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Election 2011: Two Town Council Seats Open

Incumbents Edward Wehrheim and Robert Creighton will face off against newcomers Teresa Haft and Howard Knispel.

With Election Day just 24 hours away, here's a reminder of the candidates running for two seats on the town council for the Town of Smithtown.

If elected, Knispel would aim to create a master plan for the town, a plan that will unveil the town's image for the future. The Democrat would also like to change how the town makes decisions, which he said is reactively – Knispel would like the town to operate proactively.

Haft said if elected she would bring a new energy to local government via “Smithtown For You,” a plan she envisions would help create an image for the town by bringing together all the town’s departments, incorporating family safety, bringing in new businesses, and having a stronger focus on the environment.

Current town councilman Wehrheim said he will give full-time commitment to the part-time role, and focus on the economic growth of the town, keep taxes stable for locals, and improve communication between the town and its residents.

Creighton said if re-elected he would dedicate his time to making things such as obtaining permits easier for both local business owners and homeowners. The councilman said he is not opposed to cutting permit fees for businesses and homeowners. In addition to help with permits and fees, Creighton said he will be aggressive in working with the state Department of Transportation for a safer Main Street in Smithtown.

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Billie B May 20, 2013 at 10:17 am
Tomorrow is the vote..vote NO NOW or our taxes are going to continue to sky rocket. Unless we doRead More something this town will continue to spiral down. More taxes aren't going to help. We need to cut expenses and get ourselves on a fiscally responsible plan.
swataz May 20, 2013 at 09:42 am
Isn't that above the cap? Funny, when another news source mentioned 5 districts that are breakingRead More the cap they didn't mention Smithtown. Dn't worry, the district will bully and scare the parents into voting yes by threatening programs instead of doing what they need to do which is reduce administrative costs.
Ron W May 19, 2013 at 02:26 pm
We can all make a statement one way or another when we vote. However, that statement should be madeRead More on a state level not the local level. Boards of Ed are powerless to do any real cost cutting. The state needs to take this on. We need real reform in Albany to reduce the ever increasing pensions and life long benefits that educators enjoy. Combine this with letting Albany decide salary increases for all educators and we can guaranty tax reductions over the next few years. Its that simple, Boards cannot do these. Lets get Albany to move on these NOW!