Town Asks: Are Day or Night Meetings Better for Residents?

Hauppauge residents wanting to speak to Smithtown's elected officials over local concerns and issues, but find themselves rapped at work might be given the opportunity. 

Councilman Thomas McCarthy proposed the town board should reschedule its August. 13 meeting, set for 2 p.m.,  to the evening of Aug. 15 to allow residents who work during the day a chance to address elected officials on local issues. 

McCarthy said he received several phone calls from town residents complaining that there are no town board meetings at night for the months of July and August.  

"They have been calling like crazy saying, "We have no way to be heard at night, we work during the day'," McCarthy said. "Government shouldn't only be a daytime business." 

Normally, the town board hosts two meetings a month: the first Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m., and the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. The second meeting of the month is usually hosts larger public hearings for issues of concern to the communities, and attracts more residents. 

The Town of Smithtown is considering several proposed business plans that have stirred controversy including St. James-based Whisper Winery's request for an outdoor event permit, Whisper Landing Assisted Living complex in Smithtown, Reliable Tree Service's business plans for Commack,  and Kings Park business issues. 

Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said he was in favor of making the change, but others on the town board were hesitant to agree. 

Councilmen Bob Creighton -  running against Vecchio or Smithtown supervisor's seat this November - Kevin Malloy and Ed Wehrheim said they would consider the change. 

We're curious, would you be more likely to attend and speak at a Smithtown town board meeting at night? Should all town board meetings be held at night? 

Tell us in the comments below.