SCENES FROM MURRAY’S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Lighthouse issue ignites hostility, conversation
Point Blank on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nyipointblank
Newsday’s coverage by Eden Laikin
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Friday, May 22, 1:00 pm - A crowd of about 40 supporters gathers at Levittown Veterans Memorial Park for the kickoff to the re-election campaign of Kate Murray. This number does not include the Color Guard of veterans, about 20 Town of Hempstead or Republican party staffers and 15 citizens clearly in attendance to support the Lighthouse Project.
1:05 - Consistent with the veterans theme on this Memorial Day weekend, The Banjo Rascals play a set of American classics and we sing along to the Marines Hymn: “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.” The Banjo Rascals quote a price of $425 an hour, proving once again I need to get out of the hockey business. Contact them here to hire them for your party.
1:10 - Republican leader-for-now Joseph Mondello starts the proceedings. He does a lot of boasting about taxes and has strong words on several subjects. Surprisingly, in the three-page press release the Town of Hempstead distributes to Newsday reporter Eden Laikin and about a half-dozen bloggers, Joseph Mondello is not mentioned once.
1:13 - When 24-year old Adelphi graduate Joe Conte, sporting an Islanders jersey, gets loud during Mondello’s speech, Mondello says, “Blow it out your dufflebag”! It’s like Clint in Gran Torino telling the kids to get off his lawn. Mondello rips on just about everything, including “the newspapers” for giving Tom Suozzi and the Dems “a free ride.” Later on he says, “The Democrats are after us.” It all sounds a little sad.
1:14 - When Mondello criticizes the Lighthouse Project and many boo, Mondello yells out, “They’re being paid by Charles Wang to be here”!
1:15 - So low-key it’s like she’s a supporting cast member at her own coronation, Kate Murray takes to the podium. She speaks very graciously of her colleagues and her supporters and is eloquent in discussing her achievements so far. Taxes – as in, the Democrats raise taxes and the Republicans don’t – join support-our-veterans as the event’s other recurring theme.
1:17 - As Murray speaks, Hempstead staffers motion for Murray supporters to shadow Joe Conte and his “Build the Future” sign. It’s a hilarious/pathetic scene, as five burly 50ish guys surround the Aaron Ness-sized Conte and cover his homemade oak tag project with their “We Like Kate” signs. When things get a little nasty, a well-decorated veteran – volunteering for the TOH by handing out press releases – tells his fellow Republicans to get away from Conte and not suppress his free speech. God bless you, sir.
1:19 - Murray concludes her speech by saying she is a big Islanders fan and she supports the renovation of the Nassau Coliseum. Only surprise is she doesn’t call the arena by its proper name: the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Through the final few minutes of Murray’s address, cars drive past the park honking to the staccato tune of “Let’s Go Is-lan-ders.”
1:20 - Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, Councilman Gary Hudes and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla all speak passionately and effectively in support of the leadership of the Town of Hempstead. All of them mention the Islanders, which probably wasn’t in the original draft of their speeches. A wise touch, nevertheless.
1:25 - Rabble-rouser Conte, the Hockey Harvey Milk at today’s event: “I genuinely believe the continued prosperity of Long Island depends on the Lighthouse Project and the Islanders staying here. I’m a 24-year old who has seen all my friends from childhood move away. I can’t even imagine a world in which the Islanders are not on Long Island.” Strong stuff. It’s not like Conte’s been around for many playoff series victories.
1:30 - When the event is over, Kate Murray shakes a few hands and huddles in a corner with Mondello. Many TOH leaders hover around the Islanders fans, newspaper writers and bloggers at the event. Their consistent message is that they love the Islanders, are not against the Lighthouse Project and they are doing their jobs.
Hempstead Town attorney Joseph Ra approaches me with a warm handshake. He starts off by thanking me. Turns out I met his sons ten years ago at a game and gave them free Islanders stuff and talked hockey with them for a while. (They now both have Masters degrees). Ra says the biggest misconception is that the Town of Hempstead does not want the Lighthouse Project.
A very kind and gracious gentleman, he outlines a few issues for me on and off the record. He makes his case. I say to him, “Mr. Ra, a lot of that sounds fine, but how can you explain the Islanders Fans First website and mailer for stimulus funds? It looked like you guys were finally showing your true colors and slamming the Lighthouse Project. When you combine the Supervisor’s lack of any action with that disaster, it doesn’t reflect well on Town leadership.”
Ra looks down for a second or two, then looks me in the eye and says, “Chris, that was a mistake. I don’t know what else to tell you. It was taken down. It was a mistake.”
Honesty. What a breath of fresh air.
I tell Ra that my limited experience working with government tells me jack squat is going to get accomplished between Memorial Day and Labor Day. He smiles.
