Timothy C. Hubbard for Riverhead Town supervisor

Riverhead Town needs revitalization coupled with infrastructure investment but it’s easier said than done. After decades of stalled initiatives, Riverhead now seems poised to experience actual revitalization.

Supervisor Timothy C. Hubbard, 65, a Republican, is running for reelection against challenger Jerome Halpin, who is unaffiliated but running on the Democratic line. Both live in Riverhead.

Halpin, 53, pointed to Riverhead’s 2026 budget, which, if approved, would raise the tax levy 7.7%, as a main reason he should be elected. He said working families are being taxed out of their homes, and residents are upset about the town piercing the tax cap. While he is right that cost-of-living issues remain forefront, town government is largely at the mercy of state and federal forces.

Hubbard said the town removed some budget requests to keep taxes from rising more. Halpin said piercing the tax cap isn’t the solution; bringing in more revenue is. He preaches a ground-up approach to building the tax base but didn’t clearly explain a plan to stay under the cap while maintaining services.

Enterprise Park at Calverton, known as EPCAL, needs to be prioritized, Hubbard said, although right now, the contract for the 1,644-acre property remains in litigation. Once it is resolved, the supervisor said, the town should consider leasing some of the land to defense industry suppliers waiting to jump in. Halpin called it a Groundhog Day scenario that wasn’t benefiting residents. Hubbard had more defined ideas on how to reset the process once the lawsuit ends.

Hubbard said the expected Town Square development and parking garage will lure businesses and shoppers to downtown, thereby increasing the tax base. He likened it to the revitalization of other villages to the west and said all of Riverhead would benefit from increased foot traffic. Halpin said town government isn’t listening to residents who don’t want five-story structures downtown.

Hubbard was clear that he wants a community benefits package for Riverhead from the Suffolk County Water Authority for tearing up roads to install an 8.5-mile pipe to Southold Town. It’s a zoning dispute that may require further litigation, though Hubbard expects it will end up in Riverhead’s favor.

While Halpin brings leadership experience and deep community connections, his background isn’t suited to running a large municipal government. He wants to boost the local economy to reduce taxes in a way that doesn’t negatively impact quality of life, but he didn’t offer specifics.

Hubbard told the editorial board the lack of consistent leadership has been detrimental to the town’s revitalization and preservation efforts. We agree. Hubbard deserves another term.

Newsday Opinion endorses Hubbard.