St. James Celebrates St. Patrick's Day With Annual Parade

'Twas A Great Day For The Irish -Kings Park Parade Committee's AWARD PRESENTATIONS.

Peter Colgan (center) with his wife Patty and son Michael ( both kneeling) along with other members of his staff.On March 12, Parade President, Kevin L. Denis and his parade committee presented awards to fellow Kings Parkers and organizations. (Click on photos to enlarge)

Colgan Tree & Landscape Service won the CLADDAGH AWARD in honor of  their presentation of the parade’s  Best Float.

Kevin Denis, Michael Sullivan, Esq., Gerry CreightonSullivan and Kehoe, LLP was awarded the SHAMROCK AWARD for being the Best Decorated Building , showing Irish pride, color and lighting.

The Kings Park Volunteer Fire Department was presented a plaque reflecting their continual SUPPORT AND DEDICATION to the Kings ParkKPFD President Roy Starke, Kevin Denis, Gerry Creighton, Chief Mark O’Brien  Community.

Charles P. “Buster” Toner (our 2013 President Kevin Denis congratulates Grand Marshal Charles P. Toner Grand Marshal) was applauded and presented a beautiful Claddagh-inscribed pocket watch as a memento  of his many contributions to his Kings Park community and neighbors. 2013 AWARDS…..St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Article and photos by JOHN J. GALLAGHER

Vecchio - "I Love What I Do"

By Richard Macellaro

Patrick Vecchio marching in Kings Park’s St. Patrick’s Day ParadePatrick Vecchio has been the Supervisor of the Town of Smithtown since 1978. He is the longest sitting Supervisor in the State of New York. Pat Vecchio started his political career as a Democrat changing his party to Republican in 1990.  Vecchio, is being challenged in a Republican primary by Councilman Robert Creighton.  Richard Macellaro interviewed Vecchio for Smithtown Matters on Thursday, March 7. 

In this more than a half-hour question and answer interview I found Mr. Vecchio to be engaging; free flowing, keen and adroitly responsive.

You have had more than 12 elections, what is different about this prospective primary election?

Supervisor Vecchio : I have been in primary elections before.  However, I find this primary unnecessary.  It seems to me that this is a matter of ego on the part of Bob (Councilmember Robert Creighton.)  He believes that he can change things as Town Supervisor.  He has the same ability to do so as a Town Councilmember, with the same vote as the supervior.  Our job is to secure approval from all elected to the Town Board and to do so in an open and honest way, and not push or propose matters because someone has the majority vote.

Councilman Ed Wehrheim managed some of your previous campaigns.  He now supports your opponent.  How do you think this change will effect the election?

Supervisor Vecchio : Campaign Managers oversee the day to day details that the candidates, otherwise cannot do for him/herself.  Ideas, concepts and etc., always emanated from me.  The implementation in a campaign is not difficult.

Primary elections are consider a “family feud.”  What is the difference between you and Councilmember Creighton?

Supervisor Vecchio : My door is NOT open to lawyers, developers or anyone else seeking special favors.

What do you think about Mr. Creighton challenging you?

Supervisor Vecchio : It’s unfortunate because any difference of opinion on matters could always be worked out by reasonable people.  I think my record in Smithtown stands the test of time and SmithtownMatters.com does not have enough copy space to print all of the accomplishments.

What responses have you received from your Republican base, regarding a primary election challenge by Councilmember Creighton?

Supervisor Vecchio : What do you mean by ‘Republican base?  I know that everywhere I go, people approach me and say, “you’ve got my support and my vote,” including numerous letters offering to volunteer in the campaign, plus letters offering support, etc. 

What do you see as the most important issues for those who will be voting in the primary?

Supervisor Vecchio: Taxes must be able to be controlled, as I have done in all my years, and is my intent to do so in spite of opposition from the Town Board.  Here’s a perfect example, ‘in my Budget Proposal for 2013, which I must do and submit to the Town Board, they had an additional $300,000.00 added to the final number.

What are your plans for Smithtown’s growth and development in the next 4 years?

Supervisor Vecchio : I believe growth and development should take place in those area’s zoned for commercial development.  Over the last few years we have added over a million square feet in the Smith Haven Mall.  The Commack Commerce Center has grown and soon we will be presenting expansion in the Hauppauge Industrial Park, which will generate millions of dollars in new taxes.  I am not for paving over residential areas in Smithtown.

Mr. Creighton has leveled some accusations about your not being interested in improving the parks and roads.  Do you believe this is true?

Supervisor Vecchio: We budget $7 and ½ million dollars for roads.  We have 22 parks in Smithtown, which is the envy of most other Towns.  If Mr. Creighton felt so strongly about parks, what has he done about them in the last 5 years.  For him to propose getting 55 acres from New York State, which by the way was a very empty proposal, because the entire Nissequogue River State Park is slated for a Master Plan by the State.  Also, when one makes a proposal to obtain property for athletic fields, he should spell out the facts, such as; the cost, the future costs of maintenance and repair. In short, that proposal was just a political gimmick.

What does the Smithtown Government need to do, in these tough economic times, to continue to grow and prosper?

Supervisor Vecchio: It needs to do what I’ve proposed overall in my tenure as Town Supervisor.  Spending needs to be done on a priority and specific basis, not on somebody’s whimsy or fancy to gain favor.  Smithtown, has the lowest debt by tens of millions of dollars than any other Nassau or Suffolk town.

Recently you expressed some concern that some Town Board members have been having private meetings regarding land use issues as well as last minute budget changes.  How has this influenced your decision to seek a 13th term?

Supervisor Vecchio: To prevent  the kind of back room dealing.   When you discuss development it should be open to the public for review.  It is improper to hold discussions on a development that has already had a public hearing.  It the public is not aware of personal discussions, then they are being deceived by the government.

Why did you decide to run for a 13th term?

Supervisor Vecchio: Because I love what I do and I am effective at the job of Town Supervisor.

Michael Hughes SHS West Wrestling Champion

Michael Hughes and Coach Ken LeverichMichael Hughes carved his name in the record books of Smithtown West history late Saturday night at the Times Union Center. The 6-5, 250-pounder put the hold on Austin Coleman of Spencerport and pinned the Rochester senior in 2:30 to capture the state’s 285-pound wrestling crown.  Hughes capped a brilliant senior career at High School West with his 31st pin on his way to a 42-0 record. (click on photo to enlarge)

Kings Park Saint Patrick's Day Parade