Suffolk County Comptroller-Elect Kennedy Talks Past And Future

By Dana Klosner

Legislator John KennedySuffolk County Legislator and County Comptroller-Elect John M. Kennedy, Jr. has announced the formation of a transition team as he prepares to take office on January 1. The team includes former Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney, former County Treasurer John Cochrane and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward P. Romaine.

Kennedy says he plans to fill five auditor positions that were lost during the layoffs in July 2012.  There is $230,000 identified as salary available for funding these positions, he said. 

Other plans include implementing or continuing regularly scheduled major department audits and to delve into areas that he identified during the campaign most notably Suffolk County’s homeless housing operations. Another priority identified by the state for audit is preschool handicap programs. There are thirty licensed preschool handicap providers here in Suffolk County, he said. In 2015 because of concerns at the state level any recovery that’s realized with those operations the County of Suffolk gets the opportunity to retain 100% of whatever that recovery is. In the second year it drops to 41% or 45%. 

Additional plans include auditing the operation of the county bus system and providing oversight for the County’s Benefit Fund. “My objective here is not to try to go ahead and reduce or eliminate what that amount is,” he said. “I just want to make sure the providers are billing fairly and that they’re furnishing employees with the services they’ve been contracted to provide, like an eyeglass benefit, hearing aids benefit, dental coverage and things like that.”

There’s a whole schedule of licenses and fees that various businesses and other operations in the county are subject to, he said. “I’ve got to make sure that they’re being properly collected and being properly remitted.”

“We could put in staff three times the size of what I have to work in areas that need to be addressed,” he said. “There’s no shortage of areas to go forward in. I’m going to do it in an ordered, logical, straight forward method.”

A focus of Kennedy’s Comptroller campaign was investigating homeless shelters and he is not backing away from it, “I don’t know exactly what I’m going to find,” he said.

“It’s not because I bear any particular animus to any homeless individuals. I’ve said that throughout all my time that I was in office as a legislator. We’ve had a homeless shelter in my legislative district for the ten years that I was in office and I had a very good working arrangement with our commissioner of social services where we had issues raised about operations or the nature of some of the individuals, families or residents that were in there. I dealt directly with social services. I know that it’s inherent to the human condition. Any set of circumstances can befall a family. I don’t think anyone ever chooses homelessness. But whether it’s a loss of employment or if it’s a medical catastrophe or whatever befalls an individual or family by definition we must, as a county, go ahead and provide individuals with shelters. That’s in the New York State Constitution. So that’s not the issue as far as the validity of the functions. The issue becomes how we expend very limited dollars to go ahead and to achieve that responsibility we have by virtue of the law to make sure that homeless families are being provided for in the best and most economical methods, and that their issues are being addressed. Whether it’s helping them to regain employment or whether it’s getting them the medical care that they need, making sure the children are being properly educated and making sure the circumstances and situations associated with lodging are clean and habitable. I don’t want to see 15, 16, 17 people packed in a single family house. I’ve had conversations with some folks that say they know for a fact we have department of social services checks going to one address. That may be as many as 10, 12, 15 checks. That’s a real issue we, meaning the county, shouldn’t be facilitating or promoting that type of an operation because it’s no good for the homeless individual, the homeless families themselves and it’s an impact on the neighborhood. No residential property is set up, just with the infrastructure, the septic system, the cooking facilities or anything like that to properly accommodate that many people. There are some of those types of situation that I want to be able to get a look at. It’ one thing to hear it mentioned as hearsay it’ll be my job to validate that or dispel the myths and to recommend actions beyond that. Again all I can do as Comptroller is do the review, identify what the facts are and make recommendations from there.”

Kennedy leaves behind a record of accomplishments, he spoke of a few of his favorites.

