THE HUNTINGTON VOTER. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box Huntington Station, NY Brenda J. Walker, Editor

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1 THE HUNTINGTON VOTER LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box Huntington Station, NY Apr/May2019 Colette A. Knuth, President Brenda J. Walker, Editor Register online by May 24,

2 Officers President: HUNTINGTON BOARD Colette A. Knuth Vice Presidents: Dianne Slavin Brenda J. Walker Treasurer & Membership Chair: Joyce Whitehead Recording Secretary: Patricia Fuchs Corresponding Secretary: Arlene Forwand Elected Directors: JoAnn Alario-Paulson Elizabeth Hennessy Francine Hyde Judie Gorenstein Barbara Magaliff Rosemarie Sepanski Deborah Cosher- Levitt Appointed Directors: Ann Gardner Arlene Forwand Linda Lessing The Late Mary McLaughlin Honorary Directors Emerita: Irene Ferrand In Honor of Leadership PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Lately I ve been hearing about leaderless action. I confess that I don t believe such a thing really exists even though an examination of my working style reveals a pattern of circumventing authority. You see, I have very little patience. As I moved through the early days of my career, I hated waiting for my ideas to channel up the ladder. It took time. So I figured out how to go around the process but time and again the result was dismal. Why? Even when my ideas were approved, I would find myself left holding all of the responsibility but none of the things I needed to get things done. It wasn t until it was too late that I realized how valuable those leaders were in making things work. I tell this story because it describes the importance of leadership as we miss two of our League s greatest leaders. These loses could not come at more critical time. This is our preparation year for 2020 an election year that may be the most challenging of our lifetime. The first lost is bittersweet. I am happy that our Judie Gorenstein is now living nearer her young grandchildren. I am also happy that Judie will have a much easier commute to the LWVNYS Albany office. Happy is not how I can describe my feelings about no longer having her working alongside us here in Huntington. I know I will see her again, but I know that we are here because of her. Without Judie s years of leadership we would probably not have a Huntington League. The second lost is just plain bitter. As you all know, our long-standing member, Mary McLaughlin passed away last month. Despite her long-standing League membership, Mary s perspective was evergreen. Mary cheered me on. She didn t go easy on me either. Keenly aware of our hard-fought for power and potential, Mary knew what I could do. Mary also knew what we should do. The Huntington League was privileged to have had the leadership of these two ladies. Judie created the framework of the work we do today. Mary s service points us to tomorrow. Their work made us strong but there will be obstacles as we move forward. They leave us with the following rules: Honor each other. The success of the League does not depend on the work of one person but instead on how we work as one. Members, committees, and board directors have different responsibilities but the same goal. Yes, directors have the final say on League actions, but most of the ideas come from our committees. And it is our members who do all of the work required to put these ideas into action. Honor our values. The principle value of the League is nonpartisanship. I don t think that I have to remind you how much of a challenge it is to remain nonpartisan in this a very partisan world. Nonpartisanship allows League members to be free to advocate for what we, as a League, think is right. This last challenge is the most difficult. We have to be quick to adapt, and yet, be constant in our adherence to our values. It tests our commitment to what we believe is right. It also allows us all to be leaders in making this beautiful democracy work. Colette Knuth President 2

