Commack Graduate John Mangelli Running For U.S. Senate On The Common Sense Line

To:          The People

John MangelliFrom:    John Mangelli

RE:        John Mangelli for U.S. Senate Campaign 2012

 John Mangelli for U.S. Senate November 2012

 For the people not the special interest.

Allow me to introduce myself.  I am a lawyer, practicing in New York since 1996 and Florida since 1998.  I am also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and Court of International Trade.  I am a Coast Guard Auxiliary member and prior member of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police.  I am the youngest of eight children.  My father is a retired NYCFD Chief.  I am a youth coach, husband and father of three.  I graduated from Commack High School North, went to Suffolk County Community College, then SUNY Farmingdale then graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park.  After graduating college I worked in Asia(Japan, Korea) for AFES a/k/a the Armed Forces Exchange Services.  I worked on military bases all over Asia and it was my first experience with the military and I loved it.  I left Japan to go to law school in Michigan.  I graduated from Thomas Cooley Law School in 1995 and was admitted in New York in 1996.  I may not have been a scholar but I was elected the President of my student body, President of the Italian law society and class representative of the American Bar Association.  I received awards such as most distinguished student.  I became a lawyer because as a young boy I wanted to protect the animals, ocean and the environment.  My father said that if I wanted to make a difference I would first have to become a lawyer.  Life put these goals on hold until recently.  For many years I wanted to make a difference but starting a new business and raising a family is where I put my time.  This year I made a decision not to sit back and hope the politicians running for office will actually do some good.  This year I took it upon myself, knowing my shortcomings to see if there are people out there that feel the same way I do.  I collected about 27,000.00 signatures from Long Island, NYC and upstate New York to get the opportunity to be placed on the ballot this November as a candidate for U.S. Senator.  Everyone is looking for a change and I can provide that by being an independent common sense candidate.  

No more borrowing on the backs of the tax payers.  I have personally experienced the pain that many New Yorkers are feeling and most of it probably is not their fault.  How can you protect yourself from greed and deceit on top of taxes?  I am fiscally conservative and I will fight against spending money we don’t have.  It’s hard out there and we need to keep as much of our own money in our own pockets as possible.  

You can trust that I will advocate for common sense and public opinion.  I stand for a Nation where honesty and hard work pays off.  I stand for believing in God, whatever God you believe in.  I’m not an angel and I’m not applying for the saint position.   

I have represented New Yorkers in all kinds of legal matters, however my practice has been predominately litigation, foreclosure defense and debt related matters.  I have tried to save people from the horror of foreclosure and in most cases have been successful.  I have represented individual clients during my entire practice and I know the trouble New Yorkers are facing.

I am born and raised in New York.  I’m running because I want to return the power to the people.  Everything I want as a candidate I want as a constituent.  Whatever I want for myself I want for you.

I will only make promises that I can keep.  I can promise you that if I was elected you would have a say.  My job is to educate you on the issues and let you decide.  The decisions must be made by the voters of New York, not one person or special interest.

This is the only fair way to bring the power back to the people.  This is the only way to have the people rule not be ruled. 

Give me the chance and I won’t let you down.

In addition I believe white collar criminals should receive the same treatment as any other criminal.  They should do the same time in the same jail.  I believe pedophiles should not get special protection in jail.  I believe the environment needs to be protected and human trafficking must be stopped.  I dont believe this really matters but just in case it does, in 2007 I went bankrupt.  There are many reasons I could give you but the bottom line is that my expenses were much greater then my income.   I have learned alot from that experience and I believe it makes me a stronger candidate.  We must be fiscally conservative.  Again these are just my thoughts and before anything would be done you would have a say.  Thank you for your time.  

Call Leads To Fine For Target Corp. - Selling Illegal Pesticides On LI

TARGET ORDERED TO PAY FINE FOR SALE OF ILLEGAL PESTICIDES

Pesticide removed from store shelves to safeguard Long Island’s drinking water

The Target Corporation agreed to a civil penalty of $43,850 after a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) investigation revealed the company was selling pesticides banned on Long Island.  The company was ordered to remove these pesticides from all stores throughout the region in addition to the penalty.

 “Long Island’s sole source aquifer is especially vulnerable to contamination, and DEC Pesticide Control Specialists take their responsibility to enforce environmental laws very seriously,” DEC Region 1 Director Peter A. Scully said. “This investigation is just one example of the important work that DEC staff perform every day to help protect Long Island’s environment.”

In September, 2011, DEC’s Region 1 Bureau of Pest Management received a telephone inquiry from a concerned resident who had been shopping at a local Target Brands retail store.  While reading a pesticide label for a rose and flower care product, he noticed the following label statement: “Not for sale, sale into, distribution and or use in Nassau, Suffolk, Kings and Queens counties of New York.”

The call sparked an investigation by DEC’s Pesticide Control Specialists, who, following an inspection, discovered several units of two banned pesticides at the Target store in Levittown. The pesticides included Bayer Advanced 2-in-1 Systemic Rose and Flower Care and Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer.  These pesticides have been banned on Long Island, including Kings and Queens counties, to protect the underground aquifer that supplies the region’s drinking water.

The unregistered pesticides were quarantined and, with cooperation from the Target Corporation, DEC ordered the removal of all unregistered pesticides from Target stores throughout the region.  Documents obtained by DEC revealed that while the products were on the shelves, 1,754 units of the unregistered pesticides were sold.

The Target Corporation was found to be in violation of Environmental Conservation Law which requires the registration every two years of any pesticide which is used, distributed, sold or offered for sale within this state or delivered for transportation or transported in intrastate commerce or between points within this state through any point outside the state.  Target Corporation signed an Order on Consent on September 12, 2012 and paid a fine of $43,850.

Any individual who has purchased either of the aforementioned pesticides can contact his or her Town Hall to determine where to safely dispose of the chemicals.  For questions regarding refunds, please contact your local Target store for more information.

Although the pesticides sold are considered safe for handling when label instructions are properly followed, these products, along with nearly 400 other pesticides registered in New York, have been banned from use on Long Island to help protect the groundwater aquifer that supplies the region’s drinking water. When purchasing any pesticide, read the label carefully to ensure the chemical is appropriate for your region and applied properly. A list of currently registered pesticides in New York state can be found on DEC’s website here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/27354.html

Anyone concerned about the sale, use or distribution of pesticides can call DEC Bureau of Pesticides at (631) 444-0340.  For general pesticide questions, contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.

Anyone who observes an environmental crime in progress can anonymously contact DEC’s Environmental Conservation Officers at (631) 444-0250 or 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7998).

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown - Nesconset Farmer’s Market – More than just veggies!

What’s Cookin’? – Smithtown

 By Nancy Vallarella - Photos by Nikki Vallarella

Nesconset Farmer’s Market – More than just veggies!

Since the beginning of July, the Nesconset Farmer’s Market has been selling farm fresh goods to Smithtown residents.  Naturally, vegetables are a popular item. They are plentiful here but there are other goods available that are truly noteworthy.

Papa Pasquale Ravioli comes to us from Brooklyn every Saturday morning.  Zagat rated “The Best Ravioli in the 5 Boroughs of NYC”.  The Vallarella family rating – Two thumbs up, unable to speak because it is rude to speak with your mouth full of delicious ravioli! Try their sauce and prepared meals too.

Island hopping from the island of Staten to the island of Long isArtisan Bakers Group. You really can get your carbs on here. Many varieties of bread and baked goodies are offered. My daughter and I arrived at their stand around 9:30 and managed to get the last blueberry scone. It was our lucky day! Try the soft pretzel. I found it very unique in shape, texture and taste.  A welcomed change over the pretzel I had from a vendor in NYC which was traditional in shape but over salted and over baked.  It is no surprise to find out that Artisan Bakers Group supplies many Manhattan restaurants and gourmet stores.

The food industry has always contributed a variety of buzz words to our everyday conversations. Supersize, super food, fast food, slow food, fat free, sugar free to name a few.  Lately the hands down, most popular food industry buzz word goes to – gluten free.  Coming to us from the Bronx is gluten-free Golden Glow Cookies.  Over fifty years ago, when the company was established by a father and daughter, I am sure they were oblivious to this now ever growing need.

A pop culture revitalized phenomenon attributed to Snookie of the Jersey Shore is the popularity of the pickle.  Everything old becomes new again. Guss’ Pickles  was founded by a Polish immigrant, Isidor Guss.  He arrived in New York in 1910 and settled in the Lower East Side. Clustered in the “pickle district” of Essex and Ludlow streets, early 20th century pickle vendors gave birth to what would be known as “New York style” pickles. You can bite into Guss’ Pickles at the market or have them shipped nationwide to your favorite pickle fan.

While we are on the subject of out of town loved ones – BearBerry Artisanal sells their products individually and in care packages – “Customized Gift Baskets made with Love”. Send your homesick college student a basket of stuffed cookies, cupcakes and jarred goods with ingredients to make baked goods like Cake N’ Cup – chocolate cake ingredients that are poured into a coffee cup and baked in the microwave! Beware; everything at this stand looks sinfully good. I am very particular when it comes to sweets. I usually never have a problem passing on desert. I have a big problem passing this stand without making a purchase. I officially give BearBerry cupcakes my Calorie Worthy Seal of Approval. They taste as good as they look.

