Since returning from active duty in Iraq in 2005, Tom Cleere has been focusing the passion for public service that inspired his military and law enforcement careers.  Notwithstanding his past participation in local government and issues, Tom is resolute on addressing the needs of the people of Suffolk County and of Smithtown.  

            Last year Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy appointed Tom to the Suffolk County Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). Tom brings proven abilities in conflict resolution and the skill and knowledge of an experienced attorney and former Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney to PERB.  PERB is responsible for resolving labor disputes and ensuring the conditions of employment of public employees are maintained.  Tom also serves as the chairman of Congressman Steve Israel’s Military Advisory Council, where Tom assists in addressing issues facing veterans and their families.  Tom is now turning his attention to the needs of the local Smithtown community.

            Tom is not a newcomer to public service. As an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, Tom worked to protect the people of Suffolk County as a member of the Economic Crimes Bureau.  In his years as an Assistant District Attorney, Tom litigated many cases including gang related crimes, violent crimes and insurance fraud crimes.  Balancing justice, fairness, an utmost respect for the law and a commitment to public service made him a well-respected attorney and public servant.

            Moved by the events of September 11, 2001, Tom accepted a commission as an Officer in the United States Army Reserve.  His desire to serve his country and to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans, led him to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Leaving behind his wife, children and family, Tom served in Iraq from 2004 through 2005. While in Iraq, he was promoted to Captain and earned the Army Commendation Medal for his service.

            Upon returning from Iraq, Tom resumed working as an attorney and today runs his own law practice. Realizing the difficulties facing many returning veterans, Tom became active in the Smithtown Veterans of Foreign Wars and assisted his local post in providing and delivering to troops at Walter Reed Army Hospital the clothing, blankets and other amenities they needed.  He is an active member in his local VFW.  His concern for his fellow veterans inspires him to advocate on various veterans’ issues. 

            Tom Cleere was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Farmingdale, Long Island. Tom and his wife Diane have lived in Smithtown since 1998 where they are raising their two daughters, Julianna (6) and AvaMarie (3). 

            Bruce Ettenberg’s personal and professional background have given him the tools to bring the integrity, competence, efficiency and collegiality needed to Smithtown town government. Bruce’s ability to work cooperatively with students, teachers, parents and administrators to accomplish goals is evident from his having worked as the District Computer Coordinator for the New York City School System and as Chairperson of the Technology Department for the Carle Place Union Free School District. 

            Bruce Ettenberg is ready to bring his management skills and talent to represent constituents on the Smithtown Town Council. “To be effective, the Town Council must work as a team. Power plays do not benefit the citizens of Smithtown,” notes the candidate. “In order to avoid needless litigations, thereby wasting taxpayers hard-earned dollars, ethics codes should be strengthened and enforced, allowing the council to make citizens’ needs our top priority.” He adds, “Applying my skills will allow Smithtown to become a model for 21st century technology.”

            Bruce Ettenberg has continually been committed to service.  He has lived in Commack with his wife Debra and family for 35 years.  Bruce has been a soccer league coach, was active in the Citizens’ Committee for Redistricting Commack Schools and the Citizens’ Committee to create a Smithtown Library District. Bruce also served as a Chapter Chairperson for the United Federation of Teachers.  He and his wife Debra recently returned from working in Hanoi, Vietnam where he served as technology coordinator at the United Nations International School.

            Bruce Ettenberg graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens College and a Master of Arts from SUNY Stony Brook.  He worked for a number of years as a classroom teacher before advancing to district management positions in New York City in Carle Place. 

            Bill Turley is the founding partner of a Long Island law firm dedicated to representing injured and disabled workers. Starting out with a few clients in an office over a Long Island Rail Road station in 1989, Bill's firm now employs 12 attorneys and 15 staff employees and represents disabled individuals nationwide.  The Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities Association recently recognized his law firm, Turley, Redmond & Rosasco, as "Employer of the Year" for employing individuals with special needs.

            Coming from humble roots in Brooklyn as the son of a New York City school teacher, Bill knows the struggles of middle class family life.  He helped put himself through Brooklyn College by working as a messenger on Wall Street and subsequently graduated from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Needless-to-say, when hard work is called for, Bill is always ready to roll up his sleeves. Known for integrity and compassion, he was recently honored at a ceremony benefiting the Long Island "One-in-Nine" Breast Cancer support organization.

            Bill and his wife Elaine moved to Smithtown in 1997 and have two teenage children, Brendan and Erica. An active member of the community, Bill is the former President and current member of his local Lion's Club, a Trustee of his church and his daughter's former softball coach. On the professional front, Bill is a former Director of the New York Workers' Compensation Bar Association and a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association.

            Bill Turley brings the fresh perspective of an independent, successful business owner to his race for County Legislator. He supports County Executive Steve Levy's initiative to lower school taxes through cooperative sharing of services with county government.  In addition, he supports decreasing our dependence on costly fossil fuels from the Middle East by mandating that all municipal governments use "green technology" such as energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs, recycled paper and ink toner cartridges.  As a businessperson, Bill likes to say, "a Penny saved is one more in your pocket". 

            Bill Turley believes that Suffolk County is at a crossroads. With families working two and three jobs just to live here, our quality of life is at risk, and our children are suffering.  At this crucial time, we cannot afford politics as usual.  We need new leaders willing to take on the status-quo for the benefit of all county residents.  Bill Turley is prepared to roll up his sleeves and make the hard decisions.  Bill Turley is ready to make a difference.