Riverhead Councilman Jim Wooten, who must give up his Town Board seat at the end of the year due to term limits, says he will screen for the Republican nomination for supervisor and may also screen for an assessor position if one of the incumbents doesn’t seek re-election.
The Riverhead Republican Committee sent out a press release indicating that it will be screening candidates for town offices Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. READ
The Riverhead Republican Committee and its town supervisor candidate, Jodi Giglio, are leading the way in campaign contributions, according to financial disclosure reports filed Oct. 2. READ
On the night he secured the second spot in Thursday’s three-man primary race, incumbent Councilman Jim Wooten indicated that if he wins the general election this fall, his next term will be his final one in office.
After hearing oral arguments Thursday afternoon, a Suffolk County Supreme Court judge deferred ruling on the lawsuit filed by tax assessor Mason Haas against the Town of Riverhead, allowing him to remain in his elected position as the judge reviews the case.
Supervisor Sean Walter and Councilman James Wooten smiled and posed for photos after a meeting in 2011. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch file)
After they both lost their party’s nomination for re-election last week, Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter and Councilman Jim Wooten intend to run as a pair in primaries this fall against the party favorites.
Mr. Walter, running for his fourth two-year term in office, lost by half a gubernatorial vote to party-nominee Jodi Giglio, and said on Friday he hopes to get the nomination of the Independence and Conservative parties.
Instead of the incumbent councilman Mr. Wooten, the GOP committee went with retired police officers Tim Hubbard and Bob Peeker to fill Mr. Wooten’s seat, as well as the one currently belonging to Councilman George Gabrielsen, who is not running for re-election.
Jodi Giglio gives an acceptance speech after the Riverhead Republicans nominated her for the Town Supervisor seat. (Credit: Joe Pinciaro)
The incumbents are out. (more…)
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | Riverhead Republicans celebrate their victorious sweep Election night in downtown Riverhead. From left: committee chairman Mason Haas, Councilwoman Jodi Giglio, Supervisor Sean Walter and Councilman John Dunleavy.
Riverhead Republican Committee chairman Mason Haas has retained legal counsel and is asking WRIV 1390 radio to save a copy of an interview Republican Town Supervisor Sean Walter did with the station Friday for “possible litigation” against Mr. Walter, according to Mr. Haas and WRIV general manager Bruce Tria. (more…)
Councilman John Dunleavy (left) and Sean Walter at a recent work session. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
“This board tore each other apart for the last two years on petty issues. And the lack of caucuses allowed that to happen.”
That’s how Riverhead Republican committee leader Mason Haas explained why he believes Riverhead Town Board members, all Republicans, need to meet in twice-monthly political caucus meetings — which are closed to the public.