Last Tuesday, October 27th, Smithtown Matters founder Pat Biancaniello joined forces with Jim Teese of the Smithtown Messenger to host a unique, press-conducted debate between the four Town Council candidates vying for two seats on the board. The meet the candidate/debate, held Smithtown Fire Department, turned out a packed room of concerned citizens, respected dignitaries. The panel of reporters from Smithtown Matters, Smithtown Messenger, Smithtown News, Smithtown Today and Times Beacon Record were tasked with asking Candidate specific questions, followed by rebuttals from the remaining town council hopefuls. As Hosts, both Biancaniello and Teese reserved the right to redirect on any discussion if they felt a follow up question was essential.
While the date and time of the final debate was arranged so that all four candidates could attend, Conservative incumbent Bob Creighton, Democrat Larry Vetter and Republican incumbent Ed Wehrheim were present and prepared to meet the press. With the exception of showing up at the first debate and occasional appearances via the postal service, newcomer Lisa Inzerillo was not in attendance at this debate or the four prior.
Questions varied from the tax cap and budget reform to Downtown revitalization and environmental reform. All three of the candidates carried their convictions with total respect for one another and shared similar visions for Smithtown future. The topic of political strong arming was brought up right off the bat, questioning how each of the candidates plan to deliver results for the people.
“The status quo is childish and doesn’t come from our end. It may be entertaining press but I do not let it get in the way of getting results for our constituents. All I can do is what I’ve been doing… I bring important issues to work everyday, courteous professional and prepared and I do not stop fighting for my constituents until we resolve the issues at hand. For example, the recent minimum wage increase was met with opposition. But, we kept at it, found the money to do it and we won.“ – Councilman Ed Wehrheim
Smithtown Today asked the uncomfortable question regarding the many scandals, suspicious resignations and recent criminal charges that have stained the efficiency of Smithtown’s Upper management, inquiring how each candidate could improve accountability throughout 23 departments. Incumbent Bob Creighton took the opportunity to clarify the cost of his commissioner proposal, stating the outrageous costs fabricated on Lisa Inzerillo’s political mailers, were false, adding an initial cost of $100k, which would roll back into payrolls within a few years. Creighton held up a folder during his response, outlining the Hillman Study and calling out the Supervisor for boycotting a plan he once welcomed.
“It is very difficult to serve as a liaison in a system where an all-unionized upper management administration, answer to the one man who writes the checks for fear of retribution… In 1996, the Supervisor commissioned the Hillman study to better improve upon daily operations at Town Hall. So while he voiced strong opposition toward my idea, his study is proof that he knows we need a better system of accountability. With perseverance and some tweaking, we can get the other two Town Board members to acknowledge interest in improving our system…” – Councilman Bob Creighton
The hot button topic right now, for all of Long Island, is Sewers. The question arose as to how Smithtown can begin improving upon the current sewer infrastructure in downtown business areas. While audience members got a bit hot and bothered when the price tag came up, Environmental expert, Larry Vetter pressed the urgency of the matter with excellent imagery.
“The need for sewers is not just to improve the downtown business districts or Smart Growth initiatives. It’s a health concern for both future generations and current residents. If you need proof, just look at the record number of fish that washed up along the north shore this year. This is something that we have the support of the County to assist with funding and help in obtaining Federal and State grants. It’s not something we will have to carry the full financial burden of. However, we will need to contribute and that will probably come from commercial tax revenue.” Democrat Larry Vetter
The local press continued to bring up important topics such as the tax cap, zoning changes, industrial parks, upcoming waste management crisis , economic stimulation, an outdated Master Plan and generating better jobs for young talent. All three candidates carried each question with incredible insight and mutual ideals. In fact, at one point, two reporters joked about imagining how perfect the Town could be if these three candidates were in office together.
The closing remarks were thought out and well-received by audience members. Each candidate made his case for a seat on the Smithtown Town Council, but Councilman Wehrheim’s ardent closing remarks were truly unforgettable. In addition to thanking his hosts, the Smithtown Fire department and the panel of journalists, Wehrheim made a point to applaud Democrat Larry Vetter for running a clean campaign built on intelligent views and ideas, stating Mr. Vetter was a true gentleman of distinction, thanking him for being an admirable and truly worthy adversary. After the applause subsided, Councilman Wehrheim went on to point out the giant elephant in the room… the missing candidate.
“ She is the only candidate to sling mud and print defamatory lies in her campaign mailers and the only candidate who has repeatedly declined to attend these meet the candidate type events. A person who can point fingers from behind closed doors and then be unwilling to go before the public, is not worthy of receiving your vote… Her absence speaks volumes and the people should hold her accountable come election day.” Councilman Ed Wehrheim
Lisa Inzerillo declined to attend all but the first debate, held by the League of Women Voters. Speculation from critics has varied from her lack of knowledge and botched responses to her soul endorsement, advising against attending future debates, which has worked for him for some 40 years now.
For individual Candidate Interviews Visit our Election Coverage Column. Election day is Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015. Get out to the polls and Vote Smithtown!
Footnote: Smithtown Today would like to formally thank Pat Biancaniello and Jim Teese for including Smithtown Today in the Press Panel. We were treated with the utmost respect and are deeply grateful for the opportunity.