Town Council Flexes Its Muscle And Tables SAG Agreement

At Tuesday’s Town Board meeting Councilwoman Lynne Nowick made a motion to table the Supervisor’s labor agreement (memorandum of agreement or MOA) with the Smithtown Administrators Guild (SAG). SAG represents town department chairs and deputy department heads. The motion to table was seconded by Councilman Wehrheim. A vote was taken and in a three-two decision (Nowick, Creighton and Wehrheim for tabling – McCarthy and Vecchio opposed) the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was tabled. 

The MOA is a two-year agreement beginning Jan. 1,2015 ending Dec. 31, 2016. It allows for a 1.4% annual salary increase. There are also salary increases for several of the SAG members with increases ranging from $5,000 - $7,500. 

According to Councilman Wehrheim, the Supervisor negotiated the MOA with Russ Barnett, president of SAG, without input from council members and that the true cost of the agreement is close to  $400,000.  In addition, both Creighton and Wehrheim are not happy with the time line.  Neither Councilmember knew anything about the status of the negotiations before receiving notification of the Town Board vote scheduled for Tuesday, February 3.  “The agreement had been signed by the Supervisor and Barnett on Jan. 9  and it was approved by SAG members before we learned of its existence at the end of January,” said Councilman Wehrheim.  

Included in the contract  is a very reasonable 1.4 percent salary increase according to Supervisor Vecchio, who spoke with the press after the Board meeting.  Vecchio acknowleged being miffed that former Town Comptroller Lou Necroto had sent an e-mail to all board members urging them to reject the MOA, implying that funds were not available to pay for the agreement. Mr. Necroto was recruited to fill a County position by Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy and ended his employment with the Town in January.

Vecchio was emphatic that the funding ($125,000) was put in the budget by Necroto at his request. A second e-mail by Necroto clarified his position. According to the Supervisor and councilmen (which councilman) the email indicated that funding for the MOA was set aside in contingency accounts in the 2015 Town Budget.

Councilman Wehrheim, in a conversation after the board meeting, said that although the 1.4 percent increase seemed reasonable, also in the agreement were salary adjustments for certain SAG  members (worth between $5,000 to $7,500 to recipients)  and he would like to know why they are getting increases.   “1.4 percent sounds reasonable, but then consider that there are immediate salary adjustments and step increases coming in July. I would like to know more about how these salary adjustments came to be. The Supervisor has even included a $5,000 increase in the salary for the director of the Animal Shelter. The very same position we are investigating.”

Also, according to Councilman Wehrheim, missing from the MOA is any mention of Department heads documenting their hours of work.  Last year the town implemented a new computerized system for payroll hand scanning. But there is a void because members of SAG do not participate. According to both Councilmen Creighton and Wehrheim this was to be part of the negotiation. In addition there were other suggestions made to the Supervisor that were not included and they would like to know why not?  

According to Wehrheim, these are real issues that transcend the usual political nonsense that is the norm at Town Hall.  How does all of this get resolved? Common sense seems to indicate that discussions amongst the five board members is the answer. 

What's Cooking? Relish and Café Siena

What’s Cookin’?- Smithtown

By Nancy Vallarella

Resident Entrepreneurs Relish the Opportunity to Invest Locally

It’s all about local and community for co-owners Donny Brown and Chef Steve Cardello of Relish in Kings Park.  They are doing much more than talking the talk; they are walking the walk.   Four months shy of Relish’s four year anniversary they are three weeks into their latest local endeavor – Café Siena at St. Catherine’s of Siena Hospital in Smithtown.

The former cafe was given a fresh start with a twelve day ceiling to floor cleaning, décor changes, and a new menu. “We wanted to create a space where St. Catherine’s employees and patrons look forward to relaxing, socializing and enjoy a great meal” states Chef Cardello.  A predictable walk in the park for this pair of entrepreneurs. They have successfully carried through on this mission at Relish for several years.

Donny Brown and Chef Steve CardelloAlthough Cardello still stands by his modest description of Relish as being “a greasy spoon without the grease”; it is so much more.  It has been the go-to place for many Town of Smithtown residents to gather around a table and celebrate life’s events both large and small.  The friendly, cheerful environment with freshly made food feels like a home away from home.  Cardello explains, “Our food takes a little longer to get to the table because we make it when ordered.” In the culinary world, the term for this method is a la minute. It refers to when a food item is prepared when ordered, rather than being prepped for in advance and held for service.

The time between ordering and serving is filled with friendly conversation much of which is between the staff and customers.  While having a recent meal there, I overheard a customer mention to a staff member how much they enjoyed the food and that it was their third time there that week.

Fresh is an understatement when it comes to describing the product served.  Chef Steve Cardello is an industry proclaimed ardent locavore.  Poultry and eggs are sourced from Raleigh Farms in Kings Park, a considerable amount of produce is sourced from Sujecki’s Farm in Calverton who sell their products at the King’s Park and Nesconset Farmer’s Markets.  The chef confides, “I always go local when given the option. If not, it has to be sustainable”.

Product is not the only element involved in the owners’ pledge to local. Both Brown and Cardello are Town of Smithtown residents.  Steve Cardello recently purchased a home here. Donny Brown is a lifer. They employ thirty-five employees at Relish and an additional twenty at Café Siena.   The majority of employees live within the town.

Their second eatery (Café Siena), sells breakfast until 8pm, salad, signature Boar’s Head sandwiches, grilled items, hot dish specials and daily baked goods.  There is also a big upgrade in coffee options. Café Siena is open to St. Catherine’s staff and patrons from 6am to 8pm seven days a week.

This is a great example of how local money spent in local business stays in the community.  It is truly an asset to have young entrepreneurs strengthening the economic base of our community, linking neighbors and contributing to local causes.  There is great expectation there will be additional local investments made by this partnership (Donny Brown and Steve Cardello) in the near future.

Save the Date: On April 25th, Relish will be hosting a special fundraising event on behalf of Autism Awareness.

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Editorial - Reform In Albany? Not Today Say Assembly Democrats

Reform in Albany?  Not today.

It’s a disgrace. Given the opportunity to alter the rancid atmosphere in Albany,  Democrats have spoken loud and clear. The message for voters is “NOT TODAY”. Behind closed doors the Democrats decided to unanimously elect Carl Heastie to fill the Assembly speaker position.  

It is worth noting that instead of patting themselves on the back for selecting a reformer, the best Democrats can do is congratulate themselves for installing the first black speaker in NYS history. Carl Heastie is about to become one of the most powerful men in NYS government. The third man in the three-men in a room scenario. 

So who is Carl Heastie? He is a man without any substantial legislative initiatives and without a record of supporting just about anything. We know that he received $23,441 in per diems for travel to Albany during the 65 or so days the Legislature was in session last year.  We know he was investigated for his use of campaign funds and that there were no charges brought against him. We know he never signed on to Assemblyman David Buchwald’s legislation to revoke the pensions of elected officials who are convicted of committing a felony involving breach of public trust. He has not advocated for reform of the legislature. And we know that whatever else Mr.Heastie may or may not be, he comes from one of the five boroughs of NYC; a very important factor in his canonization. 

The Democrats missed the opportunity to elect the first black speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Heastie, in a process that was transparent and competitive. Mr. Heastie may or may not be a sound and effective leader, he deserves the opportunity to be judged on his record. But, as he begins his reign as speaker instead of hope and excitement for the new speaker, the public is left with a feeling of disdain for a process that is at best enigmatic.

The stench of the Tammany Hall-like corruption permeates throughout Albany. How much better would it have been for Assembly Democrats to embrace reform and governance that serves in the public’s interest?

Congratulations Mr. Heastie. Here’s hoping that you prove to be the best Speaker the Assembly ever had. It is unfortunate that the Democrats didn’t give you the opportunity to come out of the gate having succeeded in an open contest.

Reform in Albany? Not today!, say Assembly Democrats.

Pat

Snow Time Again! Have The Rules Changed?

updated - Feb. 1 at 8:20 am.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Get ready snow is coming.  Less than one week after the first snow storm of 2015 the National Weather Service is predicting another storm for our area. The forecast calls for possible snow accumulations of 4-6 inches beginning Sunday evening and ending sometime early Monday.  

Are we ready?

Highway Dept. Plows a road in Nesconset. Photo Dawn Gary“The Smithtown Highway Department is ready” according to Glenn Jorgensen, superintendent of highways. Jorgensen said last week’s storm clean-up was accomplished with 100 town plows, 70 contracted plows and ten plows from the NYS Parks Department. Jorgensen said it was a tremendous effort by everyone and praised the workers from NYS Parks Department saying “I didn’t know what to expect when I heard we were getting help from the State but let me tell you those guys worked, really hard. They made a difference.”

Last year’s snow removal efforts were hampered by equipment breakdowns. No such problem this year. According to Jorgensen there was one transmission break-down and some minor issues. Everything seemed to fall into place. The efficient snow-removal did not go unnoticed by Supervisor Vecchio who used the word “superb” to describe the work the Highway Department did clearing the roads.

Another difference from last year was Governor Cuomo’s travel ban. Governor Cuomo closed down the train and subway system and banned motor vehicles fromLanding Ave during 2014 storm. The road remained open during the entire storm the roads.   Local officials offered praise to the Governor for his decision to ban travel during the storm. “The Governor’s decision to close the roads made it easier for plow drivers. There were no cars to drive around, no cars stuck on the road and no accidents. This allowed my drivers to do their job.” said Glenn Jorgensen.