3 Mary H. McLaughlin Public Servant and Volunteer It is with heavy hearts, that we say farewell to Mary McLaughlin, a long-standing leader of the League of Women Voters of Huntington. Mary Elizabeth Hamilton McLaughlin (86) died on March 8th, 2019 at the Visiting Nurses Hospice House in East Northport, New York, following a stroke. The daughter of Milton and Margaret Hamilton, Mary was born November 2, 1932, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. With her sister Gwendolyn, the family soon moved to Reading, PA, where her father was chairman of the History Department at Albright College and where Mary attended Reading High School. She graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga, NY with a degree in sociology in After graduating from Skidmore, Mary moved to Greenwich Village in New York City to begin work at the American Association for the United Nations. She worked at the AAUN for five years under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt. Mary then took positions at the National Council of Churches, the Encampment for Citizenship, and the Public Education Association before beginning work at the New York City Board of Education in Mary stayed at the Board of Education until her retirement in 1997 at which time she was deputy to the Superintendent of High Schools. Mary had two great loves in her life. In December,1970, she married Frederick C. McLaughlin, also of the New York City Board of Education. In 1975, Mary and Fred moved from New York City to Huntington Bay, Long Island. Though Fred passed away in 1985, Mary remained in Huntington the rest of her life. In 1992, Mary met her long-term companion, Larry C. Bates, a retiree from the American Bureau of Shipping and also a resident of Huntington. Larry and Mary enjoyed a decade of close companionship until his death in Mary was an avid traveler who always enjoyed exploring new places and meeting new people. Throughout her life she traveled extensively in Europe and the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and also made trips to China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and many other destinations. A violinist from an early age, Mary was active in community orchestras and chamber music groups throughout her life. For many years, she wrote grant applications and reports for the Island Symphony Orchestra, seeking funds from state and county cultural benefactors. Continuing the commitment to public service demonstrated in her professional life, Mary remained an active volunteer throughout her retirement. She supported Planned Parenthood of Suffolk County for many years, and enthusiastically sang in the choir and served on the altar guild of St. John s Episcopal Church of Huntington. For the last 10 years, Mary was a Board Member and Legislative Director of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County. In 2012 she received the League s prestigious Liberty Award in recognition of her work on fostering transparency in Suffolk County government. She also served as a Board Member, Treasurer, and Chair of the Nominating Committee for the Huntington League of Women Voters A memorial service will be held on April 22nd at 10:00 am at St. John s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect Street, Huntington, NY, In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary s name may be made to the League of Women Voters New York State Education Fund, St. John s Episcopal Church in Huntington, and the Visiting Nurses Service of Suffolk County.Mary is survived by her niece, Emily J. Stevens of Atlanta, Georgia, and by her nephew, Guy H. Stevens, and grand-nephew, Oliver J. Stevens, both of Washington, DC Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee provides a slate of officers and directors for approval by the League s members at the Annual Meeting each June. We consider the needs of the League and look for candidates who can best help us meet our goals. We also reach out to new and long-time members to promote participation and diversity in League leadership. Members, do you think that you, or someone you know, might be a good candidate to be a League director or officer? Let us know by ing the Committee Chair, Erica West, at eaga@aol.com. Who is eligible? League officers and directors must be members of the League, 16 years of age or older. Once elected or appointed, they must follow the League s non-partisan policy of not supporting or opposing any political party or candidate. The League is open to all people, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, or race who are drawn to our mission and want to make a positive impact in our community. We value new voices and new ideas to help us further our mission of promoting political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Thank you, Nominating Committee: Erica West - Chair Dianne Slavin Brenda Walker Jan Allen Mary Speed-Perri 3

4 LWV OF HUNTINGTON TAKE ACTION Call your U.S. representatives and let them know that you support H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA). The VRAA has been introduced to restore sections of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 that were stripped from the VRA in the US Supreme Court s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase has released the following statement in support of this critical bill: The right to vote is a sacred pillar of our democracy, central to the mission of the League of Women Voters, and why we deeply support the Voting Rights Advancement Act. More than 50 years ago, we saw the most sweeping advancement to voting rights with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which made racially discriminatory voting practices illegal. Since the court s decision is 2013, voters across the country have faced issues at the ballot box including unlawful purges, shortening of voting hours, and the closing of polling places in communities with large populations of voters of color. With the introduction of H.R. 4, it is time for Congress to update the Voting Rights Act and restore the vote for millions of disenfranchised voters. The VRAA will strengthen our democracy by ensuring that race is not a factor in determining who has access to the ballot box. It is time to move forward with this bill, and the League of Women Voters implores all members of Congress to support this important legislation. LWVUS Press Release 2/27/2019 Call or write to your Senators and Representative and tell them that you support H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act. SENATORS SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER Hart Senate Office Building, Room Constitution Avenue, NE Washington DC Phone: (202) Local Office: 145 Pinelawn Road, #300 Melville, NY Phone: (631) Government website: schumer.senate.gov Twitter SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND Russell Senate Office Building, Room Constitution Avenue, NE Washington DC Phone: (202) Local Office: 155 Pinelawn Road, Suite 25 North Melville, NY Phone: (631) Government website: gillibrand.senate.gov Twitter U.S. REPRESENTATIVES District NY02 REP. PETER KING Cannon House Office Building, Room Independence Avenue, SE Washington DC Phone: (202) Government website: king.house.gov pete.king@mail.house.gov Twitter Local Office: 1003 Park Boulevard Massapequa Park NY District NY03: REP. THOMAS SUOZZI Cannon House Office Building, Room Independence Avenue, SE Washington DC Phone: (202) Government website: suozzi.house.gov Twitter Local Office: 478 Park Avenue Huntington NY submitted by Erica West 4

