What is Rothwell’s vision for Riverhead?

To the Editor:
Councilman Ken Rothwell’s handling of residents’ immigration enforcement concerns deserves public scrutiny. As liaison to Riverhead’s Hispanic Development, Empowerment and Education Committee, what has he done to ensure those concerns receive substantive public discussion?

RiverheadLOCAL reported that OLA of Eastern Long Island and residents addressed the Town Board on Feb. 18, 2026, requesting consideration of a proposed public safety and accountability law concerning federal immigration enforcement activity. Board members offered no response during that meeting. The publication also reported Rothwell’s opposition to the legislation.

On March 10, RiverheadLOCAL reported that Rothwell acknowledged he had not read the revised proposal, although he expressed willingness to meet with OLA.

Following the April 21 meeting, the publication reported that residents again requested consideration of the legislation and that board members offered no substantive response to the proposal itself. Rothwell responded to one speaker by praising District Attorney Ray Tierney’s work combating crime and gang activity.

On Aug. 20, RiverheadLOCAL reported another unanswered request for public discussion at the Aug. 18 meeting and stated that a work session on the proposal had not been scheduled as of that report. It also identified Rothwell as liaison to the Hispanic Development, Empowerment and Education Committee, created to advise the board on issues affecting Riverhead’s Hispanic community.

Councilman Rothwell, have you now reviewed the revised proposal? What provisions do you support or oppose, and why? What have you done to secure substantive public discussion of residents’ concerns? What recommendations has the Hispanic committee made, and what measurable results have followed?

Rothwell appointed me to chair Riverhead’s Anti-Bias Task Force. I spoke up against immigration enforcement practices and raised concerns about their impact on residents. I am concerned that representation becomes cosmetic when residents repeatedly seek substantive public answers without receiving them.

Public safety concerns also extend to the reported crashes involving Riverhead Republican Committee chairperson Tammy Robinkoff. In May, RiverheadLOCAL reported, citing police and court records, that she was charged with DWI and leaving the scene following incidents involving five parked vehicles and an attached garage. Those charges were accusations, not findings of guilt.

Councilman Rothwell, what public response have you made regarding that incident and the safety concerns it raised?

Beyond hotel and apartment development, what is your vision for Riverhead? How have residents’ priorities shaped your decisions, and what improvements can you identify from your tenure?

My concern is whether community representation produces meaningful engagement and results. Residents deserve informed decisions, clear explanations, and opportunities to have their concerns addressed publicly.

Every eligible resident should vote. If you are unhappy with this administration, examine the candidates’ records, ask direct questions, and make your voice heard at the ballot box.

Sincerely,

Mark “MK” McLaughlin
Former chairman, Riverhead Anti-Bias Task Force