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Toni-Elena Gallo

Front row, first from left: Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) surrounded by law enforcement officers. Top row, middle: Joan Alpers, the director of Child Life Services at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and Landan Hoenig, founder of Teddies for Happiness. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Selden resident Landan Hoenig has always been an altruistic young man. 

When asked why Hoenig was interested in starting his two-year-old initiative Teddies for Happiness, his grandmother Christina Rundberg replied, “he has always been this way.”

“Landan is always getting involved with different things — very involved with our church when he was young. He’s just an all around good kid,” Rundberg continued.

A law enforcement agent unloading gifts from his vehicle, assisted by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital employees. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

This charity operation came to fruition in 2023, when Hoenig, a student at St. Joseph’s University who works as a traffic control officer for the Southampton Town Police Department, had interned with the Town Police in Spring of 2023 through the Suffolk County Community College Criminal Justice Program internship class, and was energized by his experience.

“Doing the internship with them and then getting a job as a traffic control officer with them, actually helped inspire me to create this event,” Hoenig said.

He originally planned to donate only teddy bears to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital but decided to expand the drive to include all types of toys when finalizing his idea. “I had only two months of prep time to put it all together. It was a very small turnout because, with two months, I really wasn’t sure what I was doing, but it was still very successful,” Hoenig explained.

Hoenig credits having a nine-month prepping period this time, helping make this year’s drive on a bigger scale.

“I knew what I was doing this time.”

In a similar format to 2023’s drive, Hoenig gathered the donated toys at a car show, this year held at the Levitt Ballfield Park in Centereach. Eighteen law enforcement agencies were involved in attracting attendees, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers, New York State Police and Stony Brook University Police Department, as opposed to last year’s two, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Centereach Fire Department. There with their service vehicles, they invited visitors to engage with them as well as listen to music with radio stations 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB, eat Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches and cookies, provided by the restaurant chain and, most importantly, donate toys.

 “About 150 to 200 people came, and I have eighteen boxes of toys. Half of them I put here at the hospital, and the other half I’m bringing to St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church in Selden, where they will be split up between the Saint Cuthbert’s Food Pantry and a local women’s shelter,” Hoenig said. The name of the shelter was not disclosed.

According to Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D, Stony Brook), while the Town of Brookhaven did co-sponsor the event and provided the car show’s venue, “all the credit for the hard work goes to Landan for his enormous time commitment in following up with all of these agencies.”

After numerous law enforcement agencies pulled up to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 6, including the Suffolk County Police Department and a van from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office, numerous law enforcement agents unloaded their vehicles with the assistance of hospital volunteers.

Addressing the small crowd which gathered to assist and watch Hoenig carry out his mission to “provide joy to people no matter what type of situation they are in, even if it’s just a little bit of joy.” Hoenig thanked “not only the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, but the great, amazing officers who want to help people. I cannot be more thankful, so thank you for being able to help me.’

“It was so fun organizing all of the boxes for two hours last night, because I am a last minute person,” he laughed.

Joan Alpers, director of Child Life Services at Stony Brook Medicine, was extremely grateful for Hoenig’s charitable spirit. “We are grateful for all of our main donors at this time of year, and he is one of our significant donors, and we’re happy to have him come back.”

“Thank you, I can’t wait to come back next year,” Hoenig smiled.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Huntington Village turned into a winter wonderland once again as Wall Street was transformed into a display of lights, ornaments, a massive Christmas tree and — of course — a visit from Santa Claus.

The annual event runs from Nov. 30 to Jan. 2 and features numerous events almost daily. From live music, to dancers, to ice carvers and holiday markets, this extravaganza has something for the whole family.

Huntington Hospital/Northwell Health has been the premier sponsor of the festival for four consecutive years. “We take immense pride in sponsoring the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, a celebration that brings our community together in the spirit of joy and togetherness,” said Dr. Nick Fitterman, executive director of Huntington Hospital, in an interview with Living Huntington. “Supporting events like these is at the heart of our commitment to our community.”

