Southold Republicans announce their election slate
The Southold Town Republican Committee has selected a familiar roster of names to serve as its candidates in this year’s town election.
Of the eight Republican candidates on the ticket, seven have run for office before, including all six incumbents who sought re-election. Town Supervisor Scott Russell, and Town Board members Jill Doherty and Bill Ruland, top the ballot. Mattituck attorney William Goggins is once again the party’s choice for Town Justice.
“It’s a strong slate,” said GOP chairman Peter McGreevy after the announcement at the Soundview Restaurant in Greenport. “These are good candidates with experience and a good background in Southold Town.”
Despite a challenge from former councilman and fellow Cutchogue resident Chris Talbot, Mr. Russell, who was first elected supervisor in 2005, secured the support of the committee to seek another term.
“I’m now looking forward to letting the voters put their trust in me to elect me to another four years so I can continue to do the job I’ve been doing,” the supervisor said. He pointed to continuing to promote land preservation initiatives and following a path of conservative fiscal management as goals for his fourth term in office.
Mr. McGreevy said each of the candidates received strong support from the committee during the vote Thursday.
“They’re all familiar with the issues and are in the best position to address the needs of the people of Southold Town,” he said.
Ms. Doherty, who is seeking a second term on the Town Board after previously serving as Trustee, listed finding affordable housing solutions for people of all ages and continuing to update the town code to improve quality of life issues as goals of her campaign.
“I like to hear from the constituents, to get their side on the issues, and then make sure we do things that make it easier for them to live here,” the New Suffolk resident said.
The one first-time nominee on the GOP ballot this year is Trustee candidate Glenn Goldsmith of Mattituck, who will run alongside incumbent Dave Bergen of Cutchogue. The spot opened up after 20-year Trustee Jim King announced he would not seek re-election this year.
A 38-year-old Southold native, who works for his family business, Goldsmith’s Boat Shop, and at Sea Tow, Mr. Goldmsith said he’s familiar with the town’s waterways and wants to make sure his children are able to enjoy it the same way he always has.
“I grew up on these waters and I’ve seen the changes take place,” he said. “We need to make sure we protect it for the future.”
Mr. Goggins, who lost to longtime incumbent William Price in the 2013 Justice race, is the only other non-incumbent on the GOP ticket. He will run in place of retiring Judge Rudolph Bruer. Mr. Goggins was not in attendance at the convention Thursday as he was attending his son’s Officers Commissioning Ceremony in the United States Marine Corps.
After winning a special election for Town Assessor in 2013, Rich Caggiano of Southold received the nomination for his first full term.
“I really like the job,” he said. “I like the staff and I enjoy working with the people. When you’re able to help people, they appreciate it, and that’s what I like most about it.”
Tax Receiver George Sullivan, who is recovering at home from an illness that had him hospitalized earlier this year, was also selected to run for re-election. The Southold resident was unable to attend Thursday’s convention.
The Southold Town Democratic Committee will choose its slate Tuesday evening.
