A Greenport business owner concerned with the issues facing the village has organized her own debate for trustee candidates in the upcoming election.
The debate, organized by Rena Wilhelm, owner of The Weathered Barn on Front Street, will be held at the Greenport United Methodist Church, located at 624 Main Street, tomorrow from 6 to 9 p.m. Trustee introductions will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. Coffee will provided by the North Fork Roasting Company.
Vying for two open trustee seats are incumbent David Murray, Greenport coach Jack Martilotta, businessman Douglas Roberts, and retired village utilities director and former trustee William Swiskey.
The debate will be moderated by Wilhelm, who will pose all questions to the candidates. In the days leading up to the debate, Wilhelm asked residents to send in their questions to her Facebook page.
Wilhelm told SoutholdLOCAL why she decided to host her event. “I have been a resident and business owner in Greenport for over four years, with familial ties since 2004.”
Based on her business location and “outgoing personality”, Wilhelm said she’s in touch with many village residents. “I am a truth seeker and believe in fairness and justice. I have always been this way. Because I believe in dialogue and communication, I decided to organize and host this event so that the residents of our village are, in fact, heard. Additionally, we have four very viable candidates for only two open trustee positions. They are each representative of our current village demographic and I think it is important that we hear what they have to say, too.”
Wilhlem said she is hopeful that she can steer the conversation into proposed ideas and solutions. Moderated questions will address open government, transparency, selective code enforcement and potential for increased revenue, amongst other topics, she said.
“I wish all the candidates the best of luck and regardless of who wins, I know we all want Greenport to prosper and have its residents’ best interests at heart.”
Election Day will be held on March 18, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with voting at the Third Street Firehouse. Voter registration days will be held on March 5 from 8:30 am. until 5 p.m. and March 7 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Village Hall.
SoutholdLOCAL will host a debate for mayoral candidates Deputy Mayor George Hubbard, Jr. and local business owner Zuleyha Lillis, along with trustee candidates. The debate will take place at the Floyd Memorial Library on Friday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.
