Long Island Contractors' Association, Inc.

Thank you PoliticsNY for including me in your 2025 Power Players in Transportation recognition listing.

"While hardhats and safety helmets protect heavy construction personnel from head injuries, they don’t shield workers from anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can be just as crushing as a falling beam...." Was happy to pen this piece for my friends at the Long Island Contractors' Association, Inc. for their Road Warriors magazine.

PUBLICATION DAY! Last February, I attended the Building and Construction Trades Council’s annual conference where I networked with hundreds of workers attached in one way or another with organized construction labor. The panels were both energizing and fascinating for someone like me--a newbie interested in soaking up every bit of information I can about the industry. On the last day of the conference, the atmosphere changed. They presented a panel on mental health—particularly about suicide and alcohol and drug addiction in heavy construction. We’d all gotten to know each other a bit by then, and defenses were down. The speakers were open and vulnerable about their struggles in a way I hadn’t been exposed to yet. When I was told that the construction industry is second in the nation in suicide rates, I knew we should talk about it. Mental health, suicide, and addiction are all familiar topics for me and all things I have struggled with within my immediate family. The holiday season—with all the lights, music, and seasonal fare, the parties, the family time and the gifts to open–come coupled with a relentless call for joy that can be difficult to bear. Of course, winter doesn’t claim ownership rights over depression, but the holiday blues can be very real, and very overwhelming. This issue of Road Warriors speaks to the struggles within the construction industry. Our cover article features two very different men: Frank Barker and Steve Chassman. Read it to see how their life’s paths have intertwined and how together they have helped those who struggle with addiction.

Another #SOMOS in the books! This year’s conference offered opportunities for us to connect with the Latino community, engage on key issues, and build relationships with government officials and stakeholders. I attended workshops on expanding clean energy, public transportation innovations, and educating out of poverty. Labor was there in full force, bringing the energy and enthusiasm we need to work toward fair wages, safe working conditions and support for middle class workers. Governor Hochul hosted a beautiful (and hot) reception where I was able to engage in meaningful conversations with both the NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez and NYS Labor Commissioner @Roberta Reardon. As always, it was terrific to connect with NYS Senate Transportation Chair Jeremy Cooney and welcome Long Island’s newest state senator Siela Bynoe. Now, we get to work!

Today LICA brought together Democrats and Republicans from all levels of government (quite a feat two weeks before Election Day!) alongside our labor and business partners to advocate for a Nassau/Suffolk Metropolitan Planning Organization that will allow us to appeal directly to the federal government for our fair share of infrastructure funding. We haven’t seen a “project of significance” on Long Island since we installed the HOV lane on the LIE thirty years ago. Long Islanders deserve this investment in our own roadways, sewer systems and major infrastructure projects.

Annual LICA legislative breakfast a success!

LICA joined local leaders to mark the $27 million upgrade to Exit 53 on the LIE, a major improvement for Suffolk Co. LICA applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for investing in this vital safety and connectivity upgrade, which will greatly benefit the #LongIsland transportation network.

📣 New from LICA Executive Director Marc Herbst and GNY LECET Executive Director Pat Purcell: "Lawmakers must seek more state and federal aid for local bridge repairs." https://lnkd.in/eWKhitNa

🎉 Congrats to Eric Jeter of Hayduk Engineering LLC on his recent promotion! The team at Haduk Engineering is moving #LongIsland forward! @Newsday

📣 Check out the latest Long Island Press column by LICA Executive Director Marc Herbst: Long Island's Fight for Fair Funding https://lnkd.in/eaddTCku