Smithtown Messenger Archive Mar. 26, 2026

Hochul Backtracks, Asks for Ex-NY’ers to Return

By Matt Meduri

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) recently addressed perhaps New York State’s most pressing issue: nation-leading out-migration from the Empire State that has promulgated an eroding tax base amidst more-ambitious-than-ever spending packages.

Hochul drew immense ire in the home stretch of the 2022 gubernatorial campaign, when she told the Republican nominee, then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), to “jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong.” The motion was directed at other Republicans as well. “Get out of town because you don’t represent our values. You’re not New Yorkers.”

Continued on page 5

Town Retains AAA Bond Rating

By Matt Meduri

The Town of Smithtown has secured yet another excellent grade on any municipality’s report card: the retention of the best bond rating achievable.

Moody’s Ratings has designated the best possible credit rating for Smithtown for the eighth year in a row. The AAA bond rating is for its 2026 Public Improvement Serial Bonds, obtainable only by fiscal discipline in budgeting, future-oriented infrastructure and economic development projects, and overall respectable financial stewardship. The rating is also a reflection of a strong local economy.

“These are not abstract metrics; this is what responsible governance looks like in action,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) in a statement. “This AAA rating is a significant achievement for our Town and a direct reflection of the thoughtful, responsible decisions we’ve made on behalf of our residents. Earning and maintaining Moody’s highest rating speaks volumes about our commitment to fiscal integrity, smart planning, and delivering real value to taxpayers.”

Continued on page 10

WINTER EVENTS

Sound Symphony Concert at Comsewogue High School, Port Jefferson Station

March 27, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Springtime Egg Hunt & Makers Festival at St John’s Greek Orthodox Church, Blue Point

March 28, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Bunny’s Breakfast Bash at Dave and Buster’s, Islandia

March 29, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

SPRING FLING at Marconi Manor, Islip

April 1, 7:00 PM

Springtime Egg Hunt & Makers Festival at St John’s Greek Orthodox Church, Blue Point

March 28, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash at The Paramount Huntington

March 29, 7:00 PM

Long Island Music Awards at Windows On The Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma

March 31, 6:00 PM

SPRING FLING at Marconi Manor, Islip

April 1, 7:00 PM

Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience at The Suffolk Riverhead

April 3, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Easter Weekend In The Shed, West Sayville

April 3, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Saturday Fright Fever: Murder Mystery at Windows On The Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma

April 4, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Easter Festival at Smithtown Historical Society, Smithtown

April 4, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Comedy Night at the Seaport Diner, Pt. Jefferson Station

April 12, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

(631) 269-6421

Turning Grief into Purpose: Renée Murphy’s Tribute to Her Brother

By Madison Warren

Renée Murphy, a Smithtown resident and mother, has released her third book, The Art of Living with Purpose: Short Inspiring Stories & 33 Signature Cocktails, as a tribute to her late brother and respected member of the Smithtown community, Robert Green, Jr. Murphy has a gift for transforming her life experiences into meaningful words of wisdom, and with this latest release, she continues that tradition, one she is eager to share with readers once again.

Her first book was inspired by her work as a school counselor, where she realized there were no children’s books that explained intuition in a way young readers could understand. The idea stayed with her for quite some time.

Later, when she became a stay-at-home mom, she found herself wanting something she could do just for herself. While she embraced the challenges, chaos, and rewards of being home with her children, she still felt a pull to create something more.

That feeling brought her back to her days as a counselor, and the question she couldn’t shake: Why weren’t there books teaching children how to listen to their intuition?

Following her own intuition, Murphy created a manuscript in 2018 titled Your Heart’s Voice. However, it remained unreleased until 2023, after the sudden loss of her younger brother, Robert. Drawn to the beach each day, she found comfort in talking to him and continuing to write. During that time, she felt it was finally the right moment to share her work. With a few meaningful changes, including honoring her brother by making him the main character, she brought the story to life in a deeply personal way.

Readers quickly connected with the book, and Murphy said the feedback and support were overwhelming. What started as a story soon grew into something much bigger.

Her work evolved into a program called Developing Your Intuition, which is now used in the Commack School District. She created the Your Intuition Journals and lesson plans aligned with New York State health and education standards. The program is designed for K–6 classrooms, equipping teachers to help students make thoughtful decisions by learning to trust and listen to their intuition.

This leads to Murphy’s newest book, The Art of Living with Purpose: Short Inspiring Stories & 33 Signature Cocktails.

Continued on page 15

Suffolk Matters

Romaine Announces Suffolk 250 Arbor Day Program to ‘Plant it Forward’

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), in partnership with Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset), announced the launch of the Planting It Forward to 2276 Program as part of the ongoing Suffolk 250 initiative honoring America’s 250th Anniversary. Beginning on Arbor Day, April 24, residents will be able to officially document the planting of trees through the Living Legacy Tree Registry that will be stored in archives of Suffolk County for future generations to see.

“Suffolk 250 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only learn about our storied past, but to leave a legacy for future Suffolk County residents,” said Romaine. “Planting It Forward is a unique way to celebrate the semiquincentennial as we will connect future generations through public documentation and additional green initiatives. I encourage all our residents to participate in this program beginning on Arbor Day.”

“As Suffolk County Clerk, it is our responsibility to safeguard the records that define our community. I am proud to preserve this initiative as part of our historical record. Each registered tree will not only contribute to a greener Suffolk County today but will also be documented and maintained in our archives in perpetuity, allowing future generations to see the impact of this moment,” said Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo.

Beginning on Arbor Day through July 4, residents can plant seedlings and trees anywhere in Suffolk County and register the location and/or coordinates on the “Living Legacy Tree Registry” through suffolk250.org. Each registered tree will receive a Suffolk 250 Living Legacy Certificate of Registration.

The Living Legacy Tree Registry will be permanently preserved and displayed in a volume maintained by the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk, creating a lasting record of Suffolk County’s contribution to America’s 250th Anniversary.

In addition, Suffolk County will be giving away 2,500 Red Oak tree seedlings to residents at County Parks between Arbor Day, April 24, 2026, and April 30, 2026, or until supplies last.

Residents can pick up their free seedlings from Suffolk County Parks at the following pick-up locations during normal business hours.

Smithtown

• Blydenburgh County Park - Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown

Brookhaven

• Lake Ronkonkoma County Park - 600 Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma

• Southaven County Park - 761 Victory Avenue, Brookhaven

Islip

• Gardiner County Park - Montauk Highway, Bay Shore

• Timber Point County Park - Great River Road, Oakdale

• West Sayville County Park - 200 Montauk Highway, West Sayville

Huntington, Babylon, Riverhead, Southampton

• Bergen Point County Park - Bergen Avenue, West Babylon

• Indian Island County Park - Cross River Drive (Route 105), Riverhead

• Sears Bellows County Park - 63 Bellows Pond Road, Hampton Bays

• West Hills County Park - Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington

Planting it Forward is part of Suffolk County’s America 250 campaign that was launched in August 2025. The America 250 campaign will continue to include a variety of events throughout the region to celebrate the once-in-a-generation milestone.

For more information, call or chat with Suffolk 311 at 311, 631-853-6311, or suffolkcountyny.gov/311.

Hochul Backtracks, Asks for Ex-NY’ers to Return

Now, Hochul has done a complete turnaround on that instruction, urging new Floridians to “see who you can bring back home, because our tax base has been eroded.” This comes at a time when the Governor’s $254 billion proposed Executive Budget is the highest in history and the proposed One-House Budgets carry an even steeper price tag. Moreover, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) is hoping to deliver on a textbook Democratic Socialist bill that requires high net worth New Yorkers to foot.

“The fact is, I need people who are high net worth to support the generous social programs that we want to have in our state,” said Hochul.

The Statistics

Since 2022, over 500,000 people have fled New York State, according to studies by USA Today and The New York Post. New York City alone lost over 350,000 residents as well.

Florida has since been the largest beneficiary of that exodus. Between 2018 and 2022, CNBC reports that Florida was the top destination for fed-up New Yorkers, with more than 150,000 moving to the Sunshine State. New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas also rank high on the list.

CNBC reports that in 2025, Philadelphia was ranked as a top destination, Miami for finance and tech relocations, Bridgeport-Stamford for its proximity to the Big Apple, and Atlanta and Charlotte as emerging popular destinations.

Hochul is also imploring these high-income residents to “cut me the checks” for the “generous social programs.”

New York also constitutes one of the highest tax burdens in the country, usually ranking either first or second nationally in terms of total State and local taxes per capita. The burden is approximately 15% on median households. High sales taxes

(8.54%) and high property taxes also contribute to the fiscal angst that many New Yorkers feel. The top individual income tax rate, 10.9%, applies to individuals making over $25 million.

Since Florida is one of the top destinations for ex-New Yorkers, our research found that Florida’s FY2026 budget is $114.8 billion, a large budget but a near-$2 billion decrease from FY2025. Whereas, the adopted New York City FY2026 budget clocks in at $115.9 billion - the largest in the city’s history.

What They’re Saying

Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said in a statement, “the only way to get them to come back is to change OUR government and OUR policies.”

“After 2.5 million of our residents listened and left due to the damage her policies are causing - the governor is begging them to return to fix the problems Albany Democrats have created,” said Mattera. “What would entice them to return? The promise

of higher taxes to pay for policies they disagree with? Our residents left for Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and other states because they saw a better, less taxed state that they aligned with.”

Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) called Hochul’s words “beyond presumptuous,” but “ludicrous.”

“They’re not coming back. There aren’t enough reasons for them to stay anymore,” Brown told The Messenger.

Brown added that the about-face “proves how disingenuous these policies are.”

“We all know that at the end of the day, we need businesses and people who generate wealth to pay the taxes in order to fund these programs,” said Brown. He compared it to a quasigame of musical chairs, except “when you take away the chairs, there’s no place for people to sit.”

“There’s no one left here except for people who are standing around,” said Brown. “Rather than looking for ways to cut taxes or rein in the State’s incredibly bad spending habits, Albany Democrats are doubling down and looking under every possible stone, leaving none unturned, of ways to tax us into oblivion.”

Brown added that when Andrew Cuomo (D-Sutton Place) was governor,

the Democratic Socialists in Albany were kept “at bay.” However, he says that Hochul is “having difficulty containing them.”

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) said that while she can “only speak for herself and her district,” she will “always ensure that we are working to make every New Yorker feel welcome as a resident of our great state.”

Advisory Board

* Lake Ronkonkoma

March Meeting

Open to the public and public participation is encouraged!

Presentation by Pio Lombardo on phosphorus removal at Fresh Pond

March 31st, 2026, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Media Room 184

H. Lee Dennison Building 100 Veterans Memorial Hwy Hauppauge, NY 11788

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Hochul Effectively Says: ‘Come Back So We Can Tax You’

The latest about-face from Albany is as presumptuous as it is comical.

However, since New York continues its quest to be one of the most tax burdensome states in the union, it’s no laughing matter…

In September 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) famously rebuked then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), her opponent for the governorship that year, and other Republicans to “jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong,” adding that Republicans in New York simply didn’t share what Hochul ambiguously referred to as New York “values.”

Well, many took up Hochul on her command, selling their houses on the balloon-like market and splitting for the South. Florida is a top destination for many ex-New Yorkers, and we find one standout reason: Florida’s FY2026 budget is less than New York City’s FY2026 budget.

Think about that: the budget for an entire state is less than one for an entire city…

Hochul got what she wanted. Republicans, among many others, of course, fled New York for cheaper pastures, where they can not only afford to live a stable life, but where their elected officials don’t seem hell bent on taxing them into oblivion simply for the love of the game. Florida is now considered a “heat sink” of Republican voters, and many Democrats thought that would shore up their margins in the deep-blue Northeast. However, New York and New Jersey

shifted obdurately to the right.

