Candidate Profile: Amy Fortunato For Smithtown Receiver Of Taxes

SMITHTOWN, NY — Town of Smithtown voters will decide their next receiver of taxes on Nov. 7.

Republican incumbent Deanna Varricchio is being challenged by Democrat Amy Fortunato.

Patch reached out to all candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Amy Fortunato

How old will you be as of Election Day?

63

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

smithtownforward.org

What city or town do you live in?

Smithtown

What office are you seeking?

Receiver of Taxes

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

M.Div, New York Theological Seminary

What is your occupation?

Care provider

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

I'm married to my husband, Joe. We have three adult children - Victoria 31, Joseph 30 and Alison 27 and three grandchildren Keira 11, Lydia 6 and Noah 3.

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 asked by my party chairwoman to represent our Smithtown Democratic party as the Receiver of Taxes. This is an administrative position that I think would be well served since I have some experience in an accounting department at Citibank, which includes best financial practices. I am convinced that Smithtown must use cyber insurance security to ensure our personal data is protected against cyber attacks and ransomware.

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

Cyber security and easy access to the tax department.

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

An overall review of chemical seepage along with other dangerous practices that impacts our water quality.

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

The federal, state and county government needs to invest in our future; meaning our infrastructure including highways and public transportation.

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

I would do my best to influence the town council to work with local proprietors and labor unions to provide the best and most adequate use of lands and labor.

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?

I am convinced that this is a federal issue that urgently needs to be addressed and the process to become a U.S. Citizen (working and pay taxes) is absolutely necessary.

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

The major difference is my outlook on cybersecurity. Cyber insurance and availability - more open hours.

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

There was an infraction of security in the past - which has been rectified.

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

The Receiver of Taxes is an administrative/accounting function of our local government. But, I would use whatever influence I have within our local government to represent local concerns and to listen to our constituents.

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

I have past experience with an accounting department of Citibank and was responsible to follow financial security practices.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Rather than agonize, organize.

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

I am committed to the taxpaying residents of Smithtown and would do my best to serve our community.