The recent grant announcement regarding work on the Northeast branch in the Village of the Branch for streambed silt remediation and reconstruction of two culverts.  Demolishing the Bavarian Inn. Getting the 90 acre Lily Pond Park dedicated as a Nature Preserve. Sponsoring a resolution to acquire the five acres in the 200 year old Connerdinger property in Ronkonkoma. Sponsoring the Friends and Family CPR event and working with Parish outreaches and soup kitchens. Improving pedestrian safety along Smithtown Blvd and County Road 16. Co-sponsoring with Legislator Nowick the sewer studies for Kings Park and Smithtown. Smithtown Galleria sewer district, district 4. Sponsoring the cell phone funding for public safety answering points – 911 operations.  “And dealing with the basic day to day services for constituents in need for more than 2,000 constituents,” he said. “We have over 2, 000 successfully resolved cases. But most of all we have a great staff, with my wife (Leslie) in there, Ali Nazir in there and over 70 interns that I’ve had in the time I’ve been in the legislature. Giving young people, students at all levels, the opportunity to see government up close and personal and be able to work day in and day out. “

With all that he’s done there are things that he will leave unfinished when he leaves office.“We’re still getting repairs done and the Connerdinger house. We need to get it open,” he said. “Never having been able to get the wheel put back on for the Blydenburgh Mill,” he said. “I had always hoped we’d get that done. Funding has become so dear here in Suffolk County. We did get the mill itself. I was able to secure $500,00 in capital funding to keep it from falling into the stream. The whole foundation system was rebuilt, the interior was repaired. It is a stable structure now. We just need to get it open so we can get folks in there to get it toured.”

“I’m going to do my level best to try and button up as many things as I can going out the door,” he said. 

As far as a special election to fill his position he said he believes the charter says a special election date has to be set 90 days of him vacating his position. He is resigning on December 31 so the election would have to be by March 30.

He said he is not backing anyone in particular but he feels his wife Leslie, who is currently a legislative aid, knows the job better than anybody as far as the day to day operations.

Kennedy pointed to the drug epidemic and heroin epidemic in particular as an area that is on his list of accomplishments as well as an area that needs to continue to be addressed. “I was surprised the extent of involvement, use and proliferation throughout our area. That issue needs to continue to have a bright light shined on it. I was glad to be the sponsor along with Legislator Hahn of the Narcan program that has turned out and Leslie was very involved with working with the Police Department with Dr. Coin in assembling the protocol. That program has turned out to be the benchmark for other programs throughout the state of New York. We now have 500 or 600 saves at this point of opiate/heroin overdoses by the use of Narcan that would have been 500 or 600 funerals of users.

He is looking forward to his new position but he will miss his old position. 

“So, it has been a great, great, great opportunity to go ahead and use our skills to try to improve the lives of the 80,000 plus residents in the 12^th Legislative District and I will miss it dearly,” he said. “But there will be somebody new who comes along and they will put their thumbprint on the office and I’m sure that they’ll do a great job. “

Smithtown Author Jeb Ladouceur Introduces His Ninth Novel At Book Revue

Jeb Ladouceur introduces new Balkans-based novel in Huntington Nov. 25

In an upcoming event unparalleled among authors Island-wide, Smithtown novelist Jeb Ladouceur will conduct his ninth speaking and book-signing appearance at Huntington’s renowned Book Revue, one of the nation’s ten largest independent bookstores, on Tuesday night, Nov. 25. The free event is slated for 7:30 PM.

Author Ladouceur will introduce “Harvest” at area bookstores beginning with the Book Revue November 25, at 7:30. The novel deals with illicit organ trafficking in The Balkans.

Ladouceur is the author of a widely acclaimed “Wordplay Trilogy” that he introduced at the massive store, and which Smithtown Library Foundation president, James Teese in 2009 called, “Nothing short of terrific!” This month Ladouceur will present his newest novel “Harvest” to the always enthusiastic Book Revue audience.

Jeb Ladouceur is photographed at 2009’s Smithtown Library Foundation Awards banquet. The author was the dinner’s Keynote Speaker and is a frequent lecturer at many Long Island venues.An award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is now the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear online and in several major L.I. publications. In this heralded 360-page thriller, an American military doctor is seized and ordered to perform illegal surgeries by a sinister gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans.

Smithtown’s favorite storyteller numbers among his adherents, best-selling author Jodi Picoult (My Sister’s Keeper). She was one of the first literary lights to acknowledge eight years ago that, “Long Island’s up-and-coming novelist Jeb Ladouceur is well on his way.”

More recently T.J. Clemente, book reviewer for the iconic Dan’s Papers, stated, “Ladouceur’s novels are brisk, twisted, grisly—and they all work!” Clemente adds, “His books are polished in their story-telling, the characters are neatly developed, and the settings are well researched.”

Shortly thereafter, distinguished AOL critic, Elise Pearlman, dubbed Mr. Ladouceur “Long Island’s incomparable Master of Suspense.”

Asked about the most gratifying occurrence in his event-filled career, the local writer responded quickly and without equivocation, “It was giving the keynote address at 2009’s Smithtown Library Foundation banquet. Obviously my rank-and-file readers are first and foremost among the folks I enjoy meeting with regularly,” said Ladouceur, “but the Foundation Dinner was a once-in-a-lifetime happening. All those dignitaries—those fine members of the community who live and breathe books on a daily basis—it was a unique honor to speak at their awards banquet.”

The fifty-year Smithtown resident has spoken before any number of prestigious organizations. According to his publicist Debbie Lange Fifer, Mr. Ladouceur, in addition to being featured on multiple occasions at the Huntington Book Revue, has been a fixture discussing his novels at bookstores throughout the Northeast, notably several independent outlets including the famed Baby Grand Books in upstate Warwick. He has also been interviewed about his books on “The Joe Bartlett Show” (WOR radio), ‘The Larry Davidson Radio Show’ (WGBB in Freeport), ‘Vic Latino’s Neighborhood’ (Party 105, Ronkonkoma), WRIV in Riverhead, and various other regional radio and television stations.

Jeb Ladouceur signs his eighth book “The Dealer” for waiting fans in Huntington last fall. No other writer has appeared at the renowned Book Revue as often. Ladouceur has twice lectured at Hofstra University, was featured during ‘Meet the Author’ appearances at the Smithtown Public Library, and addressed the Suffolk County Ethical Culture Society. He has been a guest speaker at meetings of The Smithtown Book Club (founded in 1937), the Smithtown Township Arts Council, and several other diverse organizations, including the international literary association, “Sisters In Crime” whose president is the noted Dr. C.B. Knadle of Dix Hills. 

The popular writer is a charter member of the Long Island Authors Group and a graduate of Smithtown’s exclusive Writers Workshop. Jeb Ladouceur is recognized throughout Long Island for his career in public relations, advertising, and publishing. A former New York Senate candidate and member of Gov. Mario Cuomo’s State Arson Task Force, the St. John’s graduate is the founder and Publisher Emeritus of The Fire News, circulated continuously among firefighters in the Northeast since 1973.

Mr. Ladouceur and his wife Elizabeth live in the historic “Landing” area of Smithtown. Their five married children all reside with their families in New York. The author may be contacted at 631-278-5100 or by e-mail at JebLadouceur@aol.com.

Photos by Debbie Lange Fifer

R-E-C-Y-C-L-E - It Just Got Easier For Smithtown Residents

Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio and Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine

By p.biancaniello

Town Supervisors Patrick Vecchio and Edward Romaine met at Smithtown Town Hall on Monday to sign an agreement about recyclables.  The agreement is an apparent win-win for both towns. 

Smithtown residents will benefit in several ways.  Beginning January 1, 2015 residents will no longer have to separate their paper goods from cans and glass. Smithtown is moving to a single stream system. Pick-ups will still occur on a weekly basis but all recyclables can be combined in a single container.  Brookhaven’s facility collects almost all types of recyclables, whereas Smithtown’s collection was limited to #1 and #2 plastics and limited paper goods.  Statistics show that more people recycle with a streamlined process and the amount of material recycled increases when there is a combined collection. 

According to Supervisor Vecchio, shipping recyclables to Brookhaven is more cost effective and better for the environment.  The town’s recycling equipment is old and in need of an update. The cost of replacing the equipment would run into the millions of dollars. The agreement with Brookhaven negates the need for replacing the worn out equipment.

The single stream recycling agreement with Brookhaven is expected to save taxpayers more than $600,000 annually. It is a five-year commitment.

Brookhaven will be paying Smithtown $15 a ton for the recyclables which is expected to generate revenue of approximately $180,000 annually.  This is lower than the $900,000 currently being generated, however the savings in electricity, maintanence, personnel costs, disposal costs etc. is expected to  result in savings of $600,000 annually. 

When single stream recycling begins in January residents will continue to place their recyclables at curbside on Wednesdays.  There is no limit to the number of containers a resident puts out for collection but the containers must not exceed 32 gallons in capacity and 50 pounds in weight. Trucks will bring the materials to the MSF yard where it will be unloaded and reloaded onto municipal vehicles and driven to the Brookhaven facility.  

Employees who are currently working in Smithtown’s recycling division will be reassigned.  There will be no layoffs. Recycling Facts

Appendix II

Smithtown Planning Board Mtg. Wednesday, Nov. 19

The CVS Application for St. James has been withdrawn. There will not be a public hearing at this evening’s Planning Board meeting.

APPLICANT IS REQUESTING THAT THE APPLICATION BE WITHDRAWN

13. #2014-05 CVS Albany, St. James R-10 to CB - Adjourned to 11/19/14

Planning Board - Agenda

11/19/2014 8:00 PM 

Eugene A. Cannataro Senior Citizen Center

420 Middle Country Road   Smithtown, NY 11787

Theater Review - "A Christmas Carol"

Theater Review

“A Christmas Carol”

Produced by: Theatre Three – Port Jefferson

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur

There’s a trio of Jeffrey Sanzels on display at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson for the next five weeks … the Playwright; the Director; and the Actor … and it is unlikely that any of us shall see such a storehouse of theatrical talent demonstrated in a single evening again in our lifetime.

Jeffrey Sanzel as Ebenezer Scrooge © Theatre Three

Clearly, Sanzel the playwright is keenly aware that 12-year-old Charles Dickens, as a result of his father’s imprisonment in 1824, was forced to sell his beloved books and go to work in a shoe polish factory—a filthy job that he loathed. And even when his debtor father was released from prison, the humiliated Charles was compelled to continue the degrading labor. Accordingly, in later life, the boy trained much of his accumulated hatred on the father whom he both pitied and loved.

One would need to have a working knowledge of the unfortunate background that plagued the true-life Dickens family, in order to have adapted Charles’s novella, “A Christmas Carol,” so insightfully for the stage. Indeed, while most such adaptations emphasize the five words of poor Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one!” as if they alone define the play, it was, in fact, a love-hate conflict brewing within the breast of Dickens the novelist, that caused him so memorably to depict the two radically different ‘Scrooges’ in his story. They are, of course, the stingy recluse, and the generous, outgoing man into whom he is transformed at the tale’s conclusion.

All plays, though they are indebted for their existence primarily to the playwright, owe their interpretation to the director. In this regard, Jeffrey Sanzel shines with a brilliance that is truly dazzling. The veteran’s directing vision is revealed most vividly in his timing and that of his players … and when it comes to pace, the Sage of Long Island Directors is unsurpassed. Sanzel’s tempo puts his actors (and therefore his audience) in lockstep with this exciting show’s exquisite material.

Which brings us to Sanzel, the actor.

Every performing company is led by one individual, whether intentionally or otherwise. We see the phenomenon in gatherings from kindergarten classes … to jury rooms … to family reunions. When Jeffrey Sanzel is on stage, he is the actor from whom all the others take their cue. The spectacle is played out definitively, and begins before a single word has been spoken. What’s more, the observable fact seems to have won the unanimous approval of the cast … to everyone’s benefit.

And all the players in “A Christmas Carol,” while turning in remarkably synchronized performances, seemed to have been enjoying themselves immensely during the show’s 2014 debut last weekend. From the unforgettable Brett Chizever, lounging on a staircase while chortling and playing ‘The Ghost of Christmas Present’ perfectly … to Douglas J. Quattrock, whose heartbreaking ‘Bob Cratchit’ was appropriately empathetic … to ‘The Ghost of Christmas Future’ (James D. Schultz), who brings a 15-foot ‘Grim Reaper’ figure frighteningly to life. All are outstanding.

Long Islanders should see for themselves the miracle wrought in Port Jeff by such as Randall Parsons (for an amazing set), Robert W. Henderson (for incredible lighting), to Randall Parsons & Bonnie Vidal (their period costumes are superb), and Neil Creedon (whose sound design makes ghosts reverberate as ghosts should).

So, then … the Christmas season has been officially launched. Feast on it. Bring some friends to Theatre Three between now and Dec. 27^th. They’ll love you for it!

_______________________________________________________________

Award-winning writer Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels. His theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In Ladouceur’s new thriller, “Harvest,” an American doctor is ordered to perform illegal surgeries for a gang of vital organ traffickers in The Balkans. Mr. Ladouceur will introduce the novel at Huntington’s Book Revue on Nov. 25^th.