Schneiderman Won't Run for Town Supervisor
Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, who was the East Hampton Town Republicans' top choice to run for town supervisor this year, announced today that he will instead seek a sixth and final term on the Legislature. That leaves the Republicans to seek out a new candidate to lead their ticket.
Supervisor Bill Wilkinson, a Republican, has said he does not wish to run for re-election.
The Republicans have already nominated Fred Overton, the town clerk, to run for town board along with Councilman Dominick Stanzione, who is finishing his first term in office. They have Carol Brennan, the deputy clerk, on tap to run for town clerk, Carl Irace, a former town attorney, for town justice, and Joe Bloecker for assessor.
Below is the statement Mr. Schneiderman released this morning:
Schneiderman Announces He Will Seek Re-Election as Suffolk Legislator
Schneiderman withdraws his name from consideration for East Hampton Town Supervisor
Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) today announced that he will run for a 6th term on the Suffolk County Legislature. Legislator Schneiderman had been considering running instead for his prior post as East Hampton Town Supervisor. Legislator Schneiderman explained his decision in a statement released today.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received as I have weighed how best to serve our community. After great thought and deliberation, I have chosen to seek re-election to the Suffolk County Legislature.”
“East Hampton is a special place, and the idea of bringing our town together as Supervisor is very appealing to me. However, there is still more work I feel I need to do in the Legislature.”
“Suffolk County is at a critical crossroads and I believe I can make a real difference to ensure we make the right choices to move our County forward. I do not want to walk away from Suffolk County at a time when we are facing a deficit of up to $250 million and the future of many critical programs are unsettled.”
“County Executive Bellone has asked me to work closely with him to focus on budget mitigation that puts Suffolk County on a more sustainable path while protecting critical services.”
“Recently, I emerged victorious in my longstanding fight against the disproportionate and unfair placement of all the county’s homeless sex offenders on Eastern Long Island. Now that this consuming fight is behind us, I can focus on other regional concerns like improving transportation options on the East End, the future of the open space program and protecting our farming communities. I also will work closely with our Sandy recovery team to make sure we make the right choices not only to rebuild damaged communities stronger, but that we make smart decisions all along our shoreline to protect vulnerable areas like downtown Montauk.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said he is pleased with Legislator Schneiderman’s decision. “I am grateful that Legislator Schneiderman has chosen to seek re-election. Jay is a strong voice and a relentless advocate for the East End. As we work to put our finances in order, deliver services more efficiently and rebuild after Sandy, I need Jay Schneiderman’s voice in the Legislature,” said Bellone.
Legislator Jay Schneiderman will be running for his last term as Legislator because of County term limits. He said he would not rule out the possibility of a run for Supervisor at some point in the future.