New Year’s resolutions from the community

The Tide is welcoming 2026 in the Moriches with admirable New Year’s resolutions from many of our local faces. What is your New Year’s goal?

Daniel Panico, Brookhaven Town Supervisor

“My resolutions for the coming year are to continue to preserve as much worthwhile open space as possible to maintain the character of our communities and for future generations; to continue working on the redevelopment of our downtown business districts to support commerce and give a renewed sense of place to areas in need, while also continuing to improve our first-class park system.
Paramount on my agenda for 2026 is to continue to be truthful, transparent and have honest discussions with the residents who I serve in Brookhaven.  I make it a point to address all those who come to our town board meetings and to explain applications, answer questions and give thorough explanations about planning and zoning matters. In that same vein, I will continue to advocate for New York State to be part of the solution to the looming solid-waste issues on Long Island, encouraging them to embrace pragmatic and realistic solutions.”

Karen Dunne Kesnig, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman 

“As we welcome the New Year, I’m stepping into 2026, with new resolutions—both as your councilwoman and as a neighbor who cares deeply about our community. This year, I’m committing myself to focus on the positive, even when difficult conversations or frustrations arise. Listening with empathy and responding with optimism will help us move forward together. I’m also determined to see visible progress, with a shovel in the ground, on the long-awaited Beechwood project in Mastic Beach. I’m excited for the year ahead and grateful for the chance to continue working to make our community even stronger.”

James Mazzarella, Suffolk County Legislator 

“As we begin a new year, I remain focused on the work ahead and the commitments I’ve made to the residents of Suffolk County.

I look forward to the long-awaited groundbreaking of the new Smith Point Bridge in 2026. This project has been years in the making, and we have finally reached the point where construction can begin on a beautiful, state-of-the-art bridge. It is a generational project whose finished product will transport tens of thousands of families to our amazing oceanfront park.

I will continue working closely with the Suffolk County Police Department’s 7th Precinct and Highway Patrol to combat dangerous driving and make our roadways safer for all. Expanded patrols, targeted enforcement, and coordinated task forces will help curb street takeovers, drag racing, illegal vehicles, and reckless behavior. Those who endanger others will face penalties to the fullest extent of the law.

On a personal note, I am committed to strengthening my time management skills to ensure each day is structured with greater efficiency and focus. By adopting proven strategies and maintaining a disciplined schedule, I aim to maximize productivity and better serve the residents who rely on me.

I will continue to deepen professional relationships by fostering open communication, engaging more regularly with colleagues, and offering support where it is needed. By recognizing achievements and encouraging collaboration, I hope to strengthen our shared commitment to delivering results for Suffolk County.”

Cassy and Keith Caputo, Helping Makes U Happy

“We would like a ribbon cutting at the new building and to finish the book Keith is writing with his former teacher—a graphic novel about helping people. And he’d like to meet Kelly Clarkson and tell her about HMUH.”

Patti Chieffo, Moriches Bay Garden Club

“My goal for the garden club this year is to increase membership, continue to educate our members and others about our gardens and our environment, and participate in community projects.”