Anthony Palumbo
for Senate District One
Anthony Palumbo had unenviably large shoes to fill in the wake of Ken LaValle’s retirement in 2020. His transition from the Assembly to the Senate has been a smooth one, as he’s been one of the most productive members of the delegation. Of his more than fifty bills that pass the chambers, the lion’s share have been signed by the Governor. His Community House Fund (CHF) plan is a step in the right direction in keeping the housing markets balanced, while also allowing municipalities to retain their home rule. He’s carried on LaValle’s age-old tradition of the “Environmental Roundtable,” a gathering of notable East End stakeholders to discuss needs and problems of the environment.
Palumbo, a Republican of New Suffolk, was also a hero for New York in suing the Senate Judiciary Committee for a floor vote for Hector LaSalle, Hochul’s nominee for the Court of Appeals. LaSalle’s rejection without a vote was unprecedented in modern history, and while he ultimately was not confirmed, Palumbo ensured that that strike was called.
Most recently, Palumbo introduced legislation to combat reckless drivers who intentionally seek out the quiet streets of Suffolk for donuts and burnouts. Quality-of-life issues are important to him, and it shows.
His opponent, former six-term County Legislator Sarah Anker, brings legislative experience to the table, but we don’t feel she can match Palumbo’s understanding of his entire district. The Mount Sinai Democrat also never screened with The Messenger, making it even more difficult for us to understand her positions.
Anker is also currently under investigation by the County Legislature for allegedly removing and/or destroying documents before she left her office last year. It’s certainly a demerit, but it’s something that needs to pan out in the horseshoe before we can fully make a judgment call there.
The investigation notwithstanding, we’d still find Senator Palumbo worthy of another term. We’re hopeful he continues to bring his common sense conservatism and judicial watchdog attitude to Albany. Our state can surely use it.
The Messenger endorses Palumbo.
Ed Flood
for Assembly District Four
Two years ago, Ed Flood sent political shockwaves through the county in ousting veteran incumbent Steve Englebright.
This year, Fourth District voters have two options: a one-term Flood, or former Port Jefferson Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay. Both are good options and both screened with The Messenger to make our decision easier.
Kassay has an education in environmental studies and is the proprietor of the Fox and the Owl bed-and-breakfast. Her time as a village trustee has afforded her experience in hyper-local government and has given her some name recognition among other local electeds.
Kassay calls for oversight on top-down spending from Albany. We don’t disagree, but Flood has already drafted a bill to divide the state into regional councils to better mitigate the effects of unfunded mandates and defeat a one-size-fits-all policy on numerous issues. In our screening, Flood used school language textbooks as an example, wherein some communities might need more textbooks of different languages, and less of others. In Albany’s eyes, all school districts must purchase and provide a standard set. Both candidates essentially call for the same issue, but Flood is more specific and has already worked towards making that a reality.
Flood has also helped bring to the table Gabby’s Law, which would create “Teal” Alerts – similar Silver and Amber alerts – for missing individuals with mental health problems. It’s named after Blue Point’s own Gabby Petito, whose disappearance and death made national headlines. He also helped develop Melanie’s Law, which would allow orders of protection to pass to members of a household, even if those members are adults.
Locally, Flood hosted the first Human Trafficking Seminar at Stony Brook in August. It’s an important issue that requires intervention from all local levels, and we’re glad to see Flood call a meeting with dozens of community stakeholders to discuss how the issue can be combated at home.
Flood also fought to restore his district’s foundation aid funding, which resulted in accolades from school superintendents, and he delivered crucial funding for the Gordon Heights Fire Department.
While Flood’s disbarment is jarring, we hold that the circumstances are dubious enough to give him the benefit of the doubt. Moreover, Flood’s productivity for an upscale, purple district leads us to believe he’s worthy for another term. His big-picture ideas also make us hopeful to see what else he can come up with.
The Messenger endorses Flood.
