THE HUNTINGTON VOTER. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box Huntington Station, NY (631) Barbara Jo Kingsley, Editor

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1 THE HUNTINGTON VOTER LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box Huntington Station, NY (631) February, 2015 Barbara Jo Kingsley, Editor Judie Gorenstein, President Come CELEBRATE the LWVUS 95 th BIRTHDAY With the LWV of Huntington Where: Black and Blue Seafood Chophouse 65 Wall Street, Huntington, NY When: Feb. 13, :00-2:00 PM Cost: $25.00 lunch includes choice of entree, dessert, beverage, tax, and gratuity (alcoholic beverages extra) RSVP: Judie Gorenstein or JoAnn Alario-Paulsen

HUNTINGTON BOARD 2014-2015 Officers President: Judie Gorenstein Vice Presidents: Brenda Reiss Barbara Magaliff Pat Fuchs Treasurer & Membership Chair: Joyce Whitehead Recording Secretary: Pat Fuchs

2 HUNTINGTON BOARD Officers President: Judie Gorenstein Vice Presidents: Brenda Reiss Barbara Magaliff Pat Fuchs Treasurer & Membership Chair: Joyce Whitehead Recording Secretary: Pat Fuchs Corresponding Secretary: Arlene Forwand Elected Directors: JoAnn Alario-Paulsen Fran Hyde Barbara Jo Kingsley Linda Lessing JoAnn McCarthy Rosemarie Sepanski Dianne Slavin (Dr.) Appointed Directors: Eileen Coblens (Dr.) Teri Connaughton Schug Ann Gardner Honorary Directors Emerita: Marilyn Brown Irene Ferrand Happy 95h Birthday We've come so far but have far to go As I look forward to celebrating the 95th birthday of the LWV, I can't help but marvel how far we have come. In 1920, women finally got the right to vote and LWV was established to help register women and educate them about voting. Now 95 years later, we are not only registering and educating women, but all people who are eligible to vote. In addition, all over the country where voters may be disenfranchised by new restrictions, we are standing up for voters' rights, even in the courts. Voting rights are not our only concern Although we stay true to our non partisan position and never ever support a party or candidate, after careful and thorough studies, if we have reached a consensus, we do take positions and lobby for them. These positions can be on a national, state, or local level. As LWVNYS is having its convention this year, local leagues in NY have been asked to review the state positions and see if there are revisions, deletions, or additions we would like to make. At our board meeting on Feb. 12 at the Elwood Library, we will be determining what the Huntington league is recommending. All members are invited to attend. The current positions appear on pages 6 and 7; Under Election Law, you will see that state league is opposing term limits for the NYS Legislature and NYS statewide elected officials. You may recall that there has been a statewide study on term limits and our league held a consensus meeting in Dec. (p.3) League policy prohibits me from writing what our consensus was which is a good reason to come to those meetings and hear what our members agree on. Our report was sent to LWVNYS. If there is a consensus amongst all the leagues that have participated, the current position on term limits may change. We will learn about this and other recommendations in April when LWVNYS notifies us about the recommendations for our convention. Between now and the convention, we have a lot to do and would love for our members to participate. Join us on Feb 12 at our board meeting and be part of the policy decision making process. Then on Feb 13, celebrate our 95th birthday at Black and Blue (see Front Cover). On March 26, learn more about your town and see the historic archives. In April and May we will be having programs to educate our members and the entire community on the environment and health care. Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport. Join our committees and come to our programs. Be involved We have come so far, but still have so far to go Judie Gorenstein, President 2

WILL THE LWVNYS CONTINUE TO OPPOSE TERM LIMITS FOR

2, the LWV of Huntington held a consensus meeting

We would like to thank Paula Blum, Barbara

members of the East Nassau study committee on term

to hear from the State League if there is a

3 WILL THE LWVNYS CONTINUE TO OPPOSE TERM LIMITS FOR STATE ASSEMBLY AND SENATE? On Dec. 2, the LWV of Huntington held a consensus meeting on term limits. We would like to thank Paula Blum, Barbara Epstein, Phylis Seitz, and Antonia Petrake, members of the East Nassau study committee on term limits, who did an excellent presentation for our league. We did arrive at a consensus and now are waiting to hear from the State League if there is a consensus amongst all local leagues and what that consensus is. This spring we will also be considering the league position on the NYS Constitutional Convention. LWV of Huntington will contact you with specifics when we get information and set up a date for a meeting. 3