“I give you my word,” says Ra, an Islanders season ticketholder. “And please pass this on to your readers and (Lighthouse Prez) Mike Picker and Charles (Wang). I don’t have a vacation planned this summer. To the best of my knowledge, none of us do. I don’t even have a day off on the horizon. Things have to be done properly, but I’m telling you – we’re going to work as hard as we can on this.”
For more coverage of the event (plus photos), check out Let There Be Lighthouse. Comments.
113 Responses to SCENES FROM MURRAY’S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF
Lighthouse issue ignites hostility, conversation
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Jon Mac says:
Great work Chris. Thank you for being a voice for the thousands of Islander fans who do not live on Long Island. I feel much better about the prospects of this thing getting done after reading this post!
Also, thank you to all of the readers who attended this rally and made their opinion known. It will take a tremendous outpouring of support to get this project across the goal line. Keep up the good work!
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alex says:
i don’t like Murray at all, but RA i think is a genually good guy and i believe him!
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Strummer's Army says:
I am so proud of all of you who went down there to stick up for the Islanders and Long Island.
Mondello sounds like a crazy person. “Charles Wang is paying them to be here” Are you kidding me. If he was he’d have had many more guys down there because of the high jobless rate on LI.
This kind of pressure square in their face is exactly what they needed. I feel like I missed out, I feel like there were several points where they were attempting to bully Islander fans and I wish I would have been there to intimidate back the other way. Scum these politicans are. I usually lean more towards the Republicans but not the ones on LI.
Proud of you all! Keep the pressure up!
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btw was anyone from Newsday there?
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Big Dog says:
Hoorah CB
that was excellent.. You not only let us know whats going on you speak your mind to some of these nitwits.
Youre one of a kind and im thankfull as an avid isles fan we have someone like you to let us know whats going on AND speak the truth to these tools!!
Now with that its Happy hour and in need for a strong drink
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CB, you asked a great question and got an even greater answer.“Chris, that was a mistake. I don’t know what else to tell you. It was taken down. It was a mistake.”
Wow, what an answer! I couldnt agree with you more that honesty truly is a breath of fresh air. Actual PROGRESS would be even moreso.
And, I must say… Joseph Mondello really is a disturbing character. His quotes here do absolutely nothing to squelch his reputation as a dark figure pulling puppet strings. What in the world do you WANT, Joey?
Thanks for being there, CB… not only for the Isles fans who do not live on LI, but for the Isles fans who DO live on LI- and even in the ToH- who were at work in other counties at the time (because LI has such a crappy economy and will not move out of the 1970s! See, it all comes back full circle lol.)
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Eye on the island says:
Newsday was all over it
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bergie20 says:
40 supporters isn’t much. she would have been better off not having the rally at all. joe ra seems like a good guy. maybe he can talk some common sense into the rest of the toh leadership. i think it’s great that mondello lost it. seems like joe is feeling some pressure. gotta love the lets go islanders honking!
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OldTimeHockey says:
Nice work CB!
Now let’s see if Feed Me Kate actually has time to attend a LH meeting.
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acisles says:
GREAT JOB CB, this was a breath of fresh air. It actually gives me reason to beleive that at the very least the door has not been closed on the Lighthouse project.
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JayK says:
Strummer’s – #4 — my mother-in-law, a big LH supporter who still thinks Bob Nystrom plays for the team, was at a civic association meeting in our town recently. She stood up and spoke in favor of the LH, and a local Republican operative started into his usual “We don’t need this” BS. So she made reference to the big crowd at the Marriott meeting, which she attended, and this guy said basically the same thing Mondello did: the thousand-plus people there were largely forced by Wang or Rechler to attend.
Absolutely pathetic, and it shows how bereft they are of anything to say. Mondell is just talking out of the standard GOP playbook.
Chris — a great summary of the event. One of the best posts ever!
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Section 320 rocks!!!!!! says:
they treated joe (the isles fan) like crap! They were pushing him out of the way and they were talking down to him and stuff. Thanks for the info CB I was there but you posted stuff that I didnt even know like the Mondello comment. I truely think the man is going nuts! I can’t wait for the next one and hopefully next time not only we outnumber media but Murray supporters as well.
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EdTurner says:
Sorry RA. Katie is in charge. Katie is holding things up. Until we hear from Katie and see some action from Katie your words are meaningless.
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ken says:
contes the man!
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Who does is Modello guy think he is? What a thug! I hope Newsday points out how classless this guys clearly is. What an embarassment!
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-Big Van Vader says:
(14) I agree 100 percent. And we need to show up to the next event in FORCE. It blows that this wasn’t tomorrow. A saturday would have had a HUGE Islander fan turnout and we would have seen if those 50 year olds would have pushed a few hundred people around as they did the one Isles fan trying to have his voice heard.
Gutless pukes.
Oh yeah…Mondello? I was at the Marriot meeting where they had well over 1000 people. And I didn’t get a cent from Charlie Wang. So stuff that bs where the sun don’t shine.