5 LWV of Huntington VOTER SERVICES Early Voting Comes To NYS We are thrilled that election laws in NYS have been expanded! These much, awaited changes will make voting more accessible to New Yorkers. The most immediate change is early voting. The LWV of Huntington recently held a successful voter registration drive at SUNY Old Westbury. About 50 new voters were registered. This will be among the first group of voters who will always be able to cast their votes during what might become known as election week. Voting is now mandated to commence 9 days prior to election day, Tuesday, November 5th. That would mean voting this year would begin on Sunday, October, 27th. It is very important, however, that the state government appropriates the funds needed for local boards of elections to gear-up for an extended period of voting. To date, Governor Cuomo has not been willing to approve this funding as state and federal primary election days have been consolidated. This action will save the state about $25,000,000 leaving plenty of money to fund early voting. The problem is a lack of cash flow since local elections (town and county) will be held this year, not state or federal elections. In view of this problem, election boards are looking for ways to comply with the new law. The LWV will be in close contact with the Suffolk County Board of Elections and we will be sure to let our members and the community at large know how early voting will be handled. In the meantime, do call your state legislators. Tell them that early voting is important to you and you want to be sure monies are made available to local Boards of Election this year. Let s get out the vote. Remember every vote counts. The Long Island Press wrote a helpful article on this subject for its March 2019 issue. It can be accessed at reform-shakes-up-political-calendar/ submitted by Dianne Slavin, Ph.D. Second VP After the frenetic passage of NY State voting reform legislation without funds in the Governor s budget, Senate and Assembly committee hearings from the public began for their implementation. LWVNYS leaders presented testimony that included a cost study for early voting. Members of your Issues & Advocacy committee lobbied local state legislators with the same information. Civic engagement by individuals and grassroots organizations exerted pressure. The next step in the budget process was the legislature and the Governor reaching consensus on state revenues. This year s debate collapse then gave the final word to the state comptroller. Policy disagreements began over the expenditures. The Senate and the Assembly each issued what is known as one house dollar budgets and statements about budget policy proposals. Both houses then hold joint conference committees and allocate funds for the priorities of each conference. The last step is the final negotiations between the leaders of the legislature and the Governor. Let us be hopeful that April 1 gives us a strong investment in our democracy and a balanced budget. submitted by Arlene Forwand ISSUES AND ADVOCACY Budget Procedure 100 Years Strong: LWVNYS 2019 Convention This year s LWV State Convention celebrates the centennial anniversary of the founding of the LWV of New York. It also gives you the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new friends who have the same commitment you have in making democracy work. The official business meeting begins on Saturday, June 8, 2019 but we encourage you to arrive on Friday to take advantage of the preconvention activities that include additional workshops on the 2020 census, election law, civics education, and advocacy. There will also be a welcome reception and dinner on Friday. All are welcome to attend, but this year, the LWV of Huntington is entitled to send three delegates to represent our members at the convention. Delegates will consider and authorize the LWVNYS program for action, elect its officers, directors, the chair and two members of the nominating committee, adopt the budget for the ensuing year, and consider such other business as may come before them. If you are interested in having our Board of Director nominate you to be a delegate at our Annual Member Meeting, please contact us at lwvhuntingtonny@gmail.com no later than April 12, 2019.

