Smithtown today is providing unbiased information on all four town council candidates based on private interviews and meet the candidate debates hosted throughout the last month, so our readers can make the most informed decision possible next Tuesday. Incumbent Ed Wehrheim shares with us, his who, what, where and how regarding his vision for Smithtown as well as his platform on important topics for residents.
About Councilman Ed Wehrheim
Ed Wehrheim is a town lifer, born in kings park and chose to raise his two daughters with his wife here. With over 40 years working for the town of Smithown, Wehrheim has dedicated his career to serving the community. After serving his Country in Vietnam for two tours, the US Navy Veteran returned home to put his education in engineering to good use, revolutionizing Smithtown’s recreational facilities. Under his tenure as director of the Department of Parks, Buildings and Grounds, Ed Wehrheim was responsible for the beautification of Smithtown parks and beaches, awarded as some of the finest facilities in the state. He is the first Councilman to provide his constituents with aid on a full time basis and plans to continue his full-time constituent service over the next four years. During his time as Councilman, Mr. Wehrheim has been responsible for major commercial development including the Smith Haven Mall redevelopment. He has been a vital leading roll in aiding historical site restoration such as the Mills Pond House and the Caleb Smith house. His work supervising the Long Beach Marina facilities helped to increase property exclusivity and increased revenue. In recent months, his tireless effort to get minimum wage for summer employees and funding to repair Smithtown Ball Fields proved to residents, he could prevail despite childish alliances at Town Hall. But it was his latest victory, alongside Councilman Creighton, orchestrating a peaceful mediation to help the innocent animals at the Smithtown Animal Shelter, that proved he could deliver results for the people of Smithtown against all the odds.
What are your primary concerns which you hope to make your focus in the next four years?
Smart Growth Initiatives – Downtown Revitalization
Smart Growth projects, like developing our Downtown business districts, safer pedestrian walkways and attracting resident-friendly commerce to our streets. A big issue that plagues the road to progress is the accountability of upper management in key departments for Smart Growth and downtown revitalization. We are missing out on major grant funding for Smart Growth initiatives from County and State for foolish reasons, like grant applications not making the deadlines. I was thrilled to open the newspaper this past week to learn that my fellow board members have finally come over to side of the fence that Bob Creighton and I have been on for some time now. My hope is that with the support of Suffolk County and now unanimous support of all five council members, we will be able to access Smart Growth grants, which Smithtown is perfectly set up for.
Improved Accountability throughout Town Departments
If our town operated like a business, where our employees where held accountable for the quality of work they do, we would be able to fast track downtown business developments, safer pedestrian walkways and attract better businesses to our streets. Currently, our department heads and deputies are all members of a union, which means, unless they commit a crime or an investigation results in a violation or negligence of their contract, it is very difficult to let someone go because they produce subpar work. We have a few proposals to make daily operations more efficient on the table, but we need the full support of the Town Council to move forward with the next steps. These ideas are based on surrounding towns who have thrived under the more transparent system of operations and are getting things done more efficiently when it comes to downtown development.
Sewer Infrastructure in Business Districts
We have a great opportunity to work with Federal, State and County funding that was just handed to us by Our County Executive this week. Let me clear in saying that this project is currently for our business districts. However, many residents seem to think that this means a tax hike and that is inaccurate. While we intend to seek County, Federal and state aid, the towns contribution will come from commercial tax base and possibly bonding the funds. The Sewer infrastructure plan will take time to spearhead. It is necessary for the health and safety of all existing residents and future generations that we move forward on this.
In the meantime: One way around developing downtown without a major sewer infrastructure rehabilitation is the transfer of development rights which we initiated a few years back. This allows business owners to transfer rights from one property to another, while preserving open space and environmentally sensitive land. Business owners have used this as a tool to expand, enhancing tour three central business districts while protecting the groundwater from contamination.
Attract Young Talent Back to Smithtown
New Businesses means new jobs, which in turn equals new residents. Technology is considered a four letter word depending on who you ask in Town Hall. But Millennials make up 36% of the workforce in the country and each of them have a digital skillset, at least 60% more advance than us old timers. We need to create incentives for digital/technological firms to set up shop here. By partnering with the county (IDA Boost Program, Tax Incentives) and utilizing our light industry zones like flowerfield in St. James, or even Hauppauge Industrial Park, we can offer Information technology and green tech businesses amazing resources to bring their businesses here.
Public View on Local Government officials and Politics:
Smithtown Town Hall may be comprised of all Republican Council Members. However, there is zero partisan allegiance. It comes down to a majority voting based on blind allegiance and the minority. The minority; myself and Councilman Creighton vote based on what our constituents ask of us and all the facts. All you need to verify that statement is to watch the work sessions and board meetings available on the town website.
On Voter Turnout and the Election:
If I could give any piece of advice to Smithtown Residents, it would be get out and vote, November 3rd and remind your neighbors to get to the polls as well. Don’t choose your candidate based on your party registration. Chose based on a person’s track record, experience and knowledge of the issues most important to you.