By Richard Macellaro
Councilman Robert CreightonWhat most people surmised or knew for the last few months, was confirmed today, when Smithtown Town Councilman Robert (Bob) Creighton announced that, he plans to challenge Smithtown’s longest serving Town Supervisor, Patrick Vecchio, for the Republican nomination for the Supervisor’s Office.
In an exclusive interview, with this reporter, Mr. Creighton said, “The status quo is unacceptable.” When asked, “Why are you running for this Office?” the two-term Council member responded, “It’s the right thing to do.” Further, “this town is suffering due to stagnation.” Also asked, “Who do you think will support you,” Councilman Creighton smiled saying, “I’ve sensed over the last few months, that many people will support me.” He continued, “I recognize that this is a difficult challenge for the Supervisor. The Supervisor has served in that capacity for well over 30 years. That is a commendable record.” Further, “in those 30 years, he has had many supporters and admirers. It’s a difficult task (a primary election challenge-RSM) to say the least.” The Councilman, without missing a beat said, “but, now it’s time for a change, because the Town is suffering. It is not a business friendly community.” Inquiring what he meant by saying that the Town is “not business friendly?” Mr. Creighton declared, “Developers and others interested in moving into Smithtown are not welcomed! Rather, everything is made very, very difficult.” “It is almost a hostile environment for people looking to do business with this Town.” Mr. Creighton seemed frustrated by this, adding, “The Supervisor has done nothing to address or correct this issue.”
Changing subjects, Mr. Creighton discussed Smithtown’s infrastructure. “The infrastructure needs attention. This was made clear after the storm last year and some of our antiquated equipment could not do the job.” When quizzed further, the Councilman said, “The Supervisor was stretching the longevity of the equipment to a point where it is beyond its useful life.” “The Supervisor has no interest in repaving the roads and taking care of the parks.” Adding, “We must very carefully consider funding these departments in the future.”
In his concluding remarks, Councilman Creighton said, “The Supervisor would like to maintain the status quo.” “I would like to improve upon the conditions by carefully planning the Town’s future growth and development.” “We have been essentially a retro-active government and I would prefer to be pro-active.” It is “very much like the debacle in Washington, D.C. The Town of Smithtown has been kicking the can down the road, that will ultimately be to the detriment of the taxpayers in Smithtown.”
Reporter’s note. When I contacted Mr. Creighton, requesting an appointment to interview him on his announcement, he cleared his schedule and we met within 15 minutes of my phone call. Also, during this face to face interview, Mr. Creighton’s cell phone, was ringing off the hook, with callers congratulating and offering their support (as overheard by me) and him saying, “Yes, this an uphill battle, but I am ready for it.”