Former prosecutor launches GOP council bid

A former state prosecutor has launched a Republican primary challenge against two incumbent Smithtown town council members.

Lawrence Gray will attempt to unseat either Robert Creighton or Edward Wehrheim in the Sept. 13 primary. The top two vote-getters will run in the November general election.

Smithtown Republican chairman William Ellis said Wednesday he would not challenge petitions to place Gray on the primary ballot.

Gray, a former prosecutor for the state attorney general’s office, could not be reached for comment. His wife is former Smithtown councilwoman Joanne Gray.

The town Republican committee endorsed Wehrheim and Creighton earlier this year.

Frances Kalabza, who had considered a Conservative primary challenge against Wehrheim and Creighton, has decided not to run, said Smithtown Conservative Party chairwoman Janine Barbera. Kalabza could not be reached for comment.

The deadline for nominating Conservative party primary candidates is Thursday, Barbera said.