Labate: Israel Should Take Responsibility For His Actions

Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Steve Labate responds to ‘spin’ coming out of Israel camp.

The battle for New York's 2nd Congressional District has begun and so has the spin coming from the Israel Campaign. According to an email that was sent out by the Israel camp on February 21, it states that I have a "personal problem with Congressman Israel, not just a differing idea of a future America". The absurdity of that comment makes me wonder what exactly Mr. Israel is thinking. As a 20-year Military Veteran and a Field Grade Officer in the Army Reserve, I do consider myself a fighter, but for Congressman Israel to twist my enthusiasm for our upcoming contest as a personal affront to him, is bewildering. The reality is that we hit a nerve and Congressman Israel is attempting to deflect attention away from an abysmal voting record …

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Cook: Term Limits Needed For Elected Officials

Huntington town councilman promises to push for reforms to give others chance to serve.

Dear Editor, Last week Suffolk County's District Attorney, Sheriff, and County Clerk filed a lawsuit against the County challenging the 12-year term limit the voters ratified. They say it doesn't apply to them because their positions are defined by the New York State Constitution and Suffolk County cannot limit their terms in office. Whether or not the lawsuit has legal merit, the bigger point is that the voters clearly wanted term limits for elected officials and that decision should not be overturned. It went to a referendum because it was an important issue, and the voters should have, and did have, what they thought was the final say. To negate the overwhelming decision of the County's taxpaying voters would show complete disregard for…

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Sweet Tweets From Northport

More locals, non-profits and merchants are using social media to stay connected in Northport.

Social media isn’t just for Silicon Valley geeks or City snobs. Want to know what’s going on in Northport? Time to join Twitter. Bands announce local shows on Twitter. Merchants check in at the farmer’s market using the app. And established businesses woo customers via social media. One of the rewarding ways social media has become the killer app of the moment is the immediacy of it all – and without the hard sell. There’s an intimacy to it as well. Look no further than what Rep. Steve Israel, D-Dix Hills, posted Friday on the death of Mets great Gary Carter: "@RepSteveIsrael Farewell to The Kid, @Mets catcher #GaryCarter. His signed batting glove is one of my prized possessions." It’s no longer a novelty, but an essential tool for …

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Sound Off: Are the Golden Years Tarnished for NY Retirees?

TopRetirement.com doesn't think highly of New York as a place for retirees. Do you agree?

New York is among the top 10 states to raise your kids, according to the Foundation for Child Development, but you better skedaddle before your golden years. The state is the eighth worst place to retire, according to rankings from TopRetirements.com. For his research, Top Retirements President John Brady awarded states with the highest cost of living one negative point. "Surprisingly, New York did not earn any negative points for income taxes, since it offers generous exemptions for Social Security, pensions, along with a high standard deduction," Brady said. Top Retirements used a combination of fiscal health, taxes, cost of living and climate to come up with the worst states to retire list. The big issue for New York: the high cost of …

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Steve

4:35 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012

@Jean. I hear you on the low property taxes. Ours are $2400 a year for a 4000 sq ft home on .60 acreage with three car garage, pool, country club and all its amenities. I could see this being near $20000 on Long Island. Sayville will always be home though and we visit 3-4 times a year. Can't replace all those memories from the 60s and 70s growing up there.   more ›

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Glenn QB Up In The Air

Signing Day at Glenn sees several stars from Long Island championship squad still mulling options.

Rich Czeczotka is a very big piece to someone’s football puzzle. But where does he fit?  The Glenn senior quarterbacked the Knights to an 11-1 season and the Long Island Class IV championship in the fall. With National Signing Day arriving Wednesday, Czeczotka had hoped to have his future mapped out. Teammates Nick Wagner and Kevin Malloy each celebrated Signing Day by announcing commitments to Football Bowl Subdivision schools. Wagner, an All-State receiver, will be a preferred walk-on at Stony Brook University. Malloy, also a preferred walk-on, will play tight end at Albany. Wagner turned down scholarship offers from C.W. Post and Bryant. “The life-long dream is finally here,” said Wagner, a two-way threat who is confident he can be an …

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Why You're the World's Biggest Giants Fan

Did you name your son Eli, get a helmet tattoo on your neck or paint your RV Big Blue? Tell us your stories of ultimate New York Giants fandom.

Sports is about much more than games. It’s about how we celebrate our teams, obsess over athletes, recite statistics and even party. It can dictate what we wear, where we vacation and even who we marry.  The New York Giants face the San Francisco 49ers Sunday at 6:30 p.m. EST (Fox-TV) for the right to play in the Super Bowl. So as we count the days to the NFC Championship Game and recount the improbable, plucky run by the Giants, it’s also time to celebrate our fandom. Everyone has that fan-tastic story: Did you name your son Eli (or Tiki), get a helmet tattoo on your neck or paint your RV Big Blue? Maybe you’re a fourth-generation season ticket holder or proposed to your girlfriend at halftime.  Tell us your stories of ultimate New York …

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Spencer: You Can Believe in Me

18th District legislator visits Washington, D.C., on MLK day.

Dear Editor, This week marks the 83rd birthday of a truly great American citizen.  Every January, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and all that he accomplished during his lifetime. Last weekend, my family and I had the honor of visiting the newly-dedicated memorial to Dr. King in Washington, D.C.. The memorial is one to behold.  It centers on the concept of hope during periods of struggle. The message of hope was expressed by Dr. King throughout the Civil Rights Movement.  In order to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, he inspired his followers with words of optimism and focused on gaining the equality for which they struggled so hard. That concept of hope continues to resonate with all of us today.  Many …

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Poll: Town Board's Resolution?

What do you think the Huntington Town Board needs to work on most in 2012?

With the new year comes resolutuions. What are some things you would like to see the Town Board commit to in the coming months?

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Nancy J. Berg

10:51 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012

Kim, That,s a pretty bold statement. Why do you feel that way? Why don't you give your last name?   more ›

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Full Bags and Hearts at Salvation Army Toy Drive

Families in need lined up at East Northport Salvation Army Wednesday to receive bags of toys and clothes in time for Christmas.

Holiday time can be the most painful for single parents. Laidi Ramirez, 28, of Huntington, knows the pressures all too well. The single mom from El Salvador works as a cashier at an area fast food joint to scratch out a living for her two young children. When her husband was deported a year ago, her American dream grew a little more bleak. Providing a memorable Christmas for her 8-year-old son and daughter, 4? That seemed about as distant as the father of her children. “My husband got deported,” Ramirez said in English. “My boy understands the situation. He says, ‘Mommy, give me love. That’s what I want.’ Being a single mom with two kids is hard.”  There will be a Christmas in the Ramirez household after all. The fearless mother was one in…

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Question of the Day

Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday

Which has your vote as the ultimate "day of deals?"

If last year's retail numbers are any indication, it looks like Cyber Monday may soon supplant ye olde Black Friday as the "day of deals." But, before we relinquish the crown in haste, let's consider some pros and cons of each and let YOU determine the ultimate holiday shopping day. Price: Brick and mortar stores may have better deals for Black Friday, but online retailers often extend Cyber Monday deals for an entire week or more. Be prepared to pay extra for shipping on that plasma TV, however, if you buy online. Convenience: Nothing beats the convenience of online shopping with door-to-door delivery and one-click ordering. Brick and mortar shops definitely lose a point here. Security: Considering reports of shoppers trampling and pepper…

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