Kenneth T. Rothwell R

BACKGROUND

• Rothwell, 54, of Wading River, is a registered Republican seeking a second full term as town councilman. He was previously appointed to a one-year term to fill a board vacancy and won a full term in 2021. He is running on the Republican and Conservative lines. 
• He has an associate’s degree in architecture from SUNY Farmingdale and an associate’s degree in mortuary science from Nassau Community College. Rothwell owns four funeral homes across the East End.
• Rothwell spent 20 years as a volunteer firefighter in Southampton and is a current member of the Wading River Fire Department.

ISSUES

• Rothwell said he would prioritize construction of a new, larger ambulance headquarters to meet growing department needs and support fundraising initiatives to offset costs to taxpayers. The project is estimated at $9 million.
• He said he would continue funding public safety upgrades, including additional police officers and a new motorcycle unit, as well as focus on addressing critical upgrades at town parks.
• Rothwell supports economic development and said plans for a new town square would make downtown Riverhead a vibrant destination and fuel tourism. Development of high-tech jobs at the Enterprise Park at Calverton could also generate more town revenue for other goals, including land preservation, he said.