Candidate Profile: Diane Callan-Tucci For Riverhead Town Board

RIVERHEAD, NY — Suffolk County residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.

The race is on in local town and village races leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 5. 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.

Diane Callan-Tucci, 49, of Riverhead is a Democrat also running on the Independence and Working Families lines seeking election as a Riverhead Town Board member. Her opponents include Pat Snyder, a Democrat, Timothy Hubbard and Frank Beyrodt, Jr., Republicans, and William C. Van Helmond, a Libertarian.

She has three children and has an Associate of Applied Science degree. She has worked for 30 years in graphic arts, marketing and events.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Diane Callan-Tucci below.

Patch: The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Tucci: For the board, I believe it is the EPCAL contract. There is a possibility the contract could be resolved by the time I am elected, so what I intend to do is stay on top of what is going with the deal, the presentations and to be fully informed and understanding what they plan for developing the property. I intend to listen to all the sides and opinions being presented, so if the contract is still in our hands when I am elected, I will be ready to act in a way that I feel benefits Riverhead. The bottom line is we need to make sure they are going to develop the property in a way that will increase our tax base, bring in good jobs and contribute to the overall betterment of our town. The property has sat for too long doing nothing and it needs to be put to work for our town to benefit from. We need tax revenue and jobs.

P: What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:

T: I come to the board as a business owner and entrepreneur of over 30 years. I would say the critical difference between myself and the other candidates is that I am plugged into so many aspects of the town already. The BID and Chamber who historically had not worked together for 30 years, were united by me running both organizations. I know how to manage efficient budgets and inspire, lead and engage people to work towards results together. I am a team player, team builder, leader, relationship developer and community builder. This along with my deep involvement in the community (Riverhead CAP, Middle School PTO, Wading River Boy Scout Troop 94 treasurer) gives me the leverage to being able to be an advocate for both business and community. As a single mother raising three children and as a NY State certified women-owned business, who works on NY State grant contracts — I have solid skills in conflict resolution, budgeting, reporting, negotiating , planning, professionalism and taking initiative. I have three children in the school district so I am plugged into what's going on there. I have run a business for 30 years and so I understand the struggles of small business owners. I am business oriented. I have a marketing background and understand the need to create a positive message for our town. As a working-class mother, I understand the challenges that more of our town faces from an economical and even sociological standpoint. I listen. I hear you all.

P: If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

T: Some members of the current board pushed through the EPCAL contract, which was not written in the best interest of the town.

P: Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

T: Overcrowded and unsafe housing are a major issue for our community. Operating a fiscally responsible government. Updating our master plan. Revitalizing our downtown. Attracting new business. On Rt. 58, it's about addressing the empty box stores and the clearing of too much of our trees. Increasing safety in our town. Preserving our farms and our heritage and rural character. Working for the quality of life of community deserves — which means addressing all the little things that add up to one great town to live in and be proud of.

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

T: I have a solid ten year track record working in the community, most recently as the executive director of the Riverhead Business Improvement District and the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce — for a year I held both jobs consecutively while raising three children on my own and keeping them involved in sports, dance, Scouts, youth planning board, Riverhead CAP and more . I have proven to be a leader who steps in, steps up and get things done. I helped create Alive on 25, I created the Halloweenfest and Coffin Races, I ran the Cardboard Boat Races, Bonfire and annual Fireworks show. I raised the money to save the Friday night concert series when it was abandoned this year, and found a team to run the Coffin Races when it was also faces its demise. These are all important things for a vibrant community. All which require working with the town, police, fire safety, community members, budgeting, and more. I inspire, engage and lead by example. My reputation in the community is of a hard worker who gets things done. I have built and maintained relationships with leaders of other towns and government, which lays the groundwork for stepping into office and being ready to work.

P: The best advice ever shared with me was ...

T: I have two slogans I love. "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." "Integrity is what you do when nobody is looking." For my political campaign, I was told if I really want to help people, the best way I can do it is through legislation. That one keeps me going.

P: What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

T: I am ready to roll up my sleeves and put myself at work for the community in a bigger way than ever. I have grown tremendously in the past years through my work in the community. I am ready, willing and and able to learn about the issues you are facing and help to be your advocate on the town board. I will work to support the struggling small business owners and I will push to look at the future of our town to make sure what we put in place today will have a positive impact as we grow. I believe that streamlining processes will be one of the strong skills I will bring to the town. I want to be a part of making sure we have a Riverhead we are all proud of and deserve.