Village Candidate Q&A: What One Improvement to the Village Would You Make

On June 21, residents in Westhampton Beach will be asked to elect two candidates to the Westhampton Beach Village Board. Vying for those seats are Deputy Mayor Hank Tucker, Trustee Patricia DiBenedetto and former Deptuy Mayor Toni-Jo Birk. 

Patch recently asked all three candidates five questions and over the next week and a half, Patch will provide their responses in a series we are calling, Village Candidate Q&A. 

Question 2: If the village had the money, what one improvement would you like to make?

Hank Tucker: "Sewers and drains to help keep our waterways clean and to benefit our residents, restaurants and business community"

Patricia DiBenedetto: "Where do I start?  If the village had the money, the one improvement that I would like to see would be to have underground utilities.  What better way to "beautify" our village, than to improve what we can visually see; and seeing crooked poles throughout the village is a true eye sore. Underground utilities may also circumvent possible power issues that can develop during high winds and storms.  Take Hurricane Sandy for example.  The areas, and there few of them, that have underground utilities were without power a fraction of the time compared to the rest of the community.  It would be an expense that I'm sure would accepted by all...especially when looking at our village on an esthetic viewpoint."

Toni-Jo Birk: "I would love to see more recreational development for children and other populations that live and come to Westhampton Beach. The Village does not possess many active recreation facilities, we do have beautiful beaches and the toddler park which I helped create. I would like to see a part of the Village where multi-generational groups can enjoy time together and partake in recreational activities; whether this includes providing handicap access to Lashley Beach or the development of park areas."

Patch wants to know? Which response did you like best? Comment below and to read responses to Question 1: Where do you see the village in ten years, click here.