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KO21 says:
I’m afraid, TEd Turner, Post 14 is right but this is only a good thing…I feel almost ashamed for not being there…I just couldnt take the day off, need to make money…
Bravo, to you Chris and the LH supporters who showed up to give us a voice…
CB, all I have to say to you is, “You da man”…What you are doing is so important and I thank you for doing it..
and another thing, BE RELENTLESS!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
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Dan from Westchester says:
Wow! CB thanks for keeping us all informed.
Very very interesting play by play.
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JD says:
Perhaps there still is hope
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Obs says:
Great Job Chris. I think that we must keep up pressure. Keep calling, writing letters and showing up at these events. My hats off to all the Islanders supporters who showed up today. *Claps*
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MACCH says:
“I give you my word” – isn’t that like an oxymoron coming from a politician?
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Mondello’s attitude shows that he’s making this about “US vs THEM” instead of about whats good for Long Island…
Modellos attitude is so transparent, its “politics”, plain and simple…If the LHP doesn’t get done because of “political pride”, it would be a travesty…
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AZS says:
I have nothing against the elderly, so please no one take offense, but I think it’s funny that according to the pictures I’ve seen all of the supporters of Kate Murray are all extremely old. And that’s the whole point – the youth of Long Island will not be able to stay on Long Island if this project – and projects like it aren’t completed.
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It was great to see the people who turned out, and I was very glad that people like Joe Ra and Donald Clavin (receiver of taxes) attempted to discuss things with us in a rational manner.
Line of the day, from Don Clavin to me: “15,000 fans booed me at the Coliseum (during TOH Night), but I’m still an Islander fan.”
Let’s hope we can move beyond the heated rhetoric and just find a solution that works for Long Island. That sound good?
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Staten Islander says:
When Mondello made the crack about Wang paying people to support the Lighthouse, my answer would have been “Oh yeah, how much are you getting payed to stop it?”
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Thats pretty funny Nick. I was there that night and honestly I think the booing had more to do with Kate not showing up then Don actually dropping the puck. Either way, its cool of him to just take it with a smile.
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I feel good today, good week sales wise, played a round of 18 at “Spring Lake” @ Middle Island and shot a 94 and it was only my first round of the year and lastly I come home to some encouraging stuff regarding the LHP…
Its been a good day!!!
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If people ever got that confrontational with me while I am attempting to use my right to free speech……if five goons ever tried surrounding me to shut me up….well there would be 5 goons on the ground…fast. The intimidation tactics are really creepy on their part. Trying to shout down an elderly lady at yet another meeting. I can tell you that stuff doesn’t happen here in Florida.
In reading Chris’ recap, I think today may have been the day that Murray, Mondello and their goon squad finally figured out how many people they are really up against and how strong people feel about this. I think before Kate Murray’s plan was to simply ignore the issue as best as she could until after the election. Perhaps they are seeing today the only slim chance they have of retaining power is to approve the LI.
If they are going to hold another public event I say WE ALL surround them and shout them down. One of you pick me up from the airport I’ll fly up.
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Noomz The Honker says:
I went today solely b/c this site made me aware of it. i was standing stage left and i think i saw Chris in the middle near the back with pen & paper.
i booed Loudly at Mondello’s intro. All the toadies looked surprised that a Kate dissenter was amongst their Turnpike Party – Literally, the park was directly off the Hempstead Tpke, no more than 40 yards.
When Mondello tried to bash Wang, i shouted “This is Bullsh!t”. More stares (for cursing or Wang – i dont know).
When Kate took the podium, I yelled “Where’s Norm? How much are you paying him today?” Both Kate & Mondello were eyeballing me for a second. They heard it and weren’t pleased. She never responded to the Newsday article about hiring her “retired” Dad at $40/hour – a topic she likely fears having to explain or apologize for.
I saw “DP” jersey guy walking thru the crowd and the Kate’s supporters blocking his sign which only brought more attention to him and his message “Build the Future” – Kate’s supporters were dumb to be pictured blocking that message.
Kate was rambling about typical LI Repub themes. I left mad that more Isles fans weren’t there. I got in my car and got stuck next to the park – Looooong traffic light there to get back onto Hemp Tpk.
So i Honked the “let’s go I-lan-ders” theme like it was 1984 and my brother was driving us out of the Coliseum parking lot. I honked for about 2-3 minutes at that red light – it was a long light. The Vets were giving me the evil eye. HA! I joust with Rangers fans at the Coliseum, Rangers fans were more intimidating than the old-timers with American Legion caps.
I then circled back (heading Westbound) and honked it again. Man, i was pissed off at that point. Pissed but laughing really hard b/c i out-honked her crappy message with Lets GO Islanders!!!
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nassau gop phone # 516-334-5800. i will call them on tuesday to complain about how they bullied a kid that was just voicing his opinion.
