A symbiotic effort has begun at Town Hall, as Smithtown Council Members work in unity to serve, support and see out the requests of all Smithtown residents. It began with making change at the Animal Shelter and after meetings on March 3rd, discussions and resolutions to create a more efficient government, vital services and improved accountability within departments are unanimously underway.
During the Smithtown Town Board’s March 3rd Work Session an add-on to the agenda which would offer Suffolk County a much needed Detoxification program and adjoining Consultant was presented by Town Attorney Matthew Jakubowski. The Detoxification program, a much needed service within Suffolk County would be brought to Horizons Counseling Center by Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, a non-profit group. The experts from Nassau will provide detoxification services and train recovering addicts to stay clean after treatment. Councilwoman Lynn Nowick explained the urgency for this service in the community.
“We have a need in Smithtown and Suffolk County for Detox. We don’t have the ability to do the detox where we are now. The need is so great as far as alcoholism and drugs… Detoxification is a process, so dangerous it can kill, unless you do it properly… This is a mutually beneficial arrangement.” -Councilwoman Lynn Nowick
Also brought to the table was a proposal open for further discussion by Councilmen Creighton and Wehrheim to streamline government, efficiency and accountability by appointing four commissioners to oversee departments. At present, there are job vacancies and high salaried department heads approaching retirement, making the timing ideal. By combining departments, promoting four current employees without filling vacancies, the towns savings become substantial, communication channels improve and efficiency increases in daily operations. The four commissioners, of planning and development, human resources, public works and public safety, would be serve at the pleasure of the Town Board.
“I think the town runs very well. Occasionally a hiccup occurs and the board resolves it.” -Supervisor Patrick Vecchio
Discussions to restructure local government, have been bandied around by Smithtown Council Members and Supervisor Vecchio for some 20 years. His resistance to move forward with research and future discussions, at the work session may have been antagonistic at first, given previous support. After hearing various benefits including this model of local government proving beneficial for South Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Babylon and Brookhaven Municipalities, Councilmen McCarthy, Creighton, Wehrheim and Councilwoman Nowick found the proposal worthy of further discussion. Despite earlier concerns, Supervisor Vecchio also agreed that further discussion and potentially hosting a presentation given by the Suffolk County Civil Service Personnel Director, Alan Schneider were welcome.