The celebration kicked off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with a tree-lighting ceremony hosted by Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto. This was followed by the Huntington Holiday Parade. 

Time with Santa is intertwined with the falling of fake snow, as the hourly light show adds ambiance to the already twinkling 82-foot-tall Holiday Tree of Hope Christmas tree.

For more information on daily events, including a Dec. 15 toy drive, visit www.huntingtonholidayspectacular.com, where you can also sign up to volunteer. 

Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, construction began on Mill Creek Rd. in Stony Brook Village, following August’s catastrophic flooding. The storm not only collapsed the road, but emptied Stony Brook’s Mill Pond, caused destruction to surrounding homes and displaced the area’s wildlife.

According to Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, it is a bit of poetic justice that construction began on Wednesday, as it was “exactly 90 days” since the flood hit. However, the rebuilding of Stony Brook is far from complete.

“The Town of Brookhaven will be doing the road and they’re in the design stage at this point. As for tomorrow, they’ll probably start taking down trees,” said Rocchio. “They’re going to start clearing what’s in the creek, because right now, there’s pieces of cesspool down by the grist mill. There’s also a white film on some of the muck, which I heard is detergent, meaning every time the tide goes in and out, the water is taking it to different places,” she continued. The Grist Mill, a Stony Brook staple since 1751, may have up to eight feet of “sand and muck” impacting its turning capabilities, Rocchio said.

Rocchio described the aftermath of August’s storm as “all-consuming” but said she is focused on rectifying the situation and restoring the Stony Brook Mill Pond to its former state.

The WMHO president also stressed the importance of avoiding the collapsed area on Harbor and Main streets as well as the drained Mill Pond itself. She explained that curious passersby have been found standing in the creek, Mill Pond and mud near Harbor Rd. “When we did a cleanup with volunteers, someone got very badly stuck in there. It is like quicksand,” Rocchio said.

In light of the federal government’s response to Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday that Suffolk County’s flood damage is “not of the severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of Individual Assistance,” Rocchio said many homeowners, including Ron Borgese—a man who lost a portion of his home on the corner of Main St. and Harbor Rd.—have been left reeling.

“Apparently, the area is not devastated enough, but I don’t know how much more devastated you need to be,” Borgese said in a phone interview.

“The house is condemned and the property is shot. So far, I got nothing from anybody.”

Borgese is currently staying with family while awaiting word on assistance. He does not have flood insurance.

Rocchio said the community’s support during this time has deeply touched her, noting that people have donated amounts ranging from $50 to “thousands.”

In the coming weeks, WMHO will host a Christmas auction to raise money for storm damage relief.

For more information on FEMA’s decision, visit www.tbrnewsmedia.com.

By Toni-Elena Gallo 

On Monday, Nov. 11, local veterans were honored at a moving ceremony at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park.

Hosted by VFW Post 3054,  the event began with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” immediately followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Brightly colored arrangements were placed near the commemorative monuments of those who lost their lives in both world wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Family members of servicemen and women, Boy Scouts and other dignitaries including Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) participated in the ceremony.

The event concluded with a three-volley salute by current members of the U.S. military.

Rabbi Joshua Gray. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Joshua Gray may be the youngest rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t lived. Since joining the temple in July of 2023, he has brought his personal experiences and unique flairs to Isaiah’s congregants.

The 37-year-old grew up in Glens Falls, New York, and was raised Jewish, but didn’t feel a particularly strong connection to his faith. In fact, he grew up wanting to be a performer.

“It’s what I wanted to do when I graduated high school. I went to the Boston Conservatory of Music and then lived in New York City, pursuing that for many years,” Gray said.

“I did a lot of theater. I was trained in opera. So, it was not a direct path to becoming a rabbi, but it all made sense once everything came together,” he laughed.