4 Legislative Committee The committee has begun preparing for team visits with our recent state and local elected legislators. Teams represent the voice of the league on state and local issues. Our conversations with them will likely include water protection, public health, early voting and sameday voter registration, public campaign financing and housing. We will be educating ourselves on those subjects and addressing others, as it is essential to define priorities for the spring visits. Team work makes our committee work. Teams that have dialogue with legislators elected by you are composed of 3-4 legislative committee members that include a district constituent. There is a leader that organizes the visit, members that wish to speak to a portion of the agenda and a note taker that reports back to the full committee. We are an exciting and deliberative group that takes responsible action. Our next meeting is on Friday, Feb. 10:00am in my home. I invite you to visit with us to explore the possibility of enriching your valuable time with this league activity. Arlene Forwand, Chr. RENTAL HOUSING CAMPAIGN The Huntington League, along with the Huntington Township Housing Coalition and many other local organizations, has been taking part in a local Campaign for Rental Housing. We have recognized that recently released statistics Long Island has only 18% of housing units that are rentals, compared with about 35% in Westcheser County reveal a critical shortage that is affecting our economic and social future. Local prejudice regarding rentals and renters has prevented a badly-needed increase. Young people, educated at an enormous cost to all of us, move in droves to other areas where they can afford housing. Older residents who are not able to, or no longer want to, care for their sizable homes cannot find rental housing in order to remain in the community, near friends and family. Homeowners forced from their homes by foreclosures or loss of jobs must go to less expensive areas to establish new roots. Two questions we often ask residents who do not want to see more rentals in our town Were YOU ever a renter? and Could you afford to purchase your own home today? By Libby Vote 18 : Another Success at Deer Park High On Thursday, January 22, JoAnn Paulsen, Judie Gorenstein and Francine Hyde of LWV of Huntington presented our Voter 18 Program to seniors at Deer Park HS. Five classes participated in the interactive program which addressed the history of voting in the U. S. prior to the Declaration of Independence through current times. The importance of registering to vote and then utilizing that power was stressed. Two students at each session volunteered to run as candidates during a mock election. They based their election speeches on relevant topics such as, how to handle the illegal immigrant status in our country, should marijuana be legalized, should the national minimum wage be raised. Several students presented thought provoking ideas. One student said that legalizing marijuana would reduce the power of gangs and their ability to make money. Another student thought that children of illegal immigrants should be able to have a pathway to citizenship. They had suggestions for immigration reform as well. After the speeches, the voters filled out secret ballots. The winner of the mock election in each class received a LWV bookmark with the bill of rights on it. The students filled out registration forms under the direction of League members, who answered their questions. The students active participation, respectful demeanor and enthusiasm underscored our satisfaction with the program, the support of the school and the teachers. Fran Hyde 4

5 News From Town Hall December 9, 2014 HEARINGS: Hearing 1 proposed construction of a Quick Chek, gas station and an LA Fitness Center on the corners of Jericho Turnpike, West Hills Rd, and Jones Lane in Huntington Station. Residents in the area spoke against it. Hearing 5 proposed rental permits with fees for non-owner occupied rental residences. Most people spoke in favor, but wanted the amendment modified. Real estate agents spoke against it. Hearing 7 proposed taking action on 10 blighted properties. PUBLIC PORTION: Dennis Garetano asked Councilman Mark Cuthbertson to resign. Supervisor Petrone reminded him that the issue was sent to the U.S. Attorney s office and the NYS Comptroller s office. The Town Attorney has received a response from NYS, and they are studying it. RESOLUTIONS: The Town Board authorized: Agreements with Suffolk County Water Authority. PSEG, and National Grid for payment in lieu of restoration of Town roads. To receive funding from NYS for aid for Youth and Family Services and Runaway Homeless. Monies from the Open Space and Park Fund for improvements at Sweet Hollow and Erb Farm/ Burr s Lane Parks. Assent to the demarcation of certain areas as an Eruv. ENACTMENTS: The Town will start single stream recycling on January 1 st, whereby all recyclables will be picked up together. Action will be taken on 9 blighted properties for failure to comply or abate violations. The Town executed a license agreement between the Dix Hills Water District and Cingular Wireless for facilities on Wolf Hill Road and also on Colby Drive. JoAnn McCarthy Jan 14, 2015 The Huntington Town Board approved a community benefits agreement with Huntington Station master developer Renaissance Downtown which will bring construction and permanent jobs to the community, provide business for local contractors and make some funding available to community based programs. The town board also approved a major revision to Town Code requiring registration of non-owner occupied residential properties and making it unlawful for real estate agents to list show or offer properties without a valid rental permit. The code holds rental properties and absentee landlords to the same standards as homeowners with accessory apartments. The board also took first steps to updating town s Solid Waste Management Plan. In addition they approved the first update in 15 years to the Town Code that regulates tow truck operators. Health Care Report The LWV is supporting a bill, introduced by Chair of the Health Committee, State Assemblyman, Richard Gottfried and State Senator Bill Perkins, which would establish a single payer ( Medicare for all ) system in NYS. The Bill does appear to have some support from within the Legislature. Currently, hearings are being held throughout the State to hear from groups and individuals, both supporting and opposing the legislation. I attended one of the sessions in Mineola and came away with the feeling that the Huntington LWV will hold a public forum, in the Spring to help inform the public about the proposal. If you are interested in learning more about this single payer system, go to NYS Committee on Health web page. This spring we will be presenting another program on health care to continue to educate our members as well as the public and keep people informed. If you are interested in being on the health care committee contact Barbara Magaliff at barbaramagaliff@gmail.com. 5

