Top 9 Smithtown Government Stories of 2013

Tension filled the air at Town of Smithtown's Town Hall in 2013, so tense it was hard not to feel it at meetings. 

Councilman Bob Creighton announced early in 2013 he would challenge Supervisor Patrick Vecchio for his seat, leading to a heated runoff for the Republican primary in September, while many hot-button issues and lawsuit kept debate lively. 

Here are some of the top Smithtown government stories for 2013 based on their content and long-term impact: 

Vecchio's Reign as Supervisor Continues in Smithtown
Patrick Vecchio won over voters to be re-elected to his 13th term as Smithtown Supervisor in November, extending his reign as New York's longest-serving town supervisor. 

Republican Leaders Back Creighton for Smithtown Supervisor
Councilman Bob Creighton announced in February 2013 he would challenge Vecchio for the seat of Smithtown Town Supervisor with party backing, making 2013 one of the most exciting primary elections in recent years. 

Nowick, McCarthy Win Seats on Smithtown Town Board, Malloy Falls Short
Suffolk Legis. Lynne Nowick won enough votes running as a Republican to unseat incumbent Councilman Kevin Malloy and claim a seat on Smithtown town board for herself, following in her late father's footsteps. 

Trotta Wins Race for 13th Legislative District
Republican newcomer Rob Trotta, a Fort Salonga resident, won the race to become legislator of Suffolk's 13th district, the seat being vacated by Lynne Nowick due to term limit restrictions. 

Smithtown Strikes Settlement with Garbage Carting Firm
Smithtown elected officials stuck a legal deal with Jody Enterprises, a garbage carting firm whose two employees are accused of stealing more than $200,000 from the town in a recycling scheme in August 2012.. Jody Enterprises will pay back $400,00 of its $1.07 million contract for a breach of contract. 

Missing Signs Have Supervisor Candidate Crying Foul
There were outcries of foul play as Councilman Bob Creighton, running against Vecchio for supervisor, accused opponent's supporters of taking signs off private lawns and yards. 

Tensions Flare Over Town's Crackdown on Kings Park Businesses
Smithtown Town Board's efforts to stem the tide of illegal business practices in Kings Park through legal proceedings and injunctions started a tense, tug-of-war between business owners, the town and local area residents. 

STUDY: Traffic, Pedestrian Safety Plague Smithtown's Future
Town of Smithtown's Draft Transportation Study released in February 2013 finds major problems with local roadways, offers suggested changes for the future.

Smithtown Joins Group to Protect Lake Ronkonkoma
Smithtown Town Board has agreed to join Brookhaven, Islip and Suffolk County in a collaborative group to assure the future use and protection of the Lake Ronkonkoma land and waters.