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Al L says:
Interesting mindset Mondello displayed announcing LH supporters were being “PAID” by Charles Wang to appear at this campaign today!! An old saying should be applied here; “IT TAKES A THIEF TO THINK LIKE A THIEF!”
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Chris Mc says:
Thanks Chris for all the work you put into this and to Joe, you have the greatest attitude man. If that had happened to me all hell would’ve broke lose and I would’ve been leaving in handcuffs.
I know I thanked you all last post, but for everyone who attended for everyone who couldn’t, thank you. Lot of work to be done but there’s hope as long as there’s people in our corner. Until the Isles leave Uniondale Baltimore Colts style in the middle of the night, I’m going to have faith.
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Nice work CB, but are you so naive to believe a single work that comes out of their mouths? Kinda reminds me when my friend asked me the question “how do you know when a salesman is lying?” “His lips move”
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mtrico says:
Too bad Joe Ra works for a bunch of idiots.
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bcarroll25 says:
sounds like ra should run for supervisor, except he has a fatal flaw for a politician, honesty.
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32 bergie20, we all need to call and ask about that one…
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Well done Chris Botta.
Need 30-40 more Conte’s at every Murray appearance.
Resurrect the 60′s.
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Noomz The Honker #31 …. U R THE MAN!!!!
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Healy says:
Charles Wang paid them to be here and blow it out your duffle bag? Are you serious?
Thank you Joe Conte and Nick (and the others who went down there) to step into the lion’s den and speak up for all of us that couldn’t make it. As an Islander fan and LI resident I appreciate it greatly. God bless the old vet who urged his compatriots to allow free speech.
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bulldogs7 says:
this is amazing that we now no that the anti lighthouse project goes farther then just kate murry. for an elected official to say that is just plain wrong. this crap is reminding me of the civil rights movement because people are trying to voice their opinion and are losing there rights sometimes because the people that beleive they are higher up beleive they can make the rules. just because we elect you into office doesnt mean that you can say you are more powerful then us cause just remember we are the ones that vote and if you dont appease the people then you wont be in office for a long time.
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isles316 says:
awesome job guys. To me it sounds like Joe Ra is very genuine. If what he is saying is true, then why hasn’t Kate Murray or the TOH come out and publically supported the project and explained the delays behind it.
To me, this sounds like Joe Ra’s wishes and he feels like he is playing for the wrong team.
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Isle_in_LA says:
A big thank you to all of you who went and gave us a voice today. Even though I don’t live on LI anymore, I never want the Isles to leave. I know this has been said many times, but LI needs the Lighthouse to keep people there. Not everyone can afford a house – especially on LI.
It sounds like they could have been more diplomatic and addressed the fans that were there, instead of trying to silence them. If what Ra says is true, then they should have just said that. The reason why we’re all angry and want Murray’s head is because she is not addressing the issue. Avoidance just makes it look like you don’t want the LH, Kate. Talk to us, damnit!
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Dave says:
Sounds like there’s at least one human left in the Republican party. Whether anything does get done or not, time will only tell but it’s nice to hear someone like Mr. Ra say that is important.
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Forget a Tavares Jersey, I’m getting a Noomz #1 Authentic Royal Blue Jersey!!
Let’s Go Is-lan-ders!!
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I could just imagine the Hocker irate, bashing his horn very hard, BEEP BEEP BEEPBEEBEEP, man Im pissed too!
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MJS says:
Mondello sounds like a real ass. From CB’s description of the scene it really seems like Mondello and a few others are really pulling the strings and Kate’s just along for the ride. Sucks for any TOH residents that their town supervisor allows herself to be controlled like that. It’s brutal that American politics is about agendas, the party line, and us vs. them, rather than representing the people that cast the votes. Hopefully Ra is really telling the truth and the town is working on it diligently.
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beatlebailey says:
mondello reminds me of uncle junior. That’s it from now joe is uncle junior!!
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Bossy22 says:
Great job to those who attended on behalf of the Lighthouse. Being from Canada, I have no choice but to sit back and read, read and read about this. The next rally Kate puts on, LH supporters need to attend in big numbers. I could imagine what the seen would of been if 60 LH supports showed up out numbering Kates Crew by 20…..priceless, for everything else, there’s Mastercard
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db says:
if we keep the pressure on toh and keep showing up at rallies all we need to do is have them fear its going to be a close race for the election and they will let the lighthouse through to make sure they get elected. so dont just think we have to get murray out to get the lighthouse. we just have to make her feel like theres a chance she will lose and then she will put lighthouse thru to guarantee her victory then we will all win. to do this we need every islander fan to donate to the democratic challenger as this will keep the pressure up. by the way i am republican but im an islander fan first.
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Bruce says:
FYI – I did a google search and these are the results from Kate’s last election:
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Town of Hempstead Election Results
SUPERVISOR TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
KATE MURRAY (R)……66,043
KEVIN GORMAN (D)…….30,729 -
Newsday has a small blurb about the rally on the website.