It’s not a “values” problem; it’s very clearly a money and return-oninvestment problem. And New Yorkers have not seen a decent ROI on their high tax bills in years.

But now, Hochul is imploring ex-New Yorkers to come back, even going so far as to deputize Floridian transplants to galvanize their neighbors to go back to their homeland governed by Albany. Hochul said flatly that New York needs high earners to subsidize the “generous social programs” sponsored by the State and the Big Apple.

It’s one thing to tell people to get out of town when they don’t agree with you, but it’s another to ask them to come back to dig you out of the hole you made yourself.

“Yes, we despise your viewpoints and think you have no say in our politics here, but please give us money so we can do the things you don’t want us to do. It’s a team effort!” Hochul might as well have proclaimed.

It’s not only the most presumptuous take we’ve seen from Hochul thus far, but it’s flat-out insulting to the intelligence of New Yorkers who have stayed behind for obligations, family, or to try to make their home a better place…

…but none of that is possible unless you whip out your checkbook, or else, you apparently don’t share “New York values.”

Chuck Norris Didn’t Die, God Just Needed a Bodyguard

If you were active on the Internet around the early-to-mid 2000s, you no doubt had several runins with Chuck Norris “Facts” - absurd, hyperbolic claims that greatly exaggerated the martial arts and film icon’s strength, power, intimidation, and masculinity.

The trend ostensibly goes back to the 1980s, where an unattributed quote reads, “Chuck Norris was once bit by a King Cobra. After hours of excruciating pain, the Cobra died.”

We think the origin of the tongue-in-cheek joke series came from the 1996 film Forest Warrior, in which Norris stops a live chainsaw with his bare hand.

Other jokes then materialized: “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups; he does Earth-downs”, “Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas to bed”, “Chuck Norris tells Simon what to do [as in Simon Says]”, and “Death had a near-Chuck Norris experience.”

These are just a few examples of the humor that surrounded one man and his legendary impact on American pop culture.

Now, as the world universally mourns Norris’, 86, passing this week, a whole new slew of Chuck Norris “Facts” perpetuate one of the Internet’s greatest gifts bestowed upon its users.

“Chuck Norris will be delivering the eulogy at his funeral”, “Chuck Norris didn’t die; Death finally got permission”, and The Babylon Bee’s headline, “‘Fear Not!’ Says Chuck Norris to Calm Trembling Angels.”

We’re also seeing something of a generational gap with Norris’ passing. Most younger people might understand the jokes at face value, but some don’t even know who Norris was. It’s a sobering fact that time continues and legends of yesteryear are merely Wikipedia articles tomorrow.

But Norris’ place in American society can’t be understated and the Internet has done right by him in continuing these jokes that even Norris himself enjoyed.

“Chuck Norris doesn’t rest in peace. Peace rests in Chuck Norris.”

Trump Disappoints

on ‘Unity’

President Donald Trump (R-FL) has always been what many have referred tolovingly, or not so - as a “warthog.” His devil-may-care attitude is what made him stand out in 2016, as he spared no expense in saying to the politicians and the elitists what the average American has been dying to say to them for decades.

Now, as the U.S. gets involved in another interminable conflict in the Middle East, prices continue to be oppressive, and most of his landmark populist promises have either not seen follow-through or weren’t started in the first place, the shtick is getting old.

Trump crossed yet another line by celebrating the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who understandably earned Trump’s ire by leading the Russian collusion hoax after the 2016 election, which wound up to be a giant nothing-burger.

in Latest Truth Post

But for the President to say, “I’m glad he’s dead” is a bridge too far for many people. Trump also made many of supporters cringe when he chastised the legendary director Rob Reiner after his and his wife’s heinous murder. While all leads point to the Reiners’ mentally disturbed son, Trump made it about himself, and somehow alluded to Reiner’s “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) as the culprit for his passing.

It all smacks of hypocrisy, especially when Trump and his DOJ used Charlie Kirk’s horrific assassination in September to call for unity and to not celebrate death, no matter the adversary.

We urge the President to take a good, hard look at the stakes. Get off Truth Social, stop dancing on peoples’ graves, and lead with the unity you called for in 2024.

Energy Costs Demand Change in Energy Policies

By Senator Tom O’Mara

It’s difficult to pinpoint one single issue, above all others, which must be addressed in the new state budget currently being negotiated by Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) and the leaders of New York’s Democrat-led Legislature.

You’d be hard-pressed, however, to take your attention away from energy-related concerns. The cost of energy is playing out across the world’s stage, of course. However, the nuts and bolts of the challenge right here in New York State still comes back to what state leaders are going to do to address (or fail to address) the ongoing fallout from their approval of the “Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act” (CLCPA) in 2019.

High utility costs remain the number one constituent concern coming into my legislative office and legislative offices throughout this state.

When the CLCPA was first approved and during the nearly seven years that have transpired since then, state Democrats who champion the CLCPA have never produced a financial impact statement for the law. That is until a few weeks ago, when the Hochul administration, through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), finally released a memo outlining the “likely costs of CLCPA compliance.”

That memo reads, in part, “Absent changes, by 2031, the impact of CLCPA on the price of gasoline could reach or exceed $2.23/gallon on top of current prices at that time; the cost for an MMBtu of natural gas $16.96; and comparable increases to other fuels. Upstate oil and natural gas households would see costs in excess of $4,000 a year.”

The memo continues: “Likewise, similarly burdensome costs should be anticipated for small and medium commercial businesses. Depending on the utility and size of the facility, such entities could expect utility costs to increase by as much as 46%. Costs for operating a delivery truck would increase by over 60%.”

These costs will be felt by increased prices for virtually every good and service we purchase in everyday life.

It’s no surprise. Many of us who have opposed, from the outset, the onerous mandates, unrealistic timelines, and overall direction being imposed on all New Yorkers under the CLCPA as it currently stands have consistently called for a comprehensive and transparent cost-benefit analysis of what it’s going to cost ratepayers to keep going down this road.

And now that the cost of these ongoing CLCPA green energy mandates to ratepayers, taxpayers, farmers, truckers, school districts, manufacturers, small businesses, and local communities and economies are being acknowledged, the demand for change becomes more urgent.

Most recently, I joined colleagues on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee to call on Governor Hochul to immediately reconvene the state’s Climate Action Council (CAC) to undertake an updated review of the CLCPA with an eye toward

outlining changes that can be made to this far-reaching climate law before the close of the current legislative session, if not sooner.

“Since the passage of the CLCPA, electricity prices are up over 50% here in New York,” we wrote. “This is not a coincidence. The mandates placed on utility companies have been borne by ratepayers ... These costs have become unbearable for our residents. State policy has driven up energy bills to the point where people are being forced to choose between keeping the lights on and affording everything else. It is time for the Council to reconvene and amend the CLCPA to account for economic realities.”

The Climate Action Council was created under the provisions of the CLCPA. It’s a 22-member body appointed by the governor and both houses of the Legislature. In December 2022, the CAC approved a “Scoping Plan” that defined the specifics for implementing CLCPA’s broad-based clean energy and climate goals. That plan -- that Democrat-produced strategy currently dictating energy policy in this state -- has been desperately trying to inflict a zero-emissions economy on all New Yorkers that will have zero impact on the climate.

These actions are delivering a heavy price tag that will only get heavier as time goes on for ratepayers -- unless we change course. If we don’t, the consequences for ratepayers and taxpayers, small businesses and manufacturers, school districts, farmers, and entire local economies will continue to be devastating. It has become clear that the current strategy is not realistic or achievable. It’s not responsible or rational. There was no cost-benefit analysis. It unreasonably risks energy grid reliability and affordability.

New Yorkers need relief now. Immediately reconvening the CAC is one surefire way to start moving in a different direction with greater foresight and common sense.

Our Senate and Assembly minority conferences have advanced and will continue to promote actions to deliver much-needed relief to overburdened ratepayers and to put forth a clean energy strategy that is focused on affordability, feasibility, and reliability.

In addition to reconvening the CAC, we have been pushing a range of other actions and policies to put an end to numerous CLCPA green energy mandates, including pending rules requiring all-electric school bus fleets and all-electric buildings, and to provide immediate relief to ratepayers from skyrocketing utility costs.

Right now, the only way to reduce energy costs in New York State is to change Albany-driven energy policies.

Senator Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats) has represented the 58th District in the New York State Senate since 2013. The 58th District includes all or parts of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, and Yates counties, including the cities of Ithaca and Elmira. Senator O’Mara is the Ranking Member on the Investigations and Government Operations Committee, and sits on the committees on Cannabis, Codes, Energy and Telecommunications, Insurance, and Judiciary.

Letters to the Editor

The Big Beautiful Bill

Dear Editor,

“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day, but a series of oppressions…too plainly proves a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing us to slavery.” - Thomas Jefferson, 1787

When oppression becomes routine, when cruelty becomes law, it’s a plan. They told us it would bring prosperity by cutting waste and fraud and bring the economy to heights we’ve never seen. Has it? It doesn’t protect families or communities. It tears down the institutions that hold this country together.

Tyranny starts when people in power build concentration camps, and it takes root for good when the people find that acceptable. This is about what kind of people we’re willing to be. When a government stops protecting the vulnerable, it stops being a democracy.

“Fear is the foundation of most governments, but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve any political plan which is founded on it.” - John Adams, 1818

Adams believed Americans wouldn’t stand for tyranny. Now it’s on us to prove him right.

Sincerely,

Charles Gueli Laurel

LaLota Delivers for Suffolk

Dear Editor,

It’s always a test of our representatives to see how much bacon they can bring home. I think Congressman Nick LaLota has certainly done so.

Since he took office in 2023, LaLota has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure, wastewater, the environment, and Suffolk County’s premier science scene. The federal dollars he’s secured for Brookhaven National Lab alone keeps the United States on the top playing field on the globe in new energies and technologies.

LaLota is in a tough spot, being a moderate Republican in an evenly divided House with a controversial president. But we need more representatives like him who simply do the job of ensuring his district gets what it needs.

For that, I will be voting to re-elect Nick LaLota this November. I urge your readers to do the same.

Sincerely,

Tom East Shoreham

State News

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Hochul Proposes Ten-Year Delay on Energy, Climate Mandates

By Matt Meduri

Passed in 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) has been one of the most panned and controversial legislative accomplishments over the last few years, behind only, perhaps, Bail Reform.

The legislative overhaul is New York’s de facto “Green New Deal”, and is regularly seen as perhaps the most ambitious climate agenda of any state. Its key provisions include a 100% zeroemissions electricity grid by 2040, an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and a goal of 70% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

But as both Democrats and Republicans have like - numerous members of both parties have written the Governor - have sounded the alarm on what they find is an unrealistically short runway leading into monumental, not-yet-sustainable goals.

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-Hamburg) (pictured above) is now taking that proposal in stride, introducing a last-minute alteration to the law just days ahead of the State’s April 1 budget deadline.

The Proposed Changes

The CLCPA famously required New York State to cut emissions 40% from 1990 levels by 2030, with State agencies charged with installing those regulations by 2024. A June 2025 New York State Energy Planning Board Meeting found that projections to meet that goal are at least six years behind.

In October, an Ulster County Judge made a succinct ruling: issue the rules, or change the law.

Hochul is now pitching a sevenyear extension of that 2024 deadline, pushing it to the end of 2030. What remains unspecified is the target for emissions, although the Governor has proposed a 2040 deadline for that change. The 2030 deadline would commence at the end of her second

term, should she be re-elected this November.

Hochul defended her decision in an op-ed published by The Empire Report, in which she put at least some of the blame at the feet of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) “hostile” attitude towards green energy.