After meeting his wife in the theater, Gray started thinking about other career options. He had been working in the mental health field, while acting, for years and felt he was being pulled in different directions.

“That was really in my family, that profession. My mom was a psychiatric nurse that ran an outpatient mental health clinic,” Gray said.

“So…I worked in inpatient behavioral units, starting when I was 18, being really into [that sort of thing] and got my psych degree from Penn State, eventually,” he continued.

When Gray and his wife were looking to start a family, he felt he should do something more community-based. Gray explained that he had been doing “independent rabbinical work, and serving on High Holy Days, in the Catskills, at a Reform temple, for about five years.”

“I didn’t want to travel anymore … and it was kind of like beshert, falling into this line of work,” Gray said, using the Yiddish word for fate. “I would peek into doing this full-time every once in a while, but I wasn’t necessarily looking for a pulpit.”

After fully committing himself to becoming a rabbi, Gray found an opening at Temple Isaiah, which he felt was “just a perfect fit for my background, values and family.”

“We had actually just bought a house upstate when I got hired here, and we had to sell it after living in it for only a year to move to Long Island,” he reminisced.

Gray said Temple Isaiah, a Reform Jewish temple, appealed to him because of its inclusivity, welcoming people of all races, sexualities, gender identities and faiths. He was also drawn to the temple’s embrace of modern practices, as a post-denominational rabbi.

When asked what he especially appreciates about Temple Isaiah, he said he values its “different viewpoints and ways of looking at Judaism.” The environment reminded him of his work in the private sector, where he supported people of various spiritual backgrounds, including those who identified as spiritual but not religious.

“I created an 18-week introduction to Judaism course at the temple, which saw people looking to convert, reconnect with the faith they may not have practiced for years, or have interfaith discussions, which I really enjoy.”

Gray is passionate about incorporating community elements into his work and unifying surrounding areas through increased programs. He has organized events with the Bethel AME Church of Setauket and other Christian churches. Gray has developed a mental health and wellness program for people of all ages and has utilized his musical talents to establish an expanded choir — in which his wife is heavily involved — as well. Additionally, he is proud of his work with Abraham’s Table of Long Island, where he has participated in two panels representing the Jewish perspective among a group of Christians and Muslims. During the discussions, each faith leader explains how God speaks to them “in today’s world.”

“I really want us to be the place where people feel like you can find your thing, you know? There’s no particular person you have to be here,” Gray said.

For more information about Temple Isaiah, its programs and upcoming events, visit www.tisbny.org. They will be holding their 2nd annual 3 Village Interfaith Thanksgiving service, at 7:00pm on Nov. 26.

Correction: Rabbi Gray was referred to as a non-denominational rabbi in print, when the correct term is post-denominational. He also was hired by a board at the temple.

The Port Jefferson Lions Club holds a Food Basket Drive every year around the holidays.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

The Port Jefferson chapter of the Lions Club is an organization that strives to make a difference in the community in which it serves.

Founded in Chicago back in 1917, the club was launched by a “group of businessmen who wanted to do more for their communities,” according to the Lions International website, and reiterated on a phone interview with Rick Giovan, a member of the Port Jeff chapter’s board of directors and former president. Today, the Lions Club has over 48,000 clubs with 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and geographic areas, working by the credo “we serve.”

According to Giovan, the Port Jefferson chapter is committed to helping people of all backgrounds, specifically those facing food insecurity, substance use problems — as well as their families — sight and vision problems and people with disabilities.

The emphasis on helping people who suffer from low vision came to be in 1925, when Helen Keller encouraged the Lions to become “the knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” at their international convention.

Among the charities that are supported, “we work with the Guide Dog Foundation [in Smithtown], the Cleary School for the Deaf [in Lake Ronkonkoma] and the Port Jefferson Library, where we help fund certain devices to help members with low vision,” Giovan said.

