Cantwell to Reappoint Len Bernard

       East Hampton Town Supervisor-elect Larry Cantwell announced on Sunday that he will reappoint Len Bernard as the town’s budget officer in January.

       “While it is the supervisor who makes this appointment, I have consulted with all members of the town board who will hold office in January and they all agree with this appointment,” Mr. Cantwell said in a press release.

       Mr. Bernard served under Supervisor Bill Wilkinson and was the budget officer during Jay Schneiderman’s two terms on the job as well.

       “Len Bernard helped spearhead the financial recovery of the town, reorganized the Finance Department, and developed strong working relationships with the New York State comptroller’s office and the financial professionals who advise the town,” Mr. Cantwell said.

       “While we may be loyal members of different political parties, Len and I agree there is no room for party politics when it comes to the financial health of the town.”

       Mr. Cantwell, a Democrat who ran unopposed, has been holding transition planning meetings in preparation for taking office in January, and said on Sunday that those have included not only his running mate Kathee Burke-Gonzalez but also Fred Overton, both of whom will be new members of the town board.

       Come January, the town board will have a 4-1 Democratic majority, with Mr. Overton as the sole Republican.

       “With the support of the Democrats on the new town board, I have invited Fred and he has agreed to be a full partner in our transition planning,” Mr. Cantwell said.