Attorney Puts Brakes On Plan To Wage Primary For Supe's Seat

MATTITUCK, NY— Mattituck attorney Stephen Kiely has decided to opt out of waging a Republican primary against incumbent Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell in June.

"After careful consideration, and despite having obtained the requisite number of designating petition signatures, I have decided to terminate my primary campaign for Southold Town supervisor, effective immediately," Kiely said in an email Friday. "Over the course of campaigning and having spoken to more than 400 Republican households it became very apparent that terminating my campaign was necessary to avoid fracturing the Republican Party."

Kiely added that he will continue to work with the agricultural and business communities "to ensure that they are protected and promoted in a manner that is compatible with the interests of all residents. This will include being counsel to the agricultural advisory committee, pro bono."

Russell responded to Kiely's assertion that he would serve as counsel to the ag advisory committee: "Currently, there are no vacancies as counsel to the agricultural advisory committee. The town attorney is already assigned that role. I appreciate his interest and, if he wants to send a letter to the board, we can consider him in the future."

Kiely said he will also continue to assist the town in developing a recreational facility to benefit youth, seniors and all residents.

"I want to thank my team, my family, and all of my supporters and look forward to working with you again in the future," he said.

When asked about Kiely's decision, Russell said, "I wish him well in future endeavors and I can now focus on the campaign this November."

Kiely had said, when announcing his intention to wage a primary, that his goals included implementing term limits for policy-making officials, fostering communication with the business community, "real and even-handed code enforcement," and creating a recreational facility in Southold Town.

The Southold Town Republican Committee unveiled its candidates on Feb. 24, nominating Russell to run again for the supervisor's seat; the Southold Town Democratic Committee announced its slate of candidates on Feb. 26, tapping Greg Doroski as the town supervisor candidate.

When nominated by the Dems, Doroski also outlined his goals: "I'm running for Southold Town to preserve our future," he said. "Our community needs visionary leaders who feel a sense of urgency, and are able to ask questions, build consensus, broker compromise, and find lasting solutions to preserve our community."

Russell, after the GOP nominating convention, said he very honored. "I look forward to serving the public for another four years," he said. Should he win, Russell said he plans to "continue my approach to government, which is balance. The actions we take today and balancing the currents needs we have versus future consequences, whether it be the budget, land use, zoning or preservation. We can do both; we have been doing both."

After the meeting, Russell also said: "Fiscal policy is now, and should remain, on a pay-as-you-go approach."

The lack of affordable housing in Southold is the town's biggest crisis, Russell said. The supervisor also said that the town has a "very ambitious preservation program and have been able to achieve a great deal of success without jeopardizing property rights."

Looking ahead, Russell said the town needs to accommodate the changing needs of the business climate, "but we need to keep in mind that changing the code can't be based on impulse or narrow demands. Changes require careful consideration both in meeting short-term goals but still understanding the long-term consequences. The code can't change with the tides. It has served us well and is what has ensured that Southold remain the town that it is. Some people say that the evolving new industries have put Southold 'on the map'. It's quite the opposite. Southold was already on the map. In fact, that's how they found us. A town so nice that people want to be a part of it."