Assemblyman Joseph Saladino to Run for Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino (R-Massapequa), recently announced that he will be running for the open seat as Oyster Bay Town supervisor after John Venditto stepped down this month.

Venditto, who was indicted on federal corruption charges along with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano in October, officially resigned on Jan. 5 after serving as supervisor since 1998.

Saladino was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2004 representing the 9th district which includes: Massapequa, Massapequa Park, South Farmingdale, West Babylon, Babylon Village, North Babylon, West Islip, and West Bay Shore, part of Brightwaters, the Great South Bay, and the barrier beaches from Jones Beach to Robert Moses State Park.

"I have worked hard to produce for the taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay," he said. "I'm ready, willing and able to fix the problems in this town."

As supervisor, Saladino said he would work diligently to create total transparency and reign in the town's spending without hurting local businesses.

"It's time to bring pride back to the Town of Oyster Bay," he said. "I love this town and as a long-time resident I understand the problems in this town."

The next step would be for Saladino to make a more formal announcement. Currently, Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Joseph Muscarella has been acting as interim supervisor, but the board is not yet ready to elect a new supervisor as they are still waiting for a financial rating from Moody's Investors Services, according to a report in Newsday.

"The town needs a full-time supervisor to take charge of matters, fix its problems, and get the town back on track," Saladino said.

Saladino is running against Independent candidate Robert Ripp, a Massapequa resident and retired NYPD officer.

Last year, after being charged with allegedly violating the town code he accused town code enforcement officials of disregarding evidence, according to Newsday.

In addition, former Oyster Bay Constable Chris Briggs, who accused restaurateur Harendra Singh of securing illegal loan guarantees from town officials as well as arranging and paying for vacations for County Executive Edward Mangano, will be running.

Additional candidates are also being interviewed.