Sarah Smith (D)

Born and raised in the Town of Islip, Sarah Smith is a licensed macro social worker who has spent her upbringing and adult life by taking on a caretaking role for her parents and younger sister.

 A graduate of Connetquot High School in 2017, Smith earned her associates degree from Suffolk Community College, BSW and MSW from Stony Brook University, and passed the NYS Social Work licensing exam.

During high school, undergraduate and graduate school, Smith worked full-time to support herself and family. 

“I have always known that my calling is to help my community and my previous experience all centered around community outreach,” said Smith.

Specializing in serving the unhoused veteran population, managing a homeless shelter, and helping families in mental health, substance use, and housing-related crises, Smith said she is proud of her roles in counseling.

Most recently, Smith has served as communications director for Suffolk County legislator Sarah Anker. 

“That experience led me to see the importance of electing more candidates who value a person-centered approach—particularly, those acting at a local level,” said Smith. “I am particularly interested in increasing and improving programs for senior citizens—the folks who have spent their lives in our great town and made it what it is, should not be left behind now.  I hope to serve the Town of Islip as town clerk in order to help the Islip community thrive, with resources and programs designed to strengthen the town’s community one individual at a time.” 

Smith said that the Town of Islip “desperately needs a Department of Health and Human Services” and said there is currently a “public health crisis that needs to be addressed on a local level. Especially with the rate of overdose death in Islip, we cannot continue to ignore needed community supports, such as these resources.”

The wide-reaching cyberattack that crippled the county is another priority of Smith’s, who said, “I look forward to making the security of our residents’ records a critical priority. This will be accomplished by conversing with seasoned professionals in the field and staying apprised regarding cybersecurity updates.”

Characterizing the town clerk’s office as “one of the first points of contact for our residents,” Smith said she would “look forward” to making the clerk’s office a “one-stop shop.”

“Thanks to my social work career, I have become familiar with the different resources available for a variety of situations and I am excited to share them with the people of Islip,” said Smith.

Smith said she was “honored” when running mate and Town of Islip supervisor candidate, Ken Colon, asked her to run for Islip town clerk.

“He and I agree on a people-first vision for Islip, and are both propelled by pride in our community and a duty to serve our neighbors. I believe that we need more social workers and mental health professionals in elected positions. While many factors are involved in success for a town clerk and other town leadership, compassion towards the community, fairness towards others, and equal treatment and support no matter their viewpoint is critical to have a harmonious and healthy community. We need a town government that is financially responsible, concerned about the well-being of our residents, and ready to work diligently for the betterment of all residents. I look forward to serving the Islip Town community with integrity and passion.”

Linda D. Vavricka (R)

Linda D. Vavricka was born and raised in East Islip, where she currently resides today with her daughter.

Vavricka characterizes her background as “humble” and “working-class” with values of hard work, determination, and integrity being of paramount importance.

After graduating from East Islip High School, Vavricka went on to further her career attending BOCES for cosmetology, graduating in 2000.

Vavricka said she “believes in giving back to the community where she lives and serves.”

Throughout her career, she has spent hours volunteering her time at various community events, including Mondays at Racine Cancer Care Foundation.

A longtime believer in the importance of making government work efficiently, Vavricka has also worked for various senators in their NYS Senate candidacy, including Alexis Weik, Phil Boyle, Tom Croci, and Lee Zeldin’s offices assisting the constituents with their concerns and honing her skills as a manager and leader for more than a decade. 

“My specific background makes me uniquely qualified to serve the residents of the Town of Islip as town clerk,” Vavricka said.