News

In Queens debate, 3rd District candidates tout experience

Jun
23
2016

Democrats vying to replace retiring Rep. Steve Israel in Tuesday’s primary made their final pitches to voters in a Thursday night Queens debate short on personal jabs but long on explanations why each is the best choice.

Along with promoting their biographies and political experience during the debate at North Shore Towers, a luxury gated community near the Nassau-Queens border, the four candidates in attendance also answered questions about gun-control, immigration, health care, and the price of a fair minimum wage.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary will face State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) in November.

Anna Kaplan, a North Hempstead councilwoman from Kensington Village, who escaped Iran as a political refugee, said she was the best candidate in the...| read more ››

David Calone, Anna Throne-Holst battle in Democratic primary

Jun
23
2016

Democrats Dave Calone and Anna Throne-Holst are locked in a competitive — and expensive — primary Tuesday for the chance to face freshman GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin in what is expected to be one of the nation’s most competitive general election congressional races in November.

Calone, 42 of Setauket, is the former chairman of the Suffolk County Planning Commission and president and CEO of the venture capital firm Jovian Holdings.

Calone points to his work on environmental issues while on the planning board, such as streamlining the permitting process for rooftop solar projects and his work in the private sector helping technology startups on Long Island.

Throne-Holst, 56 of Sag Harbor, served for six years as Southampton town supervisor before...| read more ››

5 battle for Democratic nomination for Steve Israel’s seat

Jun
22
2016

Democratic Rep. Steve Israel's surprise decision not seek re-election has spawned a five-way primary in the Gold Coast 3rd District that stretches from Queens to Suffolk County. The race is so crowded that even experts are shying way from predictions. Here are the candidates at a debate at Great Neck House on Tuesday, May 17, 2016: from left, Jonathan Clarke, Anna Kaplan, Jon Kaiman, Steve Stern and Thomas Suozzi. (Credit: James Escher)
Democratic Rep. Steve Israel’s surprise decision not seek re-election has spurred a five-way primary in the Gold Coast 3rd District that stretches from Queens to Suffolk County.

The race is so crowded that even experts are shying way from predictions.

The field consists of a former Nassau...| read more ››

Bill would push NY further toward renewable energy

Jun
10
2016

A bill moving quickly in the Legislature’s final days would create a New York Climate Action Council to push solar, wind and other renewable energies through state spending.

One innovative new effort under the bill would be to use solar-powered heat pumps to use ground water to help heat residential buildings including public housing.

The measure sponsored by Assemb. Steven Engelbright (D-Setauket) passed the Democrat led Assembly just over a week ago mostly along party lines, with many Republicans opposed. The bill now awaits action in the Senate, where it has some powerful sponsors.

The bill would create a 23-member council of representatives from state agencies to create greenhouse gas reporting requirements, set emissions limits, and spend the state Environmental...| read more ››

Clinton: Tonight’s history ‘belongs to generations’

Jun
8
2016

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks to supporters at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. (Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara)
Democrat Hillary Clinton cruised to victory in the New Jersey primary Tuesday night, then claimed her historic status as the first woman to become a major party’s presumptive nominee for president.

“Thanks to you, we have reached a milestone — the first time in our nation’s history a woman will be a major party candidate,” she told supporters at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

“Tonight’s history is not about one person, it belongs to generations,” she added.

Clinton reached out to Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders, her dogged opponent, thanking him for a hard-fought campaign and saying...| read more ››

Plum Island sea mammals targeted for legislative protection

Jun
7
2016

Legislation introduced in Albany would protect marine mammals and sea turtles like this one shown at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation on Aug. 19, 2015. (Credit: Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation)
Three Long Island lawmakers have introduced a bill that would create a marine mammal and sea turtle protection zone around Plum Island and two other environmentally sensitive eastern Islands, but a fishing group wants assurances it won’t limit fishing.

Assembs. Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) and Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) introduced the legislation June 1. It would create a protection area from the high-water mark on the shore outward to 1,500 feet around Plum Island, Great Gull Island and Little...| read more ››

Suffolk candidates for state legislative positions

Jun
6
2016

Committee members for major political parties will be out in force starting Tuesday to gather nominating petitions for their state and local candidates in fall elections.

For the State Senate, the major parties have nominated the following candidates:
1 S.D. —State Sen. Kennth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) against Gregory-John Fischer of Calverton;
2nd S.D.—State Sen. John Flanagan (R-East Northport) vs. Democrat Peter N. Magistrale of St. James;
3rd S.D.—State Sen. Thomas Croci (R-Sayville) against the winner of a Democratic primary between Joseph Fritz of Brentwood and John DeVito Jr. of Mastic Beach;
4th S.D.—State Sen. Philip Boyle (R-Bay Shore) vs. Democrat John Alberts of North Babylon,
and in the 5th S.D.—State Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) vs....| read more ››

Young Dem Challenging Sen. Flanagan For 2nd District Seat

Jun
2
2016

Peter Magistrale, a 24-year-old accountant and Democrat who says he’s ready to tackle corruption in Albany while closing tax loopholes that could translate to relief for middle class taxpayers, is challenging incumbent Sen. John Flanagan for his seat in the state’s 2nd District.

Flanagan, of East Northport, a Republican and majority leader of the senate, was first elected to the seat in 2002.

His challenger, Magistrale, of St. James, announced his campaign last week, filing nominating petitions with New York State Board of Elections on May 17. The Hofstra University graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2012, and a master’s degree in taxation the next year.

While he said experience is, no doubt, important, Magistrale said he values...| read more ››

Volunteer for Your Democratic Congressional Candidate!

May
3
2016

The election is Tuesday, November 8th. Polls will be open from 6AM to 9PM.

If you would like to check your registration status or find your polling location, use the following link:

http://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/

If you would like to volunteer for a candidate, please use the links below:

NY-01 Candidate:
Anna Throne-Holst- http://annathrone-holst.com

NY-02 Candidate:
DuWayne Gregory- http://duwaynegregory.com

NY-03 Candidate:
Tom Suozzi- http://suozziforcongress.com| read more ››

Democrats win NY state Senate seat vacated by ex-GOP leader

May
3
2016

Democrat Todd Kaminsky was declared the official winner Monday of a close New York state Senate race for the convicted former GOP majority leader’s Long Island seat, handing the Democrats a majority of seats in the chamber.

Kaminsky beat Republican Chris McGrath by 886 votes, according to the numbers certified by Nassau County election officials.

Kaminsky was ahead by 780 votes on election day two weeks ago, but McGrath refused to concede until all absentee votes were counted.

“I am honored that my neighbors have elected me to deliver for Long Island and clean up Albany as their state senator,” Kaminsky said in a statement. “For far too long, South Shore taxpayers have been the victim of politicians who put...| read more ››