6 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC POLICY POSITIONS ELECTION LAW UNDER LWVUS POSITIONS Support of measures to protect, extend and encourage the use of the franchise, including paperless and Election Day registration, no excuse absentee and in-person early voting. Restore integrity to the election process specifically support for uniformity in election laws and procedures in their implementation and enforcement; promote measures that ensure the integrity of all ballots. Support comprehensive campaign finance reform, including public financing of campaigns. Support ballot access and fair campaign practices. Opposition to term limits for members of the NYS Legislature. Opposition to term limits for NYS statewide elected officials. GOVERNMENT UNDER LWVUS POSITIONS Support of individual liberties, including reproductive rights; voting rights, gun control. Support of improved measures to provide representation for legislative districts in case of a vacancy. Support of standards to ensure equitable representation in the State legislature and Congress. Support of responsive and responsible legislative processes which increase the role of the individual member and the committee system. Support of effective regulation of lobbying and ethics. Support of procedural reforms in the constitutional convention process to promote openness and nonpartisanship. Support of the consolidation of government/shared services when it promotes effective and efficient operation of government. HEALTH CARE Support of measures to assure a basic level of quality physical and mental health care, including regulatory incentives to encourage development of cost-effective alternative methods of delivery; funding for health promotion and disease prevention programs; provisions for effective citizen participation in health policy decisions. Support of measures that enable individuals to assume responsibility for their own health and to participate in decisions, including extraordinary life-extending procedures. Support for uniform eligibility and coverage of basic health care costs through public financing with single payor concept as an acceptable approach to implementing League positions on equitable access and cost containment. JUDICIAL Support of a unified state court system with improved provisions for judicial selection. Support of statewide guidelines for law enforcement at all levels to prevent racial and economic profiling. Support of measures to improve pretrial procedures in the criminal courts. Support of measures to promote a fair and efficient jury system. Support the rights of indigent defendants to representation at public expense. Support of alternatives to incarceration. Opposition to the death penalty, with life without parole as the primary alternative. 6

7 LWV of New York State NATURAL RESOURCES UNDER LWVUS POSITIONS Support for protection and management of New York s natural resources in the public interest, including energy conservation and energy options from renewable sources. Support for measures to achieve watershed protection including limiting pesticide use and applying Best Management Practices. Support for a state-established, intergovernmental system for land resource management. Support for a proactive role for New York State in regional land use planning, containing urban sprawl and protecting sensitive areas. Support of reconditioning of the New York State Erie/Barge Canal System and its development for recreational uses. SOCIAL POLICY UNDER LWVUS POSITIONS Support for equality of opportunity, meeting basic human needs, child care. Support measures to meet the needs for affordable and accessible housing through use of state funds and incentives to localities STATE FINANCES Support reforms for greater equity in education financing (K-12) for both pupils and taxpayers. Support raising funds to provide New York s children with a sound basic education through increases in the New York State personal income tax, implemented in a progressive fashion. Support for the replacement of the existing local residential property tax relief programs in which relief goes to all with programs based on need, with annual cost of living adjustment. Oppose in principle the use of public funds to support non-public schools (K-12). Oppose any increase in the maximum number of charter schools without improvements to the Charter School Act. Support the funding of public higher education and the existing formula for financing the community system, 1/3 tuition, 1/3 state aid, and 1/3 county support. Support a uniform equitable assessment and property tax system. Support of measures to provide for openness and accountability in the operation of the New York State public authority system. Support of a timely and responsive state budget. WOMEN S ISSUES Support of measures that hold marriage to be an economic partnership with a presumption of equality between the spouses. Opposition to measures that contain a presumption of joint custody of the children. Support for equity in employment laws and practices and equal pay for jobs of comparable worth. Support of measures to reduce the incidence and effects of domestic violence. 7

