New Patchogue group seeks good government

Out of the fractured Patchogue political scene has come a new voice calling for civility and responsibility.

Launched by community leaders and former elected officials, a new civic organization -- NuVillage -- had its inaugural community meeting last week at the Elks Lodge in downtown, blocks from Village Hall and the offices of embattled Mayor Paul Pontieri.

While not openly criticizing village government, NuVillage members presented 10 principles calling for more accountability and transparency. Among the organization's supporters is Philip Butler of the Fireworks by Grucci company. He has clashed with Pontieri over the village's holiday boat parade.

And one of the group's founders, Mike Bruemmer, has pending lawsuits against the village based on violations levied on his waterfront bar.

"There is more to this story than just this wonderful little group," Pontieri said. "It is much more about the politics of an election right now."

Bruemmer said he could not comment on the litigation but said his participation in NuVillage isn't because of Pontieri. "I think it's time the bar of ethics is raised, whether for this administration or for anyone new coming in. That's what this movement is about," he said.

NuVillage founders stressed at the start of the meeting that they would focus on facilitation of discussion and not make endorsements. "We're not taking positions on the issues of the day," Bruemmer told an audience of about 40 people.

But with village elections in March, resident Dennis Ross asked why the organization will not endorse candidates. Bruemmer said the group is "looking for candidates to endorse what we're doing."

The group's leaders said they want to avoid being associated solely with the elections. "I don't want this to die on Election Day," added David Kennedy, a founding member and former village trustee.

The group met as Pontieri has been under fire from two board members. At a Jan. 9 meeting, trustees Stephen McGiff and Gerard Crean called for Pontieri to resign, alleging he has misused the village gas pump for his personal vehicle, which Pontieri says he uses on village business.

McGiff and Crean attended the meeting, as did county Legis. Rob Calarco (D-Patchogue). Pontieri, who was invited, said a previous commitment kept him away, but he welcomed the group's input. "I believe in civic organizations. I believe you have to listen to the people," he said.

He says his administration has fulfilled most of NuVillage's goals for government. "There's a tremendous amount of transparency in government because we're open to people," he said.

Patchogue resident Henry Terry said NuVillage was a "step in the right direction" to reuniting the divided village."You have this broken government," Terry said. "They're saying let's move towards democracy."