I know short-notice & a Fri-holiday-weekend but if 10 more Isles fans appeared, it would have made a difference. If 30 more Isles fans appeared, it would have been very close to even. If 50 Isles fans appeared, we would have taken a majority at Kate Murray’s re-election party in HER hometown of Levittown, not 2 miles from the Coliseum in a ToH population that is estimated at 726,000… 50 people in total showed up!
If we can fill the Coliseum at 15,000, we need to come to these 30-minute rallies. Many of the 50 were likely ToH employees in ‘support’ of their boss Kate Murray. I heard one guy say he “clocked out” to attend the 1pm rally.
Mondello appointed Murray. He *wants* to fight which is why he mentioned Wang & Lighthouse in his Opening remarks. Murray was a mouse and stuck to typical Republican mantra about taxes and budgets.
Mondello was the Republican Nassau Chairman who *appointed* kate murray ToH Supervisor in 2003. His reputation is also on the line.
The previous 2 Republican TOH Supervisors Richard Guardino Jr & Gregory Peterson BOTH resigned *Midterm* and were *appointed* by their Republican predecessors. By resigning midterm, the Nassau R-Chairman Joseph Mondello elevated a “replacement supervisor” to an Incumbent in the following election.
Guardino resigned to work for Hofstra Univ – oddly never seems to have development issues with the Town of Hempstead when it comes to expansion projects.
The last 3 ToH Supervisors Kate Murray, Richard Guardino & Gregory Peterson ALL came to power thru Republican appointment.
Isles fans, there is Hope! We CAN win this. Be seen, Be Heard.
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anthony c says:
I wish I was there just to tell that clown mondello to eat s***. And to simply yell bulls*** at murray when she said she’s an islander fan. That Ra guy sounds like a pretty good dude, but I call bulls*** on his part simply because kate murray had made no attempt to go to any LH meetings, so anything coming from the republican side saying they are doing there job is nothing but lies. Keep your voices loud and proud guys. Even being 3000 miles away I will do my best to be heard.
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Jimmy Mac says:
I just read in Newday that Kate’s father has retired.
I hope @ the next rally there are more Isles fans.
Good Work Guys!!!!
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Andre says:
Great job everyone who was there. Great job CB. Look, Nassau County is a joke and the pressure needs to be on so that Kate Murray is out of office in November. Enough is enough with these politicans who don’t serve their constituents. Mondello and Murray are stealing people’s trust. I just hope people are not stupid enough to buy the famous “lower taxes” garbage and vote for her. It is time for people to clean up the corrupt politicians who seem to be stalling the Lighthouse Project and NOT vote for them.
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Lou says:
The Dems. do get a free right in the media. That is a proven fact. You might want to educate yourself. Don’t tell me you are some leftist idiot.
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BREAKING NEWS: Murray’s father has RETIRED again! See Newsday for details!
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Pete DeBenedetto says:
Please fellow Islander fans…continue to support and attend every rally you can. The pressure will be too great for these bozos.
The press will eat this up….nothing like ploiticians telling the citizens they work for to Stick it in your dufflebag. Yeah, that’ll get you elected again.
BTW…I was hit # 8741 on that Banjo site…thanks CB.
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MiKeT239 says:
politics are just a rhetorical merry go round of horseisht. as Islanders fans we should only believe what we see in regard to the Lighthouse Project. not much at all to see here folks. pictures, drawings, computer gen graphics etc. all good intentions on Charles Wangs part. with no reciprocation where its most needed. i pray for BROOKLYN.
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HilbertSnipe says:
NO SLEEP TILL BROOKLYN
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Dreu Theran says:
Lou @59 – “a free right in the media” makes no sense at all. If you meant a ‘free ride in the media’, that doesn’t make much sense either. And just saying “it’s a proven fact” doesn’t mean it is actually a proven fact.
(I know, “no personal attacks”. I just had to say something, but at least I didn’t call him names.)
From an ex-Long Islander, I have to say that I really wish I could be there during this particular point in Isles history. To be able to make a difference in the political stance of the TOH would be awesome. Please, everyone, be aware of all the rallys and turn out to support the Isles, but more importantly to oust Kate Murray!
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Lou, then how do you explain Corbin getting trashed a few weeks ago when he was arrested?
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Joe says:
To the folks who went out there and spoke there minds, I applaud you. I wish I had been there for that. I do hope they are getting the message. I know see more than ever who is pulling the strings and that is Joe Mondello. Real classy guy, and this is the Republican Leader? What a disgrace. I sent out more emails today and if everybody continues to put on the pressure things may work out. It’s going to take a lot of pressure though so please everybody don’t give up the fight. And again thank you to all those who were out there today.
