Joann Tierney-Varello

BACKGROUND

• Varello, 62, of Kings Park, is competing in the Republican primary for a seat on the Smithtown Town Board.
• She is an independent consultant in marketing. 
• Varello is making her first run at public office.

ISSUES

• Varello said she is concerned about overdevelopment and high-density housing, particularly proposals in recent years to bring multitenant housing and apartments to parts of town such as Kings Park. She said the town needs to consider smarter approaches to housing issues.
• Varello is in favor of preserving open space in town and prioritizing funding for roads townwide.
• Varello says a new board is needed to introduce “new viewpoints” into important townwide discussions and to avoid “group think” among the town board. She is in favor of instituting term limits for elected town officials.