“We’ll sometimes get a call from a school guidance counselor saying something like, ‘This fourth grader really needs glasses, and the family just can’t afford it,’ and it is so nice to be able to help in those situations.”

The club membership is made up of people from “all different socioeconomic backgrounds,” Giovan said.

“There is no requirement to pay the club. Some members may offer a $1,000 check to a cause, while another member may be more generous with their time and has their hands and feet on the ground more. Everyone does what they can,” he added.

The Port Jeff Lions Club community fund raises money through donations, as well as numerous yearly fundraisers. There is a golf classic, movie nights — where theaters are rented out for guests and members — and car shows, to name a few.

Two initiatives that the club is especially passionate about are its annual Holiday Food Baskets and Christmas Magic events.

According to Giovan, every Nov. 22 prior to Thanksgiving, Lions members along with community volunteers and school children, unpack the food trucks they have ordered from, and bag groceries — three for each family with some money used to purchase the merchandise coming from local businesses, and the rest from donations.

“The club asks for $50 donations for this event, but you can give less or more — whatever people can. And, if they would like to donate, they can send a check to P.O. Box 202, Port Jefferson, NY 11777,” Giovan said.

“After that, we make deliveries on the 23rd, and give each family a ham, as well,” he continued. “It is very satisfying to see people so grateful. Oftentimes, we’ll see a young, single woman, with a couple of kids, living in a very modest apartment, and they just appreciate the food so much.”

The Christmas Magic night has been run by the Port Jeff Lions Club president, Linda Eicholz, for the past three years. This unique occasion sees a Lions Club member take the wish list of a local child, and “purchase all of their requests,” Giovan said.

“One of the members will dress up as Santa, and say, ‘I have a big bag for Nicole,’ for example, and hand that child a wrapped bag of all of their presents. It brings such a smile to their faces.”

For more information about the Port Jeff Lions Club events, how to donate and how to become a member, please visit the website: e-clubhouse.org/sites/portjefferson.

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.”

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

Both candidates 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.

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.

File photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Deer rutting may not be a common term to all, but it is important to understand this time of year.

Rutting is a behavioral pattern of deer, in which male deer — bucks — chase does. It is triggered by autumn’s decreasing daylight, which causes an increase in hormones for both bucks and does. The season begins in October and ends in early winter.

According to DMV data compiled by AAA Northeast, 2022’s mating season accounted for nearly 37,000 car crashes in New York state, where an “animal’s actions” was listed as a contributing factor — most of which involved deer. Additionally in 2022, Suffolk County ranked sixth among the state’s 62 counties with the most animal-related crashes, at 1,216. Deer-related crashes in Suffolk can see a significant increase this time of year, often cited as between 50% and 75% higher than other months. Most accidents have been found to occur during afternoon rush hour, as well as dusk.

With over 30,000 deer in Suffolk County alone, North Shore residents are advised to stay especially vigilant when driving down major roadways, such as Route 347, as deer frequently dart out into oncoming traffic.

The NYS Department of Transportation urges drivers to brake firmly, but not swerve if a deer runs in front of your vehicle. Swerving can cause a vehicle-to-vehicle collision, or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole — which reinforces the need for reduced speeds this time of year. Additionally, it is crucial to not approach a wounded deer as it may be frightened and potentially dangerous.

Alert 911 if a deer crossing creates a roadblock, as it can become a serious threat to oncoming traffic.

Ironically, with the increased creation of edge habitats, or transition zones between forest and open areas, deer have been provided with abundant food and shelter, dramatically increasing their Suffolk population, as a result. This is among a host of factors which has driven the North Shore’s deer population in recent years, including reduced hunting.

“We don’t have a natural predator for deer, so their numbers are increasing with no control,” Isabel Fernandes, of Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, said back in 2019. “Also, various towns and communities aren’t allowing hunting.” 

In recent years, the villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre are two local governments that have considered amping up culling efforts, to reduce deer’s impact on our ecosystem and traffic.