“We will be dealing with a White House outright hostile toward renewable energy for at least another three years, making it impossible for us to meet our targets without imposing higher costs on homeowners, renters, and businesses,” wrote Hochul. She also referenced the Trump administration’s “efforts to stop…fully-permitted” offshore wind projects that are projected to power “half a million homes in Brooklyn later this year.”

Hochul further argued that while she remains “fully committed to the blueprint” of the CLCPA, so much has “radically changed” since 2019. She cited “post-COVID inflation and supply chain disruptions” as two of the main culprits, “compounded by federally imposed, illegal tariffs that have driven up project costs.”

Nonetheless, Hochul conceded that if the State were to enforce the 2030 deadline, the results would be “staggering.”

“...more than $4,000 a year for Upstate oil and natural gas households, and $2,300 more for New York natural gas households,” said Hochul. “And gas prices at the pump would jump an additional $2.23 per gallon above where it would otherwise be.”

Smithtown Republican Senator Leads the Charge

On March 13, Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) (pictured top), the Ranking Member on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and a fierce defender of pragmatic escalation to a greener grid and union laborers who would be adversely impacted by the CLCPA mandates, had written a letter to Hochul urging her to reconsider the deadlines.

Specifically, Mattera and fellow Energy Committee colleagues, Senators Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats) and Mark Walczyk (R-Watertown), called on Hochul to “reconvence” the Climate Action Council to review changes of the CLCPA.

“Since the passage of the CLCPA in 2019, electricity prices are up over 50% here in New York. This is not a coincidence,” reads the letter. “These costs have become unbearable for our residents. State policy has driven up energy bills to the point where people are being forced to choose between keeping the lights on and affording everything else. It is time for the Council to reconvene and amend the CLCPA to account for economic realities.”

Mattera and company recommended points to help make the CLCPA “more achievable.” They’re calling for the Cap and Invest Program to be halted, citing the recent memo from the State Energy Research and Development Authority that shows New York families cannot afford to pay the extra $2.23 per gallon at the pump or an additional $4,100 on their annual utility bill.

“If we are going to listen to the experts on climate change, we should listen to them when they tell us how expensive it will be,” continued the letter.

They’re also calling for greenhouse gas emission accounting standards to be amended to adopt the United Nations’ accounting method, which they argue would put New York businesses “on a more level playing field with businesses in other states that have to reduce their emissions.”

Finally, they’re asking that the CLCPA be amended to reflect an “allof-the-above” approach regarding energy policy.

“Renewable energy definitions need to consider sources such as nuclear and renewable natural gas,” reads the letter. “The State should emphasize building as much generation as possible so that we can drive down energy prices and climate policy must reflect that.”

What They’re Saying

Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), who represents parts of central Brookhaven and the TriHamlet Peninsula, pointed to “a 47.1% increase in residential electricity prices since 2019 and mounting grid reliability concerns raised by the New York Independent System operator (NYISO).

“This isn’t theoretical, this is showing up in people’s mailboxes every month,” DeStefano said. “When utility bills jump nearly 50% in a few years, that’s not a minor adjustment.

That’s a crisis,” said DeStefano (pictured below) in a statement.

He proposed rebate checks of up to $400 for eligible residents, “returning surplus clean energy funds to customers as credits on their utility bills.” He also argued for ending the natural gas ban and zero-emission school bus mandate, as well as the “immediate reinvestment” into natural gas plants “forced into retirement by Albany Democrat policies.”

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) (pictured below), who represents the Three Village region and parts of Middle Country in Brookhaven Town, said that she supports a reconvening of the Council to address both the energy and affordability crises.

“We are battling an affordability crisis on so many fronts, working day in-and-out to find relief for our residents. Our communities are all still weathering the shock of eye-popping utility bills that resulted from the enormous spike in demand on natural gas for heating and power production during this winter’s cold snaps,” Kassay told The Messenger. “I would support the reconvening of the Climate Action Council to discuss how to effectively diversify our energy sources while considering the realities of available technologies and prioritizing affordability for New Yorkers.”

This Week Today

Thursday, March 26, 2026

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

National

Gas prices continue to rise as the price of oil per barrel neared $100 by the weekend. Iran continues its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, blockading nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Iran has also persisted in its barrages of Persian Gulf infrastructure, such as airports, hotels, and oil refineries.

In Qatar, nearly a fifth of its liquefied natural gas export capacity was destroyed in a strike, The Guardian finds. Iranian drone strikes were carried out on Kuwait’s state oil firm, Saudi Arabia saw two of its refineries targeted, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shut down operations at two facilities.

Meanwhile, Washington continues to pressure the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - composed of the six Persian Gulf states Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE - to join the war on the United States’ and Israel’s side. While the GCC has not requested that the U.S. wage this war, reporting indicates that regional governments are now urging the U.S. to commit to regime change, as the Islamic Republic still controls the vital passageways to the world’s shipping waters.

A Saudi Arabian spokesperson told The Guardian that at first, the Gulf states effectively sided with Iran, but as the GCC’s oil productions have been targeted, the region had no choice but to classify Iran as an adversary. He added, “If the Americans pull out before the task is complete, we’ll be left to confront Iran on our own.”

Iran says the Strait remains blockaded until constant threats from Israel and the U.S., but that leaves China, Japan, and the Far East more on the monetary hook for the frozen state of Hormuz. China purchases more than 80% of Iran’s total shipped oil, and favorable rates given to China allows Iran to undercut its Persian and OPEC neighbors.

As the GCC begrudgingly becomes U.S.Israeli (de facto) allies in this conflict, it remains to be seen who rushes to Iran’s defense to balance the scales.

On Friday, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to allow the U.S. to use British bases to launch strikes on the Strait of Hormuz. The U.K. had previously only allowed the U.S. to use British bases for defensive operations to intercept Iranian threats that would threaten British lives and/or interest. Starmer explained that the upgrade in American privileges was for “collective self-defense of the region” and that he “condemned Iran’s expansion of its targets to include international shipping.”

But President Donald Trump (RFL) slammed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as “cowards” for not supporting the U.S. and Israel in the war.

“Now that fight is militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that

is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so “little risk,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump has also criticized the idea of calling for a ceasefire with Iran, saying, “you know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”

As of press time, thirteen U.S. soldiers have been killed, seven in combat, 232 have been wounded, and at least seventeen U.S. sites in the Middle East have been damaged.

Israel has lost two soldiers, with twenty civilians deceased, and over 4,000 injured.

Iran has suffered over 1,400 civilian casualties, with nearly 20,000 wounded.

6,000 military personnel have been killed and 15,000 wounded. The U.S. has destroyed nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missile launchers and sunk 120 naval ships.

The Iranian government also claims to have destroyed or seriously damaged U.S. satellite and radar equipment.

Lebanon has seen over 1,000 casualties and nearly 2,500 injured from the Israeli incursion, far more than the handfuls of casualties suffered by other Arab states.

In domestic political news, Democrats have gotten arguably one of their best breaks in terms of the 2026 midterm environment.

For the first time ever, Democrats and Republicans are both tied at a 50% chance in the Kalshi betting market for which party will win control of the U.S. Senate in November.

But the Senate has been the GOP’s consolation prize thus far. While Republicans are defending twenty-two seats to the Democrats’ thirteen, many of those seats are in states that haven’t sent Democrats to Washington in years or are more recently-soldified red states, such as Florida, Iowa, and Ohio.

Democrats need a net gain of four seats in order to flip control of the chamber and presumably make Senator Chuck Schumer (D-Park Slope) Majority Leader yet again. That four-seat pickup has generally been observed as a long shot that would require a perfect storm.

But now that online bettors are virtually split on which party will win control of the chamber that the GOP had essentially firewalled, it begs the question of just how unpopular the war in Iran is.

For context, the Kalshi odds last March were at 81% that the GOP retains the Senate. Their chances had hovered around 70% since last April, until December 2025, when their chances started steadily decreasing but remaining obdurately favorable.

The last few weeks, since the onset of the war in the Middle East, has seen that padding collapse into toss-up territory. On Kalshi and similar betting sites, bettors can make wagers based on what outcome they think will materialize. The more the bettors consider an event likely, the price of the “yes” shares rises, while the “no” shares become cheaper, offering a much greater return if an upset is sprung.

Capitol Hill saw another retirement this week. Congressman Kevin Hern (R, OK-01) has joined thirty-four other Republicans in not seeking re-election to the House. However, this move isn’t a make-or-break for the GOP.

Hern represents Tulsa, Oklahoma, a solidly red area. He is vacating the seat in order to run for the Senate seat that’s being vacated by Markwayne Mullin (ROK). Mullin is Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after the first departure of Trump’s second term, former Secretary Kristi Noem (R-SD).

In other news, the U.S. lost a legend and an icon on Thursday.

Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris passed away after a medical emergency in Hawaii. He was 86. He held black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitus, and judo. Norris got his start in film as a martial arts instructor for celebrities. His first role was a minor one in The Wrecking Crew (1968), but fellow martial artist Bruce Lee invited Norris to play one of the main villains in The Way of the Dragon (1972).

Norris is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the title role in the CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001).

The most salient cultural phenomenon around Norris, however, are the longstanding “Chuck Norris Facts” that greatly and absurdly exaggerate his physical capabilities and toughness.

This week was also host to another high-profile passing, that of Robert Mueller, who passed on Friday at the age of 81.

Mueller had led the FBI from 2001 to 2013 and was the special counsel in the Trump-Russia collusion probe after the 2016 election. President Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”

Mueller’s cause of death has not been stated, although he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago.

State

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) reopened on Monday after a deadly crash unfolded on the runway (pictured below)

On Sunday night, a regularly scheduled Air Canada passenger flight departing from Montreal, Quebec, collided with an airport fire truck while landing. The cockpit and forward galley were destroyed and both pilots were killed. Seventy-two passengers were on board. Forty-one passengers and crew were transported to the hospital. As of Monday, nine remained in the hospital with more serious injuries.

Airport fire trucks were dispatched to tend to a Chicago-bound United Airlines flight that aborted its takeoff after the crew noticed an odor in the cabin. Air traffic controllers were heard telling the fire trucks to stop multiple times.

One Canadian flight attendant, Solange Tremblay, was ejected more than 320 feet from the plane. She survived with multiple fractures, but will soon undergo surgery. Her daughter called it a “complete miracle.”

Local

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) has sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I-CA) to gauge the steps being taken to bolster the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). LaLota, in his letter, cites staffing shortages, treatment delays, appeals backlogs, and provider reimbursement issues. The letter was signed by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and several other New York Republicans.

“More than two decades after the September 11 attacks, thousands of First Responders and survivors still depend on the World Trade Center Health Program for lifesaving care,” said LaLota in a statement. “Recent reporting about staffing shortages, delays in authorizations, and claims processing issues is deeply concerning and demands answers. After working in a bipartisan way to secure the program’s funding through 2040, our focus now must be on ensuring the program operates effectively and delivers timely care to the men and women who sacrificed so much on that day.”

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Continued from front cover

Smithtown Matters

Town Retains AAA Bond Rating

Wehrheim added that the Town is “investing where it matters, strengthening…downtowns, and positioning Smithtown for long-term success without compromising financial stability.”

Wehrheim expressed his thanks for an indispensable team, including Town Comptroller Paul Rubano and his team’s “unwavering dedication, meticulous financial stewardship, and commitment to keeping Smithtown on a path of strength and stability.”

Smithtown has a projected $2.6 million operating surplus from FY2025 leading into FY2026, as well as stable reserves, a manageable debt profile, and the Town’s position that’s on par with some of the nation’s top-rated municipalities.

A large aspect of Moody’s credit ratings are infrastructure projects and forward-thinking goals that show the Town’s prerogative to treat government like a business rather than bureaucracy, which is then reflected by residents who continue to spend their money in Smithtown.

Moody’s notes that while Smithtown has been approximately “94.5% developed since the turn of the millennium,” the Town is making stable progress with the ongoing downtown revitalization initiatives in Kings Park, Smithtown, and St. James. Moody’s also takes into account Smithtown’s priority of getting residents and businesses alike off antiquated septic systems, which not only drives a varied business portfolio in Town but shows that Town leaders are committed to environmental sustainability.

“The reaffirmation of Smithtown’s AAA rating delivers a

clear, independent validation of the Town’s financial management, once again disproving the narrative of mismanagement often echoed by political opposition,” said a Town spokesperson in a statement. “Moody’s doesn’t deal in rhetoric; they deal in facts. And the facts are clear: Smithtown is financially strong, well-managed, and moving in the right direction.”

Capital projects include wastewater and stormwater upgrades in the three downtown business districts, streetscape improvements, enhancing Town facilities and amenities, streamlining operations to cut redundant costs, and the renovation of nearly all the Town’s parks – a personal mission for Supervisor Wehrheim who got his start in the Town Parks Department nearly forty years ago.

The top-notch bond rating will continue to allow the Town to borrow for those projects for pennies on the dollar, without having to charge residents directly or eat through budget surpluses. Keeping a healthy rainyday fund is also a large aspect of any municipality’s eventual credit rating.

“As Smithtown moves forward into its next chapter of growth and prosperity, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards of financial stewardship, responsible investment, and communitydriven progress,” said Wehrheim (pictured above)

Romaine Delivers Smithtown Updates at Chamber Meeting

By Matt Meduri

Wednesday afternoon saw the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce convene at Stonebridge for their meeting, led by Executive Director Barbara Franco (pictured below right) and President Mary Ellen McCrossen and sponsored by Stony Brook University (SBU).

Their guest speaker was Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured right), who provided updates on the infrastructure projects across Smithtown.

He opened by crediting Stony Brook for their redevelopment of the vacant Sears space at the Smith Haven Mall. Suffolk’s flagship university opened the comprehensive clinic in the summer of 2023, and Romaine hailed the effort as what a redevelopment and community integration model should be.

For Smithtown’s Main Street sewer project, Romaine said that $47 million in funding has been secured to date, but the total funding required is about $105 million.

“We’re working on a force main to connect the sewage treatment plant (STP) to Kings Park. We have to build a pump station, upgrade the sewage treatment plant, and then we have to do the construction,” said Romaine. The sewer route is set to run along NY-25 from the Nissequogue River to about 400 feet west of Terry Road. Romaine added that that stretch of road alone accounts for 227 different tax parcels, and that Suffolk County is the most subdivided county in New York State.

“It’s 227 parcels across 280 acres, with 195 parcels in the hamlet of Smithtown and 33 parcels in Village of the Branch,” said Romaine, adding his favor for “tertiary

sewers,” those that not only treat the water but recharge the aquifer, rather than pumping treated effluent into the Long Island Sound or the Great South Bay.

For St. James’ sewer project, Romaine said that individual connections is roughly $9 million, with $8 million left to accrue. That line will connect to the STP at Fairfield on Moriches Road.

Romaine also ensured that the tax cap will not be pierced as long as he is County Executive. With 2026 being his third year on the job, the tax cap hasn’t been pierced, and of the three budgets the County has - operating, capital, and community college - all have passed unanimously.

“We have a tremendous working relationship [with each other]; that’s the way government should go,” said Romaine.

The Center Moriches Republican also insisted that the State fork over Suffolk’s fair share on two bills that were proposed by the opposite party. For one, Suffolk hasn’t seen its share of the State’s $4 billion Environmental Bond Act, disbursement of which Romaine said would greatly expedite these downtown revitalization projects and further the State’s goal in clean waterways.

funds out to their municipalities. Romaine expressed his chagrin that Suffolk still needs to fight tooth and nail for their share of infrastructure dollars.

On rail, Romaine said that he’s lobbying the MTA to add more stops in certain chokepoints - outside of Smithtown - but to also electrify the rails. Electrification stops at Babylon, Ronkonkoma, and Huntington. Romaine said that Long Island is still running on “1800s” technology of diesel trains. Moreover, 20% of the nation’s rail traffic is for freight. In Suffolk, it makes up just 1%. Romaine said that with more freight being hauled by rail, there would be less traffic on the roadways.

“I am working with my colleagues in the Legislature every day to plan for the future,” said Romaine. “Let’s move Suffolk County forward - together.”

The Biden-era Infrastructure Bill, a $1 trillion spending package that Romaine supported, has its federal funds given to the states, who then dole the

In attendance also were Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset) and Suffolk County Legislator Sal Formica (R-Commack).

Stony Brook Medicine’s Chief Compliance Officer, Patricia Cooper, also thanked the Smithtown Chamber for their “year-round” work to “support local businesses and strengthen the community,” and discussed the success of SBU’s new presence in Lake Grove and Commack.

“That overlap is very important. When healthcare, education, and business communities are interconnected, the entire region benefits,” said Cooper. “Like the Chamber, we’re [Suffolk County] investing in the long-term vitality of Smithtown. Not just growth, but smart and sustainable growth.”

Down Ballot

Spring Ratings Changes: Gubernatorial Map Takes Shape

By Matt Meduri

We’re updating our forecast for the 2026 midterms for the gubernatorial elections. The spring season is usually when speculation of the political environment begins to fade and the national moods tend to take shape. The Democratic Party is clearly in the driver’s seat as of press time. However, whether that momentum will be comparable to the 2018 blue wave remains to be seen.

Governors’ Races

Thirty-six states are on the line this autumn, with each party defending eighteen seats. Eight states feature open races for the Democrats, while Republicans must defend ten open seats.

While not in the throes of national politics quite as the Senate and House maps, these races will to a degree be affected by the national environment.

Arizona - Toss Up to Tilts Democrat: Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) flipped the open seat blue in 2022 and while Arizona was Trump’s best state of the seven core swing states, Arizona remains one of the most evenlybalanced states in the country, politically speaking.

So far, Hobbs leads the leading Republican nominees by healthy margins. Congressmen Dave Schweikert (R, AZ-01) and Andy Biggs (R, AZ-05) both represent suburban Phoenix, but Schweikert has won multiple times in a prime swing district, while Biggs represents much more Republican turf.

The Republican Primary got clearer when the Trump-endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson (R-AZ) dropped out of the race last month. While in some cases, a shakeup like that could remove some haze around the remaining primary candidates, voters seem more inclined to let Hobbs have another term.

Moreover, this race is a great example of “forced bipartisanship.” Republicans very narrowly control both chambers of the Arizona Legislature, putting both them and Hobbs in no other position than to negotiate and work across the aisle. That will look exceedingly good on Hobbs’ report card, as voters crave nuance and bipartisanship perhaps now more than ever.

Hobbs’ election in 2022 became the first time since 2006 that a Democrat was elected governor of Arizona.

Minnesota - Leans Democrat to Likely Democrat: The GOP could have had a race of significant national attention with the Somali fraud scandal unfolding under two-term Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), who was first elected in 2018. While not a deep-blue state, Minnesota is consistently Democratic, and while Democratic margins aren’t overwhelming, they’re not razor-thin either.

But Walz’s decision to suspend his campaign for a third term gave way to Senator Amy Klobuchar’s (D-MN) candidacy to succeed him. Klobuchar has significant name recognition and has consistently outperformed the top of the ticket in her last three Senate runs. Klobuchar ran for president in 2020 and suspended just before Super Tuesday, which curiously featured her home state. With a dearth of credible Republican candidates, it seems Minnesota will not be in the eye of the hurricane this year.

A Republican hasn’t been elected governor of Minnesota since 2006.

New Mexico - Toss Up to Leans Democrat: New Mexico is one of many states that elect governors in patterns of two terms of one party, two terms of the other. With the political environment in the Land of Enchantment starting as a jump ball, the picture has become much clearer. We think Republicans’ lack of a Senate nominee transcends down the ballot in the rest of the state. It’s one less candidate making a play for a “reach” seat for the GOP where they’ve overperformed unexpectedly in the last several cycles at different levels.

To make matters worse for the GOP, Biden-era Secretary of the Interior and former Congressman Deb Haaland (D-NM) is running in the Democratic Primary, and conventional wisdom would state she’s better positioned over Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) District Attorney Sam Bregman (D).

But Republicans aren’t up the creek without a paddle, as Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull (R) seems the most well-positioned candidate for the Republican nomination. Rio Rancho, the third-largest city in New Mexico, is Albuquerque’s most major suburb. It’s the core anchor point for state politics, and while Democratic-leaning, it’s still competitive turf.

Hull could make this a race, but we still think that as a blue-leaning battleground and one with a complicated state environment this year, Democrats have the edge for now.

Ohio - Likely Republican to Leans Republican: Ohio isn’t the quintessential swing state it once was. Instead, it’s taken an obdurate

rightward shift that saw Trump win by double-digits in 2024. That same year, Republicans flipped the Senate seat they had not held since 2000.

But despite Ohio’s newfound Republican lean at every level, on the state level, it’s long been right-of-center.

Since 1991, governors have exclusively been from the GOP, except for a four-year break in 2007, when Ted Strickland (D-OH) rode the blue wave to succeed the term-limited Bob Taft (R). Strickland was defeated for re-election handily by John Kasich (R) in 2010.

That theme is why we’re downgrading Republicans’ chances in this seat. While the Republican Primary won’t be settled until early May, Vivek Ramaswamy (R-OH) is the clear frontrunner. The biotech-pharma entrepreneur was a rising star in the 2024 presidential primaries, and was set to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, but withdrew from the process to run for governor.

Ramaswamy is more aligned with the populist GOP. He’s inherited the frank, unapologetic qualities of Trump in a younger and more appealing brand, but that makes him off-brand in a state known for electing more moderate, pragmatic Republicans, such as Kasich, Taft, and term-limited incumbent Mike DeWine.

The presumptive Democratic nominee is Amy Acton (D), the former Director for the Ohio Department of Health from 2019 to 2020. With no other candidates, Acton will likely form the base of her campaign around her management of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which will not only likely sew ire for a state that believes government overreacted in their policies, but also remind people of a time we’d all rather forget.

So Ramaswamy’s off-brand persona for Ohio is effectively balanced by Acton’s proximity to an era where everyone was guilty, but we think the midterm environment at-large tips this race out of “Likely” territory for the GOP.

Rhode Island - Leans Democrat to Likely Democrat: Governor Dan McKee (D-RI), who succeeded to the post in 2021 and won a full term in 2022, has consistently ranked among the least-popular governors in the country. He usually finds his approval ratings in the low-to-mid 20% range. Most of those reasons are purely local, mostly centered around infrastructure, but gubernatorial races are where voters tend to easily split tickets under the right circumstances.

McKee’s bigger problem comes from his own party in Helena Foulkes (DRI), a former executive at CVS Pharmacy who ran for governor in 2022. Foulkes narrowly lost to McKee in a five-candidate primary. She is also the niece of former Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), a legend in modern Democratic politics and the broader New England region.

At this point, Foulkes seems poised to win the Democratic nomination, virtually guaranteeing that she’ll be the next governor of the Ocean State. The February poll from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) showed Foulkes with 34% of the likely Democratic vote, compared to McKee’s 18%. Roughly 40% of Rhode Island’s electorate are registered Democrats. Foulkes has boasted similar leads, as found by UNH, since September.

The last time a Republican was elected governor of Rhode Island was 2006.

KP’s Sebastian Bethel Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the PSAT a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

Of the 1.6 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. In September, these high scorers are notified that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist. In February, approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, Sebastian being one of them, are notified that they have advanced to Finalist standing.

We, at Kings Park High School, are excited to announce that Sebatian Bethel has advanced to the Finalist standing! We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sebastian, along with his family for this recognition and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Art from the Heart in the Smithtown Central School District

Creativity and compassion equaled some amazing artwork from Smithtown Central School District middle school students.

Students from Great Hollow, Nesaquake, and Accompsett middle schools recently donated an inspiring collection of studentcreated artwork to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, to be delivered to patients and their families. The donation featured a wide variety of watercolor bookmarks, framed 5x7 paintings, and studentdesigned coloring books. Middle school artists also collaborated with Mrs. George’s Digital Media Art Class at High School West to create intricate, student-designed mandala coloring books. In addition to the beautiful artwork, students collected a supply of art materials for children of all ages staying at the hospital, giving them the opportunity to create masterpieces of their own.

Aging Like Fine Wine

At Mt. Pleasant Elementary, turning 100 has never looked so good.

“We are so proud of our students and all of their efforts to create art in such a meaningful way,” said Great Hollow Middle School art teacher Kristen Dean. “All work was completed on their own time—in between projects, during lunch periods, or after school in the GH Artistic Crafts Club. We try to teach our students that the process of creating art is just as important as the product. Each and every piece was thoughtfully designed to make someone’s day a little brighter.”

Students recently celebrated the 100th day of the school year in style, dressing up as their 100-year-old selves. From wigs and glasses to bowties and bonnets, to suspenders and shawls, the building was filled with wisdom beyond their years.

One hundred days down, countless memories to go.

This marks the third consecutive year that SCSD middle schools have donated artwork to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

Fresh From the Farm: Healthy Options at Smithtown HSE & HSW

Students at Smithtown High School East and West now have a new addition to their culinary lineup: the Farmer’s Fridge vending machine.

Designed to offer nutritious, farm-fresh meals on the go, Farmer’s Fridge features options such as chicken wraps, Greek salads, Thai noodles, pesto pasta, and chia seed pudding. Each machine is regularly restocked by Farmer’s Fridge employees with food sourced from local farms, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients are always available.

“The new addition was primarily intended to fill a gap in nutritious food options after school for those involved in clubs, athletics and concerts who stay late,” said High School West Principal William Holl.

Smithtown High School East and West are among just a handful of high schools in New York State to offer this innovative dining option. The machines are also interactive, meaning students can indicate when an item is out of stock, allowing the company’s algorithm to adjust quantities and menu selections to better meet demand.

“In the past, students either waited until they returned home to eat or left campus after school to purchase food,” said High School East Principal

Paul McNeil. “By offering this healthy vending option, we are providing a highquality, convenient alternative that ensures our students are well-fed while remaining on campus. The response from our student body has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Hauppauge Middle School’s Got Talent!

Students at Hauppauge Middle School stepped into the spotlight on March 12 for the school’s annual talent show, showcasing a wide range of creative abilities and performances.

The show featured a variety of acts, including solo singers and duets, piano players and guitarists, solo dance performances, dance groups performing in multiple styles and even a “Saturday Night Live” inspired sketch routine.

Students put countless hours into perfecting their acts, and their courage and talent on stage were nothing short of amazing.

The Necessary Standard for American Education

The Different Kinds of Primaries

By Matt Meduri

This week, we’re taking a break from the federal executive departments to discuss something timely: the different kinds of primaries that the states use to select party nominees for office. Since March is the unofficial kick-off for primaries across the country, we’ll take this time to dig into how the states conduct their business.

What is a Primary?

A primary election, colloquially referred to simply as a primary, are the first tests for candidates at the ballot box and the first chance that voters have to decide which nominee their party should put forward for the general election.

Primaries are held on a party-line basis, meaning that they are separate contests for the major political parties. The most well-known primaries are those for the Democratic and Republican nominations for president. The primary calendar starts with the famous Iowa caucuses, usually in the February of an election year, followed by early March’s “Super Tuesday.” We’ve all seen these high-profile contests afford voters a wide variety of party standardbearers - and therefore, the direction of the party itself. Moreover, it allows the party itself to take notes and make the calculations for as big of a tent as possible going into a general election.

Some easy examples come immediately to mind: Donald Trump (R-NY) among over a dozen other Republicans in 2016, and the populism-versus-establishment showdown held that same year on the Democratic side between Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

But it’s not just the presidential contest that utilizes primaries. Congressional races, gubernatorial elections, statewide elections, state legislative races, and even municipal races feature primaries.

When a candidate is designated by their respective national, state, or local party committee - ie. the Suffolk County GOP, the New York Democratic Committee - they are seen as the party’s pick and often the presumptive nominee. But challengers can knock off a party pick by means of the primary. Voters can override a committee’s pick at the ballot box, thereby increasing the value of grassroots campaigning.

A great example of a local primary was last year’s June contest in Smithtown that pit two-term incumbent Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) against then-County Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga). Wehrheim prevailed in June and went on to defeat Trotta again as a write-in candidate in November.

Open Vs. Closed Primaries

These are the two most common forms of primaries, with their designation set at the state levels. An open primary is one in which all voters, regardless of their registration, are allowed to vote. Voters must pick one party’s primary in which to participate, but they can essentially pick and choose the primaries in which they vote and can attempt to sabotage a party’s chances by flooding the ballot boxes for a lesser-qualified or equipped candidate.

A closed primary in which only voters registered to either party can vote. Democratic voters must vote in the Democratic primary, while Republicans must do the same for theirs. No crossing over is allowed and no unaffiliated, third-party, or Independent voters are able to partake.

A semi-closed primary is a twist on the closed primary, in which registered party members as well as unaffiliated voters can participate.

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

Fourteen states require open primaries, while thirteen - including New York - feature closed primaries. Another ten states utilize semi-closed primaries, five use top-two primaries, and eleven states’ parties have discretion to choose the rules for their contests.

Blanket Primaries

Some states utilize blanket primaries, in which all candidates, regardless of partisan affiliation, appear on the same ballot, and voters can often choose candidates of more than one party. A blanket primary implies that all political parties will each have a representative on the general election ballot. For example, if New York held blanket primaries, and two Republicans, three Greens, and five Democrats all ran in the same election, the top vote-receiver of each of the three parties would advance to the general election.

In a top-two primary, more common than the aforementioned blanket primary, places all candidates on the same ballot, but only the top two vote-receivers advance to the general election. Those candidates advance regardless of partisan affiliation, meaning situations arise where a general election for a House district or even a governorship can feature two candidates from the same party. This is common for both parties, although more frequently Democrats, in California and Washington, two of the most notable states that use the top-two primary system.

Louisiana is known for referring to their top-two primary as a jungle primary, or less commonly, a cajun primary.

In some states, the top-two primary system has a trapdoor: if one candidate receives a majority of the total vote. This occurred recently in Texas, where State Rep. James Talarico (D) defeated Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D) to run for U.S. Senate under the Democratic line. Talarico clinched more than 50% of his party’s total vote, meaning he automatically wins the primary and heads to the general. On the other hand, the GOP headed towards a runoff, as none of the Republicans running earned a majority of the vote.

The top-four primary system is much less common, with Alaska the only state currently employing it. The top four vote-receivers, regardless of party, advance to the general

Apart from how states require at-large rules for both parties, the states in which parties do have discretion each year to decide their participation rules change the calculus somewhat.

Democrats currently host open primaries in eighteen states, as opposed to fifteen by Republicans. Democrats have closed primaries in seventeen states, while the GOP holds them in twenty-three. Finally, Democrats run twelve semi-closed primaries, while Republicans hold nine.

Each state also has different grace periods ahead of an election for a voter to change his/her registration, and some of them seem fairly arbitrary. In New York, where both parties hold closed primaries, a voter has until February 14 of the election year, before the primary, to change their registration or affiliate with a party. In South Dakota, for example, voters have fifteen days before a primary to change their registration. In Wyoming, voters have until the ninety-sixth day before a primary to change. In Nevada, voters may change their registration on the day of the primary, and in Delaware, voters must align with a party before the last Saturday in May before the primary in order to participate in the closed contests.

Some also have some baked-in rules. For example, in Alabama, there is no partisan voter registration and voters may select their party of choice on the day of the primary. In the case of a runoff, however, a voter is bound to their initial party of choice.

State parties also have some discretion when it comes to unaffiliated voters. In Idaho, the state parties can determine if it will allow those voters to use a party ballot of their choices.

The map above shows states where both parties have closed primaries in blue (18 states), where both parties have open primaries in red (15), where both parties have semi-closed primaries in yellow (8), where the parties have different types of primaries and/or state parties have discretion in purple (6), where the top-two system is used in green (2), and where the top-four system is used in orange (Alaska only).

Continued from page 3

Turning Grief into Purpose: Renée Murphy’s Tribute to Her Brother

This past January, as she reflected on both her brother and her recent writing success, Murphy knew she wanted to create something entirely dedicated to him. She described her brother as someone everyone loved, but it wasn’t until his funeral that she truly realized just how many lives he had touched.

Hundreds of people showed up, friends from every stage of his life, each sharing short but meaningful memories with her and her family. Murphy was left with a mix of emotions. Seeing how deeply her brother was loved and appreciated by so many was both overwhelming and incredibly powerful.

Robert worked at numerous restaurants across Long Island, primarily in the Smithtown area, building strong relationships along the way. Many of those in attendance at his funeral were customers, coworkers, and fellow members of the restaurant community whose lives he had touched.

After the pandemic, he spent time traveling back and forth to Florida, where he even launched his own YouTube channel, The Crazy Bartender. Through it all, he built a loyal and supportive community that truly cherished him for who he was.

On his YouTube channel, he shared videos of himself crafting carefully curated cocktails against the backdrop of beautiful Miami. It was something he took great pride in. Murphy explained that, as an Italian, food and drink are a love language, and that being an exceptional bartender was something Robert truly excelled at.

For two years, Robert traveled back and forth between New York and Miami. Murphy shared that while he loved Florida, he knew his family and his loyal customers in Smithtown were an essential part of his life, something he could never fully leave behind.

That was just the kind of person Robert was.

Murphy then had the idea of creating something that combined the many meaningful stories she heard about Robert with a collection of his signature cocktails, all brought together in one book.

She knew Robert was not only an inspiring person but an exceptional human being whose story could resonate with readers at any stage of life, along with being a top-notch bartender to match.

Among the many stories shared about Robert, one that stands out to Murphy took place after a long night of work. She recalled how he stopped by Napper Tandy’s on Smithtown’s Main Street to meet up with friends, and while counting his tips, he handed some of his extra cash to the bartender working that night, joking that they deserved more, an act that perfectly reflected his generous nature.

One of Murphy’s favorite things about Robert was his ability to bring people together, and through this book, he does that once again. By sharing these stories, she has brought together so many of the people he loved, allowing them to reflect on the meaningful memories they shared with him.

This past Friday marked Robert’s birthday, and Murphy was able to gift her parents a copy of her newly published book, released on March 13. She knew the day would be difficult for her entire family but hoped the book would serve as a meaningful reminder that although Robert is no longer physically here, his presence lives on through the stories shared within its pages.

Through her writing, Murphy has not only honored her brother’s life but also created something that allows his spirit to continue bringing people together, just as he always did. From Your Heart’s Voice to the programs and journals that followed, and now to this deeply personal tribute, her work has come full circle, rooted in connection and purpose.

With the book’s recent 2026 Family Choice Award, its release has become even more meaningful. The Family Magazine Group bestowed the new release as their thirtieth annual Family Choice Award Winner, one of the most “coveted and family-friend consumer award programs in the nation.”

Now available on Amazon, Murphy’s latest work ensures that Robert’s story is far from over; it’s simply being told in a new way.

Town Hosts Citizen Preparedness Training, Emergency Readiness

The Town of Smithtown recently hosted a Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC) Training Program on Monday, March 23 at Smithtown Landing Country Club, bringing together more than 70 residents for an engaging and informative session focused on emergency readiness.

The interactive workshop, part of the New York State Citizen Preparedness Training Program administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), was led by a team from the New York National Guard. The program is designed to equip residents with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a wide range of emergencies— strengthening both individual households and the community as a whole.

“The safety and preparedness of our residents remains a top priority,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) in a statement. “Attending a workshop like this is a proactive step the community can participate in to protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. When individuals are prepared, our entire community is stronger and more resilient.”

Participants were introduced to key preparedness topics including emergency management, fire prevention and control, emergency communications, and responder wellness. The training also highlighted critical state resources such as the State’s Learning Management System (LMS) and the State Preparedness Training Center—offering a comprehensive look at the systems in place to support both residents and first responders during times of crisis.

The session was led by members of the New York National Guard, including First Lieutenant Maliq Cumberbatch, Sergeant First Class Cristiam Ruiz Marquez, Technical Sergeant Alex Compere, and Staff Sergeant Ryan Kelly, who guided attendees through practical emergency planning, risk awareness, and real-world preparedness strategies.

In addition, the American Red Cross delivered a timely fire safety presentation, aligning with the Town’s ongoing month-long Fire Prevention Awareness campaign.

The initiative has focused on critical safety measures such as maintaining smoke detectors, carbon monoxide awareness, and preventing common causes of home fires—particularly following an extended and severe winter season. Red Cross guest speakers; Magnolia Chiri and Jason Campbell, were on hand to assist residents in registering for free smoke alarms, including installation services and specialized equipment for individuals with hearing loss.

Each household in attendance received a complimentary emergency “go-bag” stocked with essential supplies, including first aid materials, and other critical items. The distribution reinforced the importance of being prepared before an emergency occurs and ensured participants left with practical resources they could use immediately.

16 Local History

Thursday, March 26, 2026

If Our Lake Could Talk, It Might Say Something Like This…

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.

“Please stop poisoning me. I am recovering, but I still need your help…”

“If you reduce waste, recycle, conserve water, and support clean-water policies, I can stay healthy for generations to come. I give you water for the atmosphere, wildlife to enjoy, and a place to relax, but pollution has slowly taken my life. Here’s what I need from you:

1. Keep trash out of me: Plastic bottles, bags, and cans don’t disappear — they break into tiny pieces and harm fish, birds, and other wildlife.

2. Reduce chemical runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and detergents wash into me when it rains. These chemicals cause algal blooms that steal oxygen from fish and make my water unsafe.

3. Control sewage waste: Factories should treat their waste properly before releasing it into rivers that flow into me.

4. Cut air pollution: Pollution from cars and power plants can settle into my water, changing my chemistry and harming life beneath the surface.

5. Protect my shoreline: Trees and plants around me act as natural filters. When they’re removed, more dirt and pollutants wash into my water.

In the 1800s, a blundering use of Lake Ronkonkoma came directly from the majority of the pavilions, which were polluting the Lake up to four times per day. After each meal and 4:00 tea, the staff would cart the dirty dishes, linens, towels, clothes, and whatever else needed to be washed down to the shorelines. They would walk out into the Lake, clean and rinse the dirty piles, and return back to the pavilions with their clean wares - and all of this while guests were swimming right next to them! This is a comparison of pollution being created by the owners of the profit-making pavilions. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle’s July 27, 1905, reported on the use of Ronkonkoma Lake for the entire Metropolitan District. Our Lake water was approved for drinking in New York City.

According to historic records, our local William Merritt Hallock American Legion #155 was the first group to realize the importance of Lake Ronkonkoma. The Veterans group had organized in 1926 and as soon it was formally established, Post #155 began a life of comradeship and commitment to its community. A popular tourist destination at the time, the post held its first fund raising dance in August 1926 and gave money to the Boy Scouts of America’s purchase of a nearby wooded site to be known as Camp Baiting Hollow. Showing interest in a recurring local concern, it also formed a committee to investigate sewage and highway runoff pollution of Ronkonkoma Lake. The Posts’ Lake Committee expended $25, a decent amount of money at the time, for water analysis.

In response to their findings, public health officials concluded that the water quality was within acceptable limits. The committee also received cooperation from the owners of the pavilions around the lake to avoid polluting the water by controlling wastewater and sewage. Showing common sense and in its very first actions, Post 155 expended funds to investigate the status of the village’s most valuable asset while being faithful to the community’s youth through its contribution toward a permanent Boy Scout Camp. In short, they cared.

Over the years, many groups, both quiet and others with public awareness, have made every attempt to clean the Lake and its surroundings. Their hard work, determination, and spirit of the community have given us generous opportunity to move ahead with our welldeserved plans. Our kayak adventurers, including Gerry Gibbons, Jo Molinari, and others collected garbage as they paddled. Reports have included kitchen sinks, old Christmas decorations, and landscaping scraps - once again, our Lake being used as a dumping ground.

Fishing and similar clubs have worked with a clean up every year, making every attempt to refresh the area so they can continue their year-old traditions of fishing and other sports. In a 1949 report written by community member Frank J. Mooney for viewing by The New York State Conservation Department, the water conditions then were so appalling it was called for total water draining, and fish and wildlife were suffering beyond control.

This report will not sit easily with you. Helen Hethy Mulvihill, a Holbrook resident, released her study on November 2, 1962. Her “Prevented Pollution of Lake Ronkonkoma” clearly outlined the saga, and her use of local informed people interviewed for fact and the price we would pay for not starting action. A Newsday multi-article “Ronkonkoma Waters

it a drainage basin after interviewing our own community members.

“Lake Ronkonkoma, a former playground for millionaires, is suffering from abuse and neglect. It is now a poor-man’s dumping ground, as seen through the bottomless garbage can…”

“Lake Ronkonkoma’s Peril” was the Newsday article on October 27, 1969, “Lake Ronkonkoma is dying the slow death of pollution. Parts of it are unfit for swimming; its fish are dying off, and people who once enjoyed its clear, cold blue water are calling it “that dirty hole”. Newsday’s September 28, 1987, multi-article reported a new source of pollution, adding to the already severely damaged Lake. “Neckers and drug dealers” had widely taken over, and bathing was still prohibited.

“Town to Study L. Ronkonkoma Water Pollution” (December 4, 1969) advised that the Brookhaven Town Board named the study to a tri-town advisory committee formed to study allegations of pollution of the waters of Lake Ronkonkoma and recommend solutions. Supervisor Charles W. Barraud said that Dr. George Leone, Suffolk County Commissioner of Public Health, was expected to have a report on the state of the waters ready soon. Sachem High School had devoted clean-up time for the Lake shores through different clubs in the 1970-80s.

In 1972, John B. Taylor, a local resident, introduced “The Festival On The Lake”, with the priority, “to clean up Lake Ronkonkoma, to keep it clean, to utilize one of the very valuable assets of Long Island, and also to celebrate the proud unity of all Long Islanders, and its appreciation for all of the natural gifts which God has bestowed upon the people of Long Island.” His “Festival of Lights” was created in opposition to fireworks and the damages they would cause. In the evening, there would be Musicians and entertainers; water displays, flags and floats gaily lighted - symbolic of all Lake Ronkonkoma joining hands.

The Ronkonkoma Review (September 26, 1996) - “Uncertainty About Ronkonkoma Swap” was lead with Suffolk Couty Legislator Steve Levy and more information about the steady decline of our Lake. The Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board reported through Suffolk Life (March 13, 2002) that the 15-acre Raynor Park will be renovated. Newsday advertised a Lake cleanup with free lunch sponsored by the “Keep Islip Clean” organization on May 20, 2007.

“Suffolk County Resident Canada Goose Nesting and Egg Oiling Guide” was released in 2014. By taking a short class, anyone could help with geese overpopulation. The Lake Walk at Ronkonkoma was introduced by Michael Morbillo, AIA, and Kevin Kanakos, PE, which was a brilliant plan to allow everyone to enjoy the lake with minimal damage to the environment. The daily benefits of walking, exercise, and community interaction would have been priceless. Brookhaven Review (April 23, 2015) released “Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board Kicks Off Spring Testing”, of which Allen Okvist and Jo Molinari were special guests to share their lifetime knowledge with the group and community.

My research holds countless additional articles that will continue to show the neglect and abuse of Lake Ronkonkoma, and the determined people who are trying to preserve and renew what we have. Do we add yet another person who wants to use our home as a springboard to make another huge mistake?

“Of the eagle’s plight, we know that nature’s balance is undone. And it’s the birthright of man to unify and live his life as one. A whisper of the word will let you soar with your soul”. You may recognize these meaningful words and apply them to our currently on-board eagles hunting just west of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. I find it wise for them to choose this peaceful location near the church, which for years has symbolized life in our area. It is also notable that the eagles may have been soaring by one fine day, and noticed that the lake shores were clean, thanks to Evelyn Vollgraff and the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group. This may have been the reason that the eagles finally choose to come back to our shores. They are currently nesting nearby.

Modern environmental groups classify as, “This crying Earth, this weeping shore? The Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board finds it so very hard to believe that a Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergen (R-East Islip) and also sits on the Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board, announced on February 5, 2026) in a press release in The Messenger that she wants fireworks at the one place that we have been working for over ten organized years and countless years prior, to restore. The consequences of the fallout will affect over 15 acres and 100 nearby of the environment and community. It’s like the 1800s all over again! Will we allow the thoughtless mistakes of the past to put us behind in our quest for the restored Lake? We are dismayed.

Our community, wildlife, emergency vehicles, homeowners, and a host of other genuinely important areas have been bypassed. This decision is wrong. It affects too much of our life as we know it, and what we are striving to get back. The fallout from the fireworks will add another 10 years to the work we are doing, just to get it back to the condition before the fireworks. We must have the reaction of a caring citizen and bypass a small display of fireworks that will cost an unwarranted amount of money. We were not asked to give our opinions, but to throw away our hard work and future plans for such a crucial and uninformed mistake.

Thank you to Paul E. Pedisich, US Navy (31-year career), American Legion Post 155, Author, and Lake Ronkonkoma resident for his information in this article. You can see Paul Pedisich and members of his family on the Military Tribute Banners here in the village.

She Retired…Then Wrote a Book: Diane Caudullo’s Next Chapter

By Madison Warren

Most of our readers are familiar with the name Diane Caudullo. For about two years, Diane served as publisher of The Messenger, a role she stepped away from in the summer of 2025 when she decided it was time to slow down and enjoy retirement on her own terms, something we can all respect.

But if you know Diane the way we do, then you know “slowing down” was never going to last long.

Diane has now published her first children’s book called “Is God Real?”, a short story about a soon-to-be mother reflecting on what and who God is. It is the perfect children’s book to introduce faith to children and a gateway for conversation.

Diane said the idea for the book began nearly eight years ago, when her first grandchild, Savannah, was born. Inspired by welcoming Savannah into the world and her own relationship with God, she started jotting down words from the heart on pieces of paper, tucking them away without knowing exactly what she would do with them.

As the years passed, the idea of turning those thoughts into a book would come and go, often getting pushed aside as life continued to move quickly.

But in the final days of 2025, that changed. After testing positive for the flu, Diane was forced to isolate herself for a week to prevent infecting her family. While she still had the energy, she suddenly had something she rarely allows herself - time. And she made the most of it.

She began by experimenting with illustrations, despite having no prior experience in book design. Using the website Grok, she created images to bring her words to life. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into something more, and once she was satisfied with the final result, she realized she had created something special, a book of her own.