County Executive Bellone and Supervisor Vecchio concurred with Jorgensen.

Bellone called the response to the storm “historic”. Bellone praised the Governor’s quick response to the storm, ordering a travel ban and supplying aid in the form of snow plows and salt. He agreed with the travel ban emphasizing the reduction in snow related accidents and the ease and speed with which workers were able to clear roads.  Both men complimented residents for staying out of their cars, staying off the roads and for parking their cars off street.

But will these behaviors continue?

County Executive after Jan. 2015 snow stormThere are questions as to how we will move forward. Have the rules of behavior for snow storms changed? Were precedents established during the storm? Will roads be closed when forecasters predict storms? If the answers to the questions  are yes, will the public continue to comply?

None of our officials seem to be ready to commit themselves to road closure as policy. Governor Cuomo was criticised by some people for shutting down mass transit systems and forcing people off the roads. In some areas of Nassau and in NYC  the storm was not as significant as it was in Suffolk County and some people felt the the Governor over reacted. Supervisor Vecchio defended the Governor saying, “If the Governor erred it was on the side of caution. He should not be faulted for that.” 

Book Review - "Killing Patton"

BOOK REVIEW - “Killing Patton” – Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard - 353 pages – Henry Holt & Company - Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

This is the fourth book in the highly successful “Killing” series under the Bill O’Reilly banner … the other works detail the murders of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Jesus Christ. “Killing Patton” is the best of the exquisite quartet.

As one who considers O’Reilly of Fox News an interesting entertainer, and because I have been a frequent (if not constant) viewer of the man and his guests in the 8:00 PM weeknight time slot, I feel qualified to make a couple of observations.

First: The book does not sound as though it was written by the self-declared “Independent,” who is, in reality, a staunch Conservative. That is not to disparage his Conservatism … nor is it to say that Bill O’Reilly is a lesser writer than “Killing Patton’s” real author—his collaborator, Martin Dugard. It simply means that the overall tone of this particular work does not smack of the Fox News kingpin … the style is different. After years of watching O’Reilly’s taunts and tirades … innuendo and invective … and, yes, his wit and humor … it is a conclusion easily drawn.

Secondly: Bill O’Reilly is an openly vain man (a characteristic largely forgivable in wealthy entertainers whose fame is widespread). That probably accounts for the fact that he neglects publicly to credit Dugard with at least equal billing for the authorship of this remarkably well-researched, beautifully written memoir. O’Reilly shields himself from potential accusations of downplaying Mr. Dugard’s contribution to “Killing Patton” by calling him, “…the best researcher I have ever known,” thus assigning him a subservient … almost clerical role in the creation of this powerful book.

Circumstances surrounding the actual death of General George Patton are analyzed in perhaps a dozen pages of this handsome, well-illustrated volume, so the title, though plenty provocative, is misleading at best. Provocation, however, is appropriate to a volume emblazoned with the Bill O’Reilly name. Sensationalism peppered with controversy, after all, is what the man is all about. And the same (parenthetically) was true of Patton himself.

But that is not nearly the sum of this man whose place in history will always be entwined with the four men whose likenesses appear with his on “Killing Patton’s” cover. Along with Hitler, Stalin, Churchill, and FDR, the rough-and-ready commander of America’s Third Army was easily one of the most driven, headstrong personalities to emerge from the World War II era. Hitler feared him, Stalin despised him, Churchill envied him, and Franklin Roosevelt, though he admired Patton, ultimately distrusted him. But no one disregarded him.

Envied by the vacillating Englishman, field marshal Bernard Montgomery, and handled with kid gloves by his own boss, Dwight Eisenhower, Patton’s brusque style was not unlike that of the often profane Harry Truman … who, as an artillery commander, had actually fought beside Patton in World War I.

It was a fact of which the General was unaware when, after FDR’s death, he wrote critically in his diary that the new Commander-in Chief was “…intended neither [by] the party nor by the Lord to be president.” Patton would never have disparaged one of his former comrades in arms that way had he known of Truman’s service. It was not in the man’s DNA.

“Killing Patton” is filled with hundreds of such vignettes … indeed they adorn every page … as do details concerning the marital infidelities of Eisenhower, Roosevelt, and yes, Patton himself. Author Dugard’s interpretation of history seems to imply that such is but one of the inevitable costs of war.

In this valuable biographical memoir, young people unfamiliar with specifics surrounding the terms, “Battle of the Bulge” … “Auschwitz” … “Stalingrad” … and a thousand others, have an ideal opportunity to see them brought to life through the lens of a perceptive historian—Martin Dugard—a man who is far more than a top notch researcher. With Bill O’Reilly, he is the point man on a team worthy of their #1 position on the New York Times best-selling chart.

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his newest thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a sinister gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries.