming civically responsible and politically informed.

One notable moment of our interview with Avlon at the TBR office was that while he feels MAGA Republicans lean dangerously right, he acknowledges left-leaning moments in our country’s history have not been productive. He believes that the only way to make progress is when both sides meet to reach a compromise so that consensus is reached, and that the people are presented with policies that will make their lives better — not more complicated. As stated on Avlon’s website, “We need to build a broad patriotic coalition to defeat Donald Trump, defend our democracy and restore the middle class with commonsense solutions.”

We thank U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) for his service in the Navy and Congress. It shows great character, and qualities of leadership, but his passion in Washington appears to have steered him away from community participation. And to reiterate, he declined to join Avlon in our office. We especially thank him for his work with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on getting funds for our hospitals, a bipartisan bill still to voted on.

The 1st Congressional District historically has been known as a swing district for decades, although it was held by Republican Lee Zeldin from 2015 to 2023. And, while Avlon would be new to government, LaLota has only been a congressman for one term, thus making both choices relatively new to the world of national politics.

LaLota is not a rookie, though. He served as chief of staff to Suffolk County presiding officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), and additionally served on the Suffolk Board of Elections. He was also a trustee for the Village of Amityville, New York.

Despite Nick LaLota’s deeply-seated convictions and prior work for Long Island, for the reasons listed above we believe that John Avlon’s conviction for the truth — and willingness to give up his successful career in journalism to make the differences he wants to see in our district — will make him a valuable representative in Congress.

Correction: In our print editions, Senator Gillibrand is referred to as a congresswoman.

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From left John Avlon and U.S. Rep. Nick Lakota. First photo by Toni-Elena Gallo, second photo courtesy Lakota's office

By Toni-Elena Gallo and Lauren Feldman

John Avlon is the Democratic candidate for U.S. representative of New York’s 1st Congressional District in a race against incumbent Nick LaLota (R-NY1). The 1st District comprises eastern Suffolk County, including the northern portion of the Town of Brookhaven, as well as the towns of Huntington, Smithtown, Riverhead, Southold, Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island. 

John Avlon

Sag Harbor-based Avlon is a former anchor with CNN and editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast. Known for a centrist, bipartisan approach, Avlon has centered his campaign on countering polarization and strengthening democratic values. Describing himself as a “common-sense Democrat” at his recent TBR News Media interview, Avlon has authored books such as “Independent Nation” and “Wingnuts,” which explore the rise of political extremism in the United States. 

Avlon’s background and values are strongly influenced by his immigrant heritage, which he says instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism. Reflecting on this, he shared, “We were always taught that you don’t take the blessings of America for granted, especially American democracy.” His transition from journalism to politics, he said, is driven by a commitment to truth and civic duty. As a journalist, he explained, “The guiding stars should be, ‘Is it true? Is it factual?’”

Nick LaLota

Incumbent LaLota, who did not attend the TBR interview, grew up with a sense of duty instilled by his family’s background in the police and Navy. Following his own service in the Navy, LaLota returned to Long Island to work in local government. He served in various roles, including as a member of the Village of Amityville Board of Trustees, chief of staff to the Suffolk County Legislature and Republican commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections. LaLota describes himself as a “commonsense conservative” and considers himself as one of the more bipartisan members of Congress, where he took office in 2022.

Key policy positions and goals

Avlon: Civic education is central to Avlon’s platform, particularly in preparing future generations to engage actively in democracy. He emphasizes the need for educational standards that prepare students for civic responsibilities, saying, “If we are going to sustain our democracy, we need to teach the next generation to be active, informed citizens.” He also advocates for term limits, arguing that fresh perspectives would benefit Congress: “I think people should serve for a time. The idea that you’re in politics or, in my opponent’s case, political patronage jobs for the last 15 years — that’s crazy.”

LaLota: LaLota claims his approach to governance includes a strong commitment to transparency and accountability. He has highlighted his record of engaging with local leaders and constituents to provide services effectively while maintaining affordability. 

