1st District Matters

The complete, unedited conversation with Democratic nominee John Avlon, recorded in Southampton on August 23rd, 2024.

The complete, unedited conversation with Congressman Nick LaLota, recorded in Southampton on September 13th, 2024.

As we face ever more severe weather, Long Island is a frontline region in navigating climate change. Flood insurance, agriculture, and more are all at stake. What can Congress do to help Suffolk County move forward sustainably in this new world?Hear 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY. These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators. 1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections. A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.For WLIW-FM:Moderator: Michael Mackey Executive Producer: Diane MascialeProducer: Delaney Hafener Production: Kyle Lynch Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon Legal Services: Marta CastaingFor The Express News Group: Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive EditorManaging Editor: Bill Sutton Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu Copyright 2024

Is the healthcare system on Long Island broken? What can the federal government do to make sure that Suffolk County residents have healthcare infrastructure that will keep them safe and healthy? What does having a "public option" really mean?Hear 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY. These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators. 1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections. A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.For WLIW-FM:Moderator: Michael Mackey Executive Producer: Diane MascialeProducer: Delaney Hafener Production: Kyle Lynch Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon Legal Services: Marta CastaingFor The Express News Group: Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive EditorManaging Editor: Bill Sutton Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu Copyright 2024

Women's rights are under scrutiny in a way they have not been in a generation. What is the federal government's role in protecting women's rights? Where do most Americans actually stand on the right to abortion?Hear 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY. These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators. 1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections. A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.For WLIW-FM:Moderator: Michael Mackey Executive Producer: Diane MascialeProducer: Delaney Hafener Production: Kyle Lynch Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon Legal Services: Marta CastaingFor The Express News Group: Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive EditorManaging Editor: Bill Sutton Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu Copyright 2024

Is the 1st district safer now than it was a year ago? How can the federal government address such a localized issue as criminal justice? How does the 2nd amendment come into play in conversations around public safety?Hear 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY. These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators. 1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections. A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.For WLIW-FM:Moderator: Michael Mackey Executive Producer: Diane MascialeProducer: Delaney Hafener Production: Kyle Lynch Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon Legal Services: Marta CastaingFor The Express News Group: Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive EditorManaging Editor: Bill Sutton Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu Copyright 2024

The state of the economy is one of the most pressing issues across the country, but in the 1st congressional district it's especially urgent to address ever-rising costs of living, record-breaking housing costs, and a dwindling middle class. Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon and 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota hold distinct philosophies on solving the economic problems present throughout Eastern Long Island. Hear them share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY. These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators. 1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections. A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.For WLIW-FM:Moderator: Michael Mackey Executive Producer: Diane MascialeProducer: Delaney Hafener Production: Kyle Lynch Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon Legal Services: Marta CastaingFor The Express News Group: Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive EditorManaging Editor: Bill Sutton Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu Copyright 2024

Much of the economy of the 1st Congressional District on Long Island depends on immigrant laborers, making immigration a key issue in the race for the congressional seat between 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic candidate John Avlon. Hear them share their views on the issue in their own words, recorded in two separate panel interviews September 2024 at WLIW-FM studios in Southampton NY. These recordings have been lightly edited without changing the content of the candidates' statements during the panel interviews. Editing of the candidates has occurred only where a music bed is heard, as well as minor editing of the moderators. 1st District Matters is part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections. A production of Express News Group and WLIW-FM.For WLIW-FM:Moderator: Michael Mackey Executive Producer: Diane MascialeProducer: Delaney Hafener Production: Kyle Lynch Senior Engineer: Brian Bannon Legal Services: Marta CastaingFor The Express News Group: Executive Producer and Moderator: Joseph P. Shaw, Executive EditorManaging Editor: Bill Sutton Deputy Managing Editor: Brendan O'Reilly Moderator and Staff Writer: Christopher Walsh Production Managers: Kerri Cunningham, Sara Mannino Kent Publishers: Gavin Menu, Kathryn G. Menu Copyright 2024

1st District Matters is a six-part series from The Express News Group and WLIW-FM bringing you in-depth discussion with incumbent 1st District Republican Congressman Nick LaLota and Democratic congressional candidate John Avlon vying for the Congressional seat covering the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County. Hear the two candidates speak in their own words on immigration, the economy, criminal justice, the environment, women’s rights, and healthcare. Joining Express News Group Executive Editor Joe Shaw in conversation with the candidates are WLIW-FM Long Island Morning Edition Host Michael Mackey and Express New Group Staff Writer Christopher Walsh. New episodes will be published online each Thursday at 10 a.m. starting September 26th. Listen to 1st District Matters on your schedule below, on the WLIW-FM app, and 27east.com. Or subscribe to 1st District Matters wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. We look forward to keeping you informed.1st District Matters as part of Your Election 2024, a special collection of programs, series, and resources from The WNET Group to illuminate election issues on-air, online, and on YouTube leading into the November 5th elections.