Jesse L. Phillips

BACKGROUND

• Phillips, 46, a registered Democrat, is seeking election to the Smithtown Town Board on the Democratic Party line.
• He is a U.S. Navy veteran and U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and infantry rifleman. He has a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Hofstra University.
• He is an FDNY firefighter and was previously the union delegate for the New York City Fire Department Engine Co. 234.

ISSUES

• Phillips said he is concerned with the pace of development in Smithtown. He said that while Smithtown needs development for young families, there needs to be development that fits the characteristics of the town and not three-to-four-story buildings or complexes "that don’t fit the aesthetics of downtowns."
• He said he is advocating for the town to take a more measured approach toward development to ensure that projects fit the character of the hamlets they are proposed in.
• He also is advocating for term limits for elected officials, adding that he believes new voices need to be present on the Town Board to provide fresh perspectives. He also wants to prioritize outreach to local veterans in getting them connected with services such as grants, tax breaks, and other benefits.