The back-and-forth among Republican party leaders continued on Wednesday, as County GOP Chairman John Jay LaValle responded to a letter by Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio defending his own record over the years – as well as a shot to those who decided to support his opponent in this fall's race for the town's supervisor seat, Councilman Robert Creighton.
LaValle attended a fundraiser for Creighton Monday night at the Smithtown Elks Lodge, in which he endorsed Creighton as "the exact kind of person you want to have at the top in Smithtown" while Vecchio still holds the reigns.
Vecchio responded the next day by calling LaValle's leadership skills "pathetic" and pointed to a "failed electoral record," even calling on LaValle's resignation.
LaValle disagreed. He writes:
Dear Supervisor Vecchio:
I am in receipt of your practically incoherent, babbling correspondence of this afternoon. I find your tone offensive and immature, but not surprising in the least. I support councilman Bob Creighton because he is a tremendous public servant who possess' the utmost integrity. He is a role model for all elected and appointed officials here in Suffolk County. I have known him for many years and consider him to be a friend. More importantly, Bob Creighton has succeeded throughout his career in public service because he is a man of honor and class; something Smithtown is lacking today in the case of the position of Supervisor. Your childish letter confirms my assertion.
After all, we live in a democratic republic where the citizens are free to choose whom they wish to support for public office. The fact that you have taken to mudslinging and lies to defend your record of failure is unfortunate. The residents of Smithtown deserve better. It is my sincere hope they choose better this coming September. The future success of Smithtown depends on it.
Regarding my record as County Leader, you are once again, but not surprisingly, mistaken. To date, Suffolk County Republicans have taken back more than a dozen seats across Suffolk County since I have become Chairman of the party. Furthermore, Suffolk County's two Congressmen are not Democrats. Rather, Peter King is a Republican and, yes, Tim Bishop is a Democrat. However, we could possibly have two Republican Congressmen if individuals like you did not work against the party's candidate. We have achieved this success while being dramatically outspent, but have set forth a message of fiscal responsibility that cannot be bought with campaign contributions.
Lastly, my record in public service speaks for itself. As Supervisor of the Town of Brookhaven, it was my initiatives that kicked off the "cleanup" of Brookhaven Town. Together, with our District Attorney, my staff and I worked tirelessly to root out corruption and incompetence. I am proud of all that we achieved. For the record, not one member of my administration was either involved in any wrong doing or even accused of such; in fact, we either commenced or assisted in virtually every case. Considering the recent Grand Jury proceeding investigating your administration and activities, I don't think someone with such unclean hands should be talking about corruption and incompetence.
With that being said, it is my hope, and that of many residents of Smithtown, that you are handed your termination this coming fall. I am sure that you are already conspiring with the Democrats, as you have always been open to the highest bidder. In the coming months we will see just what kind of integrity you actually do possess. I am sure I will not be disappointed, as usual.
Very truly yours,
John Jay LaValle