Diane shared that just before starting her own project, her friend’s daughter had written and published a book, which she saw being promoted across social media. She loved it, ordered copies for herself, and in that moment, felt a spark, realizing that if her friend’s daughter could do it, she could too.

Now available on Amazon, Diane said the support has been overwhelming, with readers already showing how much they are enjoying the book. Word has quickly begun to spread, as “Is God Real?” offers a unique and simple way to introduce the idea of God to children, a conversation that many parents may not always know how to begin.

Now, circling back to the idea that Diane never truly knows how to slow down,

she’s already looking ahead to what’s next, this time, helping others do the same.

She shared that through this experience, she has inspired and guided her son, Peter, to begin his own book series based on his experiences as a teacher and traveler.

Diane hopes to continue encouraging and helping others to bring their own ideas to life, believing that everyone is capable of putting their thoughts into words; they just need to take that first step. She also wears many hats: a mother, wife, grandmother, friend, mentor, teacher, and a familiar, friendly face in the community, always finding ways to stay involved. She also decades of experience with the Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, the Centereach Civic Associations, and other non-governmental and volunteer organizations. Now, she can proudly add “author” to that already long list of titles.

We are all incredibly proud of our dear friend Diane on her first book, and if we know her the way we think we do, this is only the beginning of what she has up her sleeve.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

The Left’s Cancellation of Cesar Chavez Looks Bad Either Way

By David P. Deavel | Outside Contributor for AMAC

Though the power of the #MeToo movement peaked long ago, the Left’s cancellation machine kicked into gear this past week after a hiatus.

After a New York Times article claimed that Cesar Chavez, who died in 1993 at the age of 66, raped and sexually abused women and girls as young as 12 in the 1960s and 1970s, including his longtime collaborator Dolores Huerta, the Left lost no time in immediately covering up or taking down statues, erasing the Hispanic labor leader’s name from monuments and holidays, and calling for schools and streets honoring him to be renamed.

This display of power to erase a figure from the liberal-left pantheon of civil rights might initially seem like cause for gloating among conservatives, but it shouldn’t be. Whether Chavez was innocent or guilty, this instantaneous cancellation should raise our distrust for those on the Left who claim to represent “social justice.”

Until last week, Chavez was still a civil rights icon in good standing. Upon entering the Oval Office in 2021, Joe Biden immediately took down a bust of Winston Churchill and replaced it with one of Chavez.

Though the removal of Churchill was an offensive and stupid action that was a repeat of Barack Obama’s move, recognizing Chavez was not since the U.S. had already honored Chavez in a variety of ways. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1994, his birthday is celebrated as a state holiday in several states, and even the federal calendar commemorates Cesar Chavez Day (though you likely have to work). Chavez’s burial place in Keene, California, is a national monument.

Born in Arizona in 1927, Chavez was himself a laborer and U.S. Navy veteran before beginning his career as a labor advocate in California, first with the Mexican-American civil rights group called Community Service Organization (CSO). After a few years, Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). The NFWA published a paper, ran a credit union, and provided insurance. Chavez’s organization later merged with another labor organization and became the United Farm Workers (UFW).

The peak of Chavez’s labor influence was in the 1960s and early 1970s when he organized boycotts of grapes and strikes among migrant farm workers. He later organized a commune and became more involved with real estate investments, but he remained a living symbol of organized labor, Mexican-Americans, and Spanish-speaking Americans more broadly long after his death.

Now, no more.

There is no doubt that, if the accusations made against Chavez are true, he was yet another left-wing monster who advocated publicly for (his understanding of) social justice while privately practicing vicious injustice. But this sudden and immediate dumping of a long-dead figure raises many questions.

If Chavez’s accusers are making up these accusations, it seems odd that a single newspaper article should be able to take him down so easily. Why would the entire Left simply agree to take claims about five-decade-old criminal sexual behavior at face value?

The New York Times article includes a great deal of posthumous testimony against him and some for him, but no real contemporaneous hard evidence of Chavez’s misdeeds. Concerning the 96-year-old Ms. Huerta’s claims, the article concedes, “Nothing has emerged publicly to back up the claims made by Ms. Huerta,” adding that even she “said she had told no one, not even her children or closest friends, until just a few weeks ago.”

The one piece of solid evidence is from a woman who claims to have been fondled by Chavez at age 12 and wrote a letter to him the next year. “I’m really glad I got to see you & spend time with you, well not like

that, but just to know I was near you was enough,” she wrote in January 1974, adding, “I think of you all of the time. Do you think of me?” What the Times calls here the young woman’s “swooning devotion” in this ambiguous couple of lines isn’t exactly a smoking gun.

Chavez was known for his marital infidelities, but nothing had been heard about his misbehavior with children until about ten years ago when the woman who wrote the letter in question accused him in a private Facebook group.

Is this enough to know that the accusations are true? How are these accusations enough to act so certainly? Is

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Chavez being sacrificed for some other reason than truth?

The possibility of accepting false accusations is bad enough, but what if Chavez’s accusers are telling the truth? If so, this implies that the UFW and the Left likely knowingly tolerated a rapist and child molester as their leader and symbol, not merely during his life but for more than three decades after, protecting his reputation even during the height of the #MeToo movement nearly a decade ago. And why?

The skeptical observer might suspect that, whatever the truth, the shock campaign against his reputation is really about something else. Why now?

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Continued from previous page

The Left’s Cancellation of Cesar Chavez Looks Bad Either Way

One possibility is because, as the Los Angeles Times reports, “United Farm Workers could potentially be liable for significant payouts due to landmark laws recently passed in California that give victims of older sex abuse cases a new window to come forward.” From this admittedly cynical perspective, the Left has an opportunity to claim moral high ground and pillage an older institution for personal gain.

Add to that Chavez’s politically incorrect legacy by today’s standards. Whatever the reputation on the Left Chavez had in his time, the contemporary Left wants to get rid of a labor hero who was hostile to illegal aliens who were used as strikebreakers during UFW-led strikes. Today’s Left doesn’t tolerate any anti-illegal-alien thought or sentiment. Chavez was known for his “Illegals Campaign” (run with Dolores Huerta) in the 1970s. His UFW members turned in illegal aliens to authorities and, according to some accounts, attacked them physically.

A 2014 review of a movie about the man complained that the film didn’t really reveal the truth about him, a truth displayed in Miriam

Pawel’s biography that depicted him “sounding at times like a typical nativist bigot and acting like a rightwing militia member.”

If Chavez wasn’t guilty of the crimes alleged against him, the likelihood that his cancellation is because of money and/or politics appears high. It signals that the Left remains willing to slander the dead who stand in the way of their personal lust for power and wealth.

If Chavez was the monster his accusers claim him to be, the fact that Americans are just now finding out about it confirms again that the Left was willing to ignore or even protect grave injustices for one of their soldiers as long as he was politically useful – again for the end goal of acquiring more power and money.

Either way, this episode reminds Americans that the Left, who constantly claim the moral high ground, are not to be trusted as judges.

David P. Deavel teaches at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. A past Lincoln Fellow at the Claremont Institute, he is a Senior Contributor at The Imaginative Conservative.

L H G E T I

SUDOKU

See left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)

This Week in History

March 27, 1964:

The Great Alaska Earthquake (9.2 magnitude) and resulting tsunami kill 139 people in the largest U.S. earthquake and second-largest ever recorded.

March 28, 1891: First World Weightlifting Championship is won by Edward Lawrence in London.

March 26, 1966:

Large-scale antiVietnam War protests take place in the United States, including in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

March 30, 1987: Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” sells for a record £22.5 million ($39.7 million). See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

April 1, 1748:

The ruins of Pompeii are rediscovered by Spaniard Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre.

Source: Onthisday.com.

March 29, 1795: Ludwig van Beethoven, aged 24, has his debut performance as a pianist at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria.

March 31, 1930: The Motion Pictures Production Code is instituted, imposing strict guidelines on the treatment of sex, crime, religion and violence in film for the next 38 years.

By PJ Balzer

When Do We Each Finally Stand Up?

Last week I found myself on public transportation more than usual. While it’s not the most convenient way to travel on Long Island, it does give me an opportunity to have an ear and a heart to hear the silent woes of some of our neighbors that don’t have much of a voice. I love and appreciate the opportunity to do so.

At the stop after I got onto the bus, a lady got onto the bus with her newborn and her teenage daughter. She was carrying her newborn in his car seat and coming from the pediatrician. I’m familiar with the doctor’s office she was coming from. I could only guess that her daughter was riding along to keep mom company - unless it was the teenager’s son in the car seat, which is very possible as well. They paid their full fare with a five-dollar bill and sat down quietly.

At the next stop entered another woman, probably nearing sixty years of age. She was dressed for St. Patrick’s Day festivities and had her St. Patrick’s Day drink already in her metallic coffee cup. She brought a wind of alcohol with her, totally bypassed the fare collector, and sat down. The driver initially didn’t say a word.

A few stops later the driver yelled out, “Do you plan on paying for the bus or what? What’s the story?”

She fumbled through her pockets looking for money, for quarters, for anything.

Until she replied, “I’m only paying seventy-five cents, the senior rate. I’m done paying for these Mexicans to live here for free.” She simultaneously pointed at the lady sitting next to her newborn and her daughter.

When they realized that she was talking about them they dropped their heads, not wanting any attention, confrontation, or conflict. Mind you, they paid a full fare without any words at all.

A mile down the road the bus stopped for another younger lady. She got onto the bus already pretty stirred up. It seemed as if she had come from fighting

with someone and didn’t expect to have to use the bus. She was obviously both furious and discombobulated as she stepped up to the fare collector.

“I don’t have any money on me. Can I just ride home?” The driver gave half of a nod, as if he also didn’t want any confrontation or conflict.

I know volatile environments when I’m in them; I was waiting for an explosion. I was waiting for the bully to mention something about the younger lady not paying the fare to get homeyet not a word. The rest of the ride she glared intentionally and hatefully at the smaller, helpless woman and her newborn, while the one who skipped the fare and was ready for a fight, she totally ignored. I purposely watch to make sure that the bully didn’t get off at the same stop as the helpless woman to harass or follow her. I then got off of the bus and went about my day.

I write often about some of the

characteristics of God: merciful, Redeemer, healer, faithful, truthful, and friend. I forget to write about the nature of Satan, the Devil. He’s a thief, liar, accuser, and destroyer. He delights in harming people and often chooses the most helpless and vulnerable people to target. The people who can’t fight back and frankly don’t want to fight at all Satan will relentlessly pursue.

If the situation went any further than one remark and a stare, I was alone ready to step in and speak up for the woman and her baby. I didn’t want to “jump the gun” but I also wouldn’t stand by silent if the situation continued to unfold. As a Christian, I’m personally convicted that it’s the right thing to do. The wrong would be to look away and pretend like I don’t see a helpless and fearful human being sought after for no good reason.

When will you stand up?

Bereavement Support Groups

Will be offered at St. John Nepomucene and are open to people of any faith

Loss of Spouse

General Loss

Loss of an Adult Child

Thursday, March 5th – April 30th at 7PM

(Note: there will be no meeting April 2nd as it is Holy Thursday)

The General Support Group & Loss of a Spouse Group is open to anyone who has suffered a loss at least three months prior, which would be December 5, 2025.

The Loss of Adult Child Group has no wait requirement.

Each group meets weekly for 90 minutes followed by refreshments and hospitality. There is no cost but a commitment to attend each meeting throughout the program is required. All groups are offered in a closed and confidential setting with highly trained f acilitators and are limited to 12 people.

Pre-registration is required. Please call 631-589-0540, ext. 250 for more information or to reserve your seat for the group you would like to attend.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Section XI Winter Sports Roundup

By Ashley Pavlakis

Another exciting season of varsity winter sports is in the books.

Girls’ and boys’ varsity teams around Suffolk County took home the hardware this season. Congratulations to all the teams and individual winners who won titles at various levels this season! Way to make Suffolk County and Section XI proud!

The Messenger is happy to report, again, that a majority of the winter sports teams covered this season have gone on to win some hardware. Whether it be individually or as a team, The Messenger spoke with varsity head coaches across Suffolk County throughout the season to highlight their teams’ successes.

Kicking off the boy’s roundup is basketball. Western Suffolk County schools dominated the court this season in terms of titles. The Bay Shore Marauders won the Class AAA championship and the Long Island championship. Smithtown West won the Class AA title and Long Island title for the first time in school history. Mt. Sinai won the Class A championship, earning their second straight Suffolk County title.

The lanes were taken over by the Commack Cougars this season as they claimed the Suffolk County title and the New York State championship in Syracuse. The Cougars defeated East Islip for the Section XI title, with six bowlers combining for a total of 7,050 pins. At states, the Cougars combined for a total of 6,513 pins to defeat their opponent.

Commack continued to win, this time on the piste. The Cougars claimed the Suffolk County fencing title with a 14-11 win over Ward Melville. The title was their first County title in four years. Individually, Ward Melville’s William Dreyer notched his second consecutive County title.

On the mat, Sachem North took home the 2026 Division I Suffolk County title in wrestling, with Valdey Pierre, Tommy Vecchio, and Jack Cusumano leading the way. Miller Place took home the Division II Suffolk County title and the NYS title, defeating Shoreham-Wading River for both titles. Sachem East’s John Schroff (165lb), East Islip’s Rocco Destefano (132lb), Ward Melville’s Chase Philips (118lb), Bellport’s Camryn Howard (157lb), and Smithtown East’s Matthew McDermott (144lb) all won individual Suffolk County titles in February.

Wrestling also saw two Suffolk County wrestlers take home hardware at the NYS championships. Camryn Howard (157lb) of Bellport and Gavin Mangano (144lb) of Shoreham-Wading River pinned their opponents to emerge victorious. The two wrestlers returned from Albany as NYS champions. For Howard, this is his second state title.

Last but not least, hockey saw the St. Anthony’s Friars compete for and win both the Suffolk County and Long Island championships. The Friars took down the Smithtown-Hauppauge Bulls in a best-of-three series to claim the county title. In a battle for the title of Long Island, the Friars matched up against the Nassau County winner, the Long Beach Marines. St. Anthony’s defeated Long Beach 3-2 to win the Long Island championship. Now, let’s turn it over to the girls’ side of sports and see who locked it down in their respective sports this season.

What’s that saying about “2,4,6,8… who do we

appreciate?” It’s Section XI cheerleading, if anyone was wondering.

The Ward Melville Patriots varsity co-ed cheerleading team led the way this season, claiming both Suffolk County and New York State titles. Sachem East won the Class A title, clinching its third consecutive Suffolk County title. The Class B title was won by Hauppauge, also their second consecutive county championship. Class C is owned by Mt. Sinai, who now has nine Suffolk County titles in program history, for a ten-yearold team. In addition to a County title, the Mustangs showed up and showed out at States, winning the 2026 NYS championship. Port Jefferson took home the Class D title in 2026.

In the world of bowling, East Islip maintained its winning status, clinching both the Suffolk County and New York State championships. East Islip has won three consecutive county titles and earned its first state title since 2014. The girls were led by three seniors: Makayla Boyd, Brooke Anderson, and Peyton Scholl.

The wrestling mat saw an abundance of winners this season at both the county and state levels. Starting off with the Suffolk county champions is Rocky Point’s Zoey (94lb) and Julianna Hernandez (126lb), East Islip’s Alicia Cardona (107lb) and Ava Philips (120lb), Bellport’s Olivia Angelo (100lb), Caitlin Maragiolo (132lb), Veronica Sky-Williams (145lb), Miko Foster 185lb), and Aaliyah Morrow (152lb), Bay Shore’s Brooke-Lynn Murray (138lb) Melody Medina (165lb) and Sydney Fisher

(235lb), were all winners this season. Of the 12 Suffolk County winners, Aaliyah Morrow, of Bellport, competed in Albany at States and won her first-ever New York State title.

On the track, we have to talk about Maggie McCormick. The senior is a track and field star for Bay Shore who won the 1500-meter run with a time of 4:23:25, claiming the New York State Championship. This is nothing new to McCormick, as she’s medaled at the state meet five times now. Her coach, Shayne Lewis, has raved about McCormick and what she brings to Bay Shore when The Messenger spoke with him earlier this season.

On the piste, the Ward Melville girls’ varsity fencing team claimed the Suffolk County title. The numberone team in the county fenced off against Huntington for the title, winning 14-5. Individually, Caelan Bues of Harborfields and Sophie Chen of Newfield each earned titles at the Suffolk championships back in February. Winter is over, hopefully… With that, so are varsity winter sports.

After spending a few months indoors, spring has sprung and so have outdoor sports. Teams across Suffolk County are itching to get the season going. Some teams will look to defend their titles; others will look to claim their first. If the fall and winter sports seasons are anything to go by, we’re in for a treat this spring.

Follow along as baseball, softball, lacrosse, girls’ flag football, golf, track & field, and boys’ tennis hit the fields for game day!

Ducks Sign Veteran Outfielder Aaron Takacs

The Long Island Ducks announced the signing of outfielder Aaron Takacs. He begins his first season with the Ducks, second in the Atlantic League and seventh in professional baseball.

“Aaron is both an outstanding hitter and defender,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “He was incredibly tough to play against last season, so we look forward to having him in our dugout this year.”

Takacs combined to play 100 games during his first Atlantic League season in 2025 with the Staten Island FerryHawks and Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. He compiled a .307 batting average, eight home runs, 59 RBIs, 60 runs, 112 hits, 21 doubles, two triples, 58 walks, a .400 on-base percentage and an .841 OPS. Defensively, he committed just three errors while totaling seven outfield assists and a .985 fielding percentage. The Florida native started and ended the season strong, hitting safely in his first 10 games of the season and reaching base safely in his final 13 games of the campaign.

The 28-year-old split time during the first five seasons of his professional career in the American Association (2021-24), United Shore League (202021) and Pecos League (2020). He earned American Association All-Star honors in 2024 with the Lincoln Saltdogs, posting a .292 batting average with eight homers, 52 RBIs, 40 runs, 98 hits, 17 doubles, 50 walks, a career-high 23 stolen bases and a .796 OPS. The lefty batter is a career .298 hitter with 39 homers, 271 RBIs and an .828 OPS in 472 games.

Prior to his professional career, Takacs split his collegiate career at Cairn University in Langhorne, Pa., and Montreat College in Montreat, N.C.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Long Island Ducks organization, and I’m absolutely blessed by God that He has put me in a place to work with such a talented group of players and staff,” said Takacs. “I’m looking forward to competing in a high-level environment, contributing to the winning culture the Ducks have already built and showcasing the talents My Lord and Savior has blessed me with.”

The Long Island Ducks are entering their 26th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, have led all MLB Partner Leagues in total attendance for five consecutive seasons, and have sold out a record 721 games all-time.

For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

Johnnie’s Be ‘Really’ Good

By PJ Balzer

For the first time since 1999, the St. John’s Red Storm is in the “sweet sixteen.”

Last weekend’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament started off with 64 teams. By Sunday evening, only sixteen were still standing. The St. John’s Red Storm of New York is one of them.

After years of falling off of the college basketball map, the Red Storm was ready for a major change. The one change that catapulted every other change was this: hiring the time-tested and sidelines-approved coach Rick Pitino.

Pitino is a Hall of Fame coach who’s already won NCAA national basketball titles with both Kentucky and Louisville. Some love coach Pitino and others don’t, but all certainly do respect him and his success. His record and accolades demand it.

Pitino used the transfer portal to get the Johnnie’s some talent that was just floundering or not content at other schools, talented and hard-working young men around whom he could build a basketball program. Zuby Ejiofor was one of the main pieces he brought in. Zuby was a Kansas commit who stuck on the bench behind Joel Embid. At Kansas, he acquired little playing time. At St. John’s, Ejiofor was named the unanimous 2025-26 Big East Player of the Year, becoming the first player in league history to win Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year simultaneously.

Ejiofor will be graduating this spring, which has made his coach appear emotional in several interviews. Pitino is quoted saying, “He’s one of the best players and all-around best kids I’ve ever coached. I’m going to miss him a lot. He’s an incredible kid and a pleasure to coach.”

The Johnnie’s, as New Yorkers know them as, started this tournament with an extremely convincing win over a sound and well-coached Northern Iowa team. Round two always levels up a notch as the Red Storm faced Kansas this Sunday evening. Zuby had a chance to face his former team and coach to gain some redemption of sorts. That’s just what he did.

Despite the Red Storm dominance much of the game, even having a 14-point lead in the second half, the University of Kansas’ Jayhawks aren’t a team you can let up on. They pulled back into the game with a few defensive stops that set them on an 11-point run, eventually tying up the game.

Pitino expressed in an interview after the game that he was bewildered that his point guard, Dylan Darling, called for the ball during the final time out. Darling hadn’t scored all game and frankly wasn’t having his best performance. He was off and not at all in his usual groove. Nevertheless, the sound-and-steady Johnnie’s guard convinced Pitino to run the play for him giving him the opportunity to hit a shot at the buzzer.

That’s exactly what Darling did. With only 3.9 seconds on the clock, he slashed to the hoop and hit an off-balance lay-up that won the game at the buzzer. Darling hit the game winner and it’s possible that the basketball program at St. John’s has turned a corner. Many sports analysts and local fans think that this team could be good enough to win this tournament.

New York will see this Friday at 7:10p.m. as St. John’s takes on Duke in the next round.

Contractors For Kids Celebrates 20 Years at Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead

By Madison Warren

Contractors For Kids (CFK) held its twentieth annual gala this past weekend at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, continuing its mission to support families in need.

The milestone event brought together guests from across Long Island for an evening filled with entertainment, raffles, music, and casino-style games. As attendees gathered to celebrate, the night not only highlighted CFK’s continued success but also the impact the organization has made over the past two decades.

At CFK, their mission is simple: to help eliminate the financial hardship that can come with the illness or loss of a child - something no family should ever have to endure. The organization works to relieve that burden by stepping in and taking on financial responsibilities, allowing families to focus on what matters most during incredibly difficult times.

The night served as both a reflection of the impact CFK has made across Long Island and an opportunity to continue raising funds to support its mission. Guests enjoyed a wide range of entertainment throughout the evening, including hundreds of raffle baskets, a silent auction, tarot card readings by Raven & Larry, and live caricature drawings.

The celebration also featured a lively Mardi Gras-style parade band, performances by the South Bound Band, LED and disco ball dancers, and country line dancing. Adding to the excitement were celebrity impersonators of Donna Summer, Danny and Sandy from Grease, Elton John, and Tina Turner, along with special appearances from touring comedians such as One Funny Lisa Marie and JJ the Flavor Rican.

The aquarium was transformed into a series of themed experiences, with rooms such as the Denim and Diamonds Country Room, Harney’s Haunted Hangout, Winner’s Circle Casino, Mardi Gras Dining Room, and Club CFK’s 70s Disco Room, all paying tribute to past gala themes over the years.

The night was nothing short of spectacular. As CFK celebrates 20 years of making a difference, the gala served as a powerful reminder of the organization’s impact across Long Island. Through the generosity of the community and the continued support of events like this, CFK will be able to carry on its mission, helping families navigate unimaginable hardships with a little less financial burden and a lot more support.

To learn more or to be a part of this movement head to www. contractorsforkids.org or call 631-617-5152. For the families who rely on their support, CFK has always kept one promise, “We will be there…will you?”