Dunne’s first 100 days

Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig took Dan Panico’s District 6 vacated seat with overwhelming numbers last year.

Last month, she interviewed with the Tide of Moriches reflecting on her first 100 days in office and looked forward at her remaining term.

During election season, Dunne said her first goal was to learn as much as she possibly can about the most important issues she needs to deal with. She also promised to take a look at the Neighborhood Road redevelopment in Mastic Beach.

The first thing she noticed while in office, she said, is how well her staff works with the community in guiding them to the proper resources.

“I am just amazed at how many constituent issues there are in this district and how incredibly well my staff has dealt with them,” she said.

The largest accomplishment, she noted, was dealing with the flooding issues that were exacerbated in her area with early-year storms.

“We had more flooding than normal with major rain storms, particularly in Mastic Beach,” she said, noting her constituents were contacting her office in need of help.

In Mastic Beach, she noted, they are also still working with the master developer for the redevelopment of Neighborhood Road. Beechwood is currently in contract with multiple properties.

An ongoing issue she has also dealt with is litter and trash.

“On a daily basis we are dealing with quality-of-life issues and trying to get help for people; it’s the most important thing,” she said. “People just want to be heard.”
If the Town of Brookhaven is unable to help, she said, she has been guiding her constituents to the proper place, either with the county or state.

She has also been meeting regularly with local civic organizations, including the chambers of commerce and Pattersquash Creek Civic, as well as attending ribbon cuttings and fire department installations.

“We have been going over all the different issues; [they are] wonderful and proactive at doing things themselves,” she said of the civics, noting they have plans for cleanups in the community.

Lastly, she noted, she is proud seeing renovations at the Mastic-Shirley train station come to fruition. In the coming weeks, she said, the town historian will also be working with the MTA to implement 14 photos around the shelter.
Earlier this year, the MTA announced plans for a new shelter for passengers at the Mastic-Shirley Long Island Rail Road station. The shelter will replace the existing station building, which has reached its useful life. The work is expected to be completed this winter.

However, her largest personal accomplishment in office was helping residents in Manorville with cut trees from a beetle infestation. The trees, she said, were an eyesore causing multiple residents to call. Under her direction, the department of public works chopped the cut trees down, creating a better view on Moriches Middle Island Road.

Looking forward, Dunne said she is eager for the town’s recycling events, which will take place on June 1 at the Eastport-South Manor High School. Recycled materials accepted include paper for shredding, electronics, and even a drug take-back program.

“We are going to make it a bit of a competition,” she said, hoping her district collects the most recycled materials.

Dunne will also be visiting ESM for an assembly on recycling and will be sponsoring a pizza or ice cream party for the class that collects the most.

She is looking forward to over three more remaining years in office.

“I am enjoying this job a lot more than I anticipated,” she said, also thanking her staff members for making the transition smooth. “This job certainly is not boring.”