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Thursday, November 13, 2025 ~ Volume 71 ~ Issue Number 4 ~ $1.00
Elise Stefanik Jumps in 2026 By Matt Meduri
Gubernatorial Race By Matt Meduri After months of speculation, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) has formally declared her candidacy for Governor of New York in the 2026 midterm elections. The Schuylerville Republican began posturing for the seat in April. She was originally teed up to become President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) Ambassador to the United Nations. While her nomination was not nearly as controversial as some of his other selections, Stefanik was withdrawn from the process. Continued on page 4
U.S. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik speaking at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. (Credit - Gage Skidmore)
Town Holds Public Hearing on 2026 Budget By Madison Warren Last Thursday at Islip Town Hall, the 2026 budget was presented for a public hearing. On November 6, the Town of Islip proposed a $289 million budget for the upcoming year — a $10.5 million increase from the 2025 budget plan. The primary reason for the considerable rise is the cost of newly negotiated employee union contracts, which have been in development for some time. If adopted, the 2026 Town of Islip budget would result in an estimated $72.77 tax increase for the average household – roughly $6 per month per household. The proposal would also require the Town to exceed its state-imposed 2.1% tax cap by roughly $8.8 million, a move many say is necessary.
Continued on page 10
Islip Town Hall (Credit - Matt Meduri)
FULL STORIES ON:
Bay Shore WWII Veteran Turns 100 Page 5
Senator Weik: ‘Save Our Shops!’ Page 7
Bergin’s Brief: October 2025 Page 15