NEW YORK STATE COMMITTEE ON OPEN GOVERNMENT - ROBERT FREEMAN
Executive Director of the Committee on Open Government Robert Freeman spoke openly about the rules that govern the processes of government. He drove down from Albany to speak to Local Views Host Jane Conway. Because of the concerns we have in Smithtown, he offered his governmental expertise in getting the word out to the public about the rules that govern transparency in Town Hall, affirming that deliberations and decision making must be done publically, and confirming and explaining the rules that exist allowing every citizen access to information that interests them. We will ask him back again to continue the conversation.

COFFEE TALK # 2
Three Good Friends back again for a FRANK discussion on the issues surrounding Smithtown's local government and issues important to the community. Hear about Frank Esposito pleading guilty to a felony and possibility of other indictments. Listen to the issues that surround Bill Ellis and the Republican Party. You will enjoy and learn from their conversation.
Email Local Views to ask Coffee Talk anchors about an issue that concerns you --. localviews@optonline.net

LIMBA CHAIRMAN ERNIE FAZIO (Episode # 4)
Ernie Fazio, always a provacative thinker is challenging the public, the business community and elected officials to take a broad look at the region. He presents a plan changing the shipment of food and goods to a new route using the concept of a Cross Harbor Freight Rail Tunnel thereby reducing many stresses to the region. Once that is in place, this project could eventually result in the use of less fuel, have less dependency on foreign oil, reduce our costs, improve our air quality and many more benefits. This is an interesting hour and time with Ernie is time well spent.

NISSEQUOGUE RIVER WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP
The Nissequogue River flows 9 miles from its source of freshwater springs to its mouth on the Long Island Sound at Smithtown Bay. Because of the ecological and recreation values, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Initiative workgroup named the River and its 40 square mile Watershed one of 33 Stewardship areas. It is funded and has analyzed data to identify issues and partnership opportunities for managing resources. This hearing identifies a number of actions for steps that decision makers and watershed stewards can take to restore and protect. It now needs public approval for implementing an Action Plan.

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT DAN RYAN (5/30/08)
Differences of opinion between the Highway Superintendent and the Supervisor and one Councilman Wehrheim have been made public. At issue is a request for a 5 million dollar increase in the budget for the re-paving of the many miles of roads in crisis around the community and the decrease by the Supervisor for the present program for regular maintenance and service work. Despite the fact that Superintendent Ryan has saved the taxpayers close to a million dollars under his leadership, Supervisor Vecchio uses his power to veto by line item undermining Ryan's sense of what is best for the Township.
Don't miss this clear discussion of the Highway program.
Hosted by Don Cantwell

SUFFOLK LEGISLATOR THOMAS BARRAGA
A passionate, well spoken and well informed legislator from the 11th District, Suffolk County Legislator Barraga speaks to our Host the Former NYS Prosecutor Lawrence N. Gray Esq. This is a lesson in the new economic times we live in; how government entities are giving away your money and how he sees that things must change. If 300 Million Dollars seems like a lot of money to you then this is a perfect issue and the exact time for you, the taxpayer to speak up. Tune in to this important program. Further, we suggest you go to www.sunlightny.com for further information on this subject.

SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS - DAN RYAN # 2
Insightful interview with Superintendent of Highways Dan Ryan by Host Don Cantwell. More thorough information for the residents of the community then one usually can obtain from newspapers. Hear it directly from the man in charge. Hear how taxes are allocated to this dept. and how roads are suffering from age and lack of funding. Find out if you need to participate in the conversation

LIMBA MEETING 6/6/08 - Guest Speaker Lawrence N. Gray, Esq.
Former NYS Prosecutor Lawrence N. Gray Esq. spoke by invitation before members of Long Island Mid-Suffolk Business Action. Bringing with him the knowledge and skills of a 30 year prosecutorial career, he enlightened this group on the subject of corruption on multiple layers of government including the tentacles that evolve when money is the overriding temptation and greed is not tempered by public outcries.You will hear about career politicians, full-time elected officials with an additional full-time career, member items, unions influence, the media's flaws. This audience was captured by the prosecutor.

CARL FALLICA - FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAW SUIT
A Smithtown resident who for many years was denied the right to increase the size of his home on a considerably large lot in Fort Salonga has, as a last resort, instituted a legal procedure against the Town of Smithtown. This is an example of just one resident who has received unequal protection of the Law directly related to the management in the Town of Smithtown including its departments.
Hosted by Former NYS Prosecutor Lawrence Gray Esq.

