Candidate Profile: Josephine Makowski For Riverhead Town Clerk

RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead residents will be heading to the polls soon to elect local representatives.

The race is on leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 7. 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.

Josephine Makoswki, a Democrat, is running for the Riverhead town clerk's position against Republican James Wooten.

Here is Patch's candidate profile of Josephine Makowski:

Name

Josephine Passantino Makowski

How old will you be as of Election Day?

61

Does your campaign have a website?

https://www.riverheaddemocrati...

What city or town do you live in?

Wading River in Riverhead Town

What office are you seeking?

Riverhead Town clerk

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Bachelor of Science in information systems

What is your occupation?

I am a programmer analyst at Suffolk County Community College in the computer information systems department. I have worked for Suffolk County for over 30 years.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married to my husband Eugene for 7 years; however, we have been together for over 23 years. I have a stepdaughter Meredith and son-in-law Brian Schutt, along with two grandchildren, Justin, 12, and Stephanie, 11. I come from a large family. I am number 7 of 8 children. My parents John and Louise Passantino, who were from Wading River, raised us to be close. Out of my siblings, 7 of the 8 of us live and own homes in Wading River.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I was approached by the current sitting town clerk, Diane Wilhelm, who is endorsing me. Diane is retiring, and she wants her work to be continued at the high standards that she has maintained. She and I sat down and review the needs of the town. We reviewed what is done and reviewed my qualifications. I believe that I can continue her fine work and improve upon this with my many years of experience.

I am seeking office because I believe that I am well suited for helping our town.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

This position is not political, but is very important to maintain professionalism within the departments. Our first responsibility is the town residents.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

To address the issues about water quality, you will first have to identify all contaminants and work along with other towns and the county to make changes as needed.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?

Need to identify, prioritize and properly budget for upgrades and repairs.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

I would speak with the town council and the supervisor to form a committee to address their issues. This issue is across the county and the nation.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

As this is not the role of the town clerk, I would help with paperwork and assist with all that was within my duties.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The other candidate has been elected in this town and served for 12 years. This is my first time running for office. I have been a public servant for Suffolk County since 1993. I started my county journey at Suffolk County Clerk's office. I then worked at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department in their civil enforcement unit. My current position at Suffolk County Community College started in 2000 in the computer information system department. I have many years of union work, including being on the executive board of Suffolk AME as a vice president, being the unit president of SCCC's white collar unit, along with being on our benefit fund and serving as a co-chair for this board.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Diane (who is retiring from the position) is the best.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I promise to keep the records of our town safe. I will update the systems as needed and will keep the town informed. I will be available to the town.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I believe that my resume — education, work experience — and who I am in this town should be what will make me a great town clerk.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Irene Pendzick, who was the town clerk in Riverhead for many years, told me: Never stop doing the right thing. I wish she was here to see me now. Her daughter Cindy is one of my closest friends.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will carry on the fine work that Diane has done. I will keep a friendly and approachable office. I will work with all town employees, town elected officials and, of course, all town residents with the most respect and love that I can give.