I’ve been meeting with residents and officials from across the Assembly District. First was Mastic Beach where various community organizations and all levels of local government came to discuss next steps in the process of flood mitigation and area revitalization. We focused on much needed funding and the various avenues available for grants. We have a strong team working together. It is a slow process but there is progress. With Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Senator Dean Murray, Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Brookhaven Town Highway Department, Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, Mastic Beach Yacht Club, Pattersquash Creek Civic Organization, The Nature Conservancy in New York, Save The Great South Bay, Suffolk County Economic Development & Planning, Columbia University in the City of New York Center for Climate Systems Research Earth Institute.
Next was a meeting at Town Hall led by Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico regarding Yaphank Lake. Despite what was done in the past, restoration of the lower lake needs to move forward. Town, County and State representatives are looking forward to the best course of action. With Yaphank Taxpayers & Civic Association, Senator Dean Murray, Legislator Chad Lennon, Councilman Michael A. Loguercio Jr., NYS DEC.
While at Town Hall we had an impromptu meeting with Town of Brookhaven Assessor Felix Weinclaw and Linette O’Neil. We work together on legislation regarding home rules and it is important to preserve the positive relationship we have for the betterment of our communities.
My staff and I attended the Alive After 5 on Main Street in Patchogue to support our law enforcement from Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and Suffolk County Police Department. Thank you to all participants including Patchogue Post 269 and Pupusas City, Mayor Paul Pontieri, Greater Patchogue Chamber, and Senator Dean Murray for a great event.
I had the privilege to address a series of questions for my branch of government at the Medford Taxpayers and Civic Association at the Medford Fire Department. Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Legislator Nick Caracappa discussed town and county issues with the group. As elected officials our goal is to work together for the betterment of our community in which we all live and serve.
I visited the House of Change Church in Shirley for the Long Island Pastors Association Meeting. This breakfast gathering was well attended including Thalia Olaya and Caura who are Representatives to the Office of Governor Hochul. This meeting gave information and answered questions that can bring light to the organizations for the benefit of the community.
I also attended a press conference at Hagerman Fire Department to make aware of Senator Dean Murray’s bill known as Nick’s Law. Nicholas Puzio was taken too soon at the age of 25 by a hit and run driver. A statement from his Mother, Terry, was read, which in part stated that “New York State laws for hit and runs are far too lenient.” The Hagerman Fire Department lost a beloved friend and Firefighter, Christopher Hlavaty earlier this month to the same tragedy of a hit and run incident. Christopher’s Mother Janine, stated “my hope for the passage of Nick’s Law is that people will think twice before leaving the scene of these horrific, life altering accidents. The consequences need to be much stiffer and just maybe, these heartless people will not be so quick to leave our loved ones to die.”
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