Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Think about what actually touches your week. The state legislators you elect decide how much aid flows to your school district, which shapes your property tax bill. They write the laws on housing, transportation and public safety. Your town officials decide whether that pothole gets fixed, how your parks are maintained and what gets built on the empty lot down the street. Judges on your ballot will rule on cases involving your neighbors, and maybe one day, you. These races are often decided by a few hundred votes, sometimes fewer. In a local contest, your single ballot carries real weight.
Can we agree that a flagrant display of indecency should end any candidate’s quest for office, especially the presidency? The president must model moral leadership, compassion, forgiveness and inspiration. How have we spiraled so far away from those American ideals of American excellence?
The issues are serious. The differences between the candidates are stark and real, as are the differences between the two major parties, and indeed among the American people. I’m strongly supporting Bruce Blakeman as the leader the state needs at this defining moment.
At Levittown Public Schools, we believe strongly in educating the whole child and supporting students as they discover their unique path forward. That means more than preparing them for the next test or the next grade level; it means equipping them for life after graduation.
Sadly, these cases mark the last traces of the Justice Department’s vast investigation into the Capitol attack. Worse yet, it’s still possible that any number of the Jan. 6 participants may benefit financially from their involvement. That’s thanks to the $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” created to compensate Americans who were unfairly targeted by federal law enforcement and prosecutorial actions during prior administrations. Those prosecuted as part of the investigation into the insurrection were clearly intended to be among those in line to benefit from the fund.
Baldwin residents Mary Jo Stuparich, Kevin McShane, and Abby and Miguel Melendez were among 24 honorees recognized at Assemblywoman Judy Griffin's 2026 Community Heroes Awards ceremony on Sept. 29, celebrating their contributions to public safety, inclusive youth sports, cancer advocacy and community service.
Meadow Elementary School in Baldwin celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with its first Hispanic Heritage Assembly on Oct. 13, bringing Spanish and Latin American music, dance and cultural traditions to students through interactive performances by Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company.
Breast cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters gathered at Jones Beach on Oct. 18 for Making Strides of Long Island, an American Cancer Society fundraising walk that brought the community together to honor loved ones, raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer.
