Op-Ed: ’13 Magic Words’ in Water Quality Act

Environmentalist John Turner calls them “13 magic words.” They are 13 words that have been added to a measure likely to be voted on in a countywide referendum in November that would amend the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. The words are in a Read More …

Op-Ed: New York Must Close Drugged-Driving Loopholes

New York’s roads are deadlier than ever. With the legalization of personal use quantities of marijuana and New York’s antiquated impaired driving laws, which have not kept up with new synthetic designer drugs, the problem is getting worse by the day. The drugged driving loopholes Read More …

Op-Ed: The Transgender Sports Ban: A Pediatrician’s Perspective 

In recent years pediatricians around the country have found themselves on the front lines as they battle legislation targeting some of our most vulnerable youth. Sadly one such battle has now come to Long Island.  Nassau County Executive Blakeman this week issued an order that Read More …

Op-Ed: Lessons From Suozzi Victory

What might be learned from the special election last week in a congressional district that had for years included Suffolk County? In it, Democrat Tom Suozzi handily (by 54% to 46% of the vote) defeated Mazi Pilip running on the Republican line. The district, New Read More …

Essay: Getting Ready for the Season of Love

Recent reports show that STI/STDs are on the rise across New York. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s a perfect time to tune up sexual health, because even though love and desire are celebrated in story and song, real life intimacy can be tricky Read More …

Letter: School Boards Group Unhappy With Budget Plan

The Executive Budget proposal for 2024-25 appears to pull back from the substantial progress New York has made with Foundation Aid funding in recent years. The proposal is hundreds of millions of dollars below full funding, since it appears that some districts would even see Read More …

Op-Ed: Why Huntington Should Embrace Cannabis Sales, Lounges

The town of Huntington is facing a historic opportunity to join the growing movement of legalizing and regulating cannabis for adult use. By opting into cannabis sales and on-site consumption lounges, Huntington can reap the benefits of increased tax revenue, job creation, public health, and Read More …

Esteban Letter: Grateful for Chance to Serve Public

I am honored and grateful for having had the opportunity to be a public servant to the residents of Suffolk County, and specifically the 16th Legislative District encompassing areas of Huntington, Islip, and Babylon. As a legislator I have come to see what a diverse Read More …

Frying Latkes in Oil Is One Small Way to Express Our Judaism

A small Chanukah party, I thought. With just a few people over, I’d cook up something yummy, the house would be clean, and all would be very, very manageable. And then my invitee asked the question. “Are you making latkes?” Her eyes lit up. “From Read More …

Op-Ed: Santos Outdid Himself With His Lies

George Santos, expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives last week, was a bizarre member of Congress. By his serial deceit, Santos obtained a national reputation for being a liar, adishonesty superstar. No member I’ve written about representing Long Island in my 60 years of Read More …

Letter: Penn Station Upgrades Don’t Protect LIRR Commuters

There is nothing to celebrate concerning opening of the new $600 million 7th Avenue 32nd Street Penn Station Entrance. Just like previous investments including the $1.6 billion Moynihan Station, $300 million West End Concourse and $600 million 7th Avenue  33rd Street Entrance and enlarged Main Concourse Read More …