Decrying “one-party rule” on the all-Democratic East Hampton Town Board, the East Hampton Town Republican Committee has put out the call for people interested in running for broad range of seats that will be up for grabs this Election Day.
Prospective candidates will be screened on Friday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion in Amagansett.
Democrats, too, are looking for people who want to serve their community in elected office. Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc announced Friday that he would not run for re-election, while Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, the deputy supervisor, announced that she would seek the Democrats' nomination for that spot. Others who wish to throw their hat in the ring were asked to email Anna Skrenta, the party's chairwoman, by Friday at [email protected].
The supervisor's seat and two town board seats will be on the ballot this year -- Ms. Burke-Gonzalez's seat is safe, but those of Sylvia Overby and David Lys will be in contention, as will spots for nine town trustees, one town justice, highway superintendent, and two town assessors.
Saying "We need you to save East Hampton," the Republicans criticized the current town board for “destroying the fabric of our community,” and charged that it had “pitted neighbors against neighbors,” “accomplished NOTHING for residents,” “spent millions on frivolous lawsuits,” “denied residents life-saving cell service,” while adopting a “radical ideology” that has made East Hampton “anti-business” and too "expensive to live, driving families apart.”
Interested parties seeking higher office on the Republican line are encouraged to reach out to Manny Vilar, the committee's chairman, at 631-324-0528 or [email protected].