Islip Democrat files complaint against Republican opponent

Democratic candidate Astrid Fidelia has filed a complaint with the state comptroller's office, alleging that incumbent Republican Councilman Steven J. Flotteron inappropriately used the town website and public information resources "as a tool" in his re-election campaign.

The complaint came Wednesday, days before the Nov. 5 general election.

Fidelia said Flotteron has been using a new historic map of Islip Town, which charts various sites of note and was prepared by college and Bay Shore High School students as a "palm card" at local meet-the-candidates forums.

The map, meant to encourage tourism, was sponsored by the town and advertised on its website by its communications staff. But work to create the new map and print copies was volunteered, Flotteron said.

Islip Democrats said Flotteron used the map as a campaign piece, and it should "not be permitted on the town's taxpayer-funded website, nor should it continue to be distributed through official means at town hall," according to a news release.

Flotteron countered that his job as a councilman is to promote the town's assets and his accomplishments. He said he has handed out the map at civic association meetings and meet-the-candidates forums, to let the public know about his pet projects. He denied it is used as campaign literature or handed out when he goes door-to-door.

"These are baseless allegations being made by desperate candidates," said Islip Town Republican Committee chairman Frank A. Tantone.

Flotteron and Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt, both Republican incumbents, face Democratic candidates Fidelia and former town deputy parks Commissioner George Hafele in Tuesday's election.