6 YOUTH SERVICES The last few months our League of Women Voters of Huntington Youth Committee has been very busy. Our yearly program, Students Inside Albany, where local high schools students interested in civic engagement compete in an essay contest for an all-expenses paid trip to Albany will take place in May. We have our two High School students, one from Northport High and the other from Huntington High heading up to Albany to learn about our NY State government for 4 days this May They will tour the Capitol and meet and follow their local representatives or their staff. Visit and learn about the NY Court of Appeals, the highest court in NY State. In the Assembly Chamber they will engage in a mock debate over a bill as Assembly members would do in session. They also meet with local media and lobbyists and learn about such careers. The days and nights are full with civic engagement and chaperoned fun. We sponsored a Student Day at the Legislature on March 12, About 30 students from local high schools attended a day at Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge. A panel of four Legislators discussed their career paths and what it s really like to be a Legislator. This was followed by a presentation by Lt. Anthony Calandrillo of SCPD on school safety and the issue of having a School Officer Safety Force throughout Suffolk County. Then the students broke into two groups and participated in a session with the Legislators, followed by a Legislative Mock Debate on the school safety issue. Students played the role of the Legislators and others represented community members stating their opinions and objections on the issue. Wrap up and lunch followed. It was an amazing day. Sitting and observing this event I learned a lot and wished a program like this was available when I was a high school student. We put on two new programs over the last few months. We developed a program for Middle Schoolers to teach them the history of voting rights in America and how NY has a low voter turnout. We then have a mock debate and a vote. To make it age appropriate we tell them to imagine their school budget was cut so one class has to be eliminated either Art or Gym. We have them discuss it and then vote. They get very involved and excited. We show them the importance of having their voice heard and how even at their age they can encourage their family members to vote. Our last event was called Youth Engaging Youth held on March 5th. We invited five high school students who were very involved in civic minded organizations to share information about their clubs and how and why they got involved. The idea was to encourage other students to get involved and make a difference in our community. The panelists were from local nonpartisan youth-led organizations. MFOLLI-dedicated to common sense gun safety and reform, SPICE- Students Promoting Inclusive Civic Engagement, promoting rational debate of important issues and educating high school students about local and state government, Project Vetsserving, honoring and learning from our local Veterans, Students For 60,000- works to aid the homeless and the needy and tackle humanitarian issues, and 1-Life-reducing the abuse of drugs and alcohol in our schools and promoting mental health. The student panelists were amazing and inspiring. That s it for now! Donations to our LWV Educational fund would be appreciated to help us do more for our local youth. submitted by Fran Hyde & Deb Cosher NEWS FROM TOWN HALL FEBRUARY 13, 2019: The Town Board meeting began 20 minutes late. A tribute to Sheila Saks, a community activist who worked tirelessly for years for the Town, particularly in the areas of Dix Hills and Melville, was eulogized. The lead speaker was County Legislator Susan Berland followed by 13 other residents, who spoke in appreciation of the service given by this talented, committed volunteer. The Town recognized her achievements by renaming the Dix Hills Water District Administration building in her memory. HEARINGS: The Town Board is reconsidering action taken on Short Term Rentals (ie., Air BnB, VRBO) in response to complaints by neighbors living in the vicinity, by reducing rentals from 120 days to 90 days annually. PUBLIC PORTION: Members of the Centerport Civic Association thanked the Board for the installation of a floating boom behind the old Thatched Cottage in the Mill Pond to collect effluence from the construction site. There were speakers opposing the proliferation of 5G towers in Town. RESOLUTIONS: The Station Sports Family Fun Center has discontinued its lease with the Town in Huntington Station. A time extension to file Town taxes has been given to Federal workers affected by the federal government furlough. Chairperson Paul Ehrlich and Vice Chair Mara Manin Amendols, Esq. were appointed to the Huntington Planning Board. Council members Mark Cuthbertson and Joan Cergol voted against the resolution. 6

7 NEWS FROM TOWN HALL RESOLUTIONS (continued): Roger Weaving, Kenneth Christiansen, Elizabeth Hubbard and Richard Koubek were reappointed to the Huntington Affordable Housing Board. Action will be taken on 5 Blighted Properties. ENACTMENTS: A Veterans tax exemption will be granted to members of the US Armed Forces Reserve serving in 1970 during and after the Nixon Administration, and those who participated in Operation Graphic Hand, in compliance with revised NYS law. Changes were made to the duties of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Huntington Planning and Zoning Boards. Each will serve in that capacity for 1 year. In addition to their powers, they will call meetings to order, establish procedural rules, conduct hearings, schedule meetings, call for a vote on applications. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair will assume his/her duties. All members are appointed by the Town Board for a 7 years term. Traffic violators for parking must respond within 30 days to a ticket. Failure to do so will result in the imposition of a default judgment, non renewal of NYS motor vehicle registration, and/or immobilization. And they may be ineligible to receive Town Permits and Licenses. The Town Board has returned to a once monthly meeting schedule. The Board memorialized opposition to offshore drilling for oil and gas in our oceans, because of its negative effects on our oceans, economy and quality of life. I spoke in support of the LWV position. The Zoning Board meeting for the development of the property from Classic Galleries to Macs has been rescheduled to April 11th at Huntington High School at 6:00 PM Submitted by JoAnn McCarthy JANUARY 29, 2019: This report begins with the Zoning Board Meeting of January 24, It was beyond SRO with people standing in the lobby, out the door under the canopy, and into the parking lot. The room was overflowing with residents wanting to speak in opposition to the 271,000 square foot development of the Classic Gallery property within Main Street, Stewart Ave, and Gerard St. The ZBA Chairman, John Posillico, began the meeting with a request for civility from the audience to allow Mr. Margolin, the developer s attorney, to speak first to present the argument for the acceptance of the plans. After the presentation, the Chairman had Mr. Modelski from the Zoning Board read aloud the results of the Planning Board s Meeting the previous evening. They decided not to approve the plans for development. Then the Zoning Chair stated that due to the inability of Town Hall to accommodate the overflow crowd, and the speakers not working in the lobby, the meeting would be postponed to a later date at a larger, appropriate venue. Some people rushed to the 7:30 meeting at the Halesite Fire House, which concerned the erection of 5G poles in Huntington Village. PUBLIC PORTION: There were speakers opposing the AirBnB ordinances, which the Town had enacted. A public hearing has been scheduled on 2/13. Once again there were speakers opposing the Crown Castle 5G pole installations in Town, asking the Town for support. Councilman Cuthbertson stated that they were not allowed to access the results of the tests from the Federal Government. Centerport residents were concerned with the condition of the Mill Dam Pond, because of runoff of possible lead and asbestos from the demolition of the Thatched Cottage by the new owners. This area is now the home of American bald eagles. Residents spoke of the overdevelopment of Huntington Village, with many apartments in the pipeline, because of the C 6 zoning regulations. RESOLUTIONS: The Board authorized: The purchase of a vacant lot in Huntington Station from Suffolk County for a parking lot. Parking improvements of 27 stalls plus 2 handicapped spaces at Poe Place in East Northport. The use of Dix Hills swimming pool by the children of Gateway Gardens, Tri CYA, and Whitman Village Housing for a flat fee for summer (URGE) NYS Governor and Legislature to restore funding under the State s Aid and Incentives for municipalities program. (URGE) NYS Governor and Legislature to enact legislation and appropriate funding to protect taxpayers in the Town of Huntington and Northport-East Northport School District in the event of a settlement or an adverse judgement in the pending tax certiorari challenges brought by LIPA and National Grid Generation, LLC. Changes to the ethics code for employees to include adding dependents and relatives for financial and nepotism disclosures, deadlines for financial filings, and mandating scheduled ethics training for employees, elected officials, and political party chairpersons. It prohibits town officers and employees from accepting future private employment with anyone with business pending before the employee or any town board or commission in Huntington. IN OTHER NEWS: The Town Clerk, Jo-Ann Raia will repeat the marathon of marriages on Valentine s Day at Town Hall. Submitted by JoAnn McCarthy 7

