Zeldin Throwing Congressional Weight
Maureen Rossi
The Republican politicos and their inner sanctum packed the Watermill Wednesday April 8th for Councilman Eddie Wehrheim’s fundraiser. However, in addition to Wehrheim, guest speakers such as Republican John Jay LaValle and United States Congressman Lee Zeldin were also touting the work and importance of re-electing Councilman Bob Creighton and Tax Receiver Deanna Varricchio.
The cold spring day brought many community leaders to the noon-time event. Smithtown Republican Chairman Bill Ellis was in the house as well as town heads, business people and other Republican leaders like Leg. Leslie Kennedy and her Comptroller husband John Kennedy who is being teased and being called the first lady now that Leslie has officially been sworn in (as of 4/8/15). Suffolk County Republican Chair Jay LaValle was also present, sitting beside Zeldin, Ellis and their teams.
Toss in a few judges like Toomey and Barbera-Dalli, a few reporters and the crowd was lively and full of flesh pressing.
Wehrheim led the speaking component of the event. “I’m blessed to have great support behind me,” he shared. He said, he Bob Creighton Deanna Varricchio and he have all decided to run again in the fall. This comment was met with great applause by the packed house.
Wehrheim acknowledged the many leaders in the room as well as the Smithtown Volunteer Fire Department. “There is a lot to do in Smithtown, we all love the place we call home but some people don’t like to hear it but we need to work on infrastructure, the parks and marinas,” he shared.
The seasoned town resident has spent forty-four years in service to it as an employee of the Parks Department, then its leader and as a Councilman for well over a decade.
“Bob and I have the experience to get the job done, we don’t have time for people who will show up for the job and wait a term or two for them to get their feet wet,” he continued.
Suffolk County Republican Chairman John Jay LaValle took the podium and first touted the recent tromp for the 12th legislative seat by Leslie Kennedy. “She took 82% of the vote,” he bragged to applause. The miserable weather coupled with the mid-term elected created an equally miserable turnout. However, despite her tromp, Leslie Kennedy will have to fight for her seat again come November. It could very well be against another Republican in a Primary. If the mood in the room reflects November, many feel that may actually not happen.
Lavalle talked about issues that not only face Smithtown but much of Suffolk County; growing the tax base, fixing up Main Street and working on infrastructure.
“These very issues were disclosed by Bob Creighton and Eddie Wehrheim and now people are jumping on the ship late,” he said. LaValle said he looks forward to supporting the three Smithtown candidates this fall and said we must grow so we can reduce the taxes Deanna Varicchio collects.
Zeldin, the keynote speaker is a United States Congressman, elected this past fall, he oust the long-time Democratic incumbent. He spoke of his first run for Congress in 2008 and the loyalty of the Smithtown party including the work of Wehrheim’, Creighton and Varricchio.
Only in Washington for four months he has appears on Fox News about forty-times. The freshman Congressman has seemed to make a great impact for a new Washington insider. LaValle said he went to work on critical issues immediately upon his election. “Zeldin took on tough issues, its one thing to get to Washington, it’s another to show up and get right to work,” he explained.
Zeldin shared what many deemed a cute story about a visit to Chicago where a Middle Eastern Uber car drive recognized him. “I know you, you are on t.v.,” said the excited rented car driver. Zeldin said he went on to say you talk about everything wrong our President is talking about. Zeldin said, he guesses he’s out there if a Middle Eastern cab driver in Chicago knows who he is and what he stands for.
He spoke of his first run in 2008 and the dismal polls but the fact that Team Smithtown had his back and kept on plugging regardless of the polls. The loyalty has not been forgotten by Zeldin.
“I am here for the sole reason of saying how much I support Creighton, Wehrheim and Varricchio,” he explained. He said he will do anything in his power to get them reelected.
“Winners never remember but losers never forget,” he shared. He said he’ll never forget the fact that despite his team was expected to come up short that these people stood beside him.
He thanked Lavelle Ellis for their leadership in the Republican Party and for everyone who knocked on tens of thousands of doors for him. Coffee and dessert was served and the crowd lingered amongst enthusiastic banter before the reentered the damp cold spring day in Smithtown.