Climate resilience and coastal protection

Avlon: Climate resilience is a major focus for Avlon, particularly with Long Island’s vulnerability to coastal erosion and extreme weather. He supports tax incentives to assist homeowners with flood proofing and other climate adaptations. Avlon sees Long Island as having the potential to lead in climate technology, noting projects like Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Discovery Park as opportunities to create clean energy jobs. He proposes a billion-dollar investment in property resilience, stating, “For every dollar you spend making a property more resilient before a disaster, it’s six times more expensive after the fact.”

LaLota: LaLota said he is also committed to environmental protection and water quality on Long Island. He has emphasized the importance of preserving the natural landscape, especially regarding water quality, and has secured federal funding to reduce flooding and improve water quality, including $1.4 million for Smithtown and $1.5 million for the Port Jefferson Harbor. LaLota also played a role as part of the New York delegation in the bipartisan effort to protect Plum Island from development.

Long Island economy and affordability

Avlon: Avlon describes affordability as a top concern, particularly as the cost of living remains high on Long Island. His economic focus includes supporting middle-class families and making the region more affordable, a concern he hears frequently from constituents. Avlon is committed to restoring state and local taxes (known as SALT).

LaLota: LaLota has similarly focused on economic issues, particularly the federal SALT deduction, which he views as essential for easing the tax burden on Long Islanders. He has proposed raising the SALT cap to provide relief for middle-class families and has criticized Congress for not addressing the SALT deduction in recent tax bills, calling it “a betrayal of working families.”

Engagement and accountability

Avlon: Avlon pledges to be accessible to his constituents through regular town halls, promising to hold 12 throughout his campaign. He criticizes LaLota for, in his view, failing to hold open forums, stating, “This is a guy who has never held a single open, in-person town hall.” Avlon has also raised concerns about LaLota’s residence in Amityville, questioning whether it reflects a close connection to the district’s community values and issues.

LaLota: LaLota said he values his local roots, emphasizing his commitment to representing the people of Long Island authentically. LaLota has countered claims that he lacks openness by pointing to his bipartisan track record in Congress. He is known, however, to be absent from numerous local meetings.

Broader political context and media accountability

Avlon: Avlon sees this election as a defense of democratic principles and criticizes major media outlets for remaining neutral, calling it a “dereliction of duty.” He is outspoken in his criticism of former President Trump, viewing Trump’s approach as a departure from traditional political norms and a threat to democratic stability.

LaLota: LaLota continually highlights his bipartisan voting record, citing instances when he voted against his party, such as his opposition to a tax bill that he believed unfairly burdened Long Island families.

Personal motivation and vision

Avlon: Avlon’s decision to enter politics, leaving a successful journalism career, is driven by a deep sense of civic duty. He sees this election as “the good fight” and frames it as a critical moment for the future of American democracy. As a father, he wants to be able to tell his children that he did everything possible during this challenging time. The abortion issue and reproductive freedom are important to his campaign.

LaLota: LaLota claims he is motivated by his dedication to Long Island and his commitment to public service, inspired by a family tradition of service. 

Nick LaLota did not participate in the debate or TBR’s election interview process. All information shared about LaLota in this story is based on research from available sources rather than direct responses from the candidate, and has been vetted by our proofreading team.

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New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo

Palumbo represents the interests of his constituents

TBR News Media is endorsing incumbent Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) for reelection to the 1st New York Senate District seat. 

Despite being a member of the legislative minority, Palumbo has been nothing short of a productive legislator. His platform is largely defined by pro-taxpayer policies, a strict fiscal conservatism in opposition to perceived governmental wastefulness, and strong advocacy for law enforcement. Moreover, Palumbo is strictly opposed to controversial bail-reform laws passed under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) administration. 

