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HERALD RECoRD
An Easter message of faith and hope
Obituary: Dominican Sister Elizabeth Gill
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VOL. 112 NO. 12
Meet Amityville’s top scholars Page 10
APRIL 1 - 7, 2026
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Schaffer faces challenge for party leadership
Amityville Library construction makes progress after setbacks
By CAROLYN JAMES
By CAROLYN JAMES
cjames@liherald.com
Suffolk County Democratic Chairman Richard Schaffer is facing a challenge from Kathryn Casey Quigley, chair of the Southold Democratic Party, setting up a contest over the party’s direction following recent election losses. Casey Quigley said she is frustrated with Schaffer’s leadership and the party’s performance in Suffolk County elections. Schaffer, in turn, has described her as a “New York City Democrat.” “Suffolk is not the upper west side of Manhattan,” Schaffer said. “Democrats elected in Suffolk County have to be more moderate, be able to get things done and be representative of working-class people.” Casey Quigley pointed to broader trends, arguing that the challenges facing Democrats in Suffolk reflect a national pattern. She noted her role in helping Democrats win nine of 11 races in Southold in November. “What we’re seeing here in Suffolk is a frustration with the Democratic Party and its leadership,” she told the Suffolk Times recently. “We’re not fighting here as hard as we can be and it’s important that we do better.” Schaffer characterized Casey Quigley as aligned CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
cjames@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald
Babylon Town Superviser Richard Schaffer spoke at HIA breakfast Thursday March 26, outlining how the town is working toward economic growth through smart development.
After a harsh winter marked by two blizzards and record-low temperatures, the Amityville Library is showing signs of spring— and steady progress on its new facility, library officials said. Construction on the library’s east side had been delayed earlier this year after contractors discovered elevated levels of zinc in the groundwater while installing a new elevator. The issue prompted a pause in work and intervention from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The general contractor developed a filtration system to meet DEC standards, allowing the treated water to be safely discharged into storm drains. With that hurdle cleared, concrete
pouring has resumed for the remaining foundation walls on the east side of the building. Steel for the new addition will follow. Library Director Todd Schlitt said the project is still some distance from completion, and a recovery schedule is being finalized. Services at the existing library continue without interruption. “We understand the delays have been frustrating, but the continued support and patience of the Amityville community have made this process much more manageable,” Schlitt said. “Thank you for your understanding and encouragement—we just have to keep our sights on the goal.” For updates on the project, visit amityvillepubliclibrary.org, email Tschlitt@amityvillepubliclibrary.org, or call 631-264-0567.
Suffolk Supervisors discuss suburban issues at HIA meeting By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Suffolk County town supervisors met at the HIA breakfast at the Suffolk Jewish Community Center to discuss economic development priorities for the region March 26.. The supervisors highlighted the need for affordable housing and owner-occupied apartment and condo complexes, at the March 26 event, and called for solutions to rising waste management costs, and emphasized public and private investment in downtowns, while maintain-
ing the suburban character of Suffolk County. “Our mission is to let everyone know how important our towns are in maintaining the economic development of Suffolk County, and to let our town supervisors know how important they are,” said Joe Campolo, HIA-LI board member and moderator of the event. Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter were joined by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Huntington Town CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Courtesy Amityville Library
Pouring of concrete at Amityville Library is underway.