The Watermill was packed with elected officials, respected judges and local heroes on Friday afternoon, as Councilman Ed Wehrheim, hosted his annual Luncheon. On Friday, April 22nd, Councilman Wehrheim hosted guest speakers Suffolk County Republican chairman, John Jay LaValle and Congressman Lee Zeldin, during the annual event. The afternoon began with introductions as supporters applauded local dignitaries, from multiple political parties and organizations. Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Smithtown’s Republican Chairman Bill Ellis, Vice Chairman of Smithtown Conservative Party Steve Gargiulo, Vice Chairman of Smithtown’s Independence party Jim Tsunis and the recently appointed new Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy were just a few of the names the Councilman thanked for attending, despite their busy schedules. But the room roared with a massive standing ovation when Mr. Wehrheim introduced Aaron Bramblett, an Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran. Bramblett had recently been honored at Citi field during a Mets game, but told Smithtown Today that the warm welcome during the luncheon was one of his all-time favorite moments.
“It was unexpected. I came to the Luncheon to support Congressman Lee Zeldin, because he and his team have done so much for me. Then Councilman Wehrheim introduces me over the microphone and thanks me for my service, and the room just went wild. It’s a great thing to have hundreds of strangers applaud you at a huge stadium… but to have that kind of welcome from my neighbors at home… well there’s no words to describe how touched I was.”
Councilman Wehrheim continued with his opening by introducing one of the busiest men in Long Island at the moment. He thanked Suffolk County Republican chairman, John Jay LaValle who put the presidential primary aside to support the Councilman. LaValle discussed the primary in detail, saying what an exciting time for America this is. He spoke of a patriotism that he hasn’t witnessed since the 80’s, stating individuals from both Democrat and Republican parties came out in attempt to Vote in support of Trump last Tuesday.
“I’ve never seen so many people waving american flags, chanting USA. I remember I was 13 years old when the US hockey team won and Ronald Reagan won the Presidency. Those were the days when I last witnessed this type of patriotism… There were Democrats that were mad because they didn’t know they couldn’t vote for a republican during a primary and others that hadn’t turned out to vote in 16-20 years who showed up on Tuesday… This is a historic moment for our Country and our Government. These are exciting times!” – Suffolk County Republican chairman, John Jay LaValle
LaValle praised the job of the Congressional majority, commending the work of Peter King and Lee Zeldin, proclaiming that Zeldin had achieved more for his district, during his first six months in Congress, than his predecessor did in his 12 years in Congress. The County Republican Chairman’s timing was almost too perfect, as Councilman Wehrheim had a surprise presentation prepared prior to introducing Congressman Zeldin as the featured speaker. A special video was played, recapping the numerous bills written, legislation passed and local improvements within our community that the Congressman succeeded in, during his first term. To view the video, Click Here
After the video presentation, a packed house shook the room with applause and shouting as Congressman Lee Zeldin walked up to the podium. The very humbled Congressman thanked everyone, several times over. He continued by expressing what a privilege it is to serve as a congressional Representative, discussing the vital importance of having people in office who truly care about their constituents and the land itself.
“Ed Wehrheim is someone I greatly respect. He loves the town of Smithtown. He has been on board, way before I was ever in office… Not only is Ed a great public servant who deeply loves his town, but we all have personal thoughts and memories appreciating what a loyal person, a hard worker and a great friend he is to all.” – Congressman Lee Zeldin
The Congressman went on to discuss the importance of taking care of our military and first responders, by holding the administration accountable; both when they fail to do so and before problems might arise. Zeldin covered important national security issues from the Zika outbreak and funding rare disease research, to the Iran nuclear deal and Isis’ social media recruitment tactics targeting American teenagers. He closed the conversation, focusing on local issues, such as the heroin epidemic and putting a stop to common core, encouraging the room to reach out to his office with new concerns or important issues that require his assistance.
Councilman Wehrheim told Smithtown Today that this year’s luncheon was one of the best to date.
“We had a great turn out and I was so honored to have so many wonderful people take time away from their busy schedules… People were calling me all day with compliment after compliment. It’s so crucial that we all stay informed and involved with the important issues within the Town, County and Country, regardless of who’s up for election or not… We are a truly fortunate district, to have a Congressman in office like Lee Zeldin. I am honored that he continues to support myself and the people of Smithtown and I can’t thank everyone enough for taking the time to come out. I look forward to another great year for our community.” – Councilman Ed Wehrheim
L.I. Elite Attend the Annual Councilman Wehrheim Luncheon