8 JOIN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Huntington MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FISCAL YEAR: 7/01/2018 6/30/2019 The LWV is a non-partisan organization. We do not support or oppose any political candidate or party. The League began as a "mighty political experiment" designed to help women carry out their new responsibilities as voters. Our work was soon expanded to support all citizens in making democracy work. It is in and through the local League that members determine, directly and indirectly, what the League does and how it does it. Your Huntington League membership dues support all levels of League activity. As a member you will receive the Huntington Voter newsletter and automatically become a member of the Suffolk County, New York State and the United States League of Women Voters. Member Name(s) Address Phone How do you want to get involved? (Check all that apply). Registering voters Coordinating debates Working with students Marketing Planning events Recruiting new members Speaking to the public Using social media Monitoring finances Meeting with public officials Raising program funding Writing & publishing Do you have any special skills or knowledge that you want to contribute? Membership Type/Dues Payment Individual - $60 Donor - $75 Household (2 or more) - $75 Patron - $100 Student - $5 Also enclosed is a contribution of $10.00 or more to offset newsletter printing and mailing costs. Mail your completed membership application and dues check(s) payable to LWV of Huntington to: League of Women Voters of Huntington PO Box Huntington Station, NY If you would like to make tax-deductible donations (membership dues are not tax deductible) to the League you may do that by writing a separate check to the LWVNYS Education Foundation and mail it to the address above. Contact us at: LWVHuntington@aol.com Updated: 593/18 8

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12 Date Time Subject Location 2019 Apr 9 3PM Youth Committee Elwood Library Apr 11 TBD Voter Services with NAACP Huntington High School Apr 12 1PM Issues & Advocacy Committee Arlene s Home Apr 18 1PM-3PM Board Meeting Elwood Library Apr 29 7:30PM Board of Education MTC Half Hollow Hills High School Apr 30 TBD League Lobby Day NYS Museum, Albany, NY May 7 9AM Naturalization Ceremony Central Islip Courthouse May 14 9AM Naturalization Ceremony Central Islip Courthouse May 14 3PM Youth Committee Elwood Library May 15 10AM Suffolk County BOD Meeting Riverhead Library May 16 1PM-3PM Board Meeting Elwood Library May 17 9:30AM Issues & Advocacy Committee Arlene s Home May Students Inside Albany State House, Albany, NY May 21 9AM Naturalization Ceremony Central Islip Courthouse May 23 10:50AM Vote 18 for Middle Schoolers Portledge School, Locust Valley May 28 9AM Naturalization Ceremony Central Islip Courthouse LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box Huntington Station, NY Facebook Twitter Website LWVHuntington.html cskhuntington@lwv-suffolkcounty.org Phone