Nick LaLota

for New York’s First Congressional District

Since taking office less than two years ago, Congressman Nick LaLota has been a firm leader for Suffolk County in the U.S. House. Being a freshman in the House is usually difficult work, and representing the large swath of land that consists of eight of Suffolk’s ten towns is no easy feat. Yet, LaLota has brought back funding for each of them, far and above what other freshmen members of Congress are able to accomplish.

Notably, his $1.4 million for Smithtown’s much-needed wastewater solutions is a huge prize for a major part of his district. The funds are expected to help mitigate floodwaters from heavy rainfalls, which usually result in Main Street businesses dealing with flooded basements and the Nissequogue River receiving large doses of road runoff.

For Brookhaven, a recent notable achievement is $1.5 million for badly-needed dredging and infrastructure improvements to the Port Jefferson Harbor, a major port of entry to Long Island and a massive economic hub of the north shore.

Island-wide, LaLota has admirably carried the torch from his predecessor Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) in ensuring Plum Island remains undeveloped and receives protections in perpetuity.

He’s also been an incredibly valuable asset in making the conversation of State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions a national conversation. He and the other Long Island Republicans held up last year’s vote on the Speaker of the House to ensure they could find a partner sympathetic to that particular cause. He and his colleagues have formed a national coalition of other House members to bring this to the table next session. And if Donald Trump is elected president, LaLota will have another staunch ally in the fight to ensure we receive those deductions.

Moreover, LaLota has been a pragmatic conservative. The Lugar Center’s Bipartisan Index ranks him as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, a much-needed and well-deserved position for a district that isn’t as intensely Republican-leaning as some think. His bipartisan work with other members have Congress have been a valuable asset to both our district and the country, as his work with others have seen bills and amendments pass the House, including, but not limited to, stopping the scourge of fentanyl and xylazine in our communities, protecting our Pine Barrens from invasive species, and working to ensure Veterans’, their services, and their families are cared for.

LaLota has also been a fierce advocate for the border, turning down a Senate bill with three hundred pages of bloat that didn’t even pertain to our national emergency to the south.

His opponent, John Avlon (D-Gramercy Park), touts his own records as having worked with Republicans and with the nonpartisan No Labels group. However, Avlon carefully toes party lines to hold the bottom line in a district that is likely to stick with a productive incumbent. Avlon is also yet another carpetbagger in the long series inflicted upon NY-01 over the last decade or so. He’s been intentionally vague about his residency, but The Messenger takes pride in being the first source in the nation to uncover his tax documents, revealing a much more intimate New York City habitation than advertised.

He’s knocked LaLota on his residency too. We hold that LaLota living just south of the border of a district in which he’s otherwise spent his whole life is fundamentally different from a Manhattanite who used his summer rental home as an anchor to claim residency. Only adding insult to injury is that Avlon’s Sag Harbor home is in one of the most affluent parts of the district, which isn’t a problem in and of itself, but becomes a major problem when he’s trying to represent a predominately working-class district.

On the campaign trail, LaLota was regularly called a “MAGA” Republican by Democrats, and a “RINO” by the likes of disgraced Congressman George Santos (R-Queens). Multiple times, we editorialized him as being neither. We’re inclined to hold that position.

The Messenger endorses LaLota.

Doug Smith

for Assembly District Five

If the Fifth Assembly District had its own mayor, that title would undoubtedly go to Doug Smith.

Since his special election victory in 2018, the Holbrook Republican has not only been an effective leader in the minority, but also one that has elevated the near-universal working-class voice of his district, one that used to be a Democratic bastion not that long ago.

Smith sits as the highest-ranking Republican on the Education Committee, leveraging his years of teaching experience, coupled with his years of experience as an aide to his predecessor. Smith was one of the loudest voices against the proposed reduction in Foundation Aid to school districts, organizing a March rally at the H. Lee Dennison Building against the cuts. Smith has already met with Robert Megna, a budget guru heading the Rockefeller Institute of Government’s updates to the state’s formula for Foundation Aid. He’s already working on what could be another contention budget season regarding the issue. Smith also proposes a new metric to evaluate a school district’s worthiness of state aid, namely as it relates to what constitutes a student as “successful.”

Smith also sits on screenings for Board of Regents nominees. Smith told us that some nominees “should be nowhere near making education policy,” proving to us that he’s a valuable opinion on who determines the metrics of educational success in our state.

Smith has also been a revered partner on the local level, including, but not limited to, ensuring the cleanup of Lake Ronkonkoma, the quality-of-life crimes for which law enforcement’s responses are stifled due to the bail reform laws, and the construction of a state-of-the-art playground and community square in downtown Holbrook.

Smith’s opponent, Michael Reynolds (D-Lake Ronkonkoma), is actively campaigning, but made no appointment to screen with us for this race.

The Messenger endorses Smith.

Dean Murray

for Senate District Three

New Yorkers should be excited about what Dean Murray has brought to the table and what he’ll continue to bring to Albany for another two years.

Murray has been an ardent supporter of commonsense laws in Albany, some of which Democrats have refused to take up. He’s been the leading voice on “Nick’s Law,” which would impose stricter penalties for hit-and-run drivers who leave the scene of an accident resulting in death or serious injury. He also proposed the commonsense foil of Nassau County’s ban on face coverings in public spaces. The East Patchogue Republican’s bill would still allow face coverings in public, even during political demonstrations or protests, but would carry aggravated charges for crimes committed while wearing a mask, as well as introducing a new charge of Aggravated Concealment of Identity.

