Meet A Candidate: Juan Micieli-Martinez For Riverhead Town Board

RIVERHEAD, NY – Suffolk County residents will be heading to the polls Tuesday to elect local representatives and make their voices heard.

Residents will weigh in on the race to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County, vote for Suffolk County District Attorney and Sheriff — and choose their local town elected officials.

In advance of the election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaign — and the results will be published as candidate profiles in the days leading up to the vote.

Juan Micieli-Martinez is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines for one of two open seats on the Riverhead town board. Micieli-Martinez is facing off against Evelyn Hobson-Womack, who is also running on the Democratic and Working Families lines, and both Kenneth Rothwell and Bob Kern, who are running on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Following is Patch's full Q&A with Juan Micieli-Martinez:

<b> Name <b>

Juan Micieli-Martinez

<b>Age (as of Election Day)</b>

44

<b>Position Sought</b>

Town Council

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Family</b>

Spouse — Bridget and son, 9 years old

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No.

<b>Education</b>

Graduate of Center Moriches High School and Binghamton University

<b>Occupation</b>

Winemaker/Consultant — 23 years

<b>Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office</b>

none

<b>Campaign website</b>

juan4riverhead.com

<b>Why are you seeking elective office?</b>

I am seeking office because I want to be an active participant in the direction that Riverhead moves in the future and not just a spectator.

<b>The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

Safety and the perception thereof. As a Downtown Riverhead resident I am aware of the negative perception of Riverhead and safety. I intend to prioritize our police budget to help change the perception of safety in our town and thus help business thrive.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

Critical differences are my youth and understanding of the Riverhead Community. I can give a fresh yet experienced perspective to Riverhead. I have 20-plus years of regionally recognized business experience coupled with great connections to the community and its stakeholders.

<b>How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?</b>

Local officials got a 'D' in terms of operating government. Besides helping to secure vaccines for our elderly population Town Hall went on lockdown and made many efforts to restrict community access to government.

<b>Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.</b>

Enterprise Park at Calverton, Sustainable strategic revitalization of downtown Riverhead, and the comprehensive plan.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

I am a natural born leader. Through the years, I have always found myself in leadership positions. After three years as the winemaker of Martha Clara Vineyards I was asked to be the general manager of the operation. However, at the time of transition, I inherited a deeply troubled operation which under my direction would later become an internationally acclaimed success story, which produced some of the best wines in New York State and the East Coast in addition to hosting a multitude of events featuring world renowned artists.

<b>The best advice ever shared with me was:</b>

Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I would like to let voters know that I truly care for this community. My parents are both retired workers from Riverhead. My father is a retired Riverhead postal worker and my mother is a retired factory worker from Truetech on Elton St. I come from humble beginnings.

As a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and business owner I wear many hats and would like to add the hat of councilman to my list. I look forward to the opportunity to serve this wonderful community, which has always provided for my family and me. Thank you.