Meet The Candidate: Kenneth Rothwell 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. In Riverhead, four candidates are vying to fill two open town council seats.

Name

Kenneth T. Rothwell

How old will you be as of Election Day?

54

Does your campaign have a website?

Friendsofkenrothwell.com

What city or town do you live in?

Wading River, NY

What office are you seeking?

Riverhead Town Council

Party affiliation:

Republican and Conservative

Education:

Associate Degree in Architecture from SUNY Delhi and Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Nassau Community College.

What is your occupation?

Funeral director and owner.

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

Wife, Debra and two sons, Kenny and Cameron. My wife and I have been residents of Wading River for 30 years. My sons still reside in our family home.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, my son Kenny is a paramedic employed by Stony Brook University Hospital and a volunteer with the Wading River Fire Department and my son Cameron is an EMT employed by Stony Brook University Hospital and also volunteers with Wading River Fire Department. My wife is a volunteer at the Warrior Ranch in Calverton working with veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD.

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

Yes, current Riverhead Town Councilman. I also served as a Captain in the Southampton Fire Department for 20 years and now volunteer with the Wading River Fire Department.

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 am seeking office to protect this town and its valuable assets, including our natural resources (Peconic River and Long Island Sound); our agricultural heritage and the economic engine it has been for the town; protection of our rural landscape while balancing with measured growth to improve jobs, tax base and local economy. It is important to provide for our future generations so they can afford to live and work in Riverhead.

Please complete this statement:

The single most pressing issue facing our yown is the balance between development and preservation or stated differently, improving tax base and jobs while maintaining our rural heritage and maintaining our assets (water, sewer, police) to serve existing projects and any growth.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on Long Island?

I think this administration has been aggressive and successful in its plea to federal and state representatives for funding to undertake projects to expand our ability to provide residents with clean safe drinking water. Other efforts, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Suffolk County, and town building department is requirements for improved and alternative septic systems to protect our groundwater and significantly, our water resources.

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

I already addressed our water infrastructure above. The town's sewer district is consistently advancing with new treatment methods, including recently a bio-solids project. As for highways, the Town Highway Superintendent and all departments with project applications have been diligent in requiring road opening permits to ensure any disturbance is corrected and the roadways are returned to a standard set by the state.

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

We did assist (shared ARPA funds, waived building permit fees during that time, permitted outdoor dining) local businesses during the pandemic as I know other towns did, as well. The town must continue to study growth and impacts such that business may improve or expand in a way that doesn’t negatively impact our community.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

The federal government has and I hope continues to support infrastructure projects that benefit the welfare of our residents, including water projects, water pollution projects, sewer projects, and monies to remediate sites that are ripe for development ie. EPCAL.

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

Simply, I think commitment, dedication, and a resume that shows community is and always will be important to me.

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

I think it is critical to continue the work that we, as the current governing body, have been doing with the success reflected in $58 million of grant money for a variety of projects related to community welfare.

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

Water quality and the successful relationships with local, state, and federal representative to secure grant funding. Improvement and restoration of our parks, including an ice rink, rest rooms, pickleball courts, throughout the town. I supported the increase in our police force and successfully reduced our crime rate.

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

Simply, my wife, sons and I have lived here for 30 years. I am proud to be a resident of the town. I strive to protect everything that makes Riverhead unique, the Peconic River, areas of farmland, farm stands, wineries, a downtown that soon will be revitalized and family friendly, and protect and grow our economy for the next generation.