Smithtown Supervisor Regrets 'Wacko' Comment Caught By Open Mic

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A veteran Long Island politician is apologizing after an open microphone caught him making a comment that offended animal lovers.

As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, moments before a Town Board meeting in Smithtown on Thursday, Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio was overheard telling a board member, "A lot of wackos here tonight."

The private comment became very public because the town's website posts video of board meetings.

Animal advocates are the ones the supervisor dubbed "wackos." They attended the meeting to advocate for animals in the town shelter.

The town recently assembled an advisory committee to investigate claims of animal neglect at the shelter.

"It was hurtful and it was disrespectful," said animal advocate Deborah Maffettone. " ... We are there as respectable citizens."

"To be called wackos, it's very disgraceful," added Bill Nussbaum, another animal advocate.

Unaware that cameras roll on pre-meeting conversations, Vecchio readily admits he said something he shouldn't have.

"It was like Big Brother. ... We have an open mic," he said. "I should have been more careful."

But at 84 years old, Long Island's longest-serving town supervisor stands by his belief that those calling for the firing of the town animal shelter director are unreasonable.

"My description should have been better said," Vecchio said. "Should I apologize for the word 'wacko'? I'll apologize for that."

Name calling is nothing new in politics. In 2013, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called three colleagues in Congress "wacko birds." He later apologized.

Are animal advocates accepting Vecchio's apology?

"I accept the apology," Nussbaum said. "I would just like him to refer to us and think of us as advocates and trying to do the right thing."