Two Islip town board members sworn in

Two Islip Town council members were sworn in to office at a gathering at a Holbrook eatery Monday night.

About 50 people, including Islip Town employees, other Suffolk County Republicans, conservative leaders and elected officials, showed up to congratulate Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt and Councilman Steve Flotteron at the ceremony at Trio Restaurant at the Holbrook Country Club.

Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) did the honors for Bergin Weichbrodt as she was sworn in to her second term, while her husband Randy Weichbrodt stood beside her.

King, who described Bergin Weichbrodt as a friend he's known since her days as an anchor for News 12, said the councilwoman "cares for the community she represents and she's dedicated throughout the clock doing all there is to be done."

Tom Croci, the Islip Town Supervisor, has been deployed with the Navy since July. His return date is currently unknown.

"In the absence of the supervisor, we have all really rallied and we work well together and we have achieved a zero percent tax increase," Bergin Weichbrodt said, while thanking her fellow council members."

Councilman Steve Flotteron, who was elected to his third term, was surrounded by his wife Ellen and two daughters, Morgan, 14, and Madison, 16, as he took his oath given by Philip Goglas, a Suffolk County District Court judge in Central Islip.

"Elected officials have the power to tax you and spend your money. I take that responsibility very seriously; my kids could tell you how cheap I am," Flotteron said with a laugh. "I promise to continue to scrutinize all spending and to find creative opportunities for public-private partnerships."

Both council members won re-election in November for another four-year term.

Frank Tantone, chairman of the Islip Town Republican Committee, praised the Republican elected officials who have maintained a stronghold in the town. Currently, no Democrats serve on the town board. One council member, Anthony Senft, is a conservative.

The reception, complete with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, was paid for by Flotteron and Bergin Weichbrodt's campaigns, according to Inez Birbiglia, spokeswoman for the Town of Islip.