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Intersection of Rte. 111 and Rte. 347
(click on photo to enlarge)
Take a good look at the photo alongside this editorial. Is this the future of your street, a friend’s street or all of Smithtown? That’s a question one would hope Smithtown Republicans ask themselves as they go to the polls Thursday, September 10. Three Republican candidates Edward Wehrheim, Robert Creighton and Lisa Inzerillo are in a contentious battle for two seats on the town council. Wehrheim and Creighton, incumbents, are being challenged by first time candidate Lisa Inzerillo.
A lot of mud has been slung in this campaign. Rhetoric intended to demonize and vilify the opposition has been the focus of this primary to the detriment of issues like planning, roads, parks, infrastructure. Very little has been heard about protecting the environment or how to address the challenging traffic problems we face. Even less has been said about how Smithtown will move forward to protect its drinking water and to accept and implement its master plan for land use, or perhaps to reject it.
The concept of being pro-business is too often a euphemism for change the code, grant zone changes, waivers and remove covenants. A business is good and residents will adjust mindset. It is unquestionable that Smithtown needs a strong commercial/business presence for our tax base, convenience and to support our quality of life. In order for a community to thrive residents and business need to coexist. But, we must not negotiate our quality of life, our safety or our sense of community.
There is a direct correlation between who is elected to the Town Board and how the future of Smithtown will play out. We haven’t heard much about the agendas of those running for office. There haven’t been any debates. The primary is being fought in the mail. Those Republicans lucky enough to receive the mailings know that Wehrheim and Creighton are a team and Inzerillo has Supervisor Vecchio’s support.
Look at the photo again. It is one example of how differently people viewing the same photo can see things. There are many people who look at the photo and say, so it was a vacant abandoned property that has been improved. It is better than what was there before.
There are others who will look at the photo and say, why did we allow a gas station to be constructed across the street from another service station? How safe is it for the people pulling out onto 347 without the benefit of an acceleration lane? And how many price signs do they need? Haven’t we gotten beyond using American Flags as a marketing tool?
Republicans need to ask themselves what they want for Smithtown. Everyone wants tax relief but we know that degrading our codes is not the answer. Planning and a commitment to Smithtown today and tomorrow is the only way we will leave a healthy footprint for our children and our grandchildren.
Republicans must ask questions, demand answers and then they need to vote.
Pat