STEVEN WEBER - CIVIC ACTIVIST
A lively Conversation between Local Views Host and Journalist Laura Weir and Civic Activist Steve Weber will turn any listener into a fan. They are two well versed participants when it comes to Smithtown and community matters. Charm is an added bonus. As for content, you will hear how some things became undone, all the way up to a plan for results on many issues that citizens have been focused upon in our Town. Steve Weber is a man with many ideas and a lot of energy and it appears that as a former candidate for the Town Board there remains the issues of whether he will consider another run for office in 2009. If he is to be a man that could determine  the direction for Smithtown residents in the future, then strictly speaking you need to watch this program.
And you won't be disappointed.
Host: Laura Weir

ROSALIND PALAZOLLO - CANDIDATE FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEE
Conversation with Rosalind Palazzolo; candidate for Trustee seat on the Smithtown Library Board. The Library vote - consisting of both the Budget and three Trustee seats will take place on October 14, 2008. Rosalind, known to many Smithtown residents as "Rose" due to her attendance at many meetings and her civic activism, spoke to new Local Views Host, but an old Local Views friend, Victoria Brown. In reviewing her qualifications, Rose showed a substantial grounding in cost containment and a sharp ability to analyze needs verses wishes. This is someone who has spent much time and effort watching over the Smithtown Library and the development of a project allocated to provide more space and code compliance. Rose gives a perspective to the community taxpayers that is everyone's responsibility to examine and consider seriously before voting on the budget and the trustee seat.
Host: Victoria Brown

CAROLYN CIARELLI - CANDIDATE FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEE
Another interview, in a series of four, with a candidate for a seat on the Library Board of Trustees. Carolyn Ciarelli sat down for a discussion on Library issues with Local Views Host Victoria Brown. With a broad background in Library Science, Technology, and work experience, Carolyn Ciarelli found that this was the time and the opportunity to serve the community as the Library moves forward with its plans to expand services in four facilities within the Town. She speaks of the role of the Library, using volunteerism, looking for waste and the problem of communication between the Library and the community. There is some talk of her difficult experience in obtaining information relevant to a candidate when running for this office. All part of the problem of communication and transparency for the community. Carolyn Ciarelli has some interesting insight and solutions to issues surrounding the Library. Serious consideration should be given to this candidate when voting on October 14th, 2008. Take the time to view this conversation.
Host: Victoria Brown

ANTHONY MONTELEONE - CANDIDATE FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEE
Another candidate in this series of four, Anthony Monteleone is an incumbant running for the contested seat on the Library Board of Trustees. He discusses his past work as well as his passion for the Library with Local Views Host Victoria Brown. For many years he worked to bring a Library to the hamlet of Nesconset and was uilmately successful in getting a Library branch installed in a store front in that neighborhood. A member of the Library Board since it was declared a special library district in an election, he has since worked to revive the Library and to turn the Armory building into a full fledged library building and renovate three other buildings. This work will soon come to fruition.Well versed on the four building project, he discusses how the plans have progressed and the last stage of what still needs to be done before breaking ground in late winter/early spring. Moreover, he spoke about the controversies that have arisen during the planning process, importance of open meetings and moving board meetings to each of the buildings for more pubic participation. Further he sees the library's changing mission in a tough financial climate and it's likely program expansion in the future due to the increase in use. Committed to the Library but knowing the concerns of citizens for costs, he highlights where the cost savings will be. This conversation will educate the listener on the many responsibilities of a Library Trustee and learn about a candidate who wants to continue the work he is proud of having been a part of in Smithtown.
Host: Victoria Brown

BRUCE ETTENBERG - CANDIDATE FOR LIBRARY TRUSTEE
Bruce Ettenberg, in conversation with Local Views host Victoria Brown spoke of his background and short experience as a Library Board Trustee, but his significant experience as a force to get the special library district started. He now is a candidate running for one of the three contested seats. With a strong background as an educator who has had interesting experiences in that field, he also brings his knowledge of technology to the table. Mr. Ettenberg discussed the years he has been involved with the library as a Friend of the Library and how this group has grown as well as what this group brings to the community. Selected to serve on the board when an empty seat was created mid term, he sees the Library as the heart of the community with books, electonic media and public space to offer to the people. He sees librarians as a source to guide students as the world of technology expands. Further, he shows his thoughtful consideration of issues when making choices for the Library. Bruce Ettenberg is another serious consideration for the voter on October 14th. Take the time to listen.
Host: Victoria Brown

