Op Ed- November 3rd Vote To End Stagnation

By Larry Vetter

Remember, remember the third of November. Although not quite the original saying (which referred to the fifth of November), this phrase made popular in a movie a few years back actually dates to the infamous gunpowder incident in British history and a character named Guy Fawkes. He railed against the monarchy and his sentiment may be quite fitting for modern day Smithtown.

Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day and this year is a local election year. Although most voters are energized during a national election year, the local elections have more of a direct effect on your everyday life. The conditions of your towns, parks, roads, neighborhoods and the value of your homes and quality of life are impacted by what your local officials do, or more so in the case of Smithtown; not do.

Our townʼs stagnation coincides with the seemingly endless years our political officials remain in their positions. We have two incumbents, one with twelve years in office and the second with eight, now asking for another four years, which will give them sixteen years and twelve years respectively. Although nice people, they have been by their own admission ineffective because of endless bickering with the supervisor and the supervisorʼs appointed officials as well as being stifled by the other town board members. Another four years from each of these individuals is simply going to amount to four more years of ineffective government.

There are two remaining choices. One candidate who is new on the scene has vowed in her own op-ed pieces to maintain the status quo and vote with the supervisorʼs every plan. Isnʼt that what we already have? Isnʼt that a big part of the stagnation? The other person that is running is also new on the political scene and is I.

I am the fourth candidate. I have outlined my entire campaign, the issues facing us, and many of the strategies I will employ to tackle these issues, since my nomination. The outlines have been in the form of op-ed pieces available through on-line publications and print publications locally. My background has been and still is in the private sector. I have been able to accomplish much during my career simply be being persistent, diligent and honest. I intend to bring that level of commitment to government. The idea is not wholesale change, but an adaption of Smithtown to a point to make us ready to meet the needs of the future, ensuring that our children, grand children and great grand children have good lives and a great town in which to reside.

I implore you to do the research on not just my candidacy, but also all who are running. Make an informed choice and please take the fifteen to twenty minutes

needed to make your voice heard by voting on Election Day. Do not leave the choice to someone else.

I want to take a moment to thank all in Smithtown for this opportunity to run for office. It is something I have never done and I feel privileged to live in a country where anyone who cares and wants to do something has that opportunity. I will be voting on Election Day and I hope you all will join me at the polls. 

Larry Vetter is the Democratic candidate for Town Council