Politics & Government

Vecchio, Creighton Primary Heats Up

Supervisor Patrick Vecchio reportedly had a few personal words for Councilman Robert Creighton at a recent Republican Committee meeting.

Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio reportedly had a few choice words recently for the other man attempting to seek the Republican nomination for supervisor, Councilman Robert Creighton.

Newsday reports Vecchio confronted Creighton at a Smithtown Republican committee meeting on March 20 in front of 140 party members at the Smithtown Elks Lodge. It was the first time the two have met face-to-face since Creighton announced his candidacy for town supervisor in February. 

Vecchio's  "highly personal verbal assault" against Creighton came after he expressed anger about having to appear before the party's committee to defend himself as a supervisor candidate after spending more than 30 years in office. Witnesses said Vecchio warned if he was defeated, it could lead to corruption in town government similar to that seen in the 1970s. 

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Creighton said he was "stunned" by Vecchio, but declined to respond to Vecchio's remarks when offered the chance by party leaders.

Read more on Newsday [subscription required].

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