News

Kimberly Jean-Pierre to represent New York’s 11th Assembly District

Oct
16
2016

In her first term, Democrat Kimberly Jean-Pierre of Wyandanch delivered for her district by sponsoring property-tax relief for Sandy victims, and supporting tougher laws on zombie homes. She brought home $4.5 million in capital funds for local needs. That includes $1 million she sought from the Assembly speaker to match other state and federal funding pledges for a microbrewery incubator in Copiague.

Republican Shawn Cullinane, 63, is Lindenhurst Village clerk and treasurer. He has a deep knowledge of the area and sincere concern about ending corruption and helping Sandy victims.

While Jean-Pierre, 32, is still finding her footing in the capital, she has already shown skill at producing for her district. In a new term, we’d like to see her...| read more ››

How to vote in New York State- 1 day grace period to register in person

Oct
15
2016

Looking to vote in the general election on Nov. 8, 2016? Here are important details to know.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

It was Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at 11:59 p.m., but if you missed the deadline, you get a one-day grace period to register in person because it’s a presidential election year. There will be multiple locations on Long Island where you can do so on Saturday, including Roosevelt Field mall and community centers in Nassau, and six town halls and some American Legion halls in Suffolk.

YOU CAN FIND A REGISTRATION LOCATION BY CLICKING THIS LINK

HOW TO FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE

Enter your information on the New York State Board of Elections' voter registration- SEARCH PAGE ...| read more ››

Gaughran Calls For Real Ethics Reforms To Clean Up Albany

Oct
13
2016

Gaughran Calls For Real Ethics Reforms To Clean Up Albany

(Huntington, NY) Jim Gaughran today unveiled a comprehensive ethics reform plan which, when passed, will take meaningful steps to clean up Albany and restore the public’s trust in state government. Despite overwhelming public support for real ethics reforms, current Senator Carl Marcellino has repeatedly blocked efforts to end Albany corruption and has even exploited loopholes to benefit himself and line his own pockets.

“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 Albany,” Jim Gaughran said. “Our communities deserve new leadership and a State Senator who...| read more ››

Opponent wants Sen. Kenneth LaValle’s name off SBU stadium

Oct
12
2016

The Democrat trying to unseat longtime Republican State Sen. Kenneth LaValle has filed legal papers alleging LaValle receives an illegal campaign benefit from the Stony Brook University football stadium that bears his name.

Gregory-John Fischer filed a notice of claim — a precursor to a lawsuit — in State Supreme Court in Riverhead claiming the university named the stadium for LaValle after he secured $22 million in state funds for the venue’s construction.

Fischer also said the stadium gives LaValle an unfair advantage over those who run against him.

“It is ludicrous for sitting legislators (seeking re-election or otherwise) to have public structures named for them for the de facto benefit of their personal political careers,” Fischer said in the...| read more ››

James Gaughran releases TV ad in state Senate race

Oct
12
2016

Democratic state Senate contender James Gaughran has launched his first TV ad and is attacking veteran Senate Republican Carl Marcellino on public corruption.

In the ad, Gaughran shows pictures of himself as a Suffolk County legislator, saying he “wrote my first law to fight corruption at age 28,” adding “There’s still too many unethical politicians.”

A female narrator then says Marcellino “played dirty politics for decades,” supporting former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos “even after he was indicted,” and being part of the political machine that “ruined Oyster Bay finances.”

Kathy Wilson, Marcellino’s spokeswoman, said she has not seen the ad, but when she read the script, she said the attacks were way off.

“He has absolutely nothing to do...| read more ››

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to appear at Suffolk Democratic dinner

Oct
10
2016

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who faced 2000 angry protesters two years ago when he appeared at the Suffolk Democrats’ fall dinner, is making a return appearance to headline the event Oct. 24.

“We expect it will be a lot quieter this time,” said Richard Schaffer, who has known the Cuomo family since he attended the State University of Albany with the governor’s sister.

The $300-a-head event is to be held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook, the same venue where Common Core protesters and unhappy victims of superstorm Sandy crowded the sidewalks near the catering hall.

Brookhaven Democrats, meanwhile, are getting state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman — touted by some as a potential gubernatorial contender — as the main attraction for...| read more ››

Suozzi leads Martins 50-34 in 3rd District, Newsday poll says

Oct
8
2016

Democrat Thomas Suozzi, driven by higher name recognition and cross-party support, leads Republican Jack Martins by 16 percentage points in the race to succeed Rep. Steve Israel in the 3rd Congressional District, according to a Newsday/Siena College poll.

Fifty percent of the 613 likely voters polled said they would back Suozzi, the former Nassau County executive, while 34 percent chose Martins, a state senator from Old Westbury. Fifteen percent said they were undecided or had no opinion.

The poll was conducted Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 2-5, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Its sampling closely mirrors the registration breakdown of the district that runs along the North Shore from western Suffolk County, through Nassau...| read more ››

Gaughran Calls For Tougher Penalties For Illegal Dumping

Sep
15
2016

Gaughran Calls For Tougher Penalties For Illegal Dumping

Proposal will Create Stiff Penalties for People or Companies whose Illegal Dumping leads to Environmental Degradation

(Huntington, NY) Jim Gaughran unveiled a major criminal justice proposal to address the crisis of illegal dumping on Long Island, a recent example of which occurred at the West Hills County Park. Under Gaughran’s plan, individuals or businesses who illegally dump hazardous waste on private or public properties which can lead to environmental, water quality and health problems will be charged with a C felony. This reform will help local law enforcement crack down on this crisis and dissuade illegal dumpers from continuing to destroy Long Island’s environment and single-source aquifer.

“It is clear after the...| read more ››

John De Vito wins state Senate race in Suffolk

Sep
14
2016

A 25-year-old law student from Shirley won a three-way Democratic primary in the 3rd State Senate District in Suffolk Tuesday, while Long Beach City Councilman Anthony Eramo defeated former Nassau Legis. Jeffrey Toback in a Democratic primary in the 20th Assembly District in Nassau.

With all precincts counted in the Senate race, John De Vito, who was backed by the Brookhaven Democratic executive committee, had 40 percent of the vote, compared with 31 percent for civic activist Joseph Fritz and 28 percent for former Suffolk Legis. Rick Montano.

With 44 percent of precincts counted, Eramo led Toback, who conceded defeat, by 62 percent to 38 percent.

Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) won a lopsided victory over challenger Giovanni Mata, who was...| read more ››

Shelter Island welcomes Speaker Nancy Pelosi at Throne-Holst event

Anna Throne-Holst and Pelosi on Shelter Island
Sep
9
2016

Shelter Island Democrats and friends welcomed Anna Throne-Holst, CD #1 Candidate and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the morning of September 4th at Governor Carey's house on Shelter Island. Despite the threats of Tropical Storm Hermine, Anna's supporters were welcomed with sunshine and a pleasant breeze. A large crowd gathered to hear them speak about the importance of this East End Congressional District in this highly polarized election year.| read more ››