NISSEQUOGUE STEWARDSHIP ACTION PLAN - 11/24/08
SUNKEN MEADOW STATE PARK
A special ceremony took place on the shoreline of the Sunken Meadow State Park as the Regional Plan Association released for the first time its 'Nissequogue River Stewardship Action Plan'.
The 40 square mile watershed is one of 33 in the Long Island plan, to protect and restore the River. An assortment of town, county and state officials commended the work and pledged to implement the plan.

SUFFOLK LEGISLATOR JOHN KENNEDY
Suffolk County Legislator John M. Kennedy Jr. met LOCAL VIEWS host Laura Weir at his office to discuss a very serious problem  that has come to his attention as of late. The children of the Town of Smithtown have been using the hard drug Heroin. Dealers have infiltrated the community, preyed on youngsters and have initiated an issue that is serious now but can become worse if not addressed with force. The force he speaks of is community wide; by police, parents, school administrators, civic associations, etc. This is a very important topic, should be acted upon by the citizens of this community now and not just hear what he says and then glaze over in denial.
Children need the community to act on their behalf now!

LIMBA CHAIRMAN ERNIE FAZIO

Maglev Technology -
High Speed Transport: better commutes, and a manufacturing base that will provide jobs in America. This is the wave of the future and we need to look at what it can do for this country; directly and indirectly.

Host - Don Cantwell

"BROKEN ELECTIONS"
A truly remarkable conversation between Lawrence Gray Esq. and Victoria Brown. Their facts and legal background, their interest and dedication to this serious topic will enlighten the Smithtown public. This is not usually heard in the public arena. Smithtown will now know about the shenanigans that are being played out behind closed doors, in total disregard for the law and the public's right. 
Listen and decide if you want to demand a clean-up of a ritual that is regularly employed.

Host: Victoria Brown
Guest: Lawrence N. Gray, Esq.

DANIEL RYAN, TOWN OF SMITHTOWN HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

Pre-Election 2009 Conversation with Smithtown Highway Superintendent Dan Ryan.

 

Host: Don Cantwell
Guest: Dan Ryan, Highway Superintendent

HEROIN IS HERE: Parent Symposium - 09/17/09

MARK MANCINI , CANDIDATE FOR SMITHTOWN TOWN COUNCIL

Pre-Election 2009 Conversation with Mark Mancini, Candidate for Smithtown Town Council.

Host: Kathy Caldarola
Guest: Mark Mancini, A.I.A.

 

CRAIG TORTORA , CANDIDATE FOR SMITHTOWN TOWN COUNCIL

Pre-Election 2009 Conversation with Craig Tortora, Candidate for Smithtown Town Council.

Host: Kathy Caldarola
Guest: Craig Tortora, Attorney

"Taking a good look at Smithtown"

with MARK MANCINI , CANDIDATE FOR SMITHTOWN TOWN COUNCIL

(Walk around Smithtown to see the need for change!)

"MEET THE CANDIDATES "

2009 Pre-Election debates and questions with candidates for Town of Smithtown
(NOTE: At the start of the Supervisor candidate debates, Supervisor Vecchio began speaking before camera was rolling. His statement is referencing the Kings Park Psychiatric Center property.)

Sponsored by the Kings Park Civic Association & the San Remo Civic Association

"LONG ISLAND HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, INC. "

Guests: Peter J. Elkowitz, Jr. - President & CEO of LIHP
................Diana Weir, Executive Vice President of LIHP

Host: Kathy Caldarola

"MacArthur Memorial - Monument & Learning Center for L.I. MacArthur Airport"

Guests: Christopher Bodkin

Host: Don Cantwell

 

"ROTARY INTERNATIONAL - In the Company of Good People"

Guests: Robbie Donno, George Solomon, Forrest Dunbar, Grace Agwaru

Moderator: Tom Kerr

"2010 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Day awards ceremony "

"NorthEast Branch Symposium - County Groundwater meeting 05/27/10 "