TBR News Media reached this endorsement largely due to Palumbo’s experience in the position and relative effectiveness in government — he is a seasoned legislator and punches above his weight in a state Senate which is defined by a Democratic supermajority. Palumbo has done well to represent the interests of his constituents, and TBR believes that he will continue to do so. 

Moreover, Palumbo represents a degree of political moderation which is palatable at the state level and has allowed him to better represent Long Island families. Even as a freshman assemblyman, Palumbo passed influential tax legislation to save Long Island families money and has continually fought to ensure that Long Island receives its fair share of school aid and infrastructure funding. 

That being said, his opponent, Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), is an absolutely qualified candidate with a remarkable record of public service. TBR would like to express hopes that Anker remains a public servant and visible to the community — her devotion has not gone unnoticed. Despite her track record on the local level, Anker simply does not provide the degree of seniority presented by Palumbo that provides the basis of this endorsement. Our community will continue to benefit immensely from her past and present service. 

In the meantime, we will stand behind the incumbent.

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Sarah Anker and NYS Sen. Anthony Palumbo. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Peter Sloniewsky

In their recent debate at the TBR News Media office, State Senate District 1 candidate Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) and incumbent Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) highlighted their diverse experiences, local and statewide issues, and emphasized their relatively moderate stances. Senate District 1 covers the East End towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island and Southold as well as part of eastern Brookhaven Town along the North Shore to Stony Brook.

Legislative service and issues

Sarah Anker is running for New York State SenateL District 1.

Firstly, Anker and Palumbo both spent time focusing on their history of legislative service. Anker served for 13 years as a Suffolk County legislator until she was term-limited. Beyond that, Anker emphasized that she had been, and still is, an active citizen, describing herself as a “community advocate.” This background supported Anker’s enthusiasm for hyper-local issues, which have highlighted her time as a county legislator. 

Correspondingly, Anker’s platform is based upon local issues. Stating that, “The most important part of being a legislator is the needs of your constituents,” Anker spoke extensively on issues like traffic safety and water management, often with specific examples and detailed background. She also focused on solving the opioid crisis on Long Island. 

Palumbo served as a Suffolk County assistant DA before being elected state assemblyman 2013-20. Palumbo is the Republican Deputy Floor Leader in the New York State Senate alongside his roles as the ranking member of the Codes and Judiciary Committees. Palumbo’s platform was largely based in state politics considering his extensive time there, and he took note to emphasize his highly productive track record in office. 

Palumbo’s platform is largely defined by pro-taxpayer policies and fiscal conservatism in opposition to government wastefulness. Additionally, in line with his stances on property tax issues across Long Island, he spoke about support for new homebuyers from the state. A centerpiece of his platform, however, is his support for criminal-justice reform on the state level — Palumbo is strictly opposed to bail reform and views it as a misguided Democratic agenda item. 

Staller development at Port Jefferson Station

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo

Both candidates also discussed the Staller proposal for Port Jefferson Station development in different terms. Anker stated she felt that the community had been under involved in the process — that “we want more people to come and stay here,” but that the proposed buildings were obtrusive and it was most important to preserve the suburban character of the area. 

Alternatively, Palumbo thought that Staller should receive the benefit of the doubt as a multigenerational, experienced developer. He framed the question simply: “We’re really asking what the state can do — the state can stay out of it.” Additionally, to him, debate over the project was emblematic of wider issues in New York’s focus on tenant-centered policy. 

Political moderation

Despite these differences, the candidates agreed on most issues and spent time emphasizing their relative political moderation. Anker noted that Palumbo’s mailers cast her as a progressive while she self-describes as “one of the most moderate and fiscal-conservative Democrats you can find,” with experience winning “seven times as a Democrat in one of the most Republican districts out of the legislative districts in Suffolk County.” Moreover,

Palumbo focused on what he depicted as commonsense issues which are more moderate than his widely-assumed agenda as a Republican. 

