Kathy's Korner--Town Board Candidate Forums

Every election year many of the Town Civic Associations host forums so voters can hear directly from the candidates. They have always been attended by candidates from both parties. This year the Republicans, Tim Hubbard, Bob Kern and Ken Rothwell have refused to attend the Jamesport Civic forum on September 28th (yes tonight) and the Heart of Riverhead Forum on October 4th. They reluctantly agree to attend the Wading River/Calverton forum on October 16th. The Democratic candidates are Jerry Halpin, Mark Woolley and Kevin Shea. They will be at all three forums.

The Republicans maintain they are not going to the Jamesport and Riverhead forums because they will not be impartial--they claim involvement of the Democratic party. The Civics reject that claim. Here are a few articles that look at this divisive issue from all angles.

This editorial discusses tells the story:

https://riverheadlocal.com/2025/09/25/local-officials-seeking-re-election-should-attend-civic-group-meet-the-candidate-nights/

This is Supervisor Hubbard's explanation:

https://riverheadlocal.com/2025/09/26/hubbard-forum-hosted-by-civics-led-by-dem-leaders-would-be-inherently-biased/

This is the response of the Jamesport and Riverhead Civic leaders:

https://riverheadlocal.com/2025/09/27/jamesport-civics-candidate-forum-is-not-a-debate-and-its-not-biased/

https://riverheadlocal.com/2025/09/29/solidly-non-partisan-entirely-pro-riverhead/

Here's the schedule: