Vecchio's Got Friends And Support In High Places

On May 4th,  when Patrick R. Vecchio stood on the steps of Town Hall and declared his candidacy for town supervisor he was surrounded by Republican elected officials. Town board members Tom McCarthy, Lynne C. Nowick, Lisa Inzerillo, Legislator Rob Trotta, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy represented both himself and Legislator Leslie Kennedy, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Congressman Lee Zeldin, unable to attend, sent a representative as did NYS Senator John Flanagan. Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy who was appointed to fill the remaining term of Glenn Jorgenson. Those officicals who spoke and their representatives praised Vecchio’s leadership and the fiscal policies that according to speakers made Smithtown the best run town in Suffolk County. 

Electeds spoke about Smithtown’s economic stability, it’s famously low debt, its leadership on environmental issues. They praised Vecchio’s mindset of fiscal conservatism. On Tuesday, May 30th, the Smithtown Republican Committee denied the 40 year incumbent the Republican endorsement to run again. In addition, the Smithtown Republican Committee turned their backs on Councilman McCarthy and Councilwoman Nowick. In a bait-and-switch move they replaced candidate for supervisor John Zollo with Councilman Ed Wehrheim and jettisoned the incumbent councilmembers for newcomers Robert Doyle and Thomas Lohmann. 

Vecchio with friends and supporters at Commack Quick StopWhat’s next? Supervisor Vecchio, Councilman McCarthy and Councilwoman Nowick have promised to go directly to Republican voters and challange the Republican slate in a primary which will take place in September. 

Smithtown Matters has reached out to some of the electeds who were with Supervisor Vecchio at his announcement and asked if they are standing with Vecchio. All of those who were contacted, Assemblyman Fitzpatrick, Legislators Kennedy and Trotta, Suffolk County Comptroller Kennedy have reaffirmed their committment to Vecchio. 

Comments

[Smithtown Independent]

"All of those who were contacted, Assemblyman Fitzpatrick, Legislators Kennedy and Trotta, Suffolk County Comptroller Kennedy have reaffirmed their committment to Vecchio."

Vincent (Fredo) Puleo remains undecided.