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Thursday, February 12, 2026 ~ Volume 138 ~ Issue Number 13 ~ $1.00
Blakeman Launches NY Governor
Campaign By Matt Meduri
The New York State Republican Party kicked off its convention this week with a Monday evening rally to introduce the slate of officials vying for statewide office this year. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) is the party’s nominee for governor in the November election. In 2021, Blakeman upset then-Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (D-Baldwin) in a red wave that flipped control of many offices in both Suffolk and Nassau. Blakeman was re-elected by a hefty eleven-point margin in 2025, carrying Republicans across the finish line in countywide offices and the Nassau County Legislature. While the 2025 elections saw Democrats win across the country, Nassau shone as a bright red beacon on Long Island. Blakeman announced his candidacy late last year, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) dropped out of the race despite being the ostensible frontrunner. Continued on page 4
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) launches his bid for governor in Garden City on Monday (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Giving a Dam: A Conversation
with County Executive
Ed Romaine By Matt Meduri
Stump Pond in its heyday before August 2024 (Credit - Office of Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine)
FULL STORIES ON:
Hauppauge F.D. Fighting BESS Page 7
Commack Celebrates 50 Years Page 12
Smithtown residents continue to reel over the loss of the beloved Stump Pond, which drained when the dam failed due to the torrential downpours brought by Hurricane Ernesto in August 2024. But an ever-more salient issue now is that of whether or not the debate should be rebuilt. Many in Smithtown are calling for the restoration of the town’s foremost hidden gem located in Blydenburgh County Park, which brought recreation, fishing, and a natural refuge amidst suburban sprawl. On the other hand, environmentalists are suggesting that nature take its course and that the Nissequogue River be permitted to flow at its heart’s desire. The Messenger sat down with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) to get a comprehensive view of the issue.
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Public Hearing on Tax Exemptions Page 15