Election Tuesday: Dems competing to avoid Republican 5-0 town board majority

Two seats are vacant on the Huntington Town Board, with four candidates vying for those spots. The contest will determine the balance of the board, with three Republican members (Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, and Councilman Sal Ferro) currently serving terms that end in 2025.

The Journal asked town board candidates Theresa Mari (Republican), as well as Democrats Jen Hebert and Don McKay three questions related to Northport-East Northport. Below are their answers, as submitted to the Journal. Town board candidate and Republican Brooke Lupinacci did not respond to multiple emailed requests for comment.

1. In your opinion, what are the greatest issues impacting the Northport-East Northport community today?

Jen Hebert
One of the biggest issues affecting the Northport-East Northport community, and really our entire township, is overdevelopment. Projects like the Indian Hills development are swallowing up our green spaces, and overburdening our infrastructure, first responders and roadways. In addition, there are serious environmental concerns related to this and other potential development projects in Huntington.

I’m well aware that the community is also deeply concerned with the future plans for school district buildings. As a former school board member, I understand that this issue falls in the purview of the board of education and not the town board. But in my experience as a school board trustee, I believe it's almost always a mistake to sell your school buildings. Maybe there’s an opportunity for the town to partner with the school district and find a way to lease the space.

Theresa Mari
The Northport/East Northport community faces a lot of issues: First, we have to deal with the schools that have closed and ensure that they do not turn into developments opposed by the residents. Second, we need to deal with the ever-increasing traffic on Larkfield Road. Third, we need to keep working toward improving our water quality. As a breast cancer survivor, I worry about the quality of our water.

Don McKay
One of the top current issues is the sale or lease option of three school district buildings. There appears to be a growing sentiment among school district residents to not sell the buildings but retain and lease. I believe it’s imperative that the school board keep an open mind and be as transparent as possible with the community on any developments.

I personally believe the school board should not move forward with a plan to sell, but instead lease the buildings. Tenants would be able to help cover utility, maintenance, security and other associated costs. There’s no need to rush a decision. Take the time and think it out.

Another longstanding issue is water quality. While the Village should be commended for implementing a number of initiatives to protect the Harbor, more needs to be done, specifically with stormwater runoff. As Councilman, I would partner with the Village to fund and advance projects to further protect the marine environment.

A third current issue is the basketball court in Cow Harbor Park. I support the project and urge the Town’s Environmental Open Space Committee to support the Village’s request for landscape funding. Re-locating the court to another location such as The Pit (Steers) is not an option. Kids who live in the Village can easily and safely walk to the park.

Another issue is ensuring the Village and East Northport merchants, businesses and restaurants continue to succeed. As a member of the Town Board, I would lend whatever assistance needed in providing services and supporting state and county grants to upgrade the Larkfield Road and Main Street corridors.

2. If you had to choose your top three priorities as a TOH councilwoman/man, what would they be?

Jen Hebert
My top three priorities as a town councilwoman will be to address Huntington's overdevelopment and housing issues, protect our water and environment, and support our local businesses. These issues all affect our quality of life in Huntington, but they also affect our property values and taxes.

Theresa Mari
My top three priorities: 1. Stop overdevelopment, 2. Protect the environment, 3. Hold the line on taxes.

Don McKay
Ensuring that services and programs are being delivered in a timely, fair and equitable manner: I’ve worked closely with civic organizations, local business leaders, not-for-profits, veterans’ groups and numerous youth and adult sports organizations to assist in resolving concerns and helping to carry out their missions and goals.

Be open and transparent with residents: As a public servant for 25 years, I’ve always strived to carry out my responsibilities in a fair and honest manner. I understand the importance of being accessible to the public and doing what it takes to assist those in need.

Ask tough questions and scrutinize spending, proposed legislative changes and irrational development: As a former newspaper reporter, I held elected officials at all levels of government accountable for their actions and votes. As Councilman, I will do the same to ensure checks and balances on spending, taxes and decisions that directly affect our quality of life.

3. How will your work benefit Northport-East Northport residents?

Jen Hebert
If elected, I plan to work full time as a Huntington councilwoman. This will enable me to be very accessible to residents and businesses, and allow me the time needed to work on behalf of our community. I am an independent thinker, a creative problem solver and tireless in my dedication to the Huntington community. As a councilwoman, I plan on being the best possible town representative for the residents of Northport-East Northport, and all of Huntington township.

Theresa Mari
We live in a beautiful Town and we need to keep it that way. I will be focused on stopping overdevelopment so that we can remain in this beautiful suburb.

Don McKay
It’s imperative that Village and Town officials work closely together to address the countless challenges facing local governance. Whether it be preserving open space, protecting our bays, harbors and wetlands, public safety, advancing shared services initiatives and a host of other responsibilities, a trusted partnership is critical.

I am a proud native of Northport. If I am fortunate to be elected, I will be the only Town Board member with strong roots to the Northport-East Northport community. I understand the issues facing the various communities, including Eaton’s Neck and Asharoken. I grew up here and will always have the back of my hometown.

For separate articles on all candidates for Town of Huntington positions, click here (Democrats) and here (Republicans). Election day is tomorrow, November 7 from 6am to 9pm at your normal polling location. To find your polling place, click here.