Murray has also helped shepherd Mastic Beach’s massive downtown revitalization through the halls of Albany, has been a prominent voice on much-needed changes to bail reform and the State’s drug laws, specifically as it relates to fentanyl and xylazine, has been working to ensure law enforcement are better equipped against drug-intoxicated drivers, and has been a consistent community presence.

Murray’s opponent, Michael Conroy (D), is not actively campaigning.

The Messenger endorses Murray.

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 to 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.

Jodi Giglio

for Assembly District Two

After just two terms in Albany, Jodi Giglio has certainly left her mark.

Her biggest fight is that of benefits for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Perhaps her biggest win was that of a limited real property tax exemption for disabled individuals, a bill that passed unanimously last year. The Baiting Hollow Republican is also aware of the calamitous mudslides in Rocky Point after the remnants of Ernesto battered the north shore in August, positing that the State should evaluate maintenance schedules of wastewater systems to better hold up against extreme weather events in the future.

Giglio has also helped direct money into her district’s services, such as the libraries of Riverhead and Baiting Hollow, while also ensuring that her district retains its bucolic, rural-suburban feel.

Giglio’s opponent, Tricia Chiaramonte (D-Manorville), is not actively campaigning.

The Messenger endorses Giglio.

Joe DeStefano

for Assembly District Three

Joe DeStefano is running for his fourth term in the Assembly. The Medford Republican also serves as a Medford Fire District Commissioner and volunteer firefighter. As such, his role in Albany has been crucial in advocating on half of law enforcement, first responders, and EMS. One of his bills that was passed recognized 911 operators as first responders, a commonsense move that we, and clearly others in Albany, agree with.

DeStefano told us that while he’s not a “Green New Deal guy,” he’s on the side of renewable energy, but not without making sure the markets and the public are ready. His bipartisanship also brings added value, as he not only represents a district with more registered Democrats than Republicans, but also because it demonstrates his ability to legislate above his own accolades and party lines.

DeStefano’s opponent, Trina Miles (D-Mastic Beach), is not actively campaigning.

The Messenger endorses DeStefano.

Andrew Garbarino

for NY’s 2nd Congressional District

Andrew Garbarino had immensely large shoes to fill with the retirement of Peter King (R-Seaford) in 2020. Since then, however, Garbarino has fit into the role well and continually proves why he is worthy of the office.

Garbarino, a Republican of Bayport, has been able to bring back almost $100 million in funding for local projects, like sewers for downtowns like Patchogue and North Bellport. He played a pivotal role in halving the $3 billion shortfall that was supposed to hit the 9/11 First Responders’ healthcare fund. His prerogative in cybersecurity is a needed one, as the U.S. continues to be a national target, and Garbarino needs no more homework than what happened here in Suffolk to help safeguard our nation against a similar attack.

Garbarino is also a leader in climate solutions, namely as it relates to natural gas, hydrogen, and nuclear power. He’s worked bipartisanly to help meet the surging energy demands across his district and the country. He also provides pragmatic solutions to the migrant crisis, such as reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico policy, making the border more physically and technologically secure, and overhauling the asylum program to facilitate faster court hearings.

Garbarino offers a good defense of his vote in favor of President Biden’s infrastructure package, a vote for which he received quick criticism from voters at home. His logic, with which we agree, is that since New York’s governance has robbed us of the infrastructure upgrades we’ve needed. Voting for the federal package was a way to bring home our tax dollars when Hochul has been “terrible” on roads, according to the Congressman, and when Cuomo wasn’t interested in having talks on sewers during his tenure. Moreover, Garbarino’s creed that he makes the votes best for his district, but not necessarily for politics, is one we respect and wish there was more of in our legislative institutions.

Garbarino’s opponent, Rob Lubin, 29, is making his run for public office. The Lindenhurst Democrat is impassioned in the fight against lower-cost prescription drugs, as he suffers from a rare condition that took his vision in his left eye and deals with the effects of costly medication. We’re not sure his plan for a price cap will be the best plan, but we sense his passion and earnestness on this issue.

While Lubin is certainly well-intentioned, we feel that Garbarino offers much more in terms of specificities and already has the job down well after just four years in office. Lubin might be more suited for an advisory role on prescription drug costs, but we don’t feel he’s ready for Congress.

The Messenger endorses Garbarino.

Stephen Kiely

for Assembly District One

Assemblyman Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor) is finally retiring after representing the East End in Albany since 1995. Voters have two good options: Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni and Shelter Island Town Attorney Stephen Kiely.

Kiely, a Mattituck Republican, has twenty years of experience working as an attorney for the county’s smallest town and has a practical understanding of how laws are and should be written.

Schiavoni, a Sag Harbor Democrat, has served on the Southampton Town Council since 2017, and he has years of experience on multiple local boards as well. Schiavoni brings understanding of the South Fork’s geography and the precarious environmental situation in which the region finds itself.

The district contains the entire townships of East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southold, and most of Southampton, but the Brookhaven communities of Eastport, East Moriches, Center Moriches, and Moriches as well.

The deciding factor here is local control. Schiavoni seems warm to the idea of the State having a role in helping municipalities increase their housing supplies, while Kiely sees little to no role for the State in the process. We don’t think some help from the State is unwarranted, but we stand by the principle of “Local control, not Hochul control.”

The Messenger endorses Kiely.