News by Attorney Joseph T. Burns
News by Attorney Joseph T. Burns on South Shore Press
Guest Editorial: The Progressive vs. the Pragmatist
The 2028 New York Senate race could deliver the kind of political spectacle that rarely makes its way to one of America’s bluest states: a bare-knuckled brawl between the leader of the Senate Democrats and the progressive insurgent who is a hero to the party’s activist base.
Countries Across the Pond Get it Right on Voter ID
Two of America's closest allies — Great Britain and France — recently held parliamentary elections. The British election took place on July 4; France's election is a two-part election with the second phase happening on July 7. Both Britain and France are robust and vibrant democracies, and there is a lot they can teach America on how to ensure the security and integrity of elections.
Can Biden Step Aside? Not As Easy As You Think
President Biden's performance in the first 2024 presidential debate is being called disastrous even by the most committed Democrats. Some influential left-of-center editorial pages are even calling on Biden to step aside as the Democrats' 2024 presidential nominee. With over a month to go before Democrats officially make him their nominee, it's likely that the pleas for Biden to step aside will continue; they may even intensify. While it is possible for Democrats to dump Biden from the ticket, some legal and political hurdles stand in the way.
Guest Editorial: Protecting Election Integrity
When it comes to securing our elections in New York State and across the country, something happened that every American concerned about democracy and the integrity of our elections should applaud: the House of Representatives passed a bill overturning the ridiculous Washington, DC law that permits noncitizens to vote in local elections. This bill was supported by every House Republican; sadly, a majority of House Democrats voted against the bill. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate. The Senate must waste no time in considering and approving this proposal.
Editorial: Courts Were Correct to Protect Ballot Counting in NYS
Our state constitution guarantees that elections will be administered in a bipartisan manner. Both major parties are ensured representation at our county boards of elections. This is an important and necessary election integrity safeguard.
Guest Editorial: Courts Must Say "No" to No Excuse Voting
Article II, Section 2 of the State Constitution gives the state legislature the power to allow absentee voting. This provision, however, only permits the State Legislature to allow absentee voting when voters have a valid excuse, such as being out of the county on Election Day, or being permanently disabled. The early mail voting law runs afoul of this election integrity provision of the state constitution.
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Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
Massive Fire at Calverton Recycling Facility Raises Health Concerns; Officials Call for Federal, State Monitoring
South Shore Press Reporter Robert Chartuk covers the Calverton blaze that took 250 firefighters to extinguish.
Olive Oil! Farmers Market Frenzy Opens Outside Dennison Building in Hauppauge
“I’ve been to a lot of local farmers' markets within the district and without, and I think it’s a great way to invest in local businesses,” Legislator Jason Richberg told the South Shore Press.