RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead Town residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.
The race is on leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 3.
Patch asked those running for office to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles in the days leading up to the election.
Incumbent Jerry Halpin is in a race to retain the Riverhead Town Supervisor's seat against challenger Ken Rothwell, a Republic and Conservative candidate.
Jerry Halpin
How old will you be as of Election Day?
54
Does your campaign have a website?
What city or town do you live in?
Riverhead
What office are you seeking?
Supervisor
Party affiliation
I am a Independent/blank running on the Dem and Taxpayers First lines.
Education
BS in Communication and Religious Studies
What is your occupation?
Supervisor
Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
I am married to Kristen for 31 years. She is the best! We have two daughters, both raised in Riverhead and living their best lives!
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
Yes, this office since Jan. 1.
Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running for election and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?
Like a lot of Riverhead taxpayers, I was fed up with the excuses and the routine piercing of the tax cap. In 10 months, I offered a budget that did not pierce the cap while maintaining services, providing raises and adding new positions.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing constituents is:
The ever-increasing cost of living on Long Island.
What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI
Reduce use of public water for irrigation of residential and commercial, reduce pollutants entering the square and add more sewers.
What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?
Our highway department is the best. We are adding a much-needed highway equipment barn that will serve the west-end of town so our highway crews can store and service equipment closer to their work sites. This has been a challenge for decades and I am glad to have played a part in seeing the solution to this long-term problem come to fruition.
How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?
Support local businesses and shop local. My family and I do this every day because we truly believe we have some of the best eateries on Long Island. Whether it's Latin, Italian, Polish or Jamaican — we have it all. Beyond that, our police department has really stepped up their presence in and around local businesses — particularly downtown — so that owners and patrons feel comfortable. We are working daily on mitigating quality of life issues and protecting local businesses so that the owner's only concern is running their business. We are also aware that revitalization of Main Street — while initially disruptive — will bring opportunity in the form of new attractions and destinations that will help capture foot traffic and bring additional business to Riverhead.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?
My opponent was on the board and voted to approve the last four budgets that pierced the cap. I have only been here 10 months and my budget did not pierce. Unlike my opponent, I actually do put the taxpayers first — every single time.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
EPCAL development, Sound Avenue preservation, downtown growth beyond Main Street to include surrounding areas as well as continuing to work on employee retention through advancement, pay structure and continuing to improve the workplace culture.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My 2027 budget, wherein I do not pierce the cap, which was done in part because I initiated an early retirement incentive that resulted in 819K in savings. Improved employee morale and initiated regular one-on-one meetings with department heads.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Their voice matters to me and to the future of Riverhead. Together, we can generate ideas and solutions to Riverhead's greatest challenges. We need to come together and stop allowing our differences to divide us.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you and why?
Be you.
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