Suffolk County Democrats
Assistant Suffolk Deputy County Executive Luis Montes, the top Albany lobbyist in the administration of County Executive Steve Bellone, is now also Islip Democratic chairman.
The $144,000-a-year county aide succeeds Gerry Pallotta in the unpaid town leader spot.
Party sources say that Montes is expected to be more conciliatory than the more hard-edged Pallotta.
“Luis knows how to reach out to everyone,” said Richard...read more ››
Carl Marcellino has been a solid member of the New York State Senate for more than 20 years. In that time, he’s done some very good work, especially as a champion of the environment, most recently in securing $200 million in state funds that municipalities can tap for sewer upgrades and related water infrastructure improvements.
But nowadays, Marcellino, 73, is resting mostly on past accomplishments and the traditional policy positions...read more ››
The battle for the 3rd Congressional District features two men who have enjoyed significant successes in politics and governance, and received consistent past endorsements from this board. Each can make a strong case that he would represent the region well in Washington. Of the two, Thomas Suozzi’s track record of focusing intently on complex problems and coming up with comprehensive solutions makes him the better choice.
Suozzi, a 54-...read more ››
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told an audience of more than 1,000 Long Island business and political leaders Tuesday that he will vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton for president, citing her experience, temperament and — in a jab at GOP nominee Donald Trump — her “stamina.”
Powell, speaking at the Long Island Association fall luncheon in Woodbury, was harshly critical of Trump, arguing that the New York businessman was “not...read more ››
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo headlined a rally Monday in Albertson to endorse a pair of Nassau Democratic state Senate candidates involved in hotly contested races that could determine whether Republicans maintain control of the chamber.
Cuomo backed Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) as he seeks a full term in the 9th Senate District and businessman Adam Haber, running for the open 7th Senate District seat vacated by Sen. Jack Martins, who is...read more ››
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has created a state fellowship to honor a former Long Island aide killed this summer in a horrific car crash on the Long Island Expressway, he announced Monday.
The two-year Scott Martella Fellowship will be awarded to recent graduates committed to public service with a passion for helping others, Cuomo said in a news release. Scott Martella, 29, of Northport, was among six people who died in the Aug. 21 crash in...read more ››
These are perilous times at home and abroad.
Our economy is in stasis, pinching the dreams of millennials and leaving many older workers behind. Gaping fault lines in race relations are again laid bare. Evolving gender roles widen the cultural divide.
The Middle East is wracked by endless conflict, Russia growls and a more assertive China imperils our allies in the East. The threat of terrorism rises. The dangers of climate...read more ››
Jim Gaughran, the Democratic opponent of Republican Sen. Carl Marcellino on Thursday is set to release an ethics reform package aimed at campaign finance reform and recalling elected officials whose actions impact taxpayers.
“Long Island voters are tired of the corruption and scandals that have rocked state government and yet Senator Marcellino has ignored his constituents and has actually benefitted from the corrupt state quo in...read more ››
Democrat Steven Englebright, always a conscientious and effective representative for his district, has emerged as the leading environmental voice in the Assembly. It’s a much-needed one.
As chairman of the environmental conservation committee, Englebright, 70, of Setauket, convened joint hearings with the Senate upstate and on Long Island on water-quality issues, got a bill passed to study ocean acidification, and formed a working...read more ››
Fred Thiele Jr., Independent candidate for New York's 1st Assembly District. (Credit: Gordon M. Grant)
Fred W. Thiele Jr. is an activist lawmaker who has proven without doubt his value to the East End during his 21 years in this office. The 63-year-old lawyer from Sag Harbor is an Independence Party member who caucuses with the Democrats.
Thiele is a strong voice for accountability in Albany. He would limit outside income if...read more ››