Politicians Kick Off Campaigns at Smithtown Day

Smithtown politicans were out in full force on Smithtown Day. 

Elected officials and their challengers set up tables along Main Street on Smithtown Day to introduce themselves to residents, say hello and make light conversation to find out what issues will matter come November's elections. 

Legis. John Kennedy, R-Nesconset, manned a government booth in front of Ace's Hardware where he encouraged residents to participate in his blood drive. 

"I talked to a lot of people on the streets today," Kennedy said. "This is what we are all about, we enjoy taking our office to the community and the neighborhood. There's nothing like talking the issues right here on the street." 

He was joined briefly by Mario Mattera, a candidate in the Republican primary for the Suffolk Legislature's 13th district. The seat is currently held by Legis. Lynne Nowick, R-St.James, who is restricted from running for re-election due to term limits. 

Mattera, a St. James resident and Nesconset native, said it was great to see so many family and friends as he met new faces at Smithtown Day. He hopes to work with Kennedy on bringing new infastructure to Smithtown, including sewers and apartment. 

Gary Jacobs, Democratic challenger for Kennedy's legislature seat, had a booth manned by family, friends and supporters on the west end of Main Street. Next door, were Democratic candidates Adam Halpern and Rich Macellaro for town board.

Halpern, a Hauppauge resident, is just launching his campaign for town board. He is a prosecutor in Suffolk County's Traffic and Parking Violations Agency. Halpern kept it light, focusing on meeting people and leaving political issues for another day. 

Macellaro was active on the street, shaking hands and passing out business cards, encouraging residents to reach out to him on any issues or concerns they had. 

Despite a hotly contested race for Smithtown's supervisor seat, incumbent Patrick Vecchio, Republican challenger Robert Creighton and Democratic challenger Steven Snair didn't set up tables for Smithtown Day.