EDITORIAL: How about a little diversity?

The village board is seeking a trustee to appoint to the position vacated by Lori Devlin, who left to fill the position of village clerk.

According to old census data, about 30 percent of the Patchogue community is Latino, certainly deserving of representation. Patchogue’s population reflects about 60 percent white, 23 percent white-Hispanic and almost 7 percent Hispanic, just about 4 and 1/2 percent African-American and just under 3 percent Asian.

On the board of trustees there is a fair mix of men and women, but it is abundantly clear the Hispanic community needs representation in the village.

We certainly would not want to put them on the spot. We also understand the village’s obligation to not disqualify any candidates by singling out a particular demographic. But there are so many qualified options in our village, including some that come to mind like Javier Kinghorn the Suffolk County Hispanic Advisory Board leader, and Eva Greguski, Legis. Rob Calarco’s chief of staff. Both are intelligent and hardworking individuals dedicated to the community.

Since the tragic hate crime murder of Marcelo Lucero in 2008, the Patchogue community has come a long way. But should the first-ever Hispanic, in recent memory, be appointed to the village board, it would speak volumes to just how far we’ve come.

That’s not to say the Pontieri administration has been anything short of phenomenal. Under his leadership, the village has seen a revitalization like never before, and we recognize that.

By the ‘60s and ‘70s, vacancies were up by about 10 to 20 percent and in complete distress by the ‘80s and ‘90s, with a 40 to 50 percent rate.

Through volunteerism and an overall vision, the village began to elect leaders that supported infrastructure and voted to expand the village’s wastewater treatment facility, eventually allowing Main Street the opportunity for growth. Pontieri was elected in 2004 after 11 years serving as trustee. The Village of Patchogue soon became an entertainment and dining destination and, ultimately, a new arts and cultural scene developed.

According to Pontieri, they are seeking the most qualified candidate and hope to see a diverse group of applications, but are mostly looking for a team player with experience, trust and loyalty.

Trustee position applications were due by March 5. Interviews will be held throughout the month. A decision by the mayor is expected to be made on or about April 1. The newly filled trustee position will be up for election on March 15, 2022.