Long Island school costs

Both candidates also advocated for a reexamination of Long Island school costs. Palumbo advocated for consolidation, and claimed that immigrants were taking advantage of public schools. However, the center of his point was that he would look to reduce an “abundance of administration and staff while not compromising the education of the kids.” Anker also advocated to reexamine administrative pay, and claimed she was looking into an “alternative” way of funding schools to lessen the strain on homeowners. 

Criticisms and consensus

Both candidates took a few digs at their opponent. Palumbo attacked Anker’s record as a “full-time legislator,” claiming that she reported income from two independent business ventures while also a legislator — a claim that she did not directly respond to. He also criticized what Anker described as her proudest legislative achievement — a hotline for school shootings instituted after the Sandy Hook attack — as an “unfunded mandate” that doesn’t solve any parts of the underlying issue. 

Anker criticized Palumbo’s track record as not being local enough. She pointed at his policy proposal for a community preservation fund as something that had already been attempted in the Town of Brookhaven, and used his efforts on a bill to assist the Montauk Native Americans to describe him as lacking focus, even as Palumbo called himself “a Brookhaven guy.” 

Overall, both candidates reached consensus on a good number of issues but found room to criticize each other on lines beyond their partisan differences.

Election Day is Nov. 5. Early voting is still available through Sunday, Nov. 3. See www.suffolkcountyny.gov for Suffolk County locations and times.

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TBR News Media is endorsing Sen. Mario Mattera for this year's election. File photo by Raymond Janis

By TBR Staff

This election cycle, TBR News Media is endorsing incumbent Mario Mattera (R-St. James) for New York’s 2nd Senate District. Mattera has served in this position for two terms  and has been proven true to his word.

His track record displays his commitment to his constituents. From assisting with Smithtown-area sewer projects to helping restore Foundation Aid for schools across the state, Mattera is respected for his ability to get his boots on the ground and fight against the issues that plague our communities.

Mattera’s strong approval for both Proposition 2 on this year’s ballot, as well as his position as ranking member on the state’s Energy and Telecommunications Committee, shows a concern for environmental issues. He is a proponent of carbon capture technology and green hydrogen development, which serve to mitigate emissions in power plants and waste facilities.

His efforts to keep our communities employed is quite impressive. Mattera’s championing of legislation that requires project labor agreements for projects worth over $10 million has been extremely beneficial in increasing employment rates, as the agreement stipulates that these public works only employ local laborers.

Craig Herskowitz (D) is a very intelligent man and seems to genuinely care about the community in which he lives, as well. His thoughtful and curious demeanor is refreshing, and his clear respect for the incumbent was palpable. While his policy ideas are well-intentioned, he simply lacks the seasoned experience of the incumbent. Giving up his post as a judge to commit himself totally to this campaign is admirable, and if his spirit and willingness to learn is any indicator of his future, this is not the last time we will hear of him.

Correction: In our paper editions, it was stated that Sen. Mattera supports Proposition 1. That is incorrect; he supports Proposition 2.

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NYS Senator Mattera (left) and challenger Craig Herskowitz (right) met at the TBR News Media office to discuss topics related to State Senate District 2. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Peter Sloniewsky

In their recent meeting at the TBR News Media office, New York State Senate incumbent Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and challenger Craig Herskowitz (D) clashed largely over issues of criminal justice reform and immigration while also emphasizing their relative comradery. 

NYS Senator Mario Mattera

Mattera is running for his third term in State Senate District 2, which covers Smithtown, Huntington, Northport, Commack and Melville. He presents himself with a deeply local focus, having been a union leader and plumber prior to his time in public service. He describes his tenure in Albany as being “vocal” on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications, Labor and Transportation committees, as well as emphasizing a focus on environmental issues like carbon capture technologies. 

Herskowitz, born in Huntington and raised in Northport, is not a stranger to public service either. After working on Capitol Hill and later attending law school, he worked on narcotics and drug issues for the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division before joining JPMorgan Chase. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Herskowitz worked in crisis management. Prior to running for office, he was a New York City administrative law judge but has since resigned. 

The main point of their discussion was largely centered around bail reform legislation passed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D). Mattera drew on his endorsements from law enforcement across Suffolk County and listed a number of alleged local and national cases of bail reform leading to additional crime, attributing a perceived rise in crime rates to such reform. 

Craig Herskowitz

Alternatively, Herskowitz emphasized his personal experience in criminal justice work to dismiss Mattera’s rhetoric as a “lot of fear tactics.” He suggested that the state alternatively invest in mental health resources, to which he attributed most failures to appear in court. He added that bail reform has been a benefit and would not be repealed in any way that the Republicans would hope for. That being said, Herskowitz did acknowledge a weakness in Democratic messaging on the subject. 

Mattera also established concerns with the treatment of illegal immigrants in New York state and in New York City, referring to them as a “sanctuary state” and “sanctuary city.” He cited financial statistics meant to emphasize the heavy expenditure of both levels of government on such migrants and drew on his past experience as a union leader to say that “if we need people in the workforce … there’s a reason we have green cards.” 

However, Herskowitz emphasized that most illegal immigrants simply overstay visas and that demonizing migrants coming here for a better life is a “nonstarter.” He added that most migrants are honest people and that immigrant labor has been a huge boost to the economy. He also pointed out that it’s a largely federal issue and that the main stoppage has been on the Republican end.

Both candidates, however, agreed that Long Island and New York as a whole require more federal funding. Mattera especially emphasized the importance of Foundation Aid for education and his own efforts in preserving it. 

In a welcome relief from divisive political climates, both candidates concluded the debate with positive words about one another. Herskowitz said that he respected Mattera’s work as a labor leader, while Mattera said that “when I win, I’m going to take him out to lunch.” 

Election Day is Nov. 5. Early voting is still available through Sunday, Nov. 3. See www.suffolkcountyny.gov for Suffolk County locations and times.

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Stock photo

AARP New York is helping New Yorkers understand the options they have in this year’s election through a voter resource page with important information voters can use, including dates and deadlines, recent voting changes, and different ways people can cast their ballot. By making the voting process more accessible, this voter resource can encourage more people to get out to the polls this year.  

The AARP New York webpage – www.aarp.org/nyvotes – details all the dates New Yorkers need to know including when to register by, when early voting will take place, and when absentee ballots must be submitted. It also provides resources for people to check their registration status, learn how to request an early mail or absentee ballot, and find out more about the positions that will be up for election this year statewide.  

The site and resources are free to access for all, not only AARP members, making it a one-stop shop for anyone to reference and share with others. The information is written in clear, easy-to-understand language. The webpage is also available in Spanish at www.aarp.org/nyvota.  

Voters 50 and over are the driving force behind every election. AARP New York is calling on all candidates to pay attention to the issues that matter to them and their families. They’re not just voting; they’re grappling with the everyday challenges that come with caring for parents, siblings and other loved ones, and protecting their hard-earned Social Security. 

In the spirit of empowering voters, AARP New York has compiled a list of questions for constituents to ask candidates to learn their plans to tackle issues important to people 50 and over, including supporting family caregivers, bringing down the high costs of prescription drugs, protecting Social Security and fighting financial exploitation. This list can be found here.  

AARP New York is committed to keeping people informed and engaged in the voting process with these voting resources, along with other events and programming, including voter education tele-town halls and candidate forums throughout the state.  

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County legislator and geologist, Steve Englebright, explains bluff erosion at Port Jeff civic meeting. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

Whenever Steve Englebright, 5th District county legislator (D-Setauket) and geologist, is asked about the East Beach bluff stabilization project, chances are he will start by explaining the big picture of bluff erosion on the North Shore of Long Island. 

“We [Port Jefferson] are at the doorstep of the greatest amount of erosion of the entirety of the North Shore,” he said to a rapt audience of about 40 people at the Port Jefferson Civic Association meeting Oct. 14.

Englebright spent 40 minutes in an educational deep dive about the shoreline’s composition and history, focusing on how erosion along the 50 miles of the North Shore impacts the village-owned sliver of bluff at the East Beach.

The meeting represents another moment in the ongoing debate among residents and village officials about the project strategies and costs. Mayor Lauren Sheprow, trustee Xena Ugrinsky and several members of the Port Jefferson Citizens Commission on Erosion were present. 

Using a whiteboard and marker, Englebright diagrammed how thousands of years of erosion have shaped and reshaped the shoreline. The audience gasped as he recounted the 1904 Broken Ground Slide, in which almost a mile of land just east of Northport let loose and fell into the Long Island Sound in one day. 

“The reason I want you to get the big picture is that this is a very unstable shoreline. The basic premise of stabilizing it for a given property [the country club] is mission impossible. Because any given little property is part of a larger dynamic,” he said. 

Englebright explained that erosion of the North Shore is accelerating because of our overheating oceans, producing more powerful and frequent tropical storms, further destabilizing the area. “[Bluffs] are not cemented together, so it doesn’t take much to disturb them — like a hurricane. They come apart easily,” he said.

“The county club was unwisely [decades ago] placed too close to the bluff edge,” he said. In the long term, more than just tennis courts will be in harm’s way.” 

“What does this all mean?” 

“We have to ask some serious questions when we get involved in spending millions of dollars,” he said. 

Weighing the pros and cons

Englebright shifted the conversation from a big picture discussion about coastal erosion to a conversation about the project’s immediate and long-term goals.

“I think we’ve already spent something like $5 million in a community of 8,500 people. Do the math: It’s already a significant investment, much of which has already been at least partially compromised in just a couple of seasons,” he said.

He added: “It’s really a cost-benefit analysis that has to be made.” 

Cost update 

Village treasurer, Stephen Gaffga, told TBR News Media in a follow-up phone interview that the costs for Phase 1 of the East Beach Bluff Stabilization project — which included the construction of a large rigid wall already installed at the base and bluff face plantings — have reached $5.3 million. 

Additional costs of $640,000 related to engineering designs and administration bring the total cost to $6 million for Phase 1.

According to the treasurer, the village is currently negotiating with the company that installed the Phase 1 bluff face plantings to determine coverage of the costs for the work destroyed during last winter’s storms. 

Phase 2, the upper wall project — which includes installing a rigid wall with a steel plate at the crest of the bluff — will be partially funded by federal taxpayer dollars as a $3.75 million FEMA grant. Village officials announced final federal approval for this grant money last month. Local taxpayer dollars will fund the remaining Phase 2 expenses. 

According to the treasurer, village officials will better understand the total costs of Phase 2 once the village bids for the work of constructing the upper wall. 

Village trustees approved a $10 million bond resolution in 2021 to fund the project (phases 1 and 2) overall. To date, $5.2 million of the $10 million approved has been borrowed. 

Additional potential costs to date include a possible drainage project at the bluff’s crest, and additional expenses related to repairing recent storm damage to the bluff face. 

Sheprow told TBR that the village is exploring possible additional grant funding to supplement identified additional costs. 

Relocating Port Jeff Country Club

“The bad news is that there’s no single solution,” Englebright said. “The good news is that you [the village] own 178 acres due to the wise investment by the mayor’s father, former mayor Harold Sheprow, made in [1978].” 

“That gives you the ability to relocate the building,” he added, referring to Port Jefferson Country Club.

Englebright suggested that project options be costed out over time and compared before more is done. He would like to see more than engineering expertise weigh into decisions about the project. “Engineers will always tell you they can build anything,” he said. 

He envisions a retreat scenario as done in phases or possibly all at once. “But those decisions have to be costed out,” he said. 

Englebright ended his lecture by commending the current mayor. “I can tell you this, I have met with the mayor and she is doing her homework,” he said.

The next civic association meeting will be held Nov. 11 at 6.30 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Free Library.

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Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh

Two Dads Defending Democracy: Bridging the Gap During Divisive Times

At a time when political discussions can turn confrontational, Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh — two nationally renowned figures hailing from opposing political backgrounds — are proving that respectful dialogue can bridge political divides. Once adversaries, they transformed their heated debates into meaningful conversations and eventually a friendship. Now, they’re coming together at Stony Brook University to share how to find common ground and engage in civil and healthy discussions in service of meaningful legislative reform. The pair will lead two events as part of their Two Dads Defending Democracy tour.

The first, moderated by Charles Robbins, DSW, LCSW-R, will be held in the MART Auditorium at Stony Brook University Hospital on Tuesday, October 22.

On Wednesday, October 23, Guttenberg and Walsh will discuss Democracy and Getting Out the Vote at the Humanities Building, Room 1006, on the Stony Brook University campus.

About the speakers:

  • Fred Guttenberg began his public life after the murder of his 14-year-old daughter Jaime at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in February 2018, and the death of his brother in October 2017 from cancer related to his service as a first responder at the World Trade Center in 9/11. Fred has traveled the country talking about both events but also talking about perspective, perseverance and resilience. He discusses pivotal moments in our life and how we should respond to those moments.
  • Joe Walsh is a former Republican Congressman from Illinois elected to Congress in the TEA Party wave of 2010. Following his service in Congress, he became one of the most popular conservative talk radio hosts in the country, syndicated in major markets throughout the U.S. He is currently the Director of The Social Contract and host of the “The Social Contract with Joe Walsh” podcast where Joe has weekly conversations with other well-known people to model how to have respectful conversations with those with whom you disagree.

Sponsored by the Program in Public Health at Stony Brook Medicine, the events are free and open to faculty, staff, students and members of the community. The Democracy and Getting Out the Vote event is also in collaboration with the Humanities Institute. Registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/two_dads and https://bit.ly/get_out_vote to register.

WHEN & WHERE:

SBUH Event

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

5pm – 7:30pm

At the MART Auditorium

1 Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794

 

SBU Event 

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

12:30pm – 1:50pm

Humanities Institute at Stony Brook University

1013 Humanities

Stony Brook NY, 11794-5354

Room 1006

WHO:

  • Stony Brook University Hospital event will be moderated by Charles Robbins, DSW, LCSW-R, Professor and Executive Director of the Center for Changing Systems of Power at Stony Brook University
  • Speakers
    • Fred Guttenberg
    • Former Congressman Joe Walsh
  • SBUH staff
  • SBU faculty & students

 

DIRECTIONS:

For SBUH event:

LIE to Exit 62. North on Nicolls Road for about 9 miles. Follow Hospital signs; turn right onto Health Sciences Drive. Continue to first light and turn left onto Edmund D. Pellegrino Road onto Medicine campus. Follow the traffic circle and take the second exit to Lauterbur Drive. Follow the traffic circle and take the second exit to Lauterbur Drive. Follow Lauterbur Drive to the front entrance of the MART. The speaking program will take place in the auditorium.

 

For the SBU Event:

From West, take the Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) eastbound to exit 62, and follow Nicolls Road (Route 97) north for 9 miles. The main entrance to the University is on the left; parking access available in the Administration Parking Garage or Lot 1; validation is available. To find the campus via GPS, Administration Building, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790.

 

Stony Brook campus map

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Capital projects fund review of East Beach bluff stabilization shows an estimated $800,000 budget overspend. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

The final report reviewing the capital projects fund was presented to the public by CPA firm, PKF O’Connor Davies of Hauppauge, at the Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees Sept. 25 meeting, ending a year of uncertainty over the financial condition of the fund.

The most significant conclusion was an estimated $1.27 million in overspending on capital projects done without an identified funding source. The largest overage was the East Beach bluff stabilization project of about $800,000.

