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Last night I received a simple text message from my buddy Nick Giglia around 7:20: "It's Kristen McElroy." Kate "Darth" Murray Charlie "Yoda Momma" Wang Scott "I'm Goin' Solo" Rechler Joe "Emperor" Mondello Tom "Obi-Wan" Suozzi Kristin "Skywalker" McElroy
Frankly, at first I had no idea who the sender even was because my Blackberry decided it wanted to start a new life as a paperweight and I had to take different components from about 3 BB Curves to make the current phone I'm using. So in short, I didn't have Nick's number stored in the phone. After a short back and forth I realized what he meant: Kristin McElroy, an attorney in Garden City, was chosen as the opponent to the heavily-favored incumbent, Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Kate Murray.
I'm gonna go back to my post at the beginning of the month where I compared the struggle of the Lighthouse to Star Wars and define the characters a little better.
As it stands we have:
(Yes, I got a little Photoshop happy this morning but it was too funny after I did Charles to not keep going)
That's some cast of characters. However, now there is a new one that threatens to balance "The Force" on Long Island and bring peace to Galaxy/Town. I give you:
From what little I remember and what I heard last night, McElroy could be the kind of opponent that has a good chance at an upset. After nearly rocking Kemp Hannon's world last year, it stands to reason that the Nassau Democrats saw potential in Ms. McElroy. As an attorney from Garden City, who is unequivocally pro-Lighthouse, McElroy may be able to bridge the gap between the voters in the Town of Hempstead. It's a promising start.
Please don't ever forget to read some of the most ardent and informed Lighthouse advocates Nick Giglia and Dee Karl as they had their posts up well before mine (The Photoshop took forever).
Also, the Long Island Business News was at the Cradle of Aviation last night and as always wrote a nice piece on the proceedings. Newsday, however, left much to be desired.
Let's just hope that this race is going to be as exciting as it was foretold to be, "A long time ago, in a Town far, far away....."
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Race for Long Island's Future is On
Thursday, May 28, 2009
So Much Going On...I Just Had to Write About It
It's getting to be that time sports fans. Baseball is in full swing, NFL players will start reporting to training camp, the NBA Finals are looming, the U.S. Open is coming to Bethpage Black (drool...), but best of all, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals between the Wings and Pens has been scheduled and the Draft is a mere month away. I just love the way sports in America encompasses an entire year of gladitorial combat and emotion. It's plain awesome.
With all the activity going on, I just had to mention a few things before I got into the meat of my Draft ideas:
- Congrats to Justin Bourne for a successful, albeit extremely long stay in Phoenix. I hope you get the job, man. Also, I can't forget his fiancee, Brianna Gillies, who absolutely wowed her interviewers and was offered a job at one of the top neurological institutes in the country. Best of luck to both you!
- Twitter G-ddess, @Dani3boyz, hosted a get together known as a TweetUp at Croxley Ale House in Farmingdale and Dee Karl, the 7th Woman, made an appearance. I just got word on Twitter that Dani actually made her goal from all the generous contributions of Twitter hockey fans and will be in Montreal along with the Blog Box Boys for the Draft! You have no idea how awesome hockey fans are until you witness something like that happen in front of your eyes. Congrats, Dani! I can't wait to see everyone up there.
- Apparently, the Islanders bloggers will be well repped in Montreal on June 26th, as BD Gallof also throws his hat into the ring.
- Don't forget to get your FREE ticket to the Islanders Draft Party. Despite the fact that I won't be in Uniondale and rather Nordes de Lignes, make sure you get to the Draft Party. It should be a great experience this year, JT included (hopefully).
Some Draft Ideas...
I want to get a feel for how my readers would like us to cover the Draft. We've kicked around a few ideas and I'm looking for some feedback. Vote in the poll at the top of the site for the idea or ideas you like the best and we'll see if we can pull them off.
Don't be bashful if you have an idea about what or how you'd like something covered. Leave a Comment and share your thoughts.
Sorry BD, it was too awesome not to steal. In Garth We Trust!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Linking to the Lighthouse; Nastiness and Retiring for the Last Time
Since I wasn't able to attend Kate Murray's re-election kickoff at the Levittown Veteran's Memorial Park, I'd like to acknowledge those who did and give them the credit they're due.
- Let There Be Light(house) proprietor Nick Giglia wrote two really good pieces on yesterday's proceedings on both his site and BD Gallof's Islanders Independent.
- Our friend 7th Woman, as always, has her unique take on things with this article. As well as some really great quotes.
- I can't forget the "Blogfather" Chris Botta, who was also able to attend the event and get a few juicy quotes from Joseph Ra, ToH Attorney.
- Lastly, I'd like to show you the Newsday coverage of the rally. Apparently Joseph Mondello, head of the NY State Republican Party, REALLY doesn't like Islanders fans.
- I'd also like to acknowledge that some $40/hour jobs after you've retired and collected severance and a pension are about as secure as your daughter's hopes of retaining her current office if she keeps up her current stance.
I'd also like to thank some of the most ardent and perservering Islanders fans/Lighthouse Supporters/Long Island residents/Fellow Voters/Peers.
Like Joe Conte, who defiantly defended his right to free speech and even got Mondello off his game, causing the seasoned politician to tell him, "Blow it out your duffle bag!"
These are the kinds of people and reactions that voters need to see. Let this be a notice to all those who oppose the Lighthouse Project:
We who support the Lighthouse will not go away lightly or quietly... This, I promise you.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Random Thoughts About Living on Long Island
As I sit here, I think to myself how this whole thing is going to work. It's bad enough that the country as a whole is in an economic downturn, but on top of that I live on LONG ISLAND. One of the most highly taxed and expensive places to live in same said economically challenged country. What the hell is a 25 year old, still looking for what he wants to do with the rest of his life, supposed to do when rent is still through the roof and the opportunities to even find a place haven't improved since the 80's? Live at home...that's what. Where you have to fight with your parents over getting a cable box for the TV in your room because they don't want to pay the Dolan's another cent (not that I can blame them). There's gotta be a better way to go about this. This is what it used to look like This is what it needs to look like
I've been saying to my friend who works for the Lighthouse Development Group that I've been waiting patiently for my affordable housing for over three years (since I graduated from Stony Brook). If the ToH thinks they're going to take that away from me they're out of their minds. Yes, it would be fantastic to have a renovated Coliseum but frankly, there is no feasible economic way that anything could make money when the lease is still in SMG's hands. Thus, officials and employees of the Town have to quit sipping that KoolAid. For real.
What is needed on Long Island is a forward-thinking project that will not only enhance the public image of the place we live but to make it more livable. THE SUBURBS DON'T WORK IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE THERE! When Levittown was built in the 1950's, the cost to own a home was $7,990! Now, you could pay that much in 6 months worth in rent.
Needless to say, living on Long Island for anyone who doesn't have an established and well-paying job is extremely difficult.
Enter the Mixed-Use Development.
Here comes the argument from the Town of Hempstead that the Lighthouse Group is trying to overdevelop, scar, maim and destroy suburban peace and prosperity. Oh, no! We're turning into Queens! NOOOOO! NOT IN MY BACKYARD!!
My question to those NIMBY's out there is: "What happens when the same Town of Hempstead, that is 'protecting' your way of life by stonewalling an idea that would bring revenue and business into the community, raises your property taxes? How are you going to afford to live where you are now, then?" Without the influx of young, eager, hard-working (and yes, possibly Liberal {gasp!}) people our Island will DIE! Do you get that?!
I've had to plan on leaving my home since I was applying for colleges 7 years ago. I was born and raised for 25 years on this Island and I can't live here much longer because it's simply too expensive. The average one-bedroom apartment goes for $1000+ a month folks. Plus, you have to drive everywhere which costs money. In gas alone you could spend upwards of $450/month (when gas was over $4.00 a gallon and I have a rather gas efficient vehicle).
A mixed-use development would offer people my age to stay on the Island and prosper because we could work, live and play in the same 5 mile radius. On top of that, there would be public transportation for wherever you would need to go. Imagine the amount of money and traffic congestion that would be saved if there were more buses and trolley's (running on either electric or natural gas) instead of taxis and cars. Not only would it be more "Green" (the buzzword for the next century) but more efficiently conducted. Traffic patterns would be more regulated, money would be saved and the environment would be preserved. I don't see a problem here.
In closing, I'd like to point out the absolute disregard the Town of Hempstead has for it's constituency. When those who live in the Town of Hempstead could be prospering from new jobs and new revenue streams, it's your representatives, the people YOU elected to office, who are standing in your way. Let your voices be heard loud and clear. Now is the time to stop this petty back and forth and just get the damn thing started.
Kate Murray has denigrated the office she now holds. This falls on her shoulders and her political career. By not showing even the tact to speak publicly (isn't that what politicians are supposed to do?) either for or against the Lighthouse, she has created doubt in many people's minds that she is fit to lead anymore.
It's perfectly okay to have your father who just retired with a $40,000+ pension every year, be re-hired by his "loving" daughter the next day, at a similar job, FOR 3x THE GOING WAGE, but then not attend a meeting set-up by the Labor Unions that work in your Town to try and come to a resolution of sorts. That is despicable.
I'm done ranting for now. Check back in the next day or so for my thoughts on the Assistant Coaching changes going on around the NY Islanders and for more about the Draft and Lighthouse.
Please don't forget to check in to my buddy Nick's LetThereBeLight(house) or The Official Blog of the Lighthouse Project: The Light Post, for updates. Nick and Katrina have some great information to educate yourself and others on the goings-on of the Lighthouse.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Empire Strikes Again and the 2009 NHL Draft Contest
A short time ago...in a Town not that far away... You are part of the Lighthouse Development Group and a Traitor! TAKE HER AWAY! I have a bad feeling about this...WHO NEEDS THIS? Uhh...WE NEED THIS!
The Galactic Empire ruled by Kate "Darth" Murray and the ToH finally secured a foothold last month on the issue of the Death Star Lighthouse Project. It was clear that the "leaders" over there wanted nothing to do with possibly the biggest kick-in-the-pants that Long Island will ever have during this economic downturn. Instead, Darth Murray and her hoards of Storm Trooper lackeys decided they wanted to start a grassroots "uprising" against the Rebel Alliance led by Charles "Skywalker" Wang and Scott "I'm Goin' Solo" Rechler. This would be no ordinary war...this would be a war for survival.
What this really means to Long Island is that the months ahead will be a dangerous and arduous trek through the asteroid fields known as Long Island Partisan Politics. Politicians are a devious bunch and cannot be trusted. Their Dark Jedi mind tricks are capable of dissuading the masses from ultimate freedom and prosperity.
Sunday's Newsday Cover had plenty to say for how powerful these "Dark Lords" really are in the latest blow to Lighthouse supporter confidence:
This can only mean one thing. The Empire is beginning to tip the scales in its favor in the battle of attrition known as the State mandated review process for development of the Coliseum property. The leader of the Alliance is unhappy with the sloth-like pace of the Empire and would like to end the conflict quickly and amicably. However, wars cannot be fought without the proper amount of funds. The Alliance is bleeding the necessary capital to keep the dream alive despite having plenty of support. Time and patience are fading into the abyss.
Back to reality for now. What truly amazes me is that for some reason I remember hearing the same clips and phrases sometime last month...hmmm. How about 4/15, when Charles Wang was a guest on Boomer Esiason's morning WFAN radio show?
Ahh, how I love sensationalist journalism. Anything to make a quick buck, eh Newsday (who's owned by Cablevision who also owns the Rangers). I had a feeling when the season was starting to wind down and the feeling amongst Islanders fans and Long Island residents was largely positive towards the Lighthouse Project, that it would start to grind to a halt and become a deadly battle of he said, she said during the spring and summer months. All the while, Long Island's newspaper would be right there to cover every verbal barb with an unbiased Ha! Yeah, right! eye. Maybe we need to get some real investigative reporting done considering those who don't even get paid to do it know where to dig.
Brace yourselves, for the worst is yet to come. I'm not saying the end is near because it most certainly isn't. However, things are starting to look pretty bleak as far as actually getting a shovel in the ground sooner rather than 25 years later. Step away from the ledge...for now.
On to brighter news. The Islanders have begun the Who's Your Pick Contest to allow fans to voice their opinion on who the team should select as the Numero Uno Draft Pick in this year's Draft.
Come join New York Islanders management and some of your favorite Bloggers: Islesblogger Mike, Tiger Track Tom, OkposoNet Ken and Myself at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Everyone has an opinion about who the Islanders should select with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Now, you can have your voice be heard by Islanders General Manager Garth Snow—and win a fantastic trip!
The Islanders' “Who’s YOUR Pick?" sweepstakes gives fans a chance to share who they think the Islanders should select with their top pick. The sweepstakes begins on Monday, May 4 and concludes on Thursday, May 28 at 5 pm. Eight lucky fans will win a trip for two to attend the Draft in Montreal, which will be held on Friday, June 26.
“What better way to allow our fans to voice their opinion,” Snow said. “We appreciate the fans dedication and passion and are glad we can give them the chance to experience the excitement first hand with us in Montreal.”
To enter the sweepstakes fans can fill out the ballot by visiting the Islanders website or one of the Islanders Team Stores—at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville, Westfield Sunrise Mall in Massapequa and Islanders Iceworks in Syosset—or the Islanders Kiosk at Roosevelt Field Mall. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes.
The winner’s package will include:
- Round trip airfare for two from NYC to Montreal
- Hotel accommodations
- Tickets to the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on June 26
- Meet & Greet with the Islanders No. 1 pick
Promotional partner WMJC Radio will announce two winners per week for four consecutive weeks, beginning Friday morning May 8 on "The WMJC Most Music Morning Show," hosted by Phathead.
“This is truly an exciting time to be an Islanders fan and we’re delighted to provide them the chance to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Islanders President Chris Dey. “We appreciate our fans embracing the team the way that they have. We are on pace to renew nearly 90% of our season tickets and new sales are also tracking well.”
The Islanders won the right to the first pick overall by winning the NHL’s Draft Lottery, held on April 14 at the League’s New York City office.
This marks the fourth time in franchise history that the Islanders have held the first overall selection in the NHL Draft. The last time the Islanders had the first overall selection was in 2000 when the team selected goaltender Rick DiPietro. The other first overall selections were Billy Harris in 1972 and Denis Potvin in 1973.
FANS ARE LIMITED TO ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD.
Click here to read the sweepstakes' official rules.
(Photos courtesy of DarthVader1.com and Newsday.com)