8 Town Hall Tour March is Women's Herstory month. What better way to celebrate than tour our town's archives that our town clerk and league member Jo-Ann Raia has set up. Please contact Judie Gorenstein at if you plan to attend. Here is a letter from Jo-Ann Raia: I have been a long-time League member and have arranged for these presentations a number of times over the years. I respect and admire the members of the League who volunteer their services to support League issues and their interest in local government. The members of the Huntington League have always been interested in the inner workings of all levels of government. I am pleased to arrange for your Town Hall Tour on March 26 th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. I will be inviting representatives from Planning, Public Safety, Environmental, Community Development Agency and, of course, my Archives. This will be a brown bag lunch and I will provide early snacks and beverages. I look forward to seeing you on March 26 th at 10:00 AM. All are welcome. Jo-Ann Raia, RMC, Town Clerk & Registrar, Town of Huntington Membership Report We wish to welcome those members who joined our league during the last 6 months: Colette A Knuth Briding Newell Mary Satin Lorraine Shallow Meryl Zimering However, we loose members during the year and on Jan 31 have to remove any members who have not yet paid their June 2014 dues. Let's try to get our membership up to 100. We can do it if we get 1 new member each month. Human Trafficking Program Cancelled Because of the snow storm, the Human Trafficking program scheduled for Monday, January 26th, at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, was cancelled. We plan to reschedule in April and will notify you of the date. MEMBERSHIP League of Women Voters of Huntington Fiscal Year 7/1/2014 6/30/2015 The League is supported by dues and the contributions of members and friends. All memberships include a subscription to the Huntington Voter. By joining the Huntington League, you automatically become a member of the Suffolk County League, LWVNYS and LWVUS. Dues paid to your local league support all levels of League activity. The Huntington League sends $31 to LWVUS; $18 to LWVNYS; and $1.50 to the Suffolk County League per member per year. Enclosed is my check for: ( ) Individual Membership $ 60 ( ) Household Membership (2 or more) $ 75 ( ) Donor Membership $ 75 ( ) Patron Membership $100 ( ) Student $ 20 ( ) Enclosed is an additional contribution of $ 10 Please make checks payable to the LWV of Huntington and mail to the address below. Name(s) Phone Address Cell Phone Please note: Do you want to help fund our many educational programs? Additional donations to the League beyond the dues amount may be made by writing a separate check to: LWVNYS Education Foundation and mailed to the address below. This money will be accessed for programs including SIA (Students Inside Albany) and Running & Winning. Your donation to this fund is tax deductible. Mail to: Joyce Whitehead, Membership Chair 7 Bennett Ave. Huntington, NY

The Bristal Assisted Living Where Every Day Means More TM I am living a new chapter in my LifeStory I retired from Liberty Mutual in 1991 after decades working as a trial attorney.

9 The Bristal Assisted Living Where Every Day Means More TM I am living a new chapter in my LifeStory I retired from Liberty Mutual in 1991 after decades working as a trial attorney. It was an interesting still pretty tough. I have a lot of opinions and love politics. Currently, I am on the Food Committee here at The Bristal. Our culinary staff cares about what the residents think and they honor our great, because our opinions matter. And be myself at The Bristal. Tom, Resident of The Bristal For more about Tom, tune in at thebristal.com/truelifestories EAST NORTHPORT THE BRISTAL.COM PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL LOCATIONS IN THE TRI-STATE AREA LICENSED BY THE DEPT OF HEALTH ELIGIBLE FOR MOST LONG TERM CARE POLICIES QUALITY COMMUNITIES BY THE ENGEL BURMAN GROUP 9

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12 Date Time Subject Location Feb 5 10 AM - 1 PM Volunteer Advocacy Training Day LWVNY C 4 West 43 Feb 6 10 AM Legislative Committee Meeting Arlene Forwand s home Feb 12 1 PM LWV of Huntington Board Meeting Elwood Library Feb 13 Noon 95th Birthday Luncheon Celebration Black and Blue March 19 1 PM LWV of Huntington Board Meeting Elwood Library March AM - 2 PM Tour of Town Hall Huntington Town Hall LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box Huntington Station, NY

THE HUNTINGTON VOTER

THE HUNTINGTON VOTER LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HUNTINGTON P. O. Box 20693 Huntington Station, NY 11746 December/January 2016-17 Colette A. Knuth, President Brenda J. Walker, Editor Three Unprecedented