Patch Candidate Profile: Joann Waski For Riverhead Town Council

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.

Joann Waski, a Republican, is running for one of two open seats on the Riverhead Town Council.
Also running is Republican candidates Denise Merrifield, and Democratic candidates Andrew Leven and Rene Suprina.

Here is Patch's candidate profile of Joann Waski:

Name

Joann Waski

How old will you be as of Election Day?

50

Does your campaign have a website?

https://JoannWaski.com

What city or town do you live in?

Jamesport

What office are you seeking?

Riverhead Town Council

Party affiliation

Republican, Conservative

Education

College

What is your occupation?

President of Peconic Abstract, Inc., 35 yrs

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

Patrick Waski, 56, husband and retired Riverhead Police detective / Alexandra Waski, 25, daughter, hospitality coordinator / Andrew Waski, 25, son, Riverhead Police officer, volunteer Jamesport firefighter, Ryan-Elizabeth Waski, 21, daughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Myself, Planning Board chair for the Town of Riverhead, Board of Assessment review.
My son Andrew, Riverhead Police Department.

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

Planning Board chair, Board of Assessment Review

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?

As a lifelong resident of Riverhead, raised in Aquebogue, living in Jamesport for almost 30 years, I have always been extremely involved in my town. I sincerely love the entire town of Riverhead. With the update of our comprehensive plan, for which I have been volunteering for over a year on the town's steering committee, I felt that my experience would be an asset as we move the plan forward. This is a critical part of Riverhead's future. We must get it right, without much delay. I bring much insight to the role of town council starting from day one. I have been involved and will continue to be fully engaged with the community.

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

Their quality of life. Riverhead is unique, the quality of life is different depending on where in Riverhead you live. Wading River and Calverton are directly effected by the industrial zoning, the fear of high cube distribution centers, mega warehouses. I will make sure that zoning definitions are clarified in the master plan. No jet/cargo port will ever be allowed at EPCAL, as well. Manorville residents are waiting for clean water. I will stay on top of the county and see to it that they get that sooner rather than later. In Downtown Riverhead, I will continue with the revitalization which will include an amphitheater, playground for our children, and a parking garage. Protecting our hamlets, preserving open space. All of these things affect the quality of life for our residents. I have been listening, I have heard their concerns. These concerns directly effect myself and my family, as well.

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

We need water quality improvement. New sewers, cleaner septic options.

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

The state must repave Route 25 in Calverton; the LIRR must fix our railroad crossings. Our roads need bicycle paths and safer cross walks on Route 58.

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

Shop there, eat there, choose the mom and pop, family-owned businesses over the big box chains. I would try to work with the businesses to find incentives for them to keep their doors open. As a small business owner in Riverhead, I can relate to them.

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 councilwoman, I will continue to support the emergency order and protect the rights of the residents that have located to Riverhead legally. They deserve to be here, and I respect them for going through the process legally.

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

I have been a resident my entire life and have raised my family here. I own a business here in Riverhead that has been serving the area since 1983. My experience in real estate is extensive. Being a business owner has afforded me the knowledge of how to be a leader and how to respect my employees. Having served on the Planning Board has given me much insight as to the functioning of the town. I have always been engaged in the community. I know Riverhead and I know our residents.

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

I am prepared to handle any issue that concerns the residents of the town. I would like the residents to know that I will work for them to the very best of my ability. I would like to work 'with' them. I believe in our town and look forward to the opportunity to represent them.

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

Again, being a business own for as long as I have been lends itself to much experience. I am licensed to provide title insurance in the entire State of New York. I understand management, how to speak with people. I am not afraid to make hard decisions. I am on the executive board of Heidi's Helping Angels as well as The North Fork Animal Welfare League. However, my greatest accomplishment would be that I raised three amazing children that are also fully engaged in our community, just as their parents have been.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It's not yeah, it's yes — and remember to always speak with people, not at people.

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

I fully support law enforcement. I will never forget that I was elected by the residents. I would appreciate their vote on November 7.