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Clocks move forward one hour on Sunday, March 9 VOL. 75 NO. 10
Obituary: John Keating of Lindenhurst Page 11 MARCH 5 - 12, 2025
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Babylon Village Trustees and Justice running for re-election March 18th to do the best for the village,” Bencivenga said. Bencivenga, who has served The Babylon Village board on the board since members running September of 2020 for re-lection this under Mayor Mary month are focused Adams’ leadership, on maintaining and said the board has expanding all that worked to preserve makes the village what residents an ideal place to love about Babylive in and raise a lon Village while family. exploring opportuTrustees Frank nities for appropriSeibert and Domiate growth. nic Bencivenga DOMINIC “What we’ve are running for reworked hard to election along with BENCIVENGA do is focus on apSean Goodwin who Babylon Town Trustee propriate developwas appointed to ments,” he said. the board in Decem“People come in ber. Village Justice John T. Rafter is also seeking and say they want X, Y, or Z, but it has to be appropriate for reelection. All the candidates are unop- the village.” Bencivenga also hopes to posed in the election, which takes place on Tuesday, March continue working on infrastructure improvements, an 18. The candidates discussed ongoing priority, and looks their accomplishments on the forward to expanding the vilboard and outlined their goals lage’s popular golf camp profor the future, including ex- gram. Seibert pointed to the vilpanding recreational events such as summer programs for lage’s commitment to infrayouth and collaborating with structure funding, which has local organizations like the supported improvements to Chamber of Commerce and the playgrounds. He aims to the Babylon Village Histori- ensure all projects stay within cal Society to host year-round budget and maintain tax cap events. The officials also plan limits. “We have a lot of amenito focus on maintaining a good bond rating and keeping taxes ties here in the village, and we want to make sure we’re low for residents. “We all have the same goals: keeping the downtown looking
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
cbabirad@liherald.com
W
Carolyn James/Herald
Ryan Stanton of the LI Federation of Labor, left, and S.C. Leg. Sam Gonzalez, right, stand in support of nurses at rally. At left union officials Joanne DeAntonio, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans and Jenna Kuhn-Plaza address their members.
Northwell nurses hold rally demanding fair contract and adequate staffing By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Northwell Health/South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore gathered outside the hospital last week to demand that Northwell negotiate a fair contract. The nurses and their union leaders have been pushing for months for improved staffing, higher wages, and better benefits to help recruit and retain nurses and ensure quality care. “It is crucial that nurses have adequate staffing to protect both patients and the community,” said Joanne DeAntonio, president of the local union. Nurses have raised concerns about the challenges of understaffing, especially during breaks when managers cannot meet minimum staffing standards. A July/August 2024 poll found that nurses reported lacking break coverage on more than 61 percent of shifts. The employees voted 99 percent in favor of authorizing a strike unless a fair contract is reached. Marie Boyle, a nurse for five decades and a member of the union’s board, said striking is a last resort. How-
ever, the vote gives elected nurse leaders the authority to submit a 10-day strike notice to management, though negotiations will continue. Over 900 nurses could strike if no tentative agreement is reached. “Of course,” Boyle said, “the goal is to settle.” Entry-level nurses earn $99,000 annually. Northwell has offered a 2 percent raise, which Boyle said does not keep pace with inflation. However, Boyle emphasized that the issue goes beyond money. “The real goal is to secure a contract that encourages young nurses to stay in the profession,” she said. “We’re losing bright, young nurses because the job is too difficult, and maintaining adequate staffing is a challenge.” Some nurses are concerned that staffing shortages could affect their ability to provide adequate care and jeopardize their licenses. “The patients we see are sicker, and our emergency room is dramatically busier,” DeAntonio said. “Despite the increase in demand, Northwell has refused to hire CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
e all have the same goals: to do the best for the Village.
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