Why the review was done

One year ago, concerns were raised by then newly-appointed village treasurer, Stephen Gaffga, about the bookkeeping practices that track the village’s capital projects fund. This prompted village officials to hire PKF O’Connor Davies to give a full historical accounting of the fund’s financial recordkeeping. The review spanned from May 2016 to May 2023.

“I noticed shortly after starting my position as treasurer in September of 2023 that our capital projects fund looked like every expense account had a negative balance, which immediately raised red flags for me,” Gaffga said in an interview with TBR News Media.

Gaffga noted that best practices recommended by the Office of the New York State Comptroller were not being followed, making it difficult to track how money was being spent on individual projects.

Ideally a capital project fund ledger should give a granular view of how money flows though different projects and meticulously accounts for funding and payments related to each project, according to the OSC.

The village additionally enlisted Charlene Kagel, CPA — former commissioner of finance for the Town of Brookhaven and ex-Southampton village administrator — as an expert municipal finance consultant to assist the village as it corrects bookkeeping practices to comply with state guidelines.

Reports findings

According to PKF O’Connor Davies, the purpose of the capital projects fund review was to identify which projects have been funded, which have been overspent and what grant funds for specific projects have not yet been reimbursed to the village.

The report provided a clearer picture of the capital fund financial state, especially addressing the overall negative balance observed a year ago. PKF detailed 26 projects as having a deficit fund balance.

Reviewers also noted that “recordkeeping varied by project” — or in other words, the bookkeeping lacked a consistent approach across the ledgers.

Overall, the review revealed an $8.1 million total deficit as of May 31, 2023. “Most of this deficit, an estimated $5 million, is due to grants expected but not yet received by the village,” Gaffga said.

The estimated $1.27 million shortfall comes from spending on a few large projects, most of which, $800,000, is attributed to the bluff stabilization project.

Gaffga explained that the additional spending on the bluff project occurred incrementally over several years starting in 2017, with board members approving these expenses without first identifying a funding source.

Recommendations

Recommendations to the village boil down to one improvement: Follow bookkeeping guidance outlined by the OSC.

The report also identifies the absence of a long-term capital projects fund plan for the village.

Kagel told TBR that an excellent capital plan should include a list of proposed projects by department heads and for municipalities to assign each project a “priority ranking” year by year.

“The board ranks what projects are most important and then figures out how they are going to pay for it,” she said.

Gaffga added, “There will need to be an identified funding source to correct that $1.27 million deficit in the capital fund.”

Gaffga pointed out, however, that this amount is an unaudited estimation. The village has hired a new accounting firm, R.S. Abrams & Co. of Islandia, to finalize the numbers cited in the report before village officials will move forward with a financial plan to reimburse the capital projects fund, as required by municipal law.

“Bottom line, it’s just bad bookkeeping. The village didn’t follow the recommended practice and accounting procedures that are set forth by the state and this is what happens when you don’t,” Kagel said.

Moving forward

The treasurer for a municipality is the custodian of all capital funds, responsible for tracking the finances of each project and developing financial reports for the board and the public.

“At the same time, the board is ultimately responsible for the oversight of the village financials,” Kagel said. “It’s pretty clear that municipalities aren’t supposed to overspend their budget, according to general municipal law in New York State.”

“Stephen [Gaffga] has implemented an OSC best practice, tracking each project financial detail to be sent to the board monthly, so the board can say, ‘Hey, how come we’re in the red on this project?’” she said.

“I’m glad we are now through the most difficult part of the capital projects fund review process and we now know exactly where the village stands,” Mayor Lauren Sheprow said in an email statement to TBR News Media.

“Now the village can proceed to develop a truly transparent capital project plan with guidance from our new Budget and Finance Committee and our incredible treasurer, Stephen Gaffga,” she added.

The full report can be viewed on the Village of Port Jefferson website at www.portjeff.com, and the next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Oct. 9, as a work session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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