There is more; fresh fish, plants, flowers, cheese, body care products and of course - vegetables. New vendors and products come on board every week. The Nesconset Farmer’s Market is opened on Saturday from 9:00am till 1:00pm until November 17th. It is located in the parking lot of 127 Smithtown Blvd. (across the street from the Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Library). 

The Commack "Will Never Forget Memorial" will be dedicated on September 11, 2012.

“A year ago, almost to the day, our community was given the honor to keep safe and memorialize a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Our vision was to create a place to sit and reflect on the heroes of 9-11, to recognize the changes our country had to make, to be able to pay respect to all those who continue to give us the freedoms, so many of us take for granted.” Community Relations Consultant, Debbie Virga.

The Commack School District will mark the eleventh anniversary of September 11 with the dedication of a permanent 9-11 Memorial.

The memorial is located next to Heroes Memorial Track at Commack High School. A piece of steel from the Twin Towers was acquired last September. The steel now rests atop a granite pedestal, surrounded by walkways inlaid with engraved memorial bricks donated by the community, staff, and others. Four granite benches face the memorial, creating a restful setting to contemplate the sacrifices and bravery of the heroes of 9-11, and the precious lives lost on that tragic day.

Debbie Virga, called the “Heart and Soul” of the project by Commack’s Superintendent of Schools, Donald James wants everyone to know that this project could not have come to fruition without the many people who worked together to make it happen. “This Memorial has received tremendous support from the Commack Board of Education, Dr. James and the Administration, 9-11 Committee,  Richie Schramm and the entire facilities department, the community and special recognition and thanks to Guiseppe Abbrancati and the Gappsi Group.”  

All are welcome to attend the dedication and annual candlelight ceremony on September 11. The ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m., on the football field at Commack High School. Local and national dignitaries and religious leaders will be in attendance. The Marine Corp League will present a 21 gun salute, and the Commack Fire Department, and Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corp will participate. High School senior Anthony Funcheon will perform his original song, “You’re Not Alone,”.

Politics Or Illegal? Councilman Creighton Wants To Know

On August 16, 2012, after a scathing article about a campaign donation solicited by the Bishop for Congress campaign appeared in POLITICO, opponent Randy Altschuler challenged Bishop to call for an ethics investigation. Altschuler stated “I challenge you to publicly call for an official ethics investigation into the activities of you and your staff in regards to the fundraising email solicitation sent to Mr. Semler while his fireworks permits hung in the balance.”

Congressman Tim BishopIt was no surprise that Congressman Bishop declined to do so.  What was a surprise wasCouncilman Robert Creighton Smithtown Town Councilman Robert Creighton’s letter to the Office of Congressional Ethics asking them to investigate Congressman Bishop and his staff’s behavior.

“I think it was wrong for Congressman Bishop’s staff to solicit a donation from a constituent Bishop was helping.  The law is very clear on this.” Said Creighton after Tuesday’s Town Board meeting.  “If you read my letter of August 28 it is spelled out in the last two paragraphs.  According to the House Ethics Manual a Member or employee may not accept any contribution that the donor links to any official action that the Member or employee has taken, or is being asked to take.”

According to POLITICO Bishop was helping Mr. Semler get permits for a fireworks display at his home when he was solicited by Bishop’s campaign for a hefty $10,000 campaign donation. Subsequent to the solicitation Bishop’s campaigned received a $5,000 donation and Mr. Semler received his permits.

“I feel very strongly that Bishop’s solicitation was wrong.  Fundraising for campaigns is difficult but there are rules.  In this case the rules are clear, political solicitations may not be linked with an official action taken or to be taken by a House Member or employee, and a Member may not accept any contribution that is linked with an action that the Member has taken or is being asked to take.” Mr. Bishop was helping the guy get permits; he sends a letter out asking for as much as $10,000 in a campaign donation? That sounds too much like a quid pro quo to me.”

According to Mr. Creighton he has not yet heard back from the Office of Congressional Ethics and he is not sure he will.  “I’m not certain this will go anywhere. I don’t know how they handle these things in Washington. Sure, I’ve been asked if this is a political move. It’s not, I am a supporter of Randy Altschuler but that has nothing to do with my writing the letter. There are rules that we must live by and Tim Bishop violated those rules. No, I don’t regret calling for an investigation.” 

On September 5, 2012 Altschuler’s campaign once again challenged Bishop, “ I urge you to use your power as a United States Congressman to request that the Office of Congressional Ethics open a formal review of your actions and produce an expedited ruling on their findings……”.

Political or critical you get to decide on November 6, 2012.

(Congressman Bishop could not be reached for comment)