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Harrison says:
Does anyone know when the next campaign meeting is? I want to be there
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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StevieL says:
Conte is the Man!! You make us all proud!!You should feel very proud exercising your right as an American to speak your voice!! That’s why we celebrate Veterans Day! To thank all that served to give you the right to speak in the face of injustice!! It is a free Country!!
Mondello obviously is the real issue! He sounds like a bully who has lost control!! -
You can tell the public heat is getting to Murray and her bunch in many ways. The fact her Dad retired from that gift job tells you they knew what they were doing was wrong, they got caught, they didn’t want it to be a liability moving forward. The Newsday reporter and others who covered it had a positive impact there. Just as all you who went down today to stick up for the Isles and the LI project and the citizens of LI and the TOH who don’t believe it is right for their public officials to be some dismissive of their concerns.
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Webber says:
“Blow it out your dufflebag”? How out of touch is this guy? Do they even sell dufflebags anymore? A
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theres a public toh meeting on june 2nd. We should go and rally outside town hall prior and then sign up to speak during the meeting. It starts at 7pm so not as many people will have work and stuff. And this time they wont be able to attempt to block our signs.
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“Blow it out your dufflebag”? How out of touch is this guy? Do they even sell dufflebags anymore? Aren’t those the bags from the late 70′s that people would put their gym clothes in for school? LOL. Great line you out of touch dinasoaur! Twenty three ski doo!
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Bryan says:
If Islander fans vote Murray out of office maybe politicians will finally care about what the “people” care about
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dduck says:
ra ra ra liberals. keep the leftist political crap out of this. obama is a moron but it doesn’t mean all are. geez.
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Ryan says:
Joseph Ra: Hempstead’s Thomas Becket.
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CB – thank you for the link. I’m sorry the pictures I sent you couldn’t load properly here.
I’m shocked at the Newsday coverage, and you can expect a follow-up on my site about this tomorrow. First of all, Eden Laikin AGAIN lumps all Lighthouse supporters as Islanders fans, when from what I could see those who were vocal dressed in Isles gear to stand out. There is also no mention at all of Mondello harassing a young voter for the mortal sin of having a different point of view.
I also find this very interesting, since this is the same Joe Mondello who sent his paid goons outside to heckle Tom Suozzi’s rally. He has the unmitigated GALL to throw stones from his glass house?
Let’s show these bums what we’re made of.
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Pete says:
I’m a Veteran, I’m a Republican registered voter who is ashamed of my political party in the Town of Hempstead. This is why republicans are doomed for the rest of my lifetime. They have succumbed to greed and corruption. The right thing for Kate Murray to do is meet with Mr. Wang and Iron out what she likes and dislikes about the project. I personally like it and I’m tired of paying two mortgages, one for my house and the other for Taxes. This project creates the opportunity to lower our taxes and give the residents some relief. CB keep posting Kate Murray campaign trail stops on the blog I’d love to attend them.
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Hubie McDonough says:
CB: All I can muster is a simple “thank you” for your hard work and dedication …..
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Ajax says:
im sorry, but im confused, why are people talking about Kate not being elected again and solving this? If Wang gave till Oct, and re-election is Nov …. isnt that a month too late to help the cause? Perhaps I’m just lost in the 2009 month system.
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Frustrated Voter says:
Thanks for the great in-depth coverage! For all of us Islander fans you are a Godsend! Kate Murray should start finding a new job. She makes Mike Milbury look competent. Now that’s saying something.
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Kai says:
Great post Chris! Nice to see some Isles fans taking a little action and making their feelings known to the TOH and others present.
As important as this is to the Islanders, I’m in fact a little astounded that a proper supporters group hasn’t been formed yet in support of the Lighthouse. Someone should call a meeting a form a committee to work towards the TOH, Newsday and others to put real pressure on the politicians to get this thing done.
Fans discussing on the internet and such is not gonna get it through, but a strong supporters group might help. So get organised now!!
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doc says:
Wow… Eden Laikins’ article gave ABSOLUTELY NO information whatsoever.
DOC
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Honnold says:
Great work, Chris. And thanks for continuing to hammer away on the urgency of the situation. Islander fans need to wake up and mobilize no matter what your political stripes. Wrong is wrong. And the shortsightedness of these politicians may ultimately have a devastating effect on the character of Long Island.
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Jim Clark says: Sorry I couldn’t make it but I have to work for a living. Perhaps if Ms Murray doesn’t think Mr Wang’s problems are real, she and some of her friends can try buying the Islanders and making a go of it. But then the TOH website doesn’t even mention the Islanders. How many municipalities can say that, especially if they only have one major sports team (unless the New York Majesty of the LFL count. When do their season tickets go on sale?).
What would happen in 2015 when the lease expires? Would it be possible to get a more favorable lease? Why is Gary Bettman always talking about getting new investors/dupes for the Coyotes but says Wang is the last hope for the Islanders?
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Ugly Roe In Massapequa says:
Is the team name still going to be “Islanders” when they move to Kansas City? I’m not a geology expert, but as far as I know, Kansas City is not an Island.
How about the “Kansas City Kates,” since she will be the one most responsible for sending us there.
I know, I know. An ugly as heck idea from an ugly as heck woman.
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It certainly was an interesting lunch hour. It killed me to hear Murray say she was an Islander fan as I stood in the front of the crowd.
ButKudos to Donald Clavin for attempting to reach out to the fans and recognizing the bloggers for their role in the project. (and for his hope for the project.)
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Swan says:
A big thank you to C.B., Noomz, Nick, Joe and other LH supporters who attended! Tremendous respect and admiration for your dedication. You shame me for my absence.
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Marty says:
Good job Joey. It was funny to drive by and see you pacing through the crowd like a man on a mission. Who would have known you would contribute more to the Islanders in a DP jersey than the real DP did this year.
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NHS says:
CB,
Great coverage on this! What was the web traffic over the last few days on the site after you broke the news?
A draft day countdown would be a good idea.
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Jimmy says:
This is complete and utter nonsense. A bunch of nuts in Islander jerseys like Goldie getting interviewed by the media is not going to help anything. The only thing it will do is show the public what kind of nuts some Islander fans are.
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ME says:
Ra is just pulling your leg. Good cop, bad cop crap. Botta in your experience you should know that these people cannot be trusted. I cannot believe even after all these signs are stuffed down our throats that there are still people on here who think this was something positive and that this project is going to happen. Wake up people, the team will be headed to Kansas City and there will still be people on here saying things like. “We can’t lose hope, eventually the town will have enough pressure on them and this thing will get built” Once again wake up everyone.
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DP says:
Great job in making them uncomfortable. I just read in Newsday that Kate Murray’s father has retired again from his $40hr clerk job at the town of Hempstead. I guess Kate didn’t want any more scrutiny of that deal during her re-election campaign. A town spokesman said he wanted to spend more time with his family. Ha Ha If Newsday hadn’t reported on his legal double dipping he’d still be there helping with his invaluable historical knowledge.
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Otter says:
I feel like the “SAVE THE O.B.I.!” campaign got more notice than the Lighthouse does. Let’s get some bumper stickers going.
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Donny Baseball says:
Great job, love it. Keep up the good work guys!
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Isles Nut says:
I do understand the anger and frustration that I read here, I am right there with you. But believe be, these politicians know what they are doing and they know the game. They also know they have to deal with us fans, and that’s a good thing. But at the end of the day, no politician is going to budge on an issue of this magnitude before an election – like it or not. Wang’s “deadline” is a PR ploy because he is not stupid and he knows full well that the won’t make a decision by then, so he makes this statement to make himself look like the good guy. Bottom line here is the LH project is a longshot – some sort of happy medium is going to need to be presented by Wang sooner rather than later, the project as currently constituted is a pipe dream.
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hyedray says:
Well done Chris.
I am sorry I could not make it myself yesterday.I think all of us should try to find out where the Democrats will announce there campaign, and make it a point to show up!
If anyone has that info, please pass it along. The battle the Dems face in Hempstead will be formidable, but it would be a real boost if a bunch of us could be there to support the candidates.
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CB, we didn’t show up for this event. Some fortunate few were able to, but because of the start time, (1pm?!?! On a friday before Memorial Weekend?!?) and day, most had to work. And if they didn’t have to work, they just simply didn’t know about it. We need to know these events ahead of schedule. Someone mentioned we have a Town Meeting coming up with a 7 pm start time. ISLANDER FANS MUST SHOW UP AND MUST MAKE OURSELVES HEARD.
In addition, one poster mentioned “surrounding” Mondello and Murray and forcing them to answer our questions directly. Not entirely out of the question. Remember, these clowns work for US. But this only happens if we have the numbers, people. So show up to this Town meeting coming up. This guy Conte had the balls (i know, and TIME to stand up by himself. We should be able to at least do the same with far greater numbers.
ISLANDERS 4-LIFE
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Mrk says:
I’ve heard a rumor that the big problem that the Town of Hempstead is concerned about is the supposed housing that would be build at the Lighthouse project.
The town is apparently not eager to have apartment complexes built. I don’t know whether it’s because it may bring in low-income tenants or they just don’t want apartments built. This may be the main stumbling block.
I’m just passing on what I have heard, take it as you wish. -
#74, left wing liberal crap? Please explain. Judging from your post you are a conservative republican who dislikes any ideas that do not come from the republican party therefore you consistently vote your party line whether or not it’s for the better of your countrymen? That’s about as unamerican as you can get and Jefferson (Thomas not George) is rolling in his grave because the two party system has divided americans in our greatest time of need for unity. Unfortunately most of you party shills don’t see this as you continue to fight amongst yourselves. Signed, an Independant.
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#91, The only problem with that statement is that Murray won’t show up to any of the meetings and tell Wang what she wants scaled back. He has publicly stated that he is willing to sit down and talk and come to a compromise but Murray continues to duck his requests. He can’t present a happy medium when the town won’t tell him what they want. This has been said over and over again and I’m having a hard time believeing that there are still people out there who don’t understand the facts.
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bob says:
How much is Botta being npaid by the Isles for his work? Just curious.
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Webber, with all due respect, why so riled? Take a breath, it’s just an Islanders message board. Don’t get all hot and bothered over what people post. It’s just people throwing thoughts and opinions, it’s nothing to get all wound up about.
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nice of newsday to go ahead and actually use some of the hundreds of pictures they took to capture the scene. i guess they go great in the archives.
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Voteherout says:
if only some1 had video of this they could be blackmailed about blocking free speech.. then youd bet the media would pick up on it.. “Dirty Republicans show young how to kill free speech”
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You could imagine my horror when I found my camera battery died right before I snapped the picture of the near-physical altercation with Joe. Not good….however, a certain other blogger who knows who he/she is has an audio recording of Mondello yelling at Joe. That’s something.
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my msg to all those isles fans out there and for those of who you dont know im the “Rabble-rouser”(and sorry if i exceed the post limit):
This is an extremely serious issue to myself as a Long Islander. The fact that I am an Islander fan just have made me(and all of us) privy to the day to day workings of the plight of the lighthouse. It is about the future-of the islanders and more importantly long island. The two go hand in hand-a vibrant economically diverse region will have a professional sports team b/c the economy of the area can support it. If the islanders leave due do a lack of development-there will be no team coming back.
As a recent college grad, i will be leaving the island soon as long island does not offer the 21st century lifestyle the lighthouse would eventually provide(and in turn keep our islanders here for decades). As soon as the plan was unveiled, a buddy(who moved to hoboken) and myself said “we’d live here.”
now on to my actions yesterday- though our turnout was small it was a great start for a friday afternoon, spur of the moment, call to assemble. All movements have to start somewhere and i believe yesterday was the start.
I honestly do believe if we channel the passion of islander fans seen here and other places on the internet we can defeat kate murray. it is totally doable- from a political standpoint. She is vulnerable provided we take the necessary political actions to make her so.(which i hope to lay out at a later date)
Islander fans-the fate of our beloved team has literally fallen on OUR shoulders. The only question is now-will we accept that responsibility. As all of you have seen-i’m willing to play my part-and i hope to have all of you by my side in the coming months.
do not hesitate to contact me at jc77318@yahoo.com
the time to act is now
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On tuesday June 2nd at 7pm the town is having a public board meeting. Lets go and show them how we do it Islander style. Rally outside and then we go in and 1 by 1 we all speak in favor of the project and make sure media is there as well.
Secondly again Joe Great Job yesterday!!!!!!!
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I’ve got 45 minutes of audio baby! And as soon as someone can tell me how to get a damn wave file into an MP3 format, I’ll be happy to share!!!
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I emailed eden laikin from newsday today and asked her why she didnt mention Mondellos comments in her article. And this was her response:
“Had the dufflebag quote in..for some reason it got edited out….probably for space…..I wanted to put in the wang quote but they said it wouldn’t be fair unless I asked the fans f it were tru and let them respond….and I didntr think to do that ystrday.
Did wang pay u guyus?” -
#108: i think Audacity [free download] might be able to do it. Import/Open file [wav] then save as MP3 file.
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Willis says:
I like the beeping guy. Good way to handle a frustrating situation.
The whole thing is interesting, amazed there wasn’t more turnout and wonder if it was a fishing net by te repubs to see how quickly opposition could organize and represesnt, and how many could congregate in short notice.
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*sorry, fishing net by THE repubs.
How come there weren’t more people “for” her?
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County Executive Thomas Suozzi has waded into a 20-year-old land scandal as he quietly tries to sell off most of Nassau’s 99-year leased property in Mitchel Field, a former air base developed with colleges, office buildings, recreational and cultural facilities.
[B]Without soliciting bids or giving public notice, Suozzi has accepted offers of purchase from two leaseholders for nearly 13 acres of public land in the county’s sprawling office park that includes the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.[/B]
Quentin Roosevelt Associates, represented by the law firm of Nassau’s Democratic Party attorney Steven Schlesinger, is purchasing the 10.3-acre site of its office building for $8.52 million. Bergwall Realty, an original leaseholder, is buying its 2.2-acre site for $732,300.
The deals are expected to go to the county legislature for approval on June 8. Suozzi is looking to sell most of the county-owned land to the current tenants, who own the buildings on the properties.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-poland2612791545may25,0,5664905.story
Thanks Chris! Here’s to hoping something gets worked out and if necessary, this